GBI Magazine

motivators. I wanted to win for him, and when we finally won the NBA championship in Dallas, I felt like I finally won something big for Coach and Purdue. I had finally paid him back in some way for all that he has given me in the only way I thought I could. As time has passed, I have matured. I realize it was our relationship that truly was the important thing, not the wins and losses. The on-court triumphs fade with time, but my appreciation for Coach Keady never will. He is and always will be my mentor!   So congratulations, Coach, on making the College Basketball Hall of Fame. It is long overdue. But, then again, so has been my ability to compensate you for all you have brought to my life. You listened to me, you gave so much more than you reTom Campbell ceived and you taught me how to get more out of life. Every day. Keady and Cardinal relish any opportunity to spend time with one another, like during the Michigan game in March. With the That is a Hall of Fame life in my book from a Hall of Fame duo is Glenn Robinson and Keady's wife Kathleen Petrie (left). coach. j smart for that. But he did make the best decision for me having me sit out that first year. Still, sitting out was hard. I had to find a way to contribute. I had to make every day like game day to stay motivated. But, like everything else, Coach was there every step of the way. He encouraged me, he kept me focused and he challenged me to make an impact.  Whether it was cheering with my towel from the sidelines, to taking charges, diving for loose balls or crashing to the floor to make a play, he inspired me like a lot of others that he coached. He was a tremendous motivator!   Once  my redshirt year was over and I began playing,  it all seemed to pass so quickly. We still had those moments between us that were unforgettable. After a tough loss my first year playing, I remember writing him a two-page letter after a game and walking up to the front of the plane to give it to him. I felt I had let him down, but he assured me I hadn't. If we won, the players did it all. If we got beat, he took the blame. Regardless the situation, he was always willing to take the hit. That's the kind of person/coach he is.  Before I knew it, we were in Albuquerque for the Elite Eight game against Wisconsin in my senior year. I remember wanting it so bad. After all, coaches get validated on Final Four appearances and championships, don't they? Now was our time, I was sure of that. Once again, I felt like I let him down, coming up four point short. I remember sitting on the podium next to him after that game at the postgame news conference with tears rolling down my cheeks. It was devastating then, and it is devastating today. Not letting Coach down has served as one of my internal Cardinal now serves as assistant director for the John Purdue Club. He can be reached at 765-494-3248. David Boudia, Olympic gold medalist App Makes Life Easy. I bank with the Lafayette Savings Bank mobile app as I rush to my next appearance, compete globally or settle back in Boilermaker country. Transfer funds, check balances and pay bills. My bank is always in my hand. Get the free app today. Corporate HQ | 101 Main St. | www.LSBANK.com / 742-1066 Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5

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