Gene Hackman's dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans for a single reason: his unforgettable role in "Hoosiers" as coach Norman Dale.

The dazzling films of Gene Hackman stand out for sports fan for one reason: His unforgettable role as Norman Dale, coach of the feel-good, state champion Hickory Huskers from a

Hackman’s dazzling acting career stands out for sports fans for a single reason: His unforgettable role as Hickory Huskers coach Norman Dale in “Hoosiers,” the 1986 movie loosely based on tiny Milan’s run to the 1954 Indiana state title.

1985 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Strickland, File) Bobby Plump — the real-life Jimmy Chitwood — said Gene Hackman deserves as much credit as anyone for taking his small-town Hoosier state ...

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood ... still want to talk to him when they visit Plump's Last Shot, his Indianapolis sports bar. A day after Hackman was found dead at the age ...

Gene Hackman's Role in 'Hoosiers' Led to an Unforgettable, Beloved Film for Fans Far Beyond Indiana Bobby Plump ... to him when they visit Plump’s Last Shot, his Indianapolis sports bar.

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood ... still want to talk to him when they visit Plump’s Last Shot, his Indianapolis sports bar. A day after Hackman was found dead at the age ...

Bobby Plump -– the real-life Jimmy Chitwood ... still want to talk to him when they visit Plump’s Last Shot, his Indianapolis sports bar. A day after Hackman was found dead at the age ...