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Kansan of the Year Dean Smith's Phi Gamma Delta Era
Dean Smith, KU legend and basketball coach, is celebrated as Kansan of the Year for his quiet leadership and storied career. The article recalls his early days at Kansas, his Phi Gamma Delta teammates Bill Bunten Charlie Hoag and Jim Potts, and fellow athletes Bill Hoagland Gil Reich Bob Mayer Jack Rodgers Wally Beck Pat Bowers and Herbie Semper. Bunten, a Topeka former mayor and legislator, reflects on Smith’s rise from a math teacher aspirant to a national coaching figure and describes his gift for listening and connecting with people.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Washington
Lincoln
Dean Smith
Kansas University
Phi Gamma Delta
Bill Bunten
Topeka
Charlie Hoag
Oak Park
Ill
Jim Potts
Ottawa
Potts
North Carolina
Kansan
Dean
Hoag
Smith
Bill Hoagland
Gil Reich
Bob Mayer
Jack Rodgers
Wally Beck
Pat Bowers
Herbie Semper
Bowers
Semper
Kansas
Bunten
Hoagland
Reich
Bill
Air Force
Bob Spear
Air Force Academy
Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker
Railroaders
Lienhard