Coach Hopkins

Bill Bundschu, WCHS Class of 49, graciously shared the following contract between the 1949 Track Team and Coach Hopkins with us. Thank you, Bill Bundschu.

We have no problem with you re-publishing the article on the Chrisman
website. Just please give The Examiner credit for it. That's all we ask.

Thanks!

Karl Zinke
Sports editor
The Examiner
(816) 350-6316

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 2:54 PM

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A promise made to the Chrisman track team by Coach Travis Hopkins was a realization to the athletes Friday night. Coach Hopkins had said that if the boys could come through in first place of the Pony Express meet he would then ride on top of the team bus all the way back from Liberty, MO. A full twelve miles and then would be paraded around the square.

This must have been an added incentive for the locals since they captured the meet with a total of 45 points. Following the awarding of trophies Coach Hopkins was strapped on top of the bus and amidst the shouting of happy rooters and the tooting of car horns the trip back home was begun.

Coming into the Independence city limits was when the celebration really began and after several minutes of parading through the business district the team retired to the gymnasium led by the happiest member of the bunch, Coach Hopkins, still smiling even after his novel experience, for hadn't the Bears won their first Pony Express Title.

Chrisman First In Conference

Bear Track Team Defeats Five Schools to Take Top Honors in Pony Express Meet at William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., Friday Night.

By Jerry Arnett

A group of determined William Chrisman track athletes staved off numerous Northtown threats to cop first place at the Seventh Annual Pony Express Conference Track and Field meet Friday night, and in doing so established three new league records in an evening that saw six previous records fall by the wayside. The Bears and Hornets waged a two-team battle throughout the evening that was decided only when Chrisman picked up a single counter in the 220-yard dash, and went off with the mile relay event.

The locals rolled up a total of 45 points in their league conquest as compared to 37 1/3 for Northtown. St. Joseph Central was pressing at times and was only able to make third on 24 points . Wentworth placed fourth on 16 ½ points. St. Joseph Lafayette was fifth with 14 and St. Joseph Benton was sixth with 13 1/3.

Both the 880-yard relay team and the four mile baton toters blasted old records from the books in chalking up times that will definitely give teams of the future something to shoot at. In the last event on the William Jewell College oval Dave Bates, Clayton Hall, Henry Tittle and Pete Gallup churned the four laps of the mile in 3:37.4 to abolish the old record of 3:40.6 set by Wentworth in 1948.

The 880-yard quartet of Tommy Conrow, Bates, Tittle and Hal Bergen ripped off the yardage in 1:35 to scratch off Benton's 1942 record of 1:36.4.

Pete Gallup, Chrisman's distance dynamo, sped the four laps of the gruelling mile race in 4:46.9 to shatter Alfred Cronway's time of 4:47.6 which was set in 1947. Gallup and Jimmy Miller, the Bear's one-two distance combination, led the field to the wire.

Keith Blann of North Kansas City and Johnny Boucher of Central were the individual winner of the meet. Blann took both the discus and shot put events in the afternoon and came back in the evening to set a new record in the pole vault event with a leap of 11 feet, 4 inches.

Boucher set new times in the 220-yard dash and the 440-yard dash as he pulled far out in front of both fieldss at the finish line. His time in the 220 was 22.1 whcih bettered Conway's 22.3 and he was clocked at 49.9 in the 440, 2.1 seconds faster than Conroy's 51.8.

The pole vault event by far furnished the spectators with the most excitement when the field narrowed down to only Blann and Bill Bundschu of Chrisman. When the bar was raised to 11 feet, the height which Ettinger of Chrisman cleared in 1940, the crowd gasped. Blann lugged the pole down the runway in beautiful stride, dug in and soared well over the bar. Almost everyone in the stands thought that would wind up that event, everyone, that is except Bundschu, who was still very much in contention.

Bill moved rapidly toward the horizontal bar and as he was soaring into space, gave a last second kick which enable him to clear the bar with plenty to spare.

The bar was then maneuvered to the height of 11 feet 4 inches and as Blann raced down the path hardly anyone believed that either he or Bundschu could all a full four inches on to Ettinger's vault. Blann sailed skyward and cleared the bar only to kick it on his way down to earth. The bar teetered and wobbled and as Keith picked himself up from the sawdust pit and scampered to the sideline the bar continued to shake. However, it remained on top of the two vertical poles and a new pole vault record was established. Bundschu failed on all three of his attempts and Keith pittifully failed to clear the bar when set at 11 feet, 6 inches.

A Chrisman boy who drew the wholehearted support from the crowd and a tremendous ovation from the fans when awarded a third place medal was Jimmy Miller. An entry in the 880-yard run. Jimmy was running smoothly as the field drew close at the completion of the first two laps. Gallup was leading the field with Jimmy and Jerry Miller of Northtown along with Minor of Central tightly bunched for runnerup positions. Suddenly the Central runner stumbled and unintentionally tripped Jimmy from behind. Miller sprawled headlong into the cinders but quickly resumed him composure only to find that he had been passed by several runners. Attempting to regain his stride hurriedly Jimmy began to pick up the field and with the crowd yelling its approval raced down the finish line against almost overwhelming odds. In a blazing finish Jerry Miller barely edged out this stout-hearted Chrisman runner for second place, but Jimmy had gained two points which when coupled with Gallup's five gave Chrisman superiority in the half-mile.

The complete results:

120-yard high hurdles: 1. Steve Margeas, Wentworth; 2. Dick Burkhart, N.K.C.; 3. Kenny Givan, Chrisman; 4. Bill Reynolds, Benton. New record of 15.5 shared by Margeas and Burkhart in afternoon's preliminaries. Time for race: 15.6.

100 yard dash: 1. J. Boucher, Central; 2. Charlie Thomas, Lafayette; 3. Mat Bergen, Chrisman; 4. Bates, Chrisman. Time: 10.2.

Shot put: 1. Blann, N.K.C.; 2. Thomas, Lafayette; 3. Glenn Hult, Central; 4. Medford Park, Wentworth. Distance, 44 feet, 2 7/8 inches.

Mile run: 1. Gallup, Chrisman; 2. Jimmy Miller, Chrisman; 3. Borden Taylor, Central; 4. Jerry Miller, N.K.C. Time, 4:46.9 (new record).

High jump: Three-way tie for first, second and third, between Dean Konomos, N.K.C., Bill Reynolds, Benton, and Merton McCoy, Wentworth. 4. Don Guinn, Central. Height, 5 feet, 5 inches.

880-yard relay: 1. Chrisman; 2. Lafayette; 3. N.K.C.; 4. Central. Time, 1:35 .3 (new record).

Discuss: 1. Blann, N.K.C.; 2. Bob Witham, Central; 3. Clifford Bader, Chrisman; 4. Park, Wentworth. Distance, 128 feet, 5 3/4 inches.

200-yard low hurdles: 1. Margeas, Wentworth, 2. Givan, Chrisman; 3. Burkhart, N.K.C.; 4. Reynolds, Benton. Time, 23.8.

880-yard run: 1. Gallup, Chrisman; 2. Jerry Miller, N.K.C.; 3. Jimmy Miller, Chrisman; 4. Billy Boucher, Central. Time, 2:09.4.

220-yard dash: 1. J. Coucher, Central; 2. George Rolland, Lafayette; 3. Thomas, Lafayette; 4. Bergen, Chrisman. Time, 23 seconds (new record).

Broad jump: 1. Reynolds, Benton; 2. Tittle, Chrisman; 3. Jerry Miller, N.K.C.; and Russ Busby, Central. Distance, 20 feet, 7 3/4 inches.

Pole vault: 1. Blann, N.K.C.; 2. Bundschu, Chrisman; 3. Carl Harbour, Central; 4. Henry Miller, N.K.C. Height, 11 feet, 4 inches (new record).

Mile relay: 1. Chrisman; 2. N.K.C.; 3. Central, 4. Wentworth. Time, 3:37.4 (new record).

----- Duane Thacker -----

Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 4:58 PM
Subject: WCHS Field House

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Duane Thacker. I was a 1957 graduate of WCHS and a manager for the varsity basketball team for both my junior & senior years. (We were the last class to graduate from the "Old" High School and the first class to play our varsity basketball games at the "New" High School at Noland Rd. & 24 Highway) A classmate recently sent me a message that consideration was being given to name the current WCHS Field House after Travis V. Hopkins, the varsity basketball coach at that time, as well as teaching driver's education and boy's gym.

I can't think of a better coach or teacher to receive this type of recognition. I spent many, many hours with this man during the basketball seasons for two years and got to know him extremely well. He brought a winning attitude to the program and was, by most any measurement, very successful. While that was important to the students and players at that time, the thing for which I remember him most, was the genuine concern and interest he had for every member of his teams and, for that matter, every kid at WCHS. He was highly respected by every student and teacher and I knew almost every one of them at that time.

As I grew up I realized that he was the type of coach and teacher every parent would want for their own child. He had the ability to get the absolute best out of every one of his players. The practices were long and hard and the conditioning was relentless. Just when you thought you couldn't go any more he had a way of convincing you that you could do it, and I never knew him to be wrong about that. He took kids with average talent and made really good players out of them resulting in winning teams.

Coach Hopkins (we fondly referred to him as "hoppy" because he had a severe limp from being wounded during WWII) not only invested his time in his teams but also, unknown to most people, his own money to provide "extras" for them. Just before he retired, several years after my graduation, alumni from his various teams had a dinner to honor him and a number of the players gave testimonies of their days at WCHS playing either football, track or basketball under Coach Hopkins. Over the years I have attended many of these type of recognition programs but none ever came close to comparing with this one. Never before,or since, have I heard such a genuine outpouring of respect, admiration, thanks and love for a Coach/Teacher as I heard that night.

I know he had a profound positive impact on my life and values and there are hundreds more young men and women who knew or played for him that were equally effected. If you do choose to name the WCHS Field House after him you can be assured of one thing, you made an outstanding choice.

Best regards,
Duane Thacker
Class of '57

P.S. -- If this does happen will you let me know? I will be there!

----- Don White -----

I would like to see the William Chrisman field house named after Coach Hopkins. I had him for three years in Gym Class and not only was he a great Coach but he was a great person. Coach Hopkins taught me so much in my high school days; he was a Coach, and a teacher which wanted everyone to succeed in life. I believe that William Chrisman should be honored to have the William Chrisman field house named after Coach Hopkins.

Don White, Class of 1957!

----- Cliff Crenshaw -----

Hello...

Sixteen people have already 'joined' the Facebook group "Naming the William Chrisman Field House for Coach Hopkins". Others who have contacted me but haven't joined the Facebook group includes Bob Graham ('56) and Wayne Davidson ('52) who are both former WCHS basketball players and Tom Conrow, a WCHS Athletics Hall of Famer, who was an outstanding football player athlete at WCHS.

I'm going to start contacting people on Facebook who would have been at WCHS during Hoppy's reign there. That's where I found Wayne Davidson and Tom Conrow. The sister of another basketball player from Hoppy's earlier years there is on Facebook and she joined the group. It sounds as though her brother may have passed away.

Have you received any comments that may have been sent as a result of the email I sent out with your email address on it? I saw the one from Jim ('57) and Vesta (Griffice '58) Welch.

Who started this 'movement' anyway? Was it you? I've been wondering if it started with the school, school district or from a WCHS alum or former staffer.

What do you think it's going to take to get this accomplished? Has the school district given any peramiters as to what they are looking for as far as public support is concerned? Is there a set of guidelines to follow?

Just curious.

Has there been any talk about naming something affiliated with the music department for M. O. Johnson? It seems that would be fitting since he was hired when there were no facilities, etc, for the music department and while there were bands and orchestras prior to his arrival he seems to have been the person who made it a center piece of the school's culture.

Cliff

----- Carole Garrison -----

I vote for naming it after Coach Hopkins.. My husband and I both graduated in 1958
Carole Garrison

----- Thom Borchert -----

I think it is a great idea to name it after "Hoppy".

I took GYM all three years because I loved and respected him.

It will be a SHAME if we do not honor Coach Hopkins this way.

Thom Borchert Class of '57

----- D. Shelby Brightwell -----

I received e-mail from Cliff Crenshaw re the naming of the gym at William Chrisman after Coach Hopkins. Of course I would support and recommend this decision wholeheartedly. He was a tremendous influence on shaping my life re any number of important issues; I am sure that hundreds of his former students and athletics would say the same thing.

I played on basketball teams from 1950-52 in which we won 24 or 25 games every year. His high standards of social conduct and academic achievement were guides for our future life. I was very disappointed in the manner in which he was removed as the basketball coach.

Please include my name among those in support of naming the facility in his honor.

Thanks,
D. Shelby Brightwell

----- Bill Dawson -----

I think it would be great to name the gym in Coach Hopkins name. He was a great coach & a big influence for a lot of students.

Bill Dawson 1957

----- Bill Reynolds -----

"Name the William Chrisman HS Field House after Coach Hopkins"

Coach Hopkins was a Great Positive influence on all the students. Name the William Chrisman HS Field House in Memory of Coach T.V. Hopkins

----- Cliff Crenshaw -----

here are the comments that have been left on Facebook, already. Some are on the "Name the William Chrisman HS Field House for Coach Hopkins page. Some are just posted on Facebook generally

Gene Kinnaman ('57) 100 percent in favor. Coach Hopkins what an inspiration

Ollie Sheley ('57) Hoppy was one of the greatest and most influential men in my life. Thanks for this great idea. Pass the word.

Joseph Turner Sr. ('57) I've always thought that Coach Hopkins deserved tremendous credit for the coaching that took a relatively small school like WCHS to state so many times and I'll certainly never forget the game where the Bears defeated the highly favored St Louis University City team with the 6' 9" Sandy Pomerantz. I've... See More never seen a better or more hard fought game at any level of play and I agree with the sports writer who wrote that it was worthy of being a state championship game.

Rose (Della Rose McAnally) Lintner ('57) Good idea .... Love it!

Carl Gillespie ('57) A grand idea! I'm all for it! He deserves it.

Mary Garrison Marriott Such wonderful memories of Coach Hopkins. He coached my brother Freddie and he was worshiped by the whole team.

----- eelint -----

Really good Idea..

----- Bob Graham -----

Does anyone from the last 40 years of graduates even know who Hopkins was? Seems a little late to recognize him. I haven't keep up with William Chrisman , but there is probably a more recent "celebrity coach" to use. If he was is the most successful of his peers, then I am for it.

Bob Graham "56"
(recipient of some of Hopkins celebrity glow).

----- JIM & VESTA WELCH -----

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

WE THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO RENAME THE FIELDHOUSE AFTER COACH HOPKINS

JIM & VESTA WELCH

----- Cliff Crenshaw -----

Some people have started a movement to have the WCHS basketball court (field house, gym, or whatever you want to call it) for Coach Hopkins. If you think this is a good idea (or even if you don't) send a note to Cecil Taylor and he'll make certain the note is forwarded to the folks that need to know your opinions. You might put a little blurb in your note stating why you believe as you do, but it's not necessary. (E-MAIL address removed by request.)

You can also join the Facebook group "Name the William Chrisman HS Field House for Coach Hopkins.

Here is the link to that Facebook page. It includes some photos. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106268409400654&ref=mf#!/group.php?gid=106268409400654&ref=nf

Here is the link to a web page I put together for this effort. There are some photos on here too. http://www.williechris.com/wh_NameTheGymForHoppy.htm

You may know folks that would like to see this happen. Please get in touch with them and pass this information along.

Cliff

----- Robie Mathews 67 & Reunion Coordinator -----

Hazel Hopkins (widow of Hoppy) 816-XXX-XXXX (Don't have permission to share this number.)

I�m looking for Mr. Tom Conrow�s address in Independence.

----- Cecil Taylor 65 -----

I certainly am not the main player on Coach Hopkins. Coach Keeton brought up Hopkins during the Class of 1958 50th reunion planning and my sister, Nancy, made sure I knew about it.

Cliff Crenshaw has already set up a Facebook page and a web page devoted to Hopkins and naming the gym after him.

Hopkins is literally a legend. Wounded in the war, his athletes tied him on the top of the bus for a return trip from a track meet at Jewel in 1949? and on and on it goes.

What I want to do right now with Hopkins is gather enough information on him to write up a very nice bio-sketch of him and get it posted on the website I run under the "teachers" category. When the school tells us how to proceed on seeking gym naming rights for Hoppy or any other coach or teacher - then I will do my best to get the word out so those from the 40's and 50's can make their best case for Hoppy.

Right now I have been pushing for an All Alumni Quarterly News Letter with one part being the official school portion where the school lets us know the schedule of events to which Alumni are welcome. For my Class of 1965, we have been doing pretty well about attending two or three current school events per year. With Dan Ogle giving us times and dates - it is a piece of cake to get some classmates to attend. The second part of the newsletter is about Reunions - who is doing what and when. Great reference for other classes to get some ideas for their own reunions. Anyway - if you would like to sign up for the All Alumni newsletter - just go to www.williamchrismanhighschool.com#news.

For anyone who might read this and decide they want to make their WCHS Class aware of the effort to name the WCHS gym after Coach Hopkins - they can go to http://www.tmes.biz/williamchrisman/all_submit.shtml and send a form message to their Class Reunion Point of Contact. I have made an effort to make as many Class Reunion Points of Contact available as possible. If you know the contact information for a Class that is not listed in the drop down menu - select "Webmaster" and send me their name. Thank you.

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Teacher Index

Coach Hopkins

June 2010 - Bio-Sketch
Travis Verne Hopkins

Chrisman First In Conference

Bear Track Team Defeats Five Schools to Take Top Honors in Pony Express Meet at William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., Friday Night.

The complete results:

Teacher Index

Coach Hopkins

June 2010 - Bio-SketchTravis Verne Hopkins

Chrisman First In Conference

Bear Track Team Defeats Five Schools to Take Top Honors in Pony Express Meet at William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., Friday Night.

The complete results:

June 2010 - Bio-Sketch
Travis Verne Hopkins