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 tiny Indiana town.

Hackman’s fellow actors from the 1986 film remembered him as an actor who offered wise advice but hated rehearsing and multiple takes.

University of Kansas coach Bill Self once likened a moment in the Jayhawks’ 2022 NCAA Championship victory to a scene in “Hoosiers.”