Harry Heller
Biographical details
Born(1874-10-14)October 14, 1874
Ottawa, Kansas, U.S.
DiedApril 2, 1917(1917-04-02) (aged 42)
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Alma materBaker University
University of Colorado
Playing career
1893–1894Baker
1894Colorado
1895Denver Athletic Club
Position(s)Halfback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1894Colorado
Head coaching record
Overall8–1
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
1 Colorado Football Association (1894)

Harry L. Heller (October 14, 1874 – April 2, 1917) was an American football player and coach. He served as the first head football coach at the University of Colorado at Boulder, coaching one season in 1894 and compiling a record of 8–1.[1]

Biography

Early life and career

Heller was born in Ottawa, Kansas on October 14, 1874. He moved to Chanute sometime during his childhood.[2] He attended Baker University and played as a halfback on the football team during the early 1890s. In 1894, Heller became the first head coach of the University of Colorado football team with the recommendation of team captain Harry P. Gamble.[3] During the season, he led Colorado to its first conference championship. Heller stepped down as head coach following the season.[4] The following year in 1895, Heller played on Denver Athletic Club's football team.[5]

Later life

Heller later moved to Kansas City where he graduated from medical college and practiced medicine. On December 4, 1900, he married Margaret Berenice Macdonald (1880 – 1948).[6] The two had a daughter, Margaret (1905 – 2005).[7] Heller died in Kansas City from pneumonia on April 2, 1917.[2]

Head coaching record

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Colorado Silver and Gold (Colorado Football Association) (1894)
1894 Colorado 8–1 5–0 1st
Colorado: 8–1 5–0
Total: 8–1
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

References

  1. ^ "Coaching Records" (PDF). 2010 Colorado Football Information Guide & Record Book. University of Colorado Buffaloes. p. 129. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 16, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Dr. H. L. Heller Dead". Vol. 21, no. 115. Ottawa Herald. April 3, 1917.
  3. ^ "Local News". The Baker Beacon. Vol. 6, no. 4. September 25, 1894.
  4. ^ "Colorado Football History" (PDF). University of Colorado Athletics.
  5. ^ "Harry Heller Dies In Kansas City". Rocky Mountain News. Vol. 58, no. 97. April 7, 1917.
  6. ^ "Mrs. Heller, 66, Passes Monday". The Wichita Eagle. Vol. 76, no. 186. July 6, 1948.
  7. ^ "[untitled]". The Wichita Eagle. March 13, 2005.
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