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Former Michigan State hockey coach Ron Mason dies at 76

Posted at 10:36 AM, Jun 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-13 10:36:51-04

(AP) – Ron Mason, who led Michigan State to a national title in hockey and won 924 games, has died. He was 76.

Spartans assistant coach Tom Newton, surrounded by Mason’s family Monday morning, says Mason’s death on Sunday night was “sudden.”

Newton says Mason was a great man who had a great impact on a lot of lives.

Mason was Michigan State’s coach from 1979 to 2002 and also served as the school’s athletic director. He also coached Bowling Green and Lake Superior State, leading the Lakers to the NAIA title in 1972. Mason won nearly 70 percent of his games and ranks second in wins among men’s hockey coaches.

Mason is in the U.S. Hockey, Michigan Sports, Michigan State, Lake Superior State and St. Lawrence Halls of Fame.