Nov. 18, 2011
RUSTON - Louisiana Tech University and the Lady Techster basketball program were shocked Friday morning by the news that former head coach Kurt Budke and former assistant coach Miranda Serna were tragically killed in a single-engine plane crash late Thursday night in Perry County, Arkansas while on a recruiting trip.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Kurt Budke and Miranda Serna last night," said Tech President Dan Reneau. "This is a great tragedy and, on behalf of Louisiana Tech, I offer my sympathy and condolences to their families. They both will be missed."
Current Louisiana Tech head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and her Lady Techster basketball team were en route to Tulsa early Friday morning to play Oral Roberts when they received word of the plane crash.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to their families, friends and the Oklahoma State community," said Weatherspoon, whose Lady Techsters will face Oral Roberts Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Mabee Center. "We are hurting for all of their loved ones. Both Kurt and Miranda will always be a part of the Lady Techster family. It's a sad day for this program."
Tech Associate Athletics Director Malcolm Butler, who served as the Lady Techster sports information director and radio broadcaster during Budke's time at Tech, said that the news shook the University and Budke's former players and staff.
"I was lost for words this morning when I heard the news," said Butler. "Tragedy is not a strong enough word to describe this type of sudden loss. I've already heard from so many of the former players, coaches and staff that were a part of Kurt and Miranda's time at Louisiana Tech. Everyone is hurting for their families.
"I will always remember Kurt first and foremost as a wonderful family man who had his priorities in order when it came to life. Nothing meant more to him than Shelley and the three kids. He was a wonderful man who treated people the right way. Miranda was a tireless worker who was eternally loyal. They will both be missed."
After an amazing run at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas, Budke was hired by former coaching legend Leon Barmore as the associate head coach in the summer of 2000 where he replaced Kim Mulkey, who had departed for Baylor. He spent two years on Barmore's staff before taking over as the head coach when the Hall of Fame coach retired in 2002.
During his three years as the head coach at Louisiana Tech, Budke led the Lady Techsters to a mark of 80-16, three Western Athletic Conference titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances while earning a pair of WAC Coach of the Year honors.
Serna, who played for Budke at TVCC, joined his staff at Tech in the summer of 2004 where she spent one season in Ruston.
Following the 2004-05 season, Budke left to take the head coaching job at Oklahoma State where he had since turned the program into an annual Big 12 contender. Serna followed as one of his top assistants.
