Bill Minahan’s influence did not end when his life did. The spirit of the legendary Hillsborough County football coach, who died a little more than a year ago, was palpable at the Columbia Restaurant last month. Five county football players, all with inspiring qualifications, were honored as finalists for the inaugural Bill Minahan Award. Plant City junior Markese Hargrove was selected the winner, and Strawberry Crest’s Darius Williams was one of the finalists.
But all of the finalists — and really, everyone in attendance — came away victors. The athletes’ stories of perseverance, selflessness and leadership moved in many ways, and each received a $1,500 scholarship.
Two finalists, Steinbrenner’s Phillip Smith and Williams, have been homeless. Jefferson’s Ernest Mills was burned over 95% of his body as a baby and has had more than 100 surgeries. Robinson quarterback Andrew Moss started a 7-on-7 tournament in which all the proceeds go to the Children’s Home.
But Hargrove has a story all his own.
Hargrove’s father landed in prison before he was born. His mother, Kenyatta Shaw, raised Hargrove along with two siblings, all the while taking in transitional foster children.
Hargrove was honored to be selected the winner.
“I guess it shows that what I’m doing is appreciated,” he said.
Hargrove, a junior running back, has a 4.3 grade-point average. His coach, Wayne Ward, said Hargrove is the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. Often he leaves with others, offering up rides to teammates who need them.
And he also tutors them. With Hargrove’s help, the team GPA has shot up 40%.
“The grades started getting better, slowly and then boom, they exploded,” Ward said. “And he came to me with that whole idea of tutoring. He said ‘Coach, I got this; I can help.’ And I said, ‘Yes, go do it. Please!’ ”
Shaw said his mentoring skills definitely started at home. And Hargrove said older brother, former Raider star running back Dazmond Patterson, has encouraged him even more along those lines.
Hargrove’s mentorship echoes Minahan’s. After serving in the Korean War, he played quarterback at the University of Tampa before settling in as local coach, leading Jesuit High School to a state title in 1968. His credentials certainly would have served him as a father figure to a player like Hargrove.
“Outside of my own father, Coach Minahan was the most important man in my life. And I can guarantee you there are hundreds more who would tell you the same thing,” said Skipper Peek, who won the Guy Toph Award under Minahan’s leadership in 1975.
Peek said many of Minahan’s players went on to become successful in life, using a lot of the traits Minahan instilled.
And Peek forecasted that athletes, like the ones honored, would continue the effect.
Minahan knew something about perseverance. He received a kidney transplant in 1986, one that was expected to last maybe five years and instead held out for nearly 28.
“He would have been proud to be your coach,” Richard Gonzmart, who played for Minahan at Jesuit, said.
He and other former players, along with Minahan’s widow, Martha, shared memories of Minahan’s enthusiasm, passion, legendary speeches and — most of all — his willingness to do anything for his players.
After reading the stories of the submitted nominees, the panel in charge of picking its first winner realized it needed a bigger event. The festivities were originally going to be a small luncheon affair, but ended up with 64 guests.