Coach Warren Harshaw has been a beloved member of the El Dorado community for over fifty years. Recently, the El Dorado School District attempted to show him just how much of an impact he has had on our community.
At a special-called board meeting on February 23rd, the ESD School Board voted unanimously to name the basketball court at Wildcat Arena the “Warren Harshaw Court.” The new flooring was installed over Christmas break. Superintendent Jim Tucker had the honor of unveiling the new name and floor to Coach Harshaw and his son, Stephen Harshaw.
Coach Harshaw worked in the El Dorado School District for 54 years, retiring just this past June. He began his coaching career in 1969, his first year of teaching, and continued a storied 27-year coaching career. Harshaw coached baseball, basketball, football, and track during his tenure. He was the head boys varsity basketball coach from 1981 until he retired from coaching in 1997. Over his coaching career, his teams won three conference championships in 1984, 1986, and 1989, a state runner-up in 1986, and a state championship in 1982.
Phillip Lansdell, ESD Athletic Director, coached alongside Coach Harshaw for many years and said he was happy for his friend and former co-worker. “I have had the privilege to know Warren for 32 years, and during that time, we coached and worked together, traveled together, and had many conversations together–not only about sports but life. I consider him a very good friend and mentor. I am happy for him to get this honor.”
Throughout his career, Coach Harshaw demonstrated leadership, kindness, and compassion. Even though he left the court, he never stopped being “Coach.” He continued to encourage students and co-workers and “coach” them through the good and bad times. Superintendent Jim Tucker said, “I have always had much respect for Coach. Working with him at BJHS was an absolute joy. The way he helped my son grow while he was a student at BJHS was a blessing as well. The many conversations we have had over the last 17 years mean a lot to me. No one will ever know all the things Coach did and does for people (students, players, ex-players, staff, parents…) behind the scenes, but they are many. I am happy that Coach is being honored in this way.”
Coach Harshaw was and is a great teacher, mentor, and coach to many. While his time in the El Dorado School District has been honored with the Warren Harshaw Court, his true legacy isn’t what he left behind in the trophy case; it’s in the impact he has made on the students, players, co-workers, and community around him.
Photos contributed by Stephen Harshaw.