Thousands attend service for coach Don Meyer

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) Thousands have gathered on the campus of Northern State University in South Dakota for a memorial service honoring basketball coach Don Meyer.

Mark Ovenden, a local sportscaster and friend of Meyer's, opened the service Saturday. He says Meyer was a ''great coach'' who was even better at ''living the right way'' off the court.

Other speakers noted Meyer's devotion to helping others, his faith and his passion for life.

Meyer had one of the best records in college basketball history. He died Sunday of cancer in Aberdeen, South Dakota, at 69.

The public memorial service was held on the gym floor of the Barnett Center, where Northern State hosts its basketball games.

A second service will be held June 1 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where Meyer also coached.