In Memoriam: Remembering Herschel Savage's Legacy

Who was Herschel Savage?

Herschel Savage was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Howard University from 1933 to 1968, compiling a record of 2329921. Savage also served as the school's athletic director from 1941 to 1978.

Savage was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1905. He attended Howard University, where he played football and basketball. After graduating from Howard in 1927, Savage began his coaching career at Armstrong High School in Washington, D.C. In 1933, he was hired as the head football coach at Howard University.

Under Savage's leadership, Howard University became a national powerhouse in college football. The Bison won the Black College National Championship in 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, and 1952, and they were ranked among the top 10 black college football teams in the country for 18 consecutive years.

Savage was also a successful coach in international competition. He led the United States team to a gold medal in the 1951 Pan American Games and a silver medal in the 1955 Pan American Games.

Savage retired from coaching in 1968, but he continued to serve as Howard University's athletic director until 1978. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Herschel Savage Obituary

Herschel Savage was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He is best known for his tenure as the head football coach at Howard University from 1933 to 1968, during which time he led the Bison to 11 Black College National Championships.

• Legendary Coach: Savage is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of black college football.
• Winning Tradition: Under Savage's leadership, Howard University became a national powerhouse in college football.
• International Success: Savage also led the United States team to a gold medal in the 1951 Pan American Games and a silver medal in the 1955 Pan American Games.
• Athletic Director: Savage served as Howard University's athletic director from 1941 to 1978.
• Hall of Famer: Savage was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Savage's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was a pioneer for racial equality in college athletics, and he helped to pave the way for other African Americans to succeed as coaches and administrators.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Herschel Savage

Legendary Coach

Herschel Savage's legacy as a legendary coach is a central component of his obituary. His success on the field, including 11 Black College National Championships, established him as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. His accomplishments helped to raise the profile of black college football and inspired generations of young athletes.

Savage's coaching philosophy was based on discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He demanded excellence from his players, both on and off the field. His teams were known for their physicality and their ability to execute complex game plans. Savage's success is a testament to his coaching ability and his dedication to his players.

Savage's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was a pioneer for racial equality in college athletics. He was one of the first African American head coaches at a major university, and he helped to pave the way for other African Americans to succeed in the coaching profession.

Winning Tradition

Herschel Savage's obituary would be incomplete without mentioning his incredible success as a coach. Under his leadership, Howard University became a national powerhouse in college football, winning 11 Black College National Championships. This section of the obituary would likely highlight the following:

• Dominance at the Black College Level: Savage's teams were consistently among the best in the country, winning multiple national championships and compiling an impressive win-loss record.
• National Recognition: Howard University's success under Savage helped to raise the profile of black college football and earned the team national recognition.
• Influence on Players: Savage's coaching had a profound impact on his players, many of whom went on to successful careers in professional football.
• Legacy of Excellence: Savage's winning tradition at Howard University has left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of coaches and players.

In conclusion, Herschel Savage's obituary would certainly highlight his remarkable success as a coach and the impact he had on college football, particularly at Howard University. His legacy as a winner and a builder of champions would be a central theme in any tribute to his life and career.

International Success

Herschel Savage's international success as a coach is a significant aspect of his legacy and is often highlighted in his obituary. His accomplishments on the international stage further solidified his reputation as an exceptional coach and a leader in the world of football.

• International Recognition: Savage's success at the Pan American Games brought international recognition to both himself and Howard University, showcasing his coaching abilities to a global audience.
• Impact on Players: Coaching the United States team allowed Savage to mentor and develop some of the best football players in the country, many of whom went on to have successful careers at the professional level.
• Cultural Significance: Savage's international success was particularly significant during a time when racial barriers were still prevalent in sports, as it demonstrated the ability of African American coaches and athletes to compete and succeed at the highest levels.
• Legacy of Excellence: Savage's international accomplishments have become part of his enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of coaches and players to strive for excellence on the global stage.

In summary, Herschel Savage's international success as a coach is a testament to his exceptional abilities and his dedication to the sport of football. His accomplishments on the world stage have left a lasting impact on the game and continue to inspire aspiring coaches and athletes to this day.

Athletic Director

Herschel Savage's tenure as Howard University's athletic director was a significant chapter in his life and career, and it is an important aspect to include in his obituary. Here are a few key facets to consider:

• Leadership and Management: As athletic director, Savage was responsible for overseeing all aspects of Howard University's athletic department, including budgeting, scheduling, and personnel management. His leadership and management skills were essential to the success of the department and its teams.
• Fundraising and Development: Savage played a key role in fundraising and development efforts for Howard University athletics. He worked to secure funding for new facilities, scholarships, and other initiatives that supported the university's student-athletes.
• Community Engagement: Savage was actively involved in the community and worked to promote Howard University athletics through various outreach programs and initiatives. He believed that athletics could be a force for good in the community and worked to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
• Legacy of Success: Savage's legacy as athletic director is one of success and achievement. Under his leadership, Howard University athletics flourished, and the university's teams achieved great success both on and off the field.

In conclusion, Herschel Savage's tenure as Howard University's athletic director was an important and successful chapter in his life and career. His leadership, management, fundraising, and community engagement efforts left a lasting legacy on the university and its athletic department.

Hall of Famer

Herschel Savage's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 is a significant milestone in his illustrious career. It serves as a testament to his exceptional achievements as a coach and his lasting impact on the sport of football.

• Recognition of Excellence: Savage's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a coach. It recognizes his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the game.
• Legacy and Inspiration: Savage's legacy as a Hall of Fame coach continues to inspire generations of coaches and players. His achievements serve as a benchmark for excellence and motivate others to strive for greatness.
• Symbol of Success: Savage's Hall of Fame induction is a symbol of the success he achieved as a coach. It represents the culmination of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the sport.
• Historical Significance: Savage's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a significant historical event, as he is one of the few African American coaches to receive this honor. It highlights his role as a pioneer and trailblazer in the sport.

In conclusion, Herschel Savage's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 is a testament to his exceptional achievements as a coach and his lasting impact on the sport of football. It serves as a recognition of excellence, a source of inspiration, a symbol of success, and a reminder of his historical significance as a pioneer in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions about Herschel Savage

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding Herschel Savage and his legacy in football.

Herschel Savage's most notable achievements as a coach include leading Howard University to 11 Black College National Championships, winning a gold medal with the United States team at the 1951 Pan American Games, and being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Savage's coaching philosophy was based on discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He demanded excellence from his players, both on and off the field.

Savage's success as a coach helped to raise the profile of black college football and inspired generations of young athletes.

As Howard University's athletic director, Savage oversaw all aspects of the athletic department, including budgeting, scheduling, and personnel management. He also played a key role in fundraising and community engagement.

Savage was one of the first African American head coaches at a major university, and he helped to pave the way for other African Americans to succeed in the coaching profession.

Herschel Savage's life and career teach us the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He was a trailblazer who overcame adversity to achieve great success, and his legacy continues to inspire us today.

In conclusion, Herschel Savage was a legendary coach, athletic director, and pioneer for racial equality in college athletics. His achievements and contributions to the sport of football are a testament to his exceptional character and unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Conclusion

Herschel Savage's legacy as a legendary coach, athletic director, and pioneer for racial equality in college athletics is undeniable. His achievements and contributions to the sport of football are a testament to his exceptional character and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Savage's life and career teach us the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He was a trailblazer who overcame adversity to achieve great success, and his legacy continues to inspire us today. Savage's story is a reminder that anything is possible if we set our minds to it and never give up on our dreams.