Matt Horn: Like an opposing ball carrier, Fremont never far from heart of Harry Liggins
Harry Liggins would sit in his chair.
If you were lucky, he’d gently present a faded high school yearbook or frayed clipping about Fremont Ross football. Like a blanket — also always within his reach — Liggins cherished the fragile artifacts.
You could see his fingers were worn as he avoided the corners, which were also already devoid of sharpness years ago. He held them and touched them as though there was only so many times they could be held and touched before they disappeared.
Fremont was Liggins’ spot. He died peacefully late in May.
His most revered memories were on the football field.
He didn’t want to tell stories about himself. He’d tell stories about his twin brother or his older brother or his younger brother.
He’d tell stories about his teams. He didn’t practice revisionist history, but, oh, would he have loved a chance to do things again.
The Little Giants lost one game with Harry and Larry Liggins. David joined them as seniors and Ross had one tie.
Liggins hated the fact those teams didn’t have a chance to play in the postseason. The all-state and All America linebacker/defensive end just knew Ross was good enough to win games in the playoffs.
He never said “I” in response to a question, even about him. If he did, he’d just repeat it like a jackhammer, sometimes physically waving words off with his hand, until he changed the subject enough to feel comfortable giving me a story.
He always talked about “we.”
He loved to talk about Ross’ defense when he was on the field. Supposedly, you couldn’t run on it.
It allowed barely more than 1,100 yards in 10 games.
He had 22 tackles and four sacks, including the final play in a 12-7 victory over Findlay in 1974. Findlay was the team to beat the Little Giants the year before.
Harry rushed for a touchdown against Sandusky. He returned a fumble, stripped by Larry, in the North-South Game at Ohio State.
A captain, he shared lineman of the year honor in the conference as a senior.
The background for those events came mostly from Liggins. The stories about Harry came from his wife, Terri, David and Larry.
He didn’t need to look at his keepsakes, but it was obvious he did. He remembered, but it was like pulling teeth he was so guarded when it was personal.
Still, the gleam in his eyes and most often disguised smile gave away his glee.
Then he’d deflect you with a tangent about seven shutouts or yards per game allowed.
He was the one who knew about himself, he was there. It was the team that made him want to go back in time.
He wished he could have done more of it. He believed in what could have been, but knew he missed his opportunity.
Still, there was an undying confidence in Fremont that never diminished. He never gave up.
Most people don’t believe in Fremont like Harry Liggins did. Fremont didn’t always believe in him.
It stripped very little, if any of his pride in his home. He was going to love it, because he believed it deserved it.
He gave the impression he was always ready to get on the bus or put on a helmet right then. It was because he always wanted to prove Fremont was the best, and if given a chance it would be.
He enjoyed seeing Fremont succeed in the present. Whenever you try to make Fremont best, that’s Harry.
If you want Fremont to be great, put it in your heart the way he did.
Terri preceded Liggins in death by a narrow margin. Harry died of natural causes, and certainly from a lonely heart.
David, who played at Arizona, died six years ago.
Liggins joined oldest brother, Tommie Jr., and David in Ross’ hall of fame in 2012. Harry wanted nothing more than for Larry to join them.
Liggins earned a scholarship to Kent State. A baby, Larissa, on the way shortly after his arrival on campus meant Terri must come first, and his career was over.
He loved to talk about their sons, and daughter. Josh Liggins is the only member of the family to play on a team with 10 wins at Ross in 1997 and Harry Jr. intercepted five passes the year before.
Harry remembered making his own dad, Tommie Sr. proud. People would tell him his sons were great players, and Harry relished it.
Ross legends Charles Woodson and Derek Isaman knew Liggins well.
Harry was a good man. I’m glad to have called him my friend.
Fremont should be as well.
mhorn@gannett.com
419-307-4892
Twitter: @MatthewHornNH
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Matt Horn: Harry Liggins always wants Fremont to be among best
