Frank Harris Letter

1447 Woodland
Wichita, Kansas
April 13, 1970

Dear Bill:

I remember so well when I first met you in 1923. My first thoughts were "What a big, husky, good looking man with a pleasing personality!" As we visited, we shot a few baskets, and when I left you at the gym, I knew that I wanted to make a team coached by Bill Hargiss.

In the fall of 1923 there were three freshmen who made the first squad, Pat Lane, Gotlieb Richmond and Frank Barrie. Those years of football and track are chockfull of memories of your leadership. After graduation I coached a few years and then changed to school administration. I am retiring this year after teaching 43 years.

Bill, I am ever so thankful that I had you for a coach, many lasting impressions on and off the field have become gems of memory.

I remember that you were fair and kind but tough as hell when it was needed. I have heard you say many times--"Work hard, fight hard, knowing full well that you will be slapped down many times, accept this, remembering that the important thing to do when you are down is to get up and start again." Thanks for this Bill. It has helped me very much.

Sorry, I will not be able to tell you this story personally.

Good Luck and Best Wishes to a Wonderful Man.

Sincerely,

Frank C. Harris