By AP/KWGS News
Stillwater, OK – Okla. St. holds memorial for 4 who died in crash
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Thousands of mourners clad in orange and black gathered in Oklahoma State University's basketball arena to honor two of the school's women's basketball coaches and two others who died when their plane crashed in Arkansas.
Head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were remembered Monday for their tireless work ethic and for creating a family atmosphere among their OSU players. The two were killed when the plane they were in crashed late Thursday near Perryville, about 45 miles west of Little Rock.
Alumnus Olin Branstetter and his wife, Paula, also died.
Former OSU point guard Taylor Hardeman described Budke as a "father figure to us all while we were away from home."
Budke's trademark orange blazer rested on his seat on the Cowgirls' bench during the ceremony.