H.W. “BILL” HARGISS
1887 – 1978
Charter Inductee – 1961

Homer Woodson “Bill” Hargiss earned 16 collegiate athletic letters in four years at Kansas State Normal (Emporia State university), before becoming one of the most innovative coaches in college football history. He was one of the first coaches in the United States to use the forward pass, shift to an unbalanced line and use the T–formation and huddle while at College of Emporia. Hargiss was the head football coach at the University of Kansas for five years and the track and field coach for 10 years. He coached Oregon State and Kansas State Normal to four football and seven track championships and is perhaps the only man to coach five world record–holders–John Kuck, Glenn Cunningham, Jim Bausch, Clyde Coffman and Peter Mehringer. His 1926 football team at Kansas State Normal was unbeaten in seven games and allowed just three points the entire season. Hargiss participated in football, basketball, track and field, baseball, gymnastics, and boxing at Kansas State Normal and was named captain five times. He was a three–sport standout at Beulah (KS) High School where he led the football team to an undefeated season. Inducted into the NAIA Track and Field Hall of Fame. Born September 1, 1887- Cherokee County, Kansas. Died October 15, 1978 – Lawrence, Kansas. Graduated Beulah (KS) H.S., 1905; Kansas State Normal (Emporia State University), 1909.