HJN Scholarship

Mission:

To provide an opportunity for student-athletes through awarding funds to assist in the cost for the institution that is being attended. 

Vision:

This Scholarship is designated for students applying for private school or college where they are pursuing their academic and athletic career. Scholarships will be awarded based on character as an individual, athlete and scholar.
 

HARRY JOLLY NEEDHAM

(1939-1988)

HJN, as he sometimes liked to refer to himself, was a father, a husband, a grandfather, a friend, a teacher and a coach, in that order, and though he has been gone for more than 20 years, he continues to cast a long promise over those who knew him and loved him. Born in Yuma, Arizona, to a long time resident family, HJN excelled in football and track at Yuma Union High School and then at the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in mathematics and letters in both sports. While at the University, he became very close personal friends of the co-founders of Nike, Inc., Bill Bowerman (the famed track coach of the UO and the US Olympic track teams) and Phil Knight (a fellow athlete at UO) and many other outstanding student-athletes – friendships that continued through out his life.

In 1961, HJN returned to Yuma High School as a mathematics teacher and the head track coach. He was a truly outstanding and inspirational teacher and coach, who was truly liked and admired by regular students and student-athletes alike. On the track, he understood the need for each athlete to have the proper balance of physical, emotional and spiritual training and growth because performance, to him, was not just about the sport, but the student’s life, ambition and happiness. In addition, HJN had a spirited and enthusiastic attitude toward his work in the classroom and with the track team – coupled with his practical approach and his deep knowledge base, this attitude had a significantly positive impact on all that came in contact with him.

Probably HJN’s major contribution to those lucky enough to have shared time with him was his ability to make everyone – his family, his students, his friends – feel special, like they were one of his best friends. In the end, HJN died very young but in his short life, he was a true friend who cast a long positive shadow and those who knew him always look back at his memory and recall his positive attitude and the positive and inspirational influence he was – and still is – in their lives.

"Later – time for a 440! HJN"