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Harold Graf was a true mentor, teacher, and most importantly, a friend. Harold always challenged his students to set their sights high and go for it. He was also our biggest fan. I remember as a freshman playing JV football for Coach Flettrich. We were playing Buras at Buras and the first half was not pretty. At halftime, Coach Flettrich decided to help point out our weak areas in the first half of the game. Coach went from player to player with his "helpful advice" and he finished with me, unfortunately. Coach looked at me and said, "Dunn, you are the worst center I have ever seen!". Undaunted, my sophomore year I decided to help Coach Rambis by switching to the tackle position. I believe I played a total of 1 min. 30 seconds that season. Faced with my lack of athletic ability, I decided at this very tender age, that Management was in my future! I became Manager of the football team my junior and senior years. As you know, Harold was always seen everywhere on the football field during a game. During one game, I was bemoaning the fact that I was not on the field helping my team. Harold told me that I was using my other talents to better help the team! That was Harold, always encouraging us. He was a true mentor and friend. At one Homecoming Game, several years after we had graduated, Harold and I were talking. I was telling him what I was doing and I mentioned how much fun I was having being in the Krewe of Pegasus. Harold smiled and said how much he would love to ride just once, it was a lifelong goal. Since I was an Officer in Pegasus, I knew I could make that happen. On a brisk, but beautiful February evening, Harold and I rode on a float in Pegasus. Ruth was so happy when she saw Harold up on the float! I will never forget the smiles both Ruth and Harold had that night! I am sure Harold's smile lasted for days! Harold Graf, an educator, mentor, and friend. |