In 2003, the Austin High School football stadium was dedicated in honor of Arthur P. Hass. He was born on February 25, 1920 in Clinton, Iowa. He delayed his plans to farm with his uncle when his high school football coach encouraged him to attend Coe College in Cedar Rapids.

After completing his degree, he began teaching and coaching in Fayette, Grundy Center and Decorah, Iowa and also served in the Marines for four years during World War II.

Hass came to Austin in 1953 where he began his career teaching junior high social studies and coaching football and track at the high school. In his 17-year career as the AHS Football Head Coach, the team recorded 165 wins, 53 losses and 8 ties.

In 1970, Hass became the athletic director and lead the development of the girls sports program in Austin.

Hass is remembered for encouraging students to pursue a wide variety of interests, not just sports. He also taught students to have fun and learn from losses as well as wins. Hass died in 2005 and is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Reader Mike Ruzek and the AHS Alumni & Friends contributed source material to this article.

 

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Coming soon to the HHH

• Social Concerns: The Power of Touch by Julie Champlin, masseuse on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 at 10 a.m. Register at 433-4243 by Monday, Jan. 16.

• Cooking Tips & Trends on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. Watch for details.

• Austin Wedding Showcase featuring the Austin Bruins on Sunday, Jan. 29 at noon to 3 p.m.