There’s one reason Gene Hackman’s dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans: His unforgettable role as Norman Dale, coach of the feel-good, state champion Hickory Huskers.

Gene Hackman was 95 and almost four decades past the release of “Hoosiers” when he died. But coaches haven’t forgotten the portrayal of the old-school coach who led the mythical Hickory High to Indiana glory.

In “Hoosiers,” Gene Hackman, whose death was announced Thursday, created a man with understated strength, a taskmaster with emotional intelligence and a tormented winner.

The dazzling films of Gene Hackman stand out for sports fan for one reason: His unforgettable role as Norman Dale, coach of the feel-good, state champion Hickory Huskers from a

Gene Hackman's dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans for a single reason: his unforgettable role in "Hoosiers" as coach Norman Dale.

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood ... His unforgettable role as Hickory Huskers coach Norman Dale in “Hoosiers,” the 1986 movie loosely based on tiny Milan’s run to the ...

When great actors die, our grief multiplies. It feels like we lost them and every character they blessed with humanity. The emotions are deceiving because their art makes them eternal, but for those

Gene Hackman's Role in 'Hoosiers' Led to an Unforgettable, Beloved Film for Fans Far Beyond Indiana Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood –- said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as ...

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood ... His unforgettable role as Hickory Huskers coach Norman Dale in “Hoosiers,” the 1986 movie loosely based on tiny Milan’s run to the ...