Eddie Sutton's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Eddie Sutton was an American basketball coach known for his successful career in college basketball. Born on March 12, 1936 in Bucklin, Kansas, Sutton had a life-long passion for the game of basketball. His coaching career spanned over four decades, and he made a lasting impact on the sport and the lives of the players he mentored.

Sutton began his coaching career at Tulsa Central High School in 1958. After spending six successful years there, he moved on to coach at Southern Idaho Junior College, where he led the team to win the NJCAA national championship in 1968. His impressive record at Southern Idaho helped him secure a head coaching position at Creighton University in 1969. During his time at Creighton, Sutton quickly established himself as a successful coach, leading the team to a conference championship and an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament.

In 1974, Sutton moved on to coach at the University of Arkansas, where he experienced even greater success. He transformed the Razorbacks into a powerhouse, leading them to the Final Four in 1978 and winning the conference championship multiple times. His success at Arkansas earned him national recognition and led to his induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

After a stint coaching at the University of Kentucky, Sutton returned to his home state of Oklahoma to coach at Oklahoma State University in 1990. It was during his time at Oklahoma State that he achieved some of his greatest coaching accomplishments. Sutton led the Cowboys to two Final Four appearances, multiple conference titles, and numerous NCAA tournament appearances. He was named the National Coach of the Year in 1995 and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Sutton's coaching style was characterized by his emphasis on discipline, defense, and teamwork. He was known for instilling a strong work ethic and a winning mentality in his players. Many of his former players have spoken about the profound impact Sutton had on their lives, not only as athletes, but as individuals. He was a mentor and a father figure to many of the young men he coached, and his influence extended far beyond the basketball court.

Sutton's coaching career was not without its challenges, however. In 1989, he found himself embroiled in controversy when it was revealed that he had violated NCAA recruiting rules at Kentucky. As a result, he was forced to resign from the university and faced a period of probation and public scrutiny. Despite this setback, Sutton persevered and eventually returned to coaching at Oklahoma State, where he continued to achieve success and redemption.

Throughout his career, Sutton earned a reputation as one of the most respected and successful coaches in college basketball. He finished his coaching career with over 800 wins, making him one of only a handful of coaches to reach that milestone. His impact on the sport of basketball and the lives of his players is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.

Eddie Sutton passed away on May 23, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. He will be remembered as a dedicated and influential figure in the world of college basketball, whose passion for the game and commitment to his players left an indelible mark on the sport. His contributions to the game and the lives he touched will continue to be celebrated and honored by fans, players, and coaches alike. Eddie Sutton's impact on the game of basketball will be felt for generations to come, and his memory will continue to inspire and motivate those who love the game.