Bessone to be honored at MSU banquet

Michigan State Press Release

Amo Bessone, who spent 28 years as the head coach of Michigan State and guided the Spartans to the 1966 NCAA title, has been selected to receive the program’s 2010 Distinguished Spartan Award.

Bessone, who passed away on January 9, will be honored posthumously at the Hockey Awards Banquet on Wednesday, March 3 at the Kellogg Center.

Former Spartan Tom Ross, who played for Bessone from 1972-76, will pay tribute to his former coach at the banquet and accept the award on behalf of the Bessone family.

“My father loved every minute of his tenure at Michigan State and he was truly a Spartan to the very end,” noted John Bessone, the son of the former Spartan head coach. “He would be honored to receive this very special award. I’m disappointed that our family cannot be at the banquet, but I can’t think of a better person to accept this on our behalf than Tom Ross. Tommy is, of course, another great Spartan, but he also held a special place in my father’s heart.”

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Father of MSU hockey passes away

Michigan State Press Release

Amo Bessone, who spent 28 years as the head coach of Michigan State and guided the Spartans to the 1966 NCAA title, has passed away in New Mexico.

Bessone was 93.

"I'm saddened by Amo's passing for sure, but I was thrilled to know him as a young coach and continue that relationship as I joined the Michigan State program," noted current Michigan State head coach Rick Comley. "Amo is part of that group of coaches who made NCAA hockey what it is today ... he, Murray Armstrong, John MacInnes, John Mariucci. He also impacted the Michigan State program in so many ways, not the least of which is a commitment to being involved in the community, which continues today.

"He is a legend, and he will be missed."

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