Gene Hackman’s Norman Dale left indelible mark on Indiana. Here are his best quotes

Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, died at the age of 95.

Hackman, his wife and their dog were found dead inside their New Mexico home, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said no foul play was suspected.

Hackman’s lengthy acting career included Academy Award-winning turns in “The French Connection” (Best Actor) and “Unforgiven” (Best Supporting Actor). He was nominated three other times.

In popular culture, Hackman appeared in multiple “Superman” movies alongside Christopher Reeve, with other memorable performances in “The Poseidon Adventure,” “The Conversation,” “The Firm,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Crimson Tide” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” among many, many more.

He retired from acting in 2004.

Hackman has always had a special place in the hearts of Indiana residents after starring as Coach Normal Dale in 1986’s “Hoosiers.” Considered one of the best sports movies ever made, the film follows the story of the Hickory Huskers, a small Indiana high school that makes it all the way to the state finals.

Hackman’s Norman Dale is a tough-nosed, no-nonsense coach with a mysterious past. He comes to the small town as an outsider, with those around him weary of his approach to the game. Early on, players don’t care for his constant drills and tough approach.

To make matters worse, star player Jimmy Chitwood has decided to leave the team.

Eventually, Jimmy returns, the coach wins over the town, and the Huskers make an unlikely run to the state finals under Dale’s guidance.

The movie was shot in Indiana, with key locations including Indianapolis’ Hinkle Fieldhouse and Knightstown’s “Hoosier Gym.”

“Hoosiers” is a love letter to Indiana’s passion for basketball. Below are some of Hackman’s memorable lines as Coach Norman Dale:

• “My practices aren’t designed for your enjoyment.”
• “You are in the Army. You’re in my Army. Every day between three and five.”
• “Five players on the floor functioning as one single unit: team, team, team – no one more important than the other.”
• “I’ve seen you guys can shoot but there’s more to the game than shooting. There’s fundamentals and defense.”
• “Well… keep your strength in the dribble, all right?”
• “Welcome to Indiana basketball.”
• “My team is on the floor.”
• “You have special talent, a gift. Not the school’s, not the townspeople, not the team’s, not Myra Fleener’s, not mine. It’s yours, to do with what you choose. Because that’s what I believe, I can tell you this: I don’t care if you play on the team or not.”
• “You know, most people would kill… to be treated like a god, just for a few moments.”
• “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we’re gonna be winners.”
• “I love you guys.”