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Graveside Eulogies
October 18, 1978
Emporia, Kansas
Several of Bill Hargiss' players spoke at his graveside service, Maplewood Cemetery, Emporia, KS:
Remarks by Menzo Hainline:
I first met Bill in his office at Emporia State many, many
years ago, when I as a lad of 17 years arrived there to begin my college career.
I will never forget that first meeting, nor will I ever forget the long years of
friendship that have existed between the two of us.
This friendship, first between teacher and pupil, or coach
and player, which developed into more of a father-son relationship upon the completion
of my college career and then, as we both grew older, into a mutual camaraderie,
has been one of the high spots of my life.
It was Bill who inspired me to succeed as an athlete. It
was Bill who inspired me to succeed in my life's work and endeavors. It was Bill
who furnished hours of conversation and entertainment in later life. We met on many
occasions over the years--he in our home and I in his. Still on the schedule for
our meetings is what will be an unfulfilled date for November 4 this year.
Bill came on the scene of Kansas athletics in the early
days of this century. He was an excellent athlete in his own right, but on top of
that he had the ability to promote athletic ability in others.
In those early days, when Bill came to the State Normal
and played fullback for the college, athletics in our high schools and colleges
was in one sense looked upon as a game for rowdies and was not and never would be
considered a part of the school curriculum. Athletes were just to be tolerated until
their efforts could be forgotten.
Bill's was one of the early voices raised in the development
of the athlete in body and spirit. He contended that the athlete should develop
mentally as well as physically, that there was the letter A to be added to the three
R's of learning.
So his life in its entirety, and it was a long and rich
life, was spent in the world of athletics. However, the development of the body
was not the only thing he taught. He taught his students to be honest and forthright
and to respect one's God.
Few people have influenced for good the lives of as many
people as has Bill Hargiss. His work was always with young people, and the men and
women who fell under his spell have lived and enjoyed a better life because of him.
While Bill received many honors and awards during his long
and busy athletic career, the most rewarding to him was the help he could provide
for the young men who sat at his feet.
It seems silly for us, the friends gathered here today,
to grieve at the passing of this remarkable man. We do it out of personal selfishness
at the loss of our dear friend.
At the same time, we shout with joy at the accomplishments
this man provided his fellow men. I know all of you join me in saying, "Well done,
Bill. Your life's work was well done; may you rest in peace."
Remarks by J. Arthur "Shorty"
Hoch:
I was one of those who had the privilege of playing under
Coach Hargiss. In fact, he was my coach all of my years in college, 1924-27.
It is a privilege and honor to be asked to have a part
in this memorial service. I am sure that there are hundreds of athletes and friends
who would be happy to say a few words at this time.
Coach Hargiss was not only a great football and track coach
but, along with his coaching, he tried to instill in his players those values that
would develop character and make them worthy citizens.
He was known nationally as a coach and also as a speaker.
He had that rare ability of being able to remember names and could call hundreds
of people by name. His invigorating spirit and charisma made it a joy to be around
him.
I feel that my life has been greatly enriched by the opportunity
I had to walk a distance with him.
Someone has written:
"When the Great Scorer comes to Write beside your name,
He won't write whether you won or lost,
But how you played the game."
Bill Hargiss played the game right and tried to teach others
to do the same.