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There have been many positive influences in my life.  From my parents, coaches and teachers to other parents who I have written about in other articles.  One that you will not recognize is Herbie Rogers.  Coach Rogers passed away suddenly at the tender age of 63 and he had a powerful impact on my life and career.

Herbie and I coached together for more than 20 years after I coached him when he was in high school.  He was a true champion in more ways than I can describe.  He played on two State Championship baseball teams (1974 and 1975) and coached a baseball team that won the state title in 1995.  He was the runner-up two other times.  He played football at Williamston High School and after graduating from college he began a four-year stint coaching at Currituck High School.  When I needed an assistant, I looked no further.

Herbie helped coach his high school alma mater to three state championships in football and two runner-ups.  He was an integral part of all those teams but more importantly he was proud for his hometown and local high school.  After the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, Herbie came to me and ask if he could coach volleyball the next fall.  He wanted to coach his two girls in volleyball.  Together we formulated budgets, painted fields, taught classes and cut grass.  Herbie Rogers was my rock and he was always the most loyal coach that I had. We did not agree on everything but we agreed to disagree together.

You will not find a more Christian man than Coach Rogers.  In the years we coached together I never heard him utter a word of profanity and he was always there to share his knowledge with a young coach.  Herbie was the true professional! He loved his wife Debbie and two girls, Caitlin and Jessie Ann because they were the apple of his eye.

When a college coach came visiting our school, he always had the answers to their questions.  He was the most thorough coach on my staff and left no rock unturned.  Herbie Rogers will be missed by me and especially the town of Williamston and Williamston High School.  The many players that he touched have shared their stories of Coach Rogers and pointed out what a positive role model he was in their life.  I will miss my buddy!  When I umpired at Williamston, he was always the first to greet me and we shared stories of family, health and the best of times, coaching at Williamston High School.

Yes, he influenced my life and he will be missed by all that knew him!  My prayers are with Debbie and the girls.  I know that God has him coaching, cutting grass and painting fields in heaven!

They were the best of times with the best of friends and in the best of places, Washington, N.C. The Original Washington!

Harold Jr.