My daughter, Aftan, ran in the summer with Staley Striders, and Bill made it possible for Aftan and fellow runner Elisha to go to Nationals in California with the Junior Olympics! What I remember most about Bill is his total focus on track. One day at the end of a Staley Strider practice, it started to rain and Aftan and I headed for my car. Bill thought of something else he wanted to say, so he came over to the car and I slightly let my window down to talk with him. It was pouring rain by that time and he talked to me as if he didn't even notice that he was getting drenched! He stood there for quite awhile going into detail and I wanted to laugh, but tried to concentrate on what he was saying rather than the amount of rain pouring off his cap! It's just the kind of person he was. It was at Area Best that Aftan ran a very good time in the 800, and Bill said he was impressed and I could tell he meant it. Coming from Bill, who I knew was the most knowledgeable coach ever, his validation of her running ability meant so much!

Posted by Barbara Noon on May 16, 2024

I was shocked to hear about the passing of Coach Harbeck. He was a man who lived and breathed track/running. The Generals had plenty of state finalist and it was all due to coach’s passion for the sport. Rest now coach your work is done and very much appreciated. Michael Simpson

Posted by Michael Simpson on May 15, 2024