MOSCOW, Idaho- All year long, Idaho Athletics has mourned the loss of one of the greatest Vandals in the storied history of the institution after former basketball head coach and player Don Monson passed away in October at the age of 92.
Monson famously orchestrated what is widely considered the greatest season in Idaho Men's Basketball history when he led the Vandals to 27 wins, a Big Sky title, and a Sweet Sixteen berth in the NCAA Tournament. More importantly, he defined what Idaho Basketball is truly about.
"Coach Monson is Vandal basketball. He built this program into a powerhouse during his time here and impacted this university and this community in an incredible way. We are forever grateful for the foundation that he laid here," stated head coach Alex Pribble in an earlier interview.
In conjunction with Eastern Washington Athletics, Saturday's contest between the Vandals and Eagles, the conference slate opener for both teams, has been dubbed "Don Monson Legacy Night" to pay tribute to a coach who means everything to both programs. Dan Monson, Don's son, is in his second year at the helm in Cheney after cementing his status as the winningest coach in program history at Long Beach State.
KEEPING COACH IN OUR HEARTS
In addition to recognizing the impact that Monson left on the Palouse on Saturday, this year's Vandals will be paying tribute to the legendary coach through the rest of the season, debuting "Coach Monson" patches to be worn on the team's jerseys.
EWU has joined in on the efforts to pay respects to the elder coach Monson, as their players and staff will also be wearing the patches on Saturday. Additionally, Cheney High School and Pasco High School, where Monson began his coaching career from 1958-1976, will don the emblem on their warmup shirts when the new year rolls around.
The badges, personally designed by Assistant Athletic Director of Brand Engagement and Digital Strategy Jerek Wolcott, allow Idaho Athletics to honor the man who made Vandal Hoops great, and showcase the impact that he made on the Palouse and the northwest.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Vandal fans are encouraged to get to ICCU Arena early before Saturday's 2:00 PM tipoff to help coach Alex Pribble, staff, players, and Idaho Athletics pay tribute to coach Monson, starting with a special presentation for the Monson family when the pregame clock hits zero. The first 400 fans in attendance will receive their own "Coach Monson" patch.
Following the conclusion of the game, attendees are invited to join Idaho Athletics, EWU Athletics, and the Monson family at the Best Western Plus University Inn in Moscow for a postgame social that will feature players and coaches from the Monson tree as well as Don's family to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the greatest coaches in the history of the northwest.
TICKETS
For the rest of the academic year, tickets to home men's and women's basketball games are completely free of charge for current Idaho students. To claim yours, visit govandals.com/tickets.
Season tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the Vandal ticket office at (208) 885-6466 or visit govandals.com/tickets.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Vandal Hoops, follow the team on Instagram (vandalhoops), X (VandalHoops), and by visiting govandals.com.
