WKU B-ball player dies in pickup game

mgsteve · May 10, 2005

W. Kentucky's Rumph dead at 21 after pickup game

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Western Kentucky basketball player Danny Rumph collapsed and died during a pickup game in his hometown of Philadelphia.

The 21-year-old junior guard was visiting his family when he died Sunday. The school had no other information about his death.

Western Kentucky coach Darrin Horn received a call from the family early Monday and flew to Philadelphia.

"Danny was loved and respected by not only everyone in the basketball program, but by many people in the Western community," Horn said.

The 6-foot-2 Rumph started 29 of 31 games last season, averaging nine points and three assists.

"Danny wasn't going to take over a room. He was not overly gregarious, but he was very engaging," athletic director Wood Selig said. "He was a solid, grounded young man."

Rumph was the son of Viola Owens and Daniel Rumph, who live in Philadelphia. His father played at Hofstra and his uncle, Randy Owens, played at Philadelphia Textile and was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1979.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete.