Kay Yow dies at 66

Hall of Fame women's basketball coach, Kay Yow who coached the Lady North Carolina State Wolfpack, died of breast cancer Saturday, January 24 at the age of 66. Kay was an inspiration to everyone she touched and a pillar in her community. She was diagnosis with cancer in 1987 then again in 2004 and 2006. After 34 seasons as the coach for The Lady Wolfpack, she managed to win 737 games,won four Atlantic Coast Conference titles,was invited to 20 NCAA tournaments, made it to 11 sweet 16 appearance's and took her team to their first Final Four appearance in 1998. Among those accomplishments she lead the 1988 Olympic women's basketball team to a gold medal in Seoul, Korea. For her achievements, Kay Yow was inducted to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2002; and in 2007 after being out, because of her illness North Caroline State dedicated Reynolds Coliseum in her name. Even though she had a long battle with cancer, Kay never gave in. Her faith in the lord is what kept her going through it all. Kay also became a partner with the V Foundation by establishing the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. The V Foundation was named after the late Vinny Valvano, who coached the North Carolina State men's basketball team who also died from cancer. Kay stated that "cancer was a burden, but also a blessing which allowed her to touch and inspire so many people. Every morning, I wake up and the first thing I think of is I'm thankful. I'm thankful for another day." Many of her colleague's, players, students and those who did not get the chance to meet this great women, but was able to witness what she meant and gave to the game of basketball and life. The world of women's basketball as we know it will sorely miss a great pioneer.

Comments

Wendy's Webcast said...
The coverage and accolades from the mass media regarding Coach Yow were impressive. I don't want to sound cynical, but I was surprised to see so much air time and print space given to a female coach. I know that this would not have happened a decade ago, so times have changed. Women's sports still struggle for adequate (notice I didn't say equal because I am a realist) coverage. Women's basketball tickets are given away, with the exception being the big places like Connecticut or North Carolina. So, when a female coach, even one who has accomplished so much in her brief life, is recognized by so many outlets for her outstanding achievements, it is very gratifying. Bravo to all the newspapers and television stations who gave her some recognition.
January 28, 2009 10:57 AM


jbry06 said...
It's a shame that her life came to an early end. But this type of stuff make us realize how grateful we should be everyday, no matter what we're doing. She considered her cancer as a blessing which is a hard thing to do because a lot of people lose the will to live when they're diagonsis with cancer. There's no arguing that she is one of the best coaches of all time in any sport. But she was definitely a better person who cherished everyday.
January 29, 2009 9:53 PM

Informercials Find Their Way to Television's Prime Time

Infomercials are definitely making their way to network TV during prime time. Most recently, CBS has featured a number of infomercials during prime time, because for the first time in decades the advertising market is at an all time low. Where the networks ran commercials during prime time slots, and other advertisements the networks are now running infomercials instead. By using infomercials, networks are loosing lots of money. Nancey Duitch, chief executive of Vertical Branding, which ran infomercials for Steam Budding and the Nicer Dicer, stated that networks try to avoid infomercials, because they pay "a fraction of what general advertising cost." Infomercials are much cheaper than regular commercials. Even top cable networks are using infomercials to fill their prime time spots. The prices are low and there is no guarantee that the ads will run. Those of course who pay full price for their ads receive full priority for their ads shown during prime time and other popular times.

Wheels come off media debate on auto bailout

While the three major auto companies look to the government for help, Congress continues to debate if they should authorize a bailout plan to assist them. This is very important to the auto industry, because with out the help from Congress many people will be out of jobs. The economy is already at a all time low and Congress is weighing their decision carefully before they approve anymore funds to anyone.

Many feel that Congress should not bail them out of this situation. On November 17, "columnist" Andrew Ross Sorkin argued against the bailout, stating that taxpayers should not be responsible for paying "salary and health insurance"or for it's downfall. Should Congress step in and help or should it let the United States big three auto industry's go under? Whether Congress decides to help the auto industry or not this is very serious and needs to be dealt with carefully and immediately.

I'm curious about Robert Blade's new post