Dateline: February 12, 2009

'Glory Road' runs through Hedley

By Linda Naylor

Hedley ISD was the host to the Glory Road Group last Friday, which consisted of Mary Haskins, the widow of the late Coach Don Haskins; Sue Coyer, Mary’s sister; Nevil Shed, a player from the 1966 NCAA Championship Western Texas team; Steve Tredennick, a former Haskins player; and Fred Schwake, an assistant.

It is a rare occurrence when a small town like Hedley can honor such a famous group of people as this. We felt as if we were in the presence of royalty.

The program began with Steve Tredennick’s presentation of two film featurettes. Mary Haskins delighted the audience with her warm words and beautiful smile, and Nevil Shed spoke to the eager listeners about his experiences with Coach Haskins as well as his philosophy on life in general, which he credited Haskins with shaping to a large degree.

The Hedley students, teachers, support staff, administration, community members, and former Haskins players were mesmerized by Mr. Shed’s speech. We sat spellbound by his wonderful sense of humor and his insightful words. He emphasized the message that the winning team of which he was a part could be summed up with one word “cohesiveness,” and it was a “we” team not a “me” team.

He also told the students that Coach Haskins taught his team that if they had a dream that they would have to go out and take it. Mr. Shed has lived his life by these words of inspiration, and his speech certainly made a lasting impression on our students.

Kelby Shields, a Hedley senior, enthusiastically stated, “I feel like I can do anything right now. I’m ready to win tonight!” And, that is just what the Lady Owls did Friday night against the Lady Tigers of Groom. “Thank you, Nevil Shed.”

The former players shared their personal anecdotes of playing for Coach Haskins as did Steve Tredennick and Fred Schwake.

The former Haskins’ basketball players present at the program on Friday were Bill Maddox, Bob Roland, Roy Butler, Jerry McCarty, Merle Owens, Terry Bailey, Don Wells, Linda Alexander, Leveta Klinnert Helms, Elnora Corona Butler, Marie Burchfield, Cecilia Hoggard Lemons, Pat Houdashell Hargrove, and Carolyn McPherson Baker. Many students enjoyed having their questions answered by the real live celebrities.

Immediately following the informal Q&A, the Glory Road Group presented Hedley ISD with a poster-sized photograph of “THE BEAR” in his famous “grizzly stance”, a photo montage, a Wheaties box with the team members’ pictures and autographs, a copy of the book, Glory Road, and two videos, “An Evening With Don Haskins” and “Glory Road.” These items will be on display at the school for anyone interested in viewing them.

Superintendent Hill and Principal Wood presented the Glory Road Group with a memory keepsake paper weight as a gift of appreciation for inspiring our students to greater heights of achievement.

The members of the group offered autographs to all interested in obtaining them, and I don’t believe any person declined this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The former players and the Glory Road Group enjoyed a time of visitation after the presentations and autograph signing periods. Hedley ISD provided refreshments in the school spirit colors. A great time was had by all who attended.

In the previous articles, I was regretful that I didn’t have Mary Haskins’ thoughts and ideas concerning her husband, so, naturally, I was overjoyed that she graciously allowed me time to sit and talk with her. Mary is one of the loveliest women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and she was truly the “woman behind the man” or “the wind beneath his wings” so to speak. I know the readers will enjoy this interview as much as I did:

Q: How does it feel to come back to the areas where Coach Haskins began his career?

A: I feel overwhelmed and proud to be here and that people still remember us.

Q: What is your most vivid memory of the 1966 Championship game?

A: Most of the games that they played, we didn’t make contact with each other until he got home, but that night I went out onto the floor, and Don scooped me up and twirled me around right there on the court.

Q: In your opinion what was your husband’s greatest legacy, on or off the court?

A: The fact that he instilled a work ethic and the importance of getting an education because he realized that he needed an education to be successful, himself.

Off the court, he went quietly about helping people. If I started to say that it was a nice thing he did when he helped, he would quickly change the subject. He didn’t want me to say anything about it. I remember once he came across some stranded motorists along a highway in a neigh- boring town. Don put them in his truck and arranged for a wrecker to pick up their vehicle and take it to be repaired. He put them up in a motel and gave them some money. He paid for the wrecker and repair. No one knew about this until the mayor of the neighboring town called Don’s assistant, Tim Floyd, and told him about it. That’s just the way Don was. At Christmas, he would fill his truck with food, blankets, and coats and distribute them to the needy families. Because of Don’s own struggles growing up without much, he wanted to help others.

Q: How did your husband’s history changing notoriety affect you and your children?

A: For years this publicity wasn’t noticed. It just began building up. His name has opened up many doors for his sons.

Mrs. Haskins’ closing remark about her husband was the most telling of all: “I’ve often wondered what Don would have been like had he not married and settled down and become at least a little domesticated.”

This brings to a close the remarkable story of a bigger-than-life individual who was in reality a true humanitarian, a good father, loving husband, and an exceptional basketball coach. I urge you all to read his book or at the very least see Glory Road. Coach Don Haskins, you will be missed, but your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of thousands.