OSU women's hoops coach Budke dies in plane crash

Nov 18, 2011 - 4:06 PM Stillwater, OK (Sports Network) - Oklahoma State head women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and an assistant were killed in a plane crash Thursday night.

Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were on a recruiting trip when their small plane went down in central Arkansas. The pilot and another passenger who were not affiliated with OSU also were killed.

"The Oklahoma State family is devastated by this tragedy," OSU President Burns Hargis said in a statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna and the other victims."

Vice president for athletics Mike Holder said that Jim Littell, associate head coach, will take over as interim head coach.

The Cowgirls will not play Saturday and Sunday's scheduled games.

Budke, who was in his seventh season as Cowgirl coach, led his team to a victory over Rice on Sunday. He posted a mark of 112-83 during his time with Oklahoma State.

"Kurt was an exemplary leader and a man of character who had a profound impact on his student-athletes," Hargis said. "He was an outstanding coach and a wonderful person. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Shelley, and their children, Sara, Alex and Brett.

Serna was in her seventh season as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State. She previously worked in the same capacity at Louisiana Tech under Budke.

"Miranda was an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model for our young ladies," Hargis said.

The Cowgirls have made postseason appearances in each of the last five seasons, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament.

About 10 years ago the Oklahoma State men's basketball team suffered through a tragic plane crash. On January 27, 2001, a small charter plane carrying two players and eight staff members went down in Colorado.

The team was on their way back to Stillwater after a loss to the Buffaloes earlier that day.