Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:38 PM CST
OUR VIEW: EIU coach enhanced the lives of many
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
On a beautiful November Sunday afternoon on the Eastern Illinois University campus, some students were looking through the closet to find something appropriate to wear for a memorial service to a coach. A few minutes before 2 p.m., they walked in small groups to the Lantz building.
They were joined by many others, including faculty and staff members, community members, and various individuals who in one way or another felt a tug to attend the tribute for assistant women’s basketball coach Jackie Moore.
Some knew Moore quite well, including the team she helped coach, athletic department staff and other supporters of the basketball program. Others were more acquaintances, but were familiar with the respect held for Moore through the athletic program and beyond.
Some never met Moore, but were there to show respect for Moore and for those who mourned her untimely death.
The 28-year-old coach died last week shortly after beginning a workout. Some said she was about the least likely person to die in such a circumstance. Moore was in top condition, an athlete who played basketball in college at Christian Brothers University in Memphis and professionally in Austria before moving into coaching.
Inside Lantz Arena, a large screen featured a smiling picture of Moore, described as a personable, high-energy woman with a zest for life. Four tables on the basketball court were decorated with flowers and memorabilia, including two framed jerseys that were given to her family.
The tributes came from the EIU athletic department, Moore’s sorority, the women’s basketball team, a family member and a video. The audience filled the lower portion of one side of Lantz, as well as much of the balcony on the same side.
The influence of a coach should not be underestimated, the audience heard toward the end of the service.
This message followed reminders of the various ways that Moore influenced people around her, including the women’s basketball team. The coach insisted that players put their foot on the end line when running in practice, for example, and those who came up short got the opportunity to more than make up for it.
The words “Go Hard,” with Moore’s initials J.M. were on the wristbands handed out at the entry to Lantz. The coach pushed the team hard.
She also pushed them academically. “We need an A on this test,” was one of the phrases on the memorial card at the service.
And the coach helped the team appreciate time off the court, including prodding the players while shopping to “get over here and look at this purse,” another phrase on the memorial card.
Clearly, Moore had a significant impact on her players, an impact not to be underestimated, and made a mark with others on and off campus.
While it had its share of tears, the service was upbeat, a celebration of the active life that Moore enjoyed, and the many friends she developed along the way.
People like Jackie Moore make life richer for those around them. We’re better off for having people like Moore on our campuses and in our communities.
We appreciate the opportunity to share in the tasteful, public tribute that reminds us to appreciate what we have, particularly people like Jackie Moore who enhance the lives of others by sharing their enthusiasm, passion and purpose.
— JG/T-C Editorial Board
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