You know, my experience as a sports writer has been a pretty good one. I have been places and met people that I will forever remember with a tender heart and a warm smile.
East Texas is no exception. And although I did not realize it while I was there, my time as the sports editor at the Marshall News Messenger in Marshall, Texas, created some of my fondest memories.
I recently wrote a column for American Football Monthly about a story told to me by Eddie Robinson. It was a humorous yarn about growing up decades earlier during simpler times with simpler conveniences. After discussing the column with my publisher, another story instantly popped into my mind regarding former Marshall High School football head coach, Bill Harper.
You see, Coach Harper, a native of East Texas, was an excellent football player back in his day and was recruited by several schools in the area. In fact, even former Grambling State University legend Eddie Robinson tickled Harper’s ear in an attempt to lure him to Louisiana to play for the Tigers. However, Wiley College would suit Bill Harper just fine.
Although they no longer play collegiate football, Wiley’s contribution to the world of college football is immeasurable. In 1873, Wiley – located in Marshall – was the first historically Black college west of the Mississippi River. Wiley, along with Bishop College, Paul Quinn, Prairie View A&M and Texas College, founded the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1920.
Coach Harper told me of his first encounter with SWAC Hall of Famer and former Wiley College head coach, Fred “Pops” Long, during a recruiting trip to Wiley. A young Bill Harper sat nervously, yet patiently in Coach Long’s office before he arrived. When Coach Long did arrive, he wheeled around his desk and said nothing while still standing above Harper who was still seated.
Seconds seemed like hours, when finally Coach Long slammed his fist down on the desk. He then asked Harper what that gesture symbolized.
Coach Harper sat quietly at first, puzzled and still quite nervous. After a short pause, Coach Long said, “Son, that is opportunity ... and it only knocks once.” So, without hesitation, Coach Harper had made his decision.
Not a year has gone by where Coach Harper has not shared this story with players, coaches and friends. After all, it applies today as much as it ever did.
I use this story – among many others that I’ve been told – in my own life. I always enjoy sharing it as much as I enjoyed having it shared. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t listen for opportunity. But remember, you had better be prepared – it only knocks once.
Respectfully,
Aaron S. Lee
Managing Editor
American Football Monthly
aslee@lcclark.com
East Texas is no exception. And although I did not realize it while I was there, my time as the sports editor at the Marshall News Messenger in Marshall, Texas, created some of my fondest memories.
I recently wrote a column for American Football Monthly about a story told to me by Eddie Robinson. It was a humorous yarn about growing up decades earlier during simpler times with simpler conveniences. After discussing the column with my publisher, another story instantly popped into my mind regarding former Marshall High School football head coach, Bill Harper.
You see, Coach Harper, a native of East Texas, was an excellent football player back in his day and was recruited by several schools in the area. In fact, even former Grambling State University legend Eddie Robinson tickled Harper’s ear in an attempt to lure him to Louisiana to play for the Tigers. However, Wiley College would suit Bill Harper just fine.
Although they no longer play collegiate football, Wiley’s contribution to the world of college football is immeasurable. In 1873, Wiley – located in Marshall – was the first historically Black college west of the Mississippi River. Wiley, along with Bishop College, Paul Quinn, Prairie View A&M and Texas College, founded the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1920.
Coach Harper told me of his first encounter with SWAC Hall of Famer and former Wiley College head coach, Fred “Pops” Long, during a recruiting trip to Wiley. A young Bill Harper sat nervously, yet patiently in Coach Long’s office before he arrived. When Coach Long did arrive, he wheeled around his desk and said nothing while still standing above Harper who was still seated.
Seconds seemed like hours, when finally Coach Long slammed his fist down on the desk. He then asked Harper what that gesture symbolized.
Coach Harper sat quietly at first, puzzled and still quite nervous. After a short pause, Coach Long said, “Son, that is opportunity ... and it only knocks once.” So, without hesitation, Coach Harper had made his decision.
Not a year has gone by where Coach Harper has not shared this story with players, coaches and friends. After all, it applies today as much as it ever did.
I use this story – among many others that I’ve been told – in my own life. I always enjoy sharing it as much as I enjoyed having it shared. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t listen for opportunity. But remember, you had better be prepared – it only knocks once.
Respectfully,
Aaron S. Lee
Managing Editor
American Football Monthly
aslee@lcclark.com
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