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Blue
11-04-2008, 07:57 PM
http://www.thesummitleague.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3900&ATCLID=1617788 (http://www.thesummitleague.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3900&ATCLID=1617788)


Southern Utah University women’s basketball head coach Steve Hodson passed away Monday night after an extended battle with cancer. Coach Hodson approached the challenge with positive determination and will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, mentor and coach.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our cherished colleagues," Summit League Commissioner Tom Douple said. "Coach Hodson was a leader and will be missed by the entire league membership. He fought a courageous battle over the years and throughout those years he maintained a positive outlook and his strength touched us all. Steve was always an advocate for the student-athlete and provided guidance to so many throughout his coaching career. Our condolences go out to his entire family."

As a student-athlete, Hodson helped the Thunderbirds to the NAIA National Tournament in 1977 and was a two-time all-District performer on the hardwood. He was also voted to Southern Utah’s all-1970’s team.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with (his wife) Suzy and their family at the passing of Steve," SUU athletic director Ken Beazer said. "His courage and positive attitude in which he attacked this disease has been a great example to others and a credit to the type of person that he was.

"He has touched the lives of countless individuals for good and his passing not only leaves a hole at SUU, but in the sport of basketball in this region."

He began his coaching career at Cedar High School as an assistant coach in 1977 and returned as the head coach from 1983-87 and 1991-97. In between, Hodson made stops as an assistant with Dixie State College (1980-83) and as an assistant with SUU (1987-1991), helping the Thunderbird program transition from the Division II to Division I level.

Prior to his appointment as the head women’s basketball coach at Southern Utah, Hodson served as the boys head coach (1998-2000), girls head coach (2001-2006) and athletic director of Cedar City’s Canyon View High School.

Hodson is survived by his wife Suzy, daughters Annie, Summer and Kristy, and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and team. He took our ribbing at Frost Arena well and conversed with us a little during their only trip to Frost.