(Editor’s Note: As we close in on the fourth anniversary of the launch of Conversations with Sports Fans [June 9th] we’re counting down the top four most-listened-to episodes in the show’s history. This is the fourth most-listened-to episode.)
Dennis Harp happened upon my show thanks to a referral from Fred Inniger, himself a one-time guest (S:1, E:20) and a member of the $80 for 80 Circle of Champions.
Fred suggested Dennis because he knew him to be a terrific storyteller from Dennis’ times appearing on the sports radio show Fred then-hosted on WAWK 99.5 FM in northeastern Indiana.
Fred did not exaggerate!
Dennis, who grew up in tiny Wolcottville, IN, wound up becoming the youngest NCAA Division I men’s basketball coach in the country when he ascended to the lead chair at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. It was short-lived, however, as two years later the university reclassified as a NAIA school.
Dennis discussed all of it. From the joys of achieving his lifelong dream to the disappointment of leaving Division I to his decision to continue coaching at HSU following the move to NAIA. And, as Fred noted when he referred Dennis to me, his circle of acquaintances is sizable. During our time together he shared stories of being the father of a pair of college athletes as well as his relationships with a pair of coaching royals in Dale Brown and Bob Knight.
The ease with which Dennis spoke and the number of stories he shared in our hour together, it’s no wonder why this episode is among the top four most-listened-to at the moment.
Haven’t listened to the Dennis Harp episode yet? Check it out below.
Similar episodes to Dennis Harp:
- Season 1, Episode 17 Garth Pleasant – Longtime men’s basketball coach at Rochester (MI) Christian University. The man amassed 772 career wins, has an an arena named after him, and is in five different halls of fame.
- Season 4, Episode 39 Dr. Klint Pleasant – Yep, this is Garth’s oldest son. Until recently he served as his father’s successor at RCU. Following the recently-completed basketball season, Klint was named the new President of Southwestern Michigan College. Like his father, he’s also a hall of famer, but only two in this case.
- Season 3, Episode 28 Brooks Miller – A referral from Dennis Harp, Brooks Miller was fresh off coaching Trine (IN) University‘s men’s basketball team to the NCAA Division III National Championship when we spoke to him. Suffice to say, there was plenty to discuss.