Brogan: Harvey Smith, An Appreciation

Harvey Smith was many things to generations of area individuals. His career as a coach is almost unparalleled insofar as the records he helped break. His career in broadcasting earned him kudos and his on-air teaming with Jim Rivers brought an exciting energy to the local sports scene. As a teacher, he stirred the minds of thousands of young people, helping to prepare them to face a sometimes-uncertain world. On a personal level, his marriage of more than 60 years, was a tribute to his and Betty's love, and values, something they instilled in their children.

I don't pretend to have been a close friend of Harvey Smith. However, our intermittent interactions throughout the years as well as the two years I spent in his classroom at Brady, provided me with some insight as to what a remarkable man he was.

Several months ago, while writing my soon to be released third book, I was typing my recollections of those years at Brady. Writing about Harvey was the easiest part as the memories flowed so freely and the decades melted away. I thought of giving him a call to tell him about the new book but decided, instead, to wait until it was published. I had planned to send him a signed copy with sincere thanks for always believing in me. I regret waiting and am reminded that you should never delay doing something that feels right.

The last time we spoke was about ten years ago. My first book had come out and I wanted to share the news with him. We chatted for almost an hour, and he was effusive in his congratulations. Even more importantly, after knowing him over forty years, he told me to call him Harvey. Previously it had always been Mr. Smith.

He was my English teacher for two years at Bishop Brady High. In the classroom, he inspired all of us to want to learn. He brought literature, whether Shakespeare or "A Separate Peace" to vivid life and made us want to read. When he offered a Speed Reading course, I eagerly signed-up and it was invaluable to me and remains so.

In the late 70's, I ran into Harvey on Main Street. We stopped to chat, and I shared with him a story about how the Speed Reading class continued to be extremely useful.

I told him that I had recently read "The Thorn Birds", the epic novel that was nearly 700-pages in length.

"I read the entire book in less than one-day," I exclaimed.

His grin told me everything I needed to know.

At Brady, Harvey always referred to me as "Brogan." Even when we talked in 2012, it was "Brogan." Sometimes he would start the class by saying, "Brogan, tell us something we ought to know..." I would respond by sharing some bit of news I had heard whether from reading the New York Times or even a bit of Hollywood gossip. Harvey encouraged me to speak out or share knowledge with others.

In April of my Junior year, he approached me after class and told me, "Brogan, I want you to write and direct the Junior class play for Brady Week next month. I know you can do it!"

You could never say no to Harvey Smith. Lots of athletes told me the same thing. He had a way of looking you in the eye and making you believe you could do anything.

I did write the class play in one-day. It was entitled, "Scatterbrain." I directed it, starred in it with a dozen classmates, and it was received with thunderous applause. When I thanked Mr. Smith after the production, he responded, "Don't thank me. You did it. You can do anything if you want."

At the beginning of my Senior year, he approached me and told me he wanted me to come out for track. Reports had reached him that I was departing school when it was dismissed in the afternoon and walking from the school, down Auburn Street, to White's Park, in less than five-minutes. He told me I would be a natural for track or cross-country. That day I went to the Varsity Shop to buy the necessary garb. The next day I was standing behind the gym, ready to go.

Unfortunately, in those long-ago years, Asthma was even more serious than it is today. I'd had 43 hospitalizations in less than fifteen years. There were no inhalers on the market and Dr. Penhale had urged me to avoid strenuous activities. Two massive Asthma-attacks ended my short-lived running career. Mr. Smith could not have been more understanding and appreciated my willingness to "step outside your comfort zone".

In the early 80's, when inhalers were available, I took-up running for a while. I even competed in a race at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where I worked. Someone said I ran like a gazelle. My first race I quietly dedicated to Harvey Smith.

While we only saw one another intermittently, in 1975 we did play tennis a few times at Memorial Field. Harvey played like a pro. I worked hard but only achieved mediocre success. However, as before, Harvey made me want to work tirelessly. He also appreciated honesty and it was after one of those games that I confronted him in my most honest and forthright manner. I told him that I was gay.

Harvey was nonplussed and stated that it didn't make any difference. He advised that I might have some rough roads ahead of me. After all, it was the mid-70's and attitudes were considerably different than today. However, he also noted that if I remained true to myself, I would be fine. As usual, he was right.

No doubt there are tens of thousands of others with similar stories about the impact Harvey Smith had on their lives. We are all fortunate to have had someone this remarkable among us for more than eight-decades.

Thank you, Harvey!!!