Coach Harkins
Coach Harkins made the last play of his game
Sunday, March 28, 2010, at the Billings Clinic due to complications
of muscular dystrophy. Harry “Mike” Harkins was born October
15, 1928, in Akron, Ohio. His parents were Paul and Georgeann
“Blondie” Harkins. Ironically, that birth date is the first
day of basketball season. It seems his future as an All
American and Hall of Fame player and coach was in the stars.
Mike grew up in the ghettos of Akron and
learned to fend for himself at an early age. He did some of
the things movies are made of like hopping trains, skipping school,
and hanging out in pool halls. Mike met Grace Kozy at the age
of 13 and it was love at first sight when Grace saw him and told her
sister, “That’s the guy I’m going to marry.” They were an
inseparable couple and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary
before Grace’s death in 2008.
Mike excelled in all sports in high school,
especially basketball. He was a Navy veteran and played
basketball on the base team. He received a full ride
basketball scholarship to the University of Akron. As an All
American player, Mike rewrote the record books for the Akron Zips.
Many of the records still stand today. His jersey was retired
in 1956 and hangs in the Akron U gym.
After college he became the basketball coach
at Hudson High School in Akron. He won the district
championship the last two years. He was offered the coaching
job at Eastern Montana College (EMC now MSU-Billings) and moved his
family to Billings in 1960. He had a Masters degree in
education from Kent State University and taught Health and Physical
Education at EMC.
Coach Harkins took over a struggling
basketball program and led EMC to twelve conference championships
between 1961 and 1976. He also went to the national NAIA
tournament ten years during his illustrious career.
Mike coached US teams in Africa,
London-Scotland-Wales, Europe, Asia, Central America, and South
America. In his spare time, he was a premier author on
basketball. He wrote 23 books and over 50 magazine articles.
Mike was recently inducted into the NAIA National Hall of Fame along
with John Wooden. Coach Harkins has been recognized with
numerous Hall of Fame and All American awards.
During his college years Mike and Grace had
three children, Mike, Patti, and Jim. His family and players
were the real joy in his life. After being diagnosed with
muscular dystrophy, his family, grandchildren, and athletic network
became a strong support group that he counted on and who helped him
cope with the disease. He was very proud of his family and
adored every minute he spent with them. He liked nothing
better than to watch a game with his grandsons or buy his
granddaughters an ice cream cone. He was an avid fisherman and
an accomplished pianist. Coach will be remembered for his
sense of humor and storytelling abilities. He could find
something funny about even the most stressful moments in life.
He was always a true friend. When things went well, he gave
credit to his associates. When life didn’t go so well, he was
the one to shoulder the blame. He was well loved and respected
in the community and we will all truly miss him.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Grace, both parents, his sister, Ruth, and brother, Pat. He is survived by his sons, Mike Harkins (Diane) of Billings; Jim Harkins Wendover, UT; daughter, Patti Harkins (Ric McCleod) Missoula, MT, grandchildren Shellee Harkins of Portland, OR; Jamee Barber (Michael) of Seattle, WA; Shawn and Mike Harkins, Turlock, CA; Walker Kumm, Denver, CO; many nieces and nephews, and his great-grandson, Michael “Mickey” Harkins Barber.
The family would like to thank Frankie who helped Coach before he left his home and the people at Diamond Willow for their fantastic care. Also, Rocky Mountain Hospice did so much to make Coach’s life more comfortable. We will always be grateful for the numerous visits from Pete and Glen in his final days. ln lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Rocky Mountain Hospice, or the Grace Harkins Scholarship Fund.
Remembrances
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