Pitino, Strong, NCAA community mourn death of Muhammad Ali

Before he was the Greatest Of All Time, Muhammad Ali was just a kid growing up in Louisville, Kentucky.

While Ali's impact was felt around the entire world, the late boxing legend was cherished nowhere else more than he was in Louisville:

Louisville football coach Bobby Petrino:

In a statement, Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino:

All of Louisville celebrates the life of our Champion. He shined brightest in the ring and preached peace outside of it. He loved babies, people and cherished his friends. We will miss you Champ. Rest in peace.

Former Louisville football coach Charlie Strong, who's now at Texas:

Ali, who was fiercely proud to hail from Louisville, once famously belted out: "I'm the greatest fighter of all-time, and Louisville, Kentucky is the greatest city of all-time."

Here are some of the other reactions from around the NCAA to the death of the artist formerly known as Cassius Clay:

Graduated Kentucky basketball forward Alex Poythress:

Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops:

Minnesota basketball coach Richard Pitino: