Sonny Cumbie, the head coach of Louisiana Tech’s football team, took a poignant moment during his opening statement on Tuesday, just days before the Bulldogs’ 100th Homecoming game against Sam Houston. Rather than focusing solely on game strategies, Cumbie chose to honor the legacy of former strength and conditioning coach Kurt Hester, who recently passed away following a courageous nine-month battle with cancer.
Hester, who was 61 at the time of his death, served as the Bulldogs’ strength and conditioning coach from 2013 to 2021. His leadership contributed to the program’s success, guiding the team to seven consecutive bowl appearances during the tenure of former head coach Skip Holtz. Cumbie’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Hester’s significant influence not only on the athletes he trained but also on the coaches who worked alongside him.
“We still have players that played under him, and coaches that train and coach for us that were able to train under his guidance. You just saw the impact Kurt had on the strength and conditioning world, but also in people and coaches,” Cumbie reflected. “I would like to take a minute to appreciate him for what he’s done to this program and the impact he had on people’s lives. Thinking about his family during this time, he was just an incredible fighter. His teams were very tough and physical, much like he trained them to be. He had a great run here at Louisiana Tech.”
At the time of his passing, Hester was working at the University of Houston, where head coach Willie Fritz also commended him. “Kurt showed his unbreakable spirit every day,” Fritz remarked. “He had a tremendously positive influence on every single person in our program and on this program as a whole.”
As Louisiana Tech prepares for its Homecoming celebration, the impact of Kurt Hester remains evident in the heart of the team and the broader community. His legacy of dedication and toughness continues to inspire players and coaches alike, reinforcing the importance of camaraderie and perseverance in sports.