Johnny Orr (2001) - Hall of Fame - Iowa State Athletics

Johnny Orr

Johnny Orr

Basketball
Taylorville, Ill.

The perfect coach at the perfect time for Iowa State, Orr’s exciting, up-tempo style of play - combined with his infectious personality - created a tidal wave of excitement throughout the state
During his 14-year tenure stalking the sidelines in Ames, Orr produced five 20-win seasons, six NCAA Tournament berths and countless magical moments
His personal, fist-shaking entrance into Hilton Coliseum with the theme song from the “Tonight Show” was legendary theatre for Cyclone fans
The 1986 team – featuring Jeff Grayer and Jeff Hornacek – set a school record for wins and advanced the NCAA’s Sweet Sixteen with a victory over his former school, Michigan
Orr got ISU back into the national spotlight in 1985 when he guided that squad (starring Barry Stevens) to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 41 years
School’s all-time winningest coach (218 victories), Orr boasted a winning percentage of 76.7 in home games
To commemorate his legacy, the athletics department opened a sports-bar themed gathering area in Hilton called “Johnny’s” that included a larger-than-life statue of the fist-pumping Orr