Herman Riddick facts for kids
Riddick pictured in The Maroon and Grey 1946, North Carolina Central yearbook
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 28, 1907 Gates County, North Carolina, US |
| Died | September 26, 1968 (aged 61) Durham, North Carolina, US |
| Playing career | |
| 1930–1932 | North Carolina College |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1936–1944 | Hillside HS (NC) |
| 1945–1964 | North Carolina College |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 111–57–11 (college) 82–5–3 (high school) |
| Bowls | 1–0 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 1 black college national 4 CIAA (1953–1954, 1956, 1961, 1963) |
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Herman Henry Riddick (born July 28, 1907 – died September 26, 1968) was a very successful American football coach. He is best known for coaching the football team at North Carolina College. This school is now called North Carolina Central University.
Riddick coached the college team for 20 seasons. His time there lasted from 1945 to 1964. He coached the team to 112 wins, 57 losses, and 10 ties. This makes him the longest-serving coach in the history of the North Carolina Central Eagles football program.
Early Life and Playing Days
Herman Riddick was born in Gates County, North Carolina. He loved football from a young age. He played college football himself. He was a player for North Carolina College from 1930 to 1932. He earned his bachelor's degree from the college in 1933.
Coaching Career Highlights
Riddick started his coaching career in 1936. He coached at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. He had a great record there. He won 82 games, lost only 5, and had 3 ties.
Leading the Eagles
In 1945, Riddick became the head coach at North Carolina College. He led the Eagles to many victories. His teams were known for their strong play. He helped many young athletes grow.
Under his leadership, the Eagles won several important championships:
- One Black college football national championship
- Four CIAA conference championships (in 1953, 1954, 1956, 1961, and 1963)
One of his most notable seasons was 1954. His team won the national championship that year. They had a record of 7 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie. They also won the National Classic bowl game.
Herman Riddick passed away on September 26, 1968, in Durham, North Carolina. He is remembered as a legendary coach. He made a lasting impact on college football.
