The Houston Cougars put out one of their best performances of the season against Arizona State on Saturday. While many would call it an inspired performance, the players were instead playing their hearts out in remembrance of one of their own. As it turns out, the Cougars had already suffered a big loss hours before the first snap.

Saturday morning brought the news that Houston football’s director of strength and performance, Kurt Hester, had died from cancer, aged 61. Hester was previously diagnosed with stage IV Melanoma in early February. Given four to six weeks to live, he continued working hard, attending team practices and meetings. In doing so, Hester managed to prolong his time, living by the motto: “Death is undefeated, but I’ll take it to three overtimes.” 

Following the Cougars’ 24-16 win over Arizona State, tight end Tanner Koziol spoke about Kurt Hester’s last message to the team. “He was just unbelievable. So many people (would be) so scared in those moments, but he had full faith in God, full faith in himself, coming up every day. Him not speaking, but showing up every day, said enough. And then he would speak on top of that, and the words of wisdom that he’d share, I’m going to remember those words for the rest of my life.”

According to Houston head coach Willie Fritz, Hester visited the team facility for the final time on Thursday. He shared a message with the team, knowing full well it could be his last. Hester was then hospitalized due to an infection ahead of Saturday’s game. An awe-inspiring individual, Kurt Hester, was like a beacon of hope for the program. ESPN’s College GameDay also highlighted his journey and eight-month battle with cancer in early October.

Kurt Hester leaves behind his wife, Seana, and children, Sydney, Rieleah, and Remy. However, his influence lives on in the hearts of more than just his family.

Tanner Koziol speaks on Kurt Hester’s impact at Houston

The Houston Cougars had learned of Kurt Hester’s passing in the hours leading up to Saturday’s game. Coach Willie Fritz spoke about how the team spent the pregame meal sharing stories and remembering a “rare individual” and a “fantastic role model.” All things considered, it was a bittersweet win, but one that the Coogs will remember for years to come.

Following the game, Tanner Koziol also spoke about Hester’s impact and influence on the program. Despite his fatal diagnosis, the strength and conditioning coach displayed unshakeable resolve and determination in his final days. “He’s been such a light in such a dark time in his life. It goes to show the impact that someone can have on hundreds of people, thousands of people. He stared death in the face – and he didn’t blink. He was truly unbreakable.”

The tight end also added about what the team’s mindset was as they took the field against Arizona State. “We were saying it to each other, just mentioning his name in the huddle, and you could see the look on people’s faces. ‘We gotta go as hard as we can,’ because of what he sacrificed for this team and how bad he’d want to be here right now, we know he’s watching over us. He saw this win, and he’s probably celebrating up there.”

The Cougars put up an impressive display, one that Kurt Hester would certainly have been proud of. Tanner Koziol recorded 7 receptions, 100 yards receiving and one touchdown in the game. Having joined the University of Houston in 2024, Hester leaves behind a talented and motivated group of young men. With added incentive and fire in their bellies, it will be interesting to see how the 7-1 Cougars fare in the Big 12.