Oklahoma State University Athletics
Thunder, Devon Energy Honor Cowgirl Basketball
April 26, 2012 | Cowgirl Basketball
April 26, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY - During Wednesday night's regular-season home game, the Thunder and Devon Energy honored Oklahoma State University's Women's Basketball Coach Jim Littell, his staff and the entire Cowgirls team as the recipients of the April Devon Energy Community Hero Award.
On the night of Nov. 17, 2011, Oklahoma State coach Kurt Budke and assistant Miranda Serna were among four who died in a small-plane crash in Arkansas while returning from a recruiting trip. Faced with tragedy, and only two games into their 2011-12 season, the Cowgirls basketball team continued playing under difficult circumstances. On March 31, they clinched the championship title of the Women's NIT in Stillwater.
The team was honored at center court at the end of the first quarter on Wednesday. They were joined by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti and Devon Energy Vice President for Land Bill Penhall. Coach Budke's family was also present at the presentation.
Created in 2008, the Devon Community Hero Award, presented by the Thunder, is designed to honor outstanding Oklahomans who are making a significant difference in their community through their personal contributions of time, talent and/or finances. The program strives to recognize a wide diversity of people, from well-known Oklahomans to everyday heroes, highlighting the unique contributions they've made. For a list of previous honorees, visit the Community section of thunder.nba.com.
