TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Kurt Hester, who was Houston football's director of strength and performance, died Saturday from cancer. He was 61.

Hester died just hours before the Cougars' 24-16 victory over No. 24 Arizona State later Saturday, the team announced. Coach Willie Fritz said the team spent part of its pregame meal telling stories about a “rare individual."

“It's a bittersweet win, without question,” Fritz said. “Kurt Hester was an unbelievably important person in our football program. I've been with him for a while. He's the best strength and conditioning coach I've ever been around, but more importantly, just a fantastic role model for our student athletes.”

Fritz said Hester came to Houston's football facility for the final time Thursday, where he gave a message to the team.

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