“Everybody’s on a time limit. Death is undefeated. But the way I look at it, I’ll take it to three overtimes.” Those were the powerful words of Houston Cougars ’ strength and conditioning coach Kurt Hester , a man who turned defiance into a way of life. Hester was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma back in February 2025.

He sat stone-faced as the oncologist told him he had just weeks to live and barely a 20% chance of survival. But true to his nature, Hester lived every bit of those words. For more than half a year, he fought the hardest battle of his life, showed tremendous strength, and set an example for his 18- and 20-year-old players.

Sadly, Hester’s incredible fight came to an end on Saturday, October 25, as the Cougars’ beloved strength and conditioning coach passed away at the

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