Harold Harmon Celebrates 50 Years Covering Southeastern

Southeastern athletics will be recognizing Harold Harmon for 50 years covering SE with a presentation prior to the softball double-header on March 30 at 2 p.m.

The following was written by Kevin Farr and originally ran in the Durant Daily Democrat:

By Kevin Farr
There have been many legends in Southeastern athletic lore. 

Athletic legends like Jerry Shipp, James Spivey, Brett Butler, Dennis Rodman and Crystal Robinson that have gone to excel at even higher levels.

Coaching legends like Paul Laird, Bloomer Sullivan, Don Parham and Mike Metheny that roamed the sidelines and dugouts for years upon years.

All etched their names in Southeastern history during distinguished careers that covered as many as 40 years.

For the past five decades however there's just one name that is truly synonymous with Savage and Savage Storm athletics. One person that has unquestionably witnessed more Southeastern contests from the football field to basketball court to baseball and softball diamonds than any other.

One person that has traveled thousands upon thousands of miles.

Icon is about the only way to describe Harold Harmon, who celebrates his 50^th year as a Southeastern fixture this year and will be honored for his service and dedication prior to Saturday's 2 p.m. home softball doubleheader against Ouachita Baptist.

You can travel to destinations throughout the state of Oklahoma and beyond and if someone knows you are Southeastern born or bred the same question is usually asked. I even received the question by a long-time Oklahoman scribe at the high school state basketball tournament earlier this month in Oklahoma City.

"How is Harold?" 

You don't even need to ask the last name.

"Harold embodies everything good about Southeastern athletics," athletic director Keith Baxter commented. "For years, he reported on multiple, multiple, multiple sporting stories of interest in Southeastern Oklahoma. He's covered great teams, great individuals, great games, bad games, bad teams. But Harold always showed the best for Southeastern. As a coach, many times I would feel terrible about how we played but then would read Harold's article about the game and think we should have won the Super Bowl. He has a way of seeing the good in almost everything our teams and student athletes have ever done.

"If you could somehow get a USB port and plug into Harold and download to a computer, we would have more knowledge of Southeastern athletics than you can find anywhere. There is not a person alive that possesses as much information, statistics, personal stories or whatever the case may be about Southeastern than Harold. He has a way of, even in our darkest times, showing the light."

Anybody associated with Southeastern Oklahoma athletics for more than a few years in the past five decades has met Harold at one time or another. Most can ring off plenty of stories as if it were just yesterday 

And finding a soul that doesn't speak highly of the true Southeastern icon is a VIRTUALLY impossible task. 

Most things have changed considerably over those five decades on the Durant campus. 

Not Harold, who has pretty much remained the same with the wit, humor and articulate ability to write and promote the exact thing that he has loved over that time span – Southeastern athletics.

"I can't think of another person that is more iconic with Southeastern athletics than Harold," added Baxter. "There have been some great legends but one constant throughout all those is Harold. He virtually reported on them all in some way, shape or form. He has driven thousands of miles and spent an unimaginable number of hours. There's no telling how much of his own money he has invested in Southeastern athletics all to get the stories out there to the public about our student athletes.

"Talk to any of the people that come visit and they all ask about Harold. I don't know if there is another person as well known or thought of more in high regard from our kids than Harold. It's probably a little less in the past 15 years because he is not as visible, but he is still around. He's made an impact on so many kids. And he wasn't making a depth chart or giving scholarships, but was just there to support."

Harold is the only member of the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame TO have never played or coached in a single game for the Savages or Savage Storm.

For the first 31 years of his tenure he resided as the school's Sports Information Director while traveling to many a destination throughout the United States, many times on his own dime.

In addition to his sports information duties he also broadcasted many of the school's football, basketball and baseball games for 13 of those years.

During that entire five-decade time frame though he has continued to write the stories of Southeastern athletics for the Durant Democrat.

Harold was on hand to chronicle some of the biggest stories in Southeastern history.

An NAIA baseball national runner-up finish to David Lipscomb in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1977.

The Savage basketball team's amazing run through the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City in 1986, including Dennis Rodman's historic 46-point, 32-rebound single game performance.

A stunning 21-14 overtime victory over top-ranked Central Arkansas in the 1988 NAIA playoffs in front of the biggest crowd in Paul Laird Field history.

The dominating 22-10 Aztec Bowl win over the Mexico All Stars in Mexico City a year later in 1989.

A trio of incredible years of Crystal Robinson highlight reel efforts in the women's national tournament in Jackson, Tennessee, including a pair of narrow one-point losses in the championship game.

Numerous trips to Lewiston, Idaho and Sioux City, Iowa for the NAIA Baseball World Series.

"He has the same demeanor and same writing style as when he started here," Baxter said. "He is consistent in a world full of change over the last 50 years. Other than his family over the past five decades Southeastern Oklahoma sports have been his life.

"I thought it was appropriate that we were able to put him in the Hall of Fame just a few years ago for all the contributions he has made. It was a precedent because we had never before inducted anyone that had not been a coach or an athlete, but if anyone deserved that distinction, we thought it was Harold. I don't know of anybody more respected by student athletes, administrators, coaches and peers throughout the years."

Even after his "semi-retirement" in 1999, you couldn't keep Harold away from what he considers his second family. He moved into a writing role in University Communications while continuing to pen the stories of many more Southeastern student athletes.

During that time he has covered multiple generations of Southeastern athletic families. Parents, siblings and maybe even a grandchild or two. And most all of them can tell their own Haroldisms.

Nobody really knows, but there's a good chance that Harold might actually bleed blue and gold.

The following quotes have been gathered from student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and others whom Harold has influenced over the years. If you would like to add your own stories or well wishes, please send those to mthomas@se.edu or cwilmoth@se.edu and we will add them.

"I first met Harold when he retired from the newspaper and came to work with me in the Public Relations office at Southeastern. I quickly came to value his friendship and appreciate his work ethic. Every December, we used to joke around the office about having to remind Harold that the University was closed on Christmas so he didn't need to come to work that day. And when something need to be done at work, he was always the first to volunteer to pitch in and help. With us both being former sports writers, we shared many war stories from years gone by.  But what has always impressed me the most about Harold is his compassion and caring for other people. He has always done so many little things for people to brighten their day, while never seeking recognition for these good deeds. He has always been very supportive of me, for which I am most grateful. Like so many others, it is an honor for me to call him my friend.''
 - Alan Burton
 
I have many of fond memories of my time at Southeastern, and most of them include my time spent in the athletic department. Special people, like "Doc" Parham, Vickie Hudson, and Coach Nick Keith played significant roles in my life during that time. However, no one impacted my life quite like Harold Harmon.  I met Harold when I worked in the athletic department. I was a 17-year-old girl who was four hours away from home, and I didn't have a car. One day Harold asked me to dinner. Now most people might find it strange for an older man to take a young lady to dinner, but Harold knew the way to my heart...chocolate. So, I said yes. That was the beginning of our friendship. Throughout my time at Southeastern, this gentle man taught me a lifetime of lessons. The restaurant he took me to that night taught me to never judge a book by its cover, because that nasty restaurant where we shared our meal, served the most delicious barbecue I have ever tasted. He taught me that when things like finals stress you smooth out, go eat ice cream, because it actually does help you feel better. He encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, like doing the color commentary on a sports broadcast. (I tried it... once.) He warned me about boys, and although I couldn't seem to stay away from them, he was always there to help dry my tears. Seasons in life, come and go. People walk in and out of your life, but some remain in your heart forever. Harold is in mine. Last year, when my son was on a basketball recruiting trip to Southeastern, he got to meet Harold. As I introduced him, he handed my son a Hershey bar. After I hugged him goodbye, my eyes began to water. My 6'7 son looked at me and said, "That's crazy that he remembered that you love chocolate." Harold... I remember you. Thank you.
 - Davida Shaw Smith
 
Harold Harmon.  What I remember most about Harold when I played basketball at Southeastern is that he supported us "broads", win or lose, and was always handy with a Tootsie Roll. Good memories and a good guy!
 - Nancy Jones
 
To Harold Harmon, AKA Big Guy,
What an inspiration you were to us in the 80's and what an inspiration you are to us now.
You always had great advice and constructive criticism sweetened with a tootsie roll when needed.  I admire you and love you always.
 - Teri Worsham Huebner #35, 1983-1987
 
Congratulations on 50 Years!  When I think of my time playing basketball at Southeastern you are part of those memories! I have a memory book (made by the Wheeler's) of all the articles you wrote covering our team.   I love going back and reading them!  My favorite memory of you is our trip to Nationals in Jackson, Tennessee.  You rode the bus with us and sat close to the front with Natalie Gray and I talking a great deal of the way.  You also supplied us with an endless amount of Tootsie Rolls and encouragement the whole trip! Thank you for all you have done for the many athletes that have come through Southeastern!
 - Michelle McNear

To this day, every time someone ask me about my hometown and my playing career, I start to call it Rush and Pass Springs, per Harold suggestion to those back in my hometown of Rush Springs.  This is because Harold was bold enough as a writer to make suggestions about what he felt should be.  It was his subtle yet intentional way of sharing his opinion.  He did the same thing in each face to face conversation, after he offered any young person around a tootsie roll.  In my opinion, great writers look into the future when asking questions.  In my experience at Southeastern whether Harold was writing a story about the basketball programs or the history of Doc Parham, he painted such a beautiful picture, yes of the reality, but also gave great hope and a future vision of a better day. 
 
I will never forget Harold Harmon.  It's because of men like Harold that made my Southeastern Oklahoma State University experience unforgettable. 
 - Drew Beard #10
 
Harold is a Southeastern Savage Super-Star! In all my years around the athletic department I can't tell you one bad thing about Harold... Other than he would give all his toostie rolls away to all the Women's teams and not the Men's! He was always kind, made people smile, and his energy brought life to every moment. No one can ever duplicate his special uniqueness. He is one of kind! Thank you for your 50 years of support, loyalty, and passion to Southeastern and the Athletic Department!
 - Roland Fanning | Savage Alum 2004-2006 | Savage Storm Coach 2008-20012
 
Thank you Harold for always following and supporting SOSU tennis! 
 - Cindy (Crowe) Watkins | SOSU Tennis Team Member 1987-1990
 
It's been a while since we last spoke or saw one another, with all the time that has passed, I think it has been around (25) years now if my memory serves me correctly?
I was going through some old things I had in storage and came across my old high school scrapbook.  I was flipping through the pages when I came across some articles you had written about our high school team (Achille) and my time at Southeastern working with Coach Keith.  What memories!  I wish you health and happiness. I am honored to call you my friend.
 - Bobby Onstott
 
Thank you Harold Harmon for all your contributions to Southeastern. You have always been supportive of the university and all of the athletes no matter what the sport. In my years as a Southeastern Women's Basketball player and as a Graduate Assistant (1982-87 for Coach Keith) you were ALWAYS supportive and someone I considered a friend. We also NEVER had to worry about bad publicity or negative writing as you were also our # 1 fan. Thank you for all the years of fantastic writing. It has been a pleasure to know you and have your support. YOU ARE THE BEST!  
 - Freda Manous
 
The world has "Reba", "Tiger", "Cher", "Fabio" …. But here in Bryan county and at Southeastern, we have our own "one-name, Superstar"!  We hear the name "Harold", and we immediately think of a master wordsmith, and outstanding sports writer, a dedicated champion of young athletes, a unique, witty, straight-talking member of multiple Halls of Fame!  Absolutely, positively, unquestionably, that's our "Harold"!
 
Harold Harmon… writer extraordinaire, guru of sports, sharer of Tootsie Rolls, and friend to all!  Sixty years of sharing "you" --- your thoughts, opinions, time and special words with us… thanks for "taking us out to the ballgame"!
  
Hippy Harold, thank you for adding Southeastern's women's sports coverage to your already full plate.  You started with us in 1970 and have reported our women's efforts through all these years.  From the beginning, your words created interest and support for our women's programs!  I appreciated you then and I appreciate you now!
 - Vicki Hudson 
 
Thank you Harold for always keeping Southeastern Athletics on the Map and in the Paper.  You have travelled many a mile with our teams and always been faithful to the gold and blue.  Your kindness to every player and coach throughout the years has been outstanding.  It doesn't matter if it has been with your words in the paper, your ear to listen, your voice to carry a play by play, or your generosity to share a tootsie roll or two, you have always been a constant for us at Southeastern.  Even to this day your work ethic, your love of the game, your desire to share with people, your sense of humor, and your support of ALL is to be commended on each and every level. 
 
Thank you Harold for always sharing the story and being the person we can always count on to be our guy.
 - Cherrie Wilmoth

From the constant supply of tootsie rolls and snickers to the perfectly-timed popsicle breaks during hot fall afternoon practices, we could always count on Harold. He was always the first to pick you up if after a rough game or lift you higher after a big win. Harold has always been, and will always be, one of Southeastern softballs greatest assets!
- Paige Lowder
 
*Because Harold gave tootsie-rolls to walk ons, I chose to stay at SOSU for 6 years! 
*Because you were my friend, you made my 6 years at SOSU fly by!
*Thank you for making every player on every team feel special!
*SOSU is a special place that changes & directs lives. 
*Thank you Harold for your commitment to add value to our University and to every heart that passed through.
*You taught me how to be loyal to my University, how to serve others through relationship and to find your calling…after thinking about it, I should have gotten a 3 hour credit for knowing you!
 
Harold,
What an honor it is to be a small part of your legacy that you have built in many lives and through the best University in the country.  SOSU doesn't change and direct lives by itself, it's because of men and women like you that are unselfish and are willing to invest your life into others.  You truly showed me that if you can love your job, then you will never work a day in your life.  You have the ability to make every person, including non-scholarship players, feel like we are D-1 athletes.   I didn't even like Tootsie-rolls until I met you! Thank you for sacrificing your life to make our lives better.  Forever thankful for you and your commitment to Southeastern.  Love you Harold!
 - Jeremy Tims  (JT)
 
I haven't met another person more dedicated and devoted to SE Athletics.  Harold is a better sports writer than any I have ever seen.  Harold is a good friend and he keeps me informed.  There is no question to his loyalty to Southeastern and Southeastern athletics.  "He puts his heart in everything he does."  I will always be thankful to SE and Bloomer Sullivan in making me the person I am today.
  - Wayne Cobb
 
Harold is the most kind, considerate, and thoughtful man I've ever known. Never a negative comment in the paper about my teams. Always ask is it ok to do something. Very generous and I'm proud he's me friend. I truly miss him not traveling with us.
 - Coach Ron Faubion

It's difficult to sum up Harold in one line.  I am most thankful he is my friend.
 - Reba Criswell

Harold is a member of an elite sports network.  Without people like Harold, players and teams would not get the recognition they so rightly deserve.  Harold has written many articles about me and my family and we greatly appreciate it.  Sports writers are very much a part of sports.
 - Jim Spivey

My years at Southeastern and my involvement with Southeastern Athletics were amazing and continue to have major influences on my life.  I was fortunate enough to be able to work with Doc Parham, Jack Hedden, Nick Keith, Mike Meheny, Vicki Hudson, Roberta Wescott, Marsha Gathron ,Jon Lantz, Morris Sloan, Keith Baxter, Ray Richards,  the list goes on and on but the constant is and always has been, Harold Harmon.  Another important individual that was the backbone of Southeastern  Athletics at that time was Harold's sister, Sherry Perkins.  Most people understand that Southeastern is Harold's family but what is overlooked is how involved and active the entire Harmon family has been through  the years.  All of this is because of the dedication and pride that Harold has shown this program.
 
I find myself telling Harold stories all the time (and there are many, all true believe it or not) and what they always circle back to is, always have pride in what you do and understand we are here to help someone else along the way.  Harold is the perfect example of not being in the spotlight and making sure that everyone else gets every ounce of credit they so richly deserve.  One of the biggest honors of my life was getting to introduce Harold upon his induction into the Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame.  That was a very special night and  a time that we were all able to appreciate Harold for just being Harold.  In typical Harold fashion, though, he made it not about himself and gave credit to everyone else involved.
 
One story I would like to share is a mystery I have never solved and a great example of Harold's unselfishness.   A new press box was built at Paul Laird Field in the late eighties or early nineties and was such a huge upgrade from what we had before, a double-decker even!!  Harold was instrumental in getting this built and planning it.  After it was declared game ready  Harold, myself, and Tim Crews met at the field to go look.  As we approached the door on the first floor there was a nice professional looking sign someone had put on the door that read " Harold Harmon Memorial Pres Box"  Harold looks at the sign and says, " I wonder when I died"  Tim and I both thought it was very appropriate and commented how nice it looked.  We proceeded to inspect the box, were very impressed, and left through the same door we entered.  Only difference was the sign had been removed.  Harold says he did not take it and had no idea where it came from.  To my knowledge no one has ever taken credit for making or removing the sign.  I would love to know the story behind it and would suggest another be made and displayed (obviously without the word Memorial)!! 
 
Harold will always be one of my hero's and someone I strive to model my life after.  I have had more positive experiences because of him and been able to enjoy the little things in life more because of the outlook on life that he taught all of us when we were fortunate enough to be around him.  I cannot imagine Southeastern Athletics without Harold Harmon and will be forever grateful for being a small part of that great history.
 
Thank You and Enjoy celebrating Harold!!!!
 - Mark Ellis