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
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