PITTSBURGH - Beano Cook, the college football commentator with an encyclopedic knowledge of the sport he dearly loved, died.
The 81-year-old Boston native had worked for ESPN since 1986 and was the sports information director at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, from 1956 to 1966. The school announced Thursday that Cook had died in his sleep.
Cook was a diabetic and his health had been failing recently.
Born Carroll H. Cook, he grew up in Pittsburgh before graduating from the university in 1954, and was known for his love of the college game and, in particular, championing the cause of northeastern teams including Penn State and Pitt before either school was a nationally known power.
"Beano Cook was an American original. His passion, depth and breadth of knowledge, and humor were unique," ESPN host Chris Fowler said. "He was an invaluable early mentor to me and friend. His imprint can still be seen on GameDay each week."
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Cook, like many in the business, fell in love with simply being around the competition. With a career that took him so many places, it was hard not to get wrapped up in it.
"Getting to know the athletes really provided me with my fondest memories," Cook once said. "That was the most fun."
Extra points
• Ja'Terian Douglas had an 81-yard touchdown run and finished with 128 yards on 13 carries to help host Tulsa rout UTEP 33-11 on Thursday night for its sixth straight victory. Alex Singleton added 96 yards and two touchdowns to tie the Tulsa career record for rushing TDs with 32, and Cody Green was 13 of 22 for 198 yards for the Golden Hurricane (6-1, 4-0 Conference USA).
• Kawaun Jakes threw three touchdown passes and Western Kentucky had a key fourth-quarter defensive stand to preserve a 31-26 victory over Troy on Thursday night in Troy, Ala. Antonio Andrews rushed for 113 yards and the Hilltoppers (5-1, 2-0 Sun Belt) won their fourth consecutive game since losing at No. 1 Alabama. They have won two straight over the Trojans (3-3, 2-2) after starting 0-8-1 in the series.
