BU great Utt dies

By Dave Reynolds
The Journal Star
June 1, 2010

PEORIA — Lee Utt, one of Bradley's all-time great two-sport athletes, died Sunday after a long illness.

Utt, 75, played for the 1953-54 BU basketball team that reached the NCAA championship game and for the 1955-56 BU baseball team that finished third at the College World Series.

A native of Decatur, Utt was the leading scorer for the '55-56 Braves, averaging 11.5 points as a team co-captain. As a junior, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 10.4 points and was named the team's most valuable player.

But baseball was his top sport. Utt played first base, third base and shortstop for the Bradley baseball team and was selected to the all-American team. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates upon graduation and played in the Pirates' minor-league system.

Services are pending.