Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Monday that the men’s basketball team is dedicating the 2021-22 season to the memory of former head coach Lew Hill, who passed away tragically on Feb. 7 at the age of 55.
As part of the dedication, UTRGV men’s basketball head coach Matt Figger plans to leave the first seat on the bench open for Hill. The entire team will wear shooting shirts during warmups with the number three, which Coach Hill wore in college, on the front and “Lew Hill” on the back.
Additionally, UTRGV Athletics is planning a Lew Hill Tribute night on Feb. 2 when UTRGV hosts Lamar at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
“I think it’s important to honor Coach Hill as a person and as a coach,” Figger said. “What he did for this university and how he was able to establish an identity for the program was phenomenal. I think it’s very important for [Lew’s widow,] Renee, and the children that we celebrate his life, and the best way we can do that is by dedicating the season to him, leaving the first chair on the bench open for him, and wearing his college number on our shooting shirts. I think that way we’ve got a little bit of Lew with all of us. Hopefully I’ll be leaning on him for some guidance throughout the season. I also want to thank Renee and the family for all the support and kindness they’ve given me since I’ve gotten here. That means a lot to me, and I want to convey my thanks to her.”
UTRGV plays an exhibition game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against UT Tyler at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. UTRGV opens the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. against Texas A&M International at the UTRGV Fieldhouse, marking the first of 15 home games.
After Hill’s passing, Renee Hill and UTRGV established the Lew Hill Memorial Fund, with 100% of donations going to scholarships for UTRGV students. The scholarship will be awarded every year as the Lew Hill Memorial Fund has raised enough money to reach endowed status.
