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Larry Krystkowiak

UMGriz75

UMGriz75

Well-known member
No wonder everyone just calls him "Krysko." It took me three tries to spell his name right for the subject heading.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/pac12/2015/01/22/college-basketball-utah-utes-coach-larry-krystkowiak/22156099/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is quite a story in USA Today.

His dad, Bernard, was a railroad worker. His mom, Helen, always supported his love of sports. When he was 8, he was resting with his mom when he asked her if she wanted him to be a pro football or basketball player. She'd be happy with what made him happy.

Soon after, she died of Hodgkin's disease. His dad would remarry, which triggered the start of a traumatic period of emotional hardship for Larry, stemming from his relationship with his stepmother. He ultimately moved in with his brother Bernie, who is nine years older and who played a pivotal role in Larry's development.

Basketball became a psychological refuge. Coaches and teammates became an extension of family. Sport gave him a purpose. That was evident to his college coach, Montgomery, who saw in Krystkowiak a motivation to prove to himself or others that "he had worth and was a good person, all the amateur psychologist-type stuff. It really did drive him."

Over the entirety of his coaching career, Montgomery said, he didn't coach many, if any, players whose intensity rivaled that of Krystkowiak, who was a three-time Big Sky Conference most valuable player. He arrived at Montana 6-7, 185 pounds. He was a fanatic in the weight room. He had sharp elbows on the court.
Click to expand...

His story is really extraordinary. This is sports, folks.
 
A truly remarkable and fascinating article---even if you aren't a sports fan. Great read about not only a successful coach but an even better person. :thumb:
 
...krystko gets a shout out...
...during this kentuckyc/so.carolina game....
...from none other than the great dick vitale...

... :clap: ...
 
zengriz said:
...krystko gets a shout out...
...during this kentuckyc/so.carolina game....
...from none other than the great dick vitale...

... :clap: ...
Click to expand...

From the grave? I thought he died a few years ago. Guess not.
 
Don't know who's out-doing whom this season, but it is nice that the two best coaches in the Pac-12 are both ex-Griz.

Montana is becoming the cradle of coaches – Heathcote, Monty, Morrill, Taylor, Krysko, and now Tinks. Not to mention Robin,, one of the all-time great women's coaches.
 
Good coaches, yes, great coaches, maybe. The best in PAC-12, far from it. Wait until tourney time to make those speculations.
 
CrunchGriz said:
Don't know who's out-doing whom this season, but it is nice that the two best coaches in the Pac-12 are both ex-Griz.

Montana is becoming the cradle of coaches – Heathcote, Monty, Morrill, Taylor, Krysko, and now Tinks. Not to mention Robin,, one of the all-time great women's coaches.
Click to expand...

You missed one....Jim Brandenburg who had some very nice years at Wyoming before some bad years at SDSU
 
Duke's Coach K interviewed Larry this week on his radio show. It was about 15 minutes. Got to love satellite radio. Larry told the story about his childhood and his older brother taking him in. They talked some basketball, and a lot about life. It was more of a conversation than an interview.
 
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