College sports lost one of their own this week with the sad news that David “Diamond Dave” England, the legendary athletic trainer for the Arkansas Razorbacks has passed away. For over 35 years, Diamond Dave was the go-to guy for hundreds of Razorback athletes. Now, prayers are pouring down for the late Dave as Arkansas basketball head coach gives a beautiful tribute to the former Auburn legend.

Dave is one of the OGs of the program. His legacy stretches back to the 1994 NCAA National Basketball Championship, a moment he often cited as a top memory from his career with the team. Although he officially retired from his head trainer role with the basketball team in 2019, but stuck around as the Director of Sports Medicine. That tells you how much this Auburn program meant to him. As soon as the news was publicly put; tributes have been pouring in from former players, coaches, and staff who remember him not just for his expertise, but for his heart. They are all calling him a “true Razorback legend” and it’s easy to see why.

On November 4th, former Arkansas Razorbacks assistant basketball coach Matt Zimmerman hopped onto X just after the death and gave flowers and props to Dave and the type of person he was: “It’s with a heavy heart that I’m in bud wall arena Dave England’s old training room office. Dave passed away today…I think about 12:25, at Washington Regional here in Fayetteville, and it’s very sad. It’s very sad for so many of our former players and former coaches who love Dave so much.” 

Dave was known for his incredible work ethic. He would often arrive before anyone else, around 4:30 a.m., to make sure everything was ready for practice and games. Matt shared a story of how Dave spotted a flood at Bud Walton Arena early one morning, preventing damage to the court they still use today. Even during the busiest seasons, Dave worked tirelessly with football, basketball, and baseball teams without taking a break.

Over the years, he worked with many Razorback teams, including football, basketball, and baseball, and was part of historic moments like the 1975 Cotton Bowl championship and College World Series teams. Beyond sports, Dave’s love for his family, his wife, Heather, daughters Jennifer and Allison, and his granddaughters was clear to everyone. He also had an enormous influence on the players he worked with, who admired and loved him like family. His passing is a tremendous loss across the state of Arkansas.

Arkansas honours the loss of Dave England

When Matt Zimmerman posted on his X, the whole state of Arkansas came pouring love toward Dave.

The fans are missing him badly and already living in nostalgia: “I loved seeing Dave on the sidelines at games back in the day 🥺 gonna miss that guy.” Who wouldn’t miss him? The man was in the Final Four. He was coaching his players on the biggest stages. Dave was deeply loved by all, players, coaches, fans, and staff, with many praying and hoping for his recovery when he was sick.

Fans from his hometown are extremely proud of him. One commented, “Clarksville was so proud of Dave. A true Johnson County hero to us.” People in Clarksville felt honored that someone from their small town achieved so much and left a massive impact on Razorback sports.

His former summer basketball players honored him: “Rest in peace to one of the best humans ever ❤ had so many great interactions with him at the summer basketball camps when Coach Anderson was there. God rest his soul.” When someone from decades ago still calls you one of the best humans ever… that tells everything about the life Dave lived.

A friend of his also sent respect and prayers to his family: “So very sorry. Was hoping Diamond Dave would pull it out. Prayers for Heather and the girls.” Dave was a family man through and through. He was devoted to his wife, Heather, and their kids.

His former student trainer chimed in and remembered what kind of leader he truly was: “Beautiful tribute, Matt. I was a student trainer 1986-1990 under Dave. He was so kind and a gentle leader for all of us.” Not only was he a good trainer, Dave helped multiple Razorback sports programs including football, basketball, and baseball. He played a part in Final Fours, College World Series teams, and national championship runs.

We all miss you, Dave. The state is hurting, the fans are hurting, and Arkansas will never forget you.