Haskins a pioneer for justice, common man

I have always regarded Don Haskins as a true sports hero.

over 3 years ago Bruingirl83 2 comments 1 recs |

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Great Memory

Thank you Bruingirl83 for remembering Don Haskins. The movie “Glory Road” was a beautiful movie about Don and his championship Miners team. I personally watched the championship game with my father in our living room in 1966. I marveled at the Miner’s athleticism over a heavily favored Kentucky team. At the end of the game, I remember my dad jumping for joy and saying, “Can you believe it! An all colored team beating an all white team!” (It was ok to say colored back then.) At that moment I hadn’t even realized or thought about that distinction and how this would change history. I was just a kid watching a great basketball game, much the same way I loved watching Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell battling each other. I will miss Don Haskins, as I miss my dad who inspired me to go to UCLA even though I grew up in a small rural town in Washington state.

by bruin75 on Sep 8, 2008 11:50 PM PDT reply actions

He Was So Special, Really

mainly because he looked at that game the same way you, as a youngster, saw it: it wsn’t about “starting five black players,” it was about starting his five best players. I find that simple choice to be the the most inspirational thing about his decision, really. On that day, the world changed a little bit for the better. As I said, Don Haskins has always been a true sports hero of mine, and I feel his passing is a loss for all of us.

I am decidedly envious of your personal experience with your dad, watching that amazing game together. What a beautiful memory to have.

(BTW, I, too, was born and raised in a small rural town in Washington State. Were you in Eastern Washington, by any chance?)

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Sep 9, 2008 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions