Basketball Legend Dick Myers, Texas Western Champion, Passes Away at 81

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA - In a somber moment for basketball enthusiasts and alumni of the Texas Western Miners, the news of Dick Myers’ passing has left many reflecting on the impact he made, both on and off the court. Myers, who was part of the legendary 1966 national championship team, died at the age of 81. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announced his death on social media, marking the loss of a cherished member of their basketball family.

Dick Myers, a 6-foot-4 guard from Kansas, began his collegiate journey at Hutchinson Junior College before being recruited by the iconic coach Don Haskins in 1965. He wore the number 40 throughout a remarkable championship season, taking to the court in 14 games and averaging 0.9 points per game. Although his scoring numbers may not have defined him, his contributions to the team were invaluable, ultimately culminating in a national title that resonated far beyond the basketball realm.

A Historic Championship

Myers was part of a team that etched its name in history. Under Haskins’ leadership, the 1965-66 Texas Western team finished with an impressive record of 28 wins and just one loss. They first made headlines by starting five African-American players—an unprecedented move that would help accelerate the integration of black athletes in Southern college sports. This monumental change came just two years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and resonated deeply, challenging deeply rooted racial norms in college athletics. On March 19, 1966, they shocked the sports world by defeating the University of Kentucky, which fielded an all-white roster, winning the national championship with a score of 72-65 at the University of Maryland’s Cole Field House. This victory was more than just about basketball; it was a testament to progress and hope.

After graduating from UTEP in 1967, Myers built a successful career outside of basketball, working for Farah Manufacturing for two decades before retiring as Vice President of Planning and Logistics for Coach Leather Inc. in New York City in 2007. His professional accomplishments were as significant as his athletic ones, demonstrating a life filled with dedication and hard work.

Connection to the Community

Even after hanging up his sneakers, Myers did not forget his roots. He remained closely connected to UTEP, frequently attending games whenever the Miners played in Florida. His commitment to the community was also evident through his support for the „Basketball in the Barrio“ event in El Paso, which he joined for 33 consecutive years. His contributions were made quietly and without the desire for recognition, reflecting a generous spirit and a lasting commitment to uplifting others.

Myers was also honored as a Distinguished Alumni by UTEP last year and celebrated alongside his teammates when they were inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2007. His legacy lives on through the history he was part of and the many lives he touched in his professional and community endeavors.

The passing of Dick Myers reminds us all of the powerful intersections of sports, community, and history. He represented not just a generation of athletes but also a time in American history that called for change, courage, and unity. His story and contributions will not be forgotten, and he leaves behind a legacy that inspires and uplifts future generations.

For more on this historic team and its significance, visit the UTEP Glory Road, which chronicles the journey of the 1965-66 Texas Western Miners. Further details about Myers’ legacy can also be found in the El Paso Times and the comprehensive overview of their championship season on Wikipedia.