Auction celebrates DKR's life

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Today hundreds of folks got to bid on Coach Royal memorabilia at the Austin Auction Gallery. The auction comes days before the famous coach is laid to rest.

They had everything there from signed scrapbooks to paintings from the royal family home. The money raised went to help the DKR Foundation as they search for a cure for Alzheimer disease.        

Die hard UT fans spent thousands on Coach Royal collectibles. People from across the world were also able to participate through telephone and internet bidding.

Championship rings, pendants, trophies and autographed playbooks were among over 200 items that once belonged to the famous coach. For some bidders no amount of money could come close to the sentimental value the items held.

According to Janet Bates, "I recently lost my husband and he was at the game with me too so i wanted to have a piece of Darrell's life because it represents a lot of the steps that i have taken."

According to the action organizers, Royal's 2006 National Championship ring sold to the highest bidder at 105,000 dollars.

Coach Royal passed away last Wednesday, suffering from Alzheimer's up until his death. His wife Edith played a major role in putting the auction items together. They're hoping the proceeds raised will help to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

Coach Royal's funeral will be held at the Frank Ewing Center on Tuesday at noon.