Harry Long facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 28, 1897 Decatur, Illinois |
| Died | December 8, 1945 (aged 47) Tampa, Florida |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1923–1927 | Paul Quinn |
| 1928 | Tennessee A&I |
| 1929–1945 | Wiley (assistant) |
Harry J. "Little" Long (born December 28, 1897 – died December 8, 1945) was an American college football coach. He was also a professor who taught biology. Harry was the brother of another famous coach, Fred T. Long.
Harry was born in Decatur, Illinois. He finished high school there in 1915. He then went to James Millikin University. He studied biology and earned a degree in 1919. Later, he continued his studies at Columbia University in New York. He was even working on another advanced degree when he passed away in 1945.
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Harry Long's Coaching Journey
Harry Long started his coaching career in 1919. His first coaching job was at Prairie View A&M University. After that, he coached at Langston University in Oklahoma in 1922.
Coaching at Paul Quinn College
In 1923, Harry became the head football coach at Paul Quinn College. This happened when his brother Fred left Paul Quinn for Wiley College. Harry coached the Paul Quinn team for four seasons, from 1923 to 1927.
In 1924, his Paul Quinn team had a great season. They tied a game against Tuskegee 0–0. This helped them share the title of black college football national championship. This was a very important championship for historically Black colleges.
Time at Tennessee State
After Paul Quinn, Harry Long became the head coach at Tennessee State University. This was in Nashville, Tennessee. He coached there for the 1928 season. His team's record at Tennessee State was 0 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie.
Joining His Brother at Wiley
In 1929, Harry left Tennessee State. He went to Wiley College to join his brother Fred's coaching staff. At Wiley, Harry also led the college's biology department. He worked as an assistant coach for many years.
A Sad Day and a Big Win
On December 8, 1945, Harry Long was coaching with his brother. They were at the Orange Blossom Classic game in Tampa, Florida. The Wiley Wildcats were playing against Florida A&M. This game was for the black college football national championship.
During the first part of the game, Harry Long had a heart attack on the sidelines. He sadly passed away. Even after this sad event, the Wildcats kept playing. They went on to win the game 32–6. This victory earned them the national title for 1945.
