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December 5, 2012

Former Muskogee, ORU coach dies

Phoenix Staff Reports

— Ken Trickey, who coached Muskogee High School boys basketball for one season in 2003-04, died Tuesday. He was 79.

Trickey’s coaching career also included five seasons at Oral Roberts University.

Ken Hayes, the former University of Tulsa coach, recalled his “great friend” as someone “who was a breath of fresh air” to basketball in Oklahoma.

“He brought an exciting brand of basketball that everybody loved,” Hayes, now living in Muskogee, said. “He really impacted basketball, in my opinion. I’m not sure he’s given credit for that. He was totally uninhibited and spoke his mind. Sportswriters love people like that.”

Trickey compiled a record of 214-116 record in two stints (1969-74 and 1987-93( at ORU.

Hayes recalls the 1973-74 game between Tulsa and Oral Roberts. The Hurricane won the game 85-84 on a 30-foot basket by Tim Carson.

“They had a 10-point lead  with 10 minutes to go and our guys came back,” Hayes said. “I knew he was in bad health. Everybody thought we were rivals, but we were very close friends. I had great respect for him.”

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