Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood –- said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state basketball story beyond Indiana to the rest the world. Hackman’s dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans for a single reason: His unforgettable role as Hickory Huskers coach Norman Dale in “Hoosiers,

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood –- said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state basketball story beyond Indiana to the rest the world.

In honor of Gene Hackman's passing, we go "UnPHILtered" with a member of the state championship winning team that inspired "Hoosiers."

Bobby Plump — the real-life Jimmy Chitwood — said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state basketball story beyond Indiana to the rest

Bobby Plump — the real-life Jimmy Chitwood — said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state basketball story beyond Indiana to the rest

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood –- said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state basketball story beyond Indiana to the rest

Gene Hackman's dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans for a single reason: his unforgettable role in "Hoosiers" as coach Norman Dale.

Twenty-one years after his final acting credit, Gene Hackman’s death shocked the entertainment and sports world. While known as a beloved, versatile actor during the 1900s, Hackman is synonymous among sports fans for his portrayal of Coach Norman Dale in the iconic basketball film “Hoosiers.

Bobby Plump — the real-life Jimmy Chitwood — said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state basketball story beyond Indiana to the rest

In honor of Gene Hackman's passing, we go "UnPHILtered" with a member of the state championship winning team that inspired "Hoosiers."

Gene Hackman's portrayal of Coach Norman Dale in the 1986 movie Hoosiers resonated deeply with audiences and helped the film become a timeless classic, while the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, Indiana, continues to attract fans and movie buffs alike,

There’s one reason Gene Hackman’s dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans: His unforgettable role as Norman Dale, coach of the feel-good, state champion Hickory Huskers.