Henry L. Harkins (1975) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Henry L. Harkins

Induction:
1975
Class:
1956

INAUGURAL CLASS
1951-56

A graduate of Akron East High School who became UA’s all-time high career scorer, Henry “Mike” Harkins owned 10 school records.

Under Russ Beichly, Harkins played only three games in the 1951-52 season and 16 games his senior campaign (1955-56). In between those years he played full seasons in 1952-53 and 1954-55, but dropped out of school during the 1953-54 campaign.

In 1954-55, he scored 521 points in 22 games, including 174 free throws-15 against both Woosterland Colorado State- joining the Akron “500 Club” with Fritz Nagy and Jim “Red” Fenton.

In his senior campaign, Harkins scored 46 points against Heidelberg and averaged 28.4 points, both records that still stand. Harkins’ three-year total of 1,425 points ranked him sixth on the all-time list.

Beichly on Harkins: “He probably had more actual basketball sense, that is, ability to do the right thing instinctively, than anyone I’ve coached.”

Harkins served as the head coach at Eastern Montana College for 16 years. Prior to the 1975-76 season his teams had compiled 270-148 record, including 11 Frontier Conference Championships and nine NAIA District crowns.