The Harvey austin foundation 

“A Class Act and All-Time Buffalo Great” read the Buffalo News headline in 1988, subsequent to the passing of a truly great Buffalonian.  Many claim the late Harvey Austin was the most wondrous all around combined high school athlete and coach ever in Buffalo.

 

His students and colleagues describe him as a pleasant person, easy to talk to, possessing a great sense of humor and a broad shoulder to lean on.  For many, he was a great friend, always there to talk, to listen, to provide guidance, support, and advice.  Most of all, he was a gentleman - whose service within the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Public Schools has left an imprint that continues to endure to this day.

 

As an Athlete – Harvey excelled at track – where at age 16 he shattered the high jump record, clearing the bar with a leap of 6 feet, 4 ½ inches.  He won the annual Buffalo All-Vocational meet winning the high jump in 1951 and 1952, executing a jump of 6 feet 6 inches in ’52, and this led to him being touted as a potential Olympian for the Melbourne games in 1956.  One of my favorite action photos of him has him soaring through the air giving the appearance he is in flight!

 

While excelling at Track he also demonstrated never-before seen feats on the basketball court.  He was a quick, slick ball handler, who could glide to the hoop in ways not seen much in the early 50’s.  Old timers still to this day describe his style of play as before his time; Michael Jordan-like in a time when basketball was played in a much more conservative manner.  Locally he led the Emerson Eagles to the Yale Cup Championship in 1950 and 1951, and was a Buffalo Evening News All-High selection in each of the years he played. 

 

After high school, he spent three years in the US Army, and subsequently moved to Lafayette, Indiana, where he met his life partner and wife of 30+ years, Elizabeth. It was there that he attended Purdue University, continuing to excel in track and basketball in the vaunted Hoosier state and the competitive Big Ten conference.

 

As he prepared to leave Purdue, opportunities with the famed Harlem Globetrotters and several professional basketball teams were on the table.  Those dreams were unfortunately shattered when he was severely injured in an auto accident, and unable to perform at the same level after being hospitalized for some months.

 

And this is where he made the transition to Coach Austin, returning to Buffalo with Coaching stints at Buffalo State, McKinley, East High School, and Hutch-Tech.  It is as Coach Austin, Mr. Austin the Teacher, where he found his greatest fulfillment.  He loved young people; He served as father figure and role model to the athletes he coached.  He developed long-standing relationships with many students.  We still hear stories to this day about how he inspired, empowered, and helped the young people he came in contact with. 

 

You could say that he was a man for all seasons – In the fall he was coaching cross country by the Delaware Park Rose Garden where most races were held; in the winter it was basketball; and in the spring you would find him with the Track Team, All-High Stadium!  In between it all he served as a positive influence and role model for his family, his athletes, and his students!