Bob Moran loses battle with cancer
Even when we know what's coming, news of significant impact hits us between the eyes like a Randy Johnson fastball.
Perhaps it's the finality of Bob Moran's death that leaves us with a lump in our throat.
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The 55-year-old Moran passed away this week from stomach cancer, a 3½-year battle that we all guessed and hoped against hope wouldn't end this way. Yet somehow, we also know that one of the most talented sportswriters to ever grace press boxes all along the west coast is in a much better place.
No more pain.
Moran was one of those characters too easy to like. It's easier to rain superlatives on a person in final tribute, but it's really true.
When I landed in Tucson back in 1996, I bumped into Moran at an ASU-UA football game. Another reporter, Citizen columnist Corky Simpson, introduced us and we became what I'd call nothing more than professional acquaintances.
That said, I learned a thing or two from Moran, from afar.
His legacy at the Arizona Daily Star (1974-87) and the East Valley Tribune (1988-2004) will be unmatched.
His questions on the weekly Pac-10 conference call with football coaches, for example, demonstrated his intimate knowledge of the game. The coaches recognized that as well, and respected him for that. Of course, his writing was also widely respected, not only among his peers, but those he covered as well.
Moran and I were semi-occasional guests on a TV program produced by Fox Sports Net Arizona and the Fiesta Bowl to promote college football. Dressed to the nines, Moran would strut into the studio and work the room. It seemed he knew everyone, chatting up not only the host but the camera operators and sound guys as well.
He worked the press box, too.
I recall when we were introduced. Even though I was a rookie on the Pac-10 football beat, Moran treated me like a veteran. You felt like you knew him forever despite spending only five minutes with the guy.
I also recall the 2005 Arizona-ASU game up in Tempe, my last on the beat.
Moran had been ill for awhile, but couldn't stand to be away from the action. After all, he had covered every Wildcat-Sun Devil football game from 1975-2003. He was, in a word, a walking encyclopedia of the series.
Moran quietly watched the game from a darkened office in the ASU athletics facility in the south end zone of Sun Devil Stadium. He didn't want any fanfare or pity from anyone – especially the press box set.
His passion for the game will forever be immortalized with the MVP trophy of the UA-ASU series that bears his name.
Rest In Peace, Bob. And say 'hello' to Gary for me.
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Charles Durrenberger served as UA football beat writer
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