Harold Nathan Harlan (December 4, 1927 – August 19, 1985) was an American football end and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of St. Thomas from 1958 to 1969. He played college football at Cincinnati and also coached several high school teams.

Nate Harlan
Biographical details
Born(1927-12-04)December 4, 1927
Austin, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedAugust 19, 1985(1985-08-19) (aged 57)
Ramsey, Minnesota, U.S.
Playing career
Football
1950–1952Cincinnati
1953Green Bay Packers
Position(s)End
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
Football
1953Milan HS
1954–1955Glencoe HS
1956–1957Woodward HS
1958–1969St. Thomas

Early life and education

edit

Harlan was born on December 4, 1927, in Austin, Minnesota.[1] He attended St. Augustine High School, where he earned varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball.[2] Harlan played college football at Cincinnati, starting at end in 1950, 1951, and 1952.[2] He graduated from Cincinnati in June 1953.[3]

Before attending Cincinnati, Harlan had done undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and Drake University.[3]

Harlan served in World War II.[1]

Professional career

edit

Harlan was signed by the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL) in 1953, but was released after an injury.[3]

Coaching career

edit

After being released by Green Bay, Harlan was a coach and taught social studies at Milan High School in Minnesota.[3]

In 1954, Harlan was named head football coach at Glencoe High School, which had gone winless in the past two seasons.[2] In his first year with the team, Glencoe compiled a 3–5 record.[2] Harlan led them to the conference championship in 1955 with a 4–3–1 record.[2] He received "high praise" from the school administration for his efforts.[3]

In 1956, Harlan was hired as head football coach at Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.[3] He succeeded Ed Biles, who had become the freshman coach at Xavier University.[3] Harlan served as head coach for two seasons.[2]

In 1958, Harlan became the head football coach at the University of St. Thomas, succeeding Frank Deig.[2] Harlan ended up coaching twelve seasons for St. Thomas, before being fired in 1969 after posting a 1–9 record.[4]

Death

edit

Harlan died on August 19, 1985, at the age of 57, following a brief illness.[5]

Head coaching record

edit

College football

edit
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
St. Thomas Tommies (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) (1958–1969)
1958 St. Thomas 4–4 3–4 5th
1959 St. Thomas 4–3–1 3–3–1 5th
1960 St. Thomas 2–6 1–6 7th
1961 St. Thomas 6–3 5–2 T–2nd
1962 St. Thomas 6–3 5–2 3rd
1963 St. Thomas 4–5 3–4 T–4th
1964 St. Thomas 3–6 3–4 5th
1965 St. Thomas 4–4–1 4–2–1 3rd
1966 St. Thomas 2–6–1 2–5 7th
1967 St. Thomas 6–3 4–3 4th
1968 St. Thomas 2–8 2–5 7th
1969 St. Thomas 1–9 1–6 7th
St. Thomas: 44–60–3 36–46–2
Total: 44–60–3

References

edit
  1. ^ a b U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "St. Thomas Picks Harlan as Head Football Coach". Star Tribune. May 4, 1958. p. 41 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Anzer, Bill (April 10, 1956). "Nate Harlan Named As Woodward Coach". The Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.  
  4. ^ "Harlan Is Fired at St. Thomas". Star Tribune. November 11, 1969. p. 25 – via Newspapers.com.  
  5. ^ "Harlan". Star Tribune. August 21, 1985. p. 66 – via Newspapers.com.