A man known for his red hair wound up leading the Austin High School athletic program, proudly wearing AHS red and white.

Harold Hastings was born in Nashewa, Iowa in 1905. He participated in high school sports and garnered attention as a star on the Carleton College football team.

He played before helmets were in regular use and was easily spotted because of his red hair. By the time he graduated, he had earned the nickname “Red” and it stuck with him.

After several years of coaching in small towns, Hastings came to Austin in 1939. He served as the Austin High School football coach for 13 years, posting seven conference championships and three state championships in that time.

Hastings was the athletic director for 18 years and established the grade school physical education program in Austin.

Hastings’ coaching and teaching philosophy centered around giving each child a chance to excel. He died in 1992 and the AHS gym was dedicated in his honor in 1994.

Reader Mike Ruzek and the AHS Alumni and Friends Association contributed to this article.

What’s happening at the HHH

Monday: Floral Club at 1 p.m.

Thursday: Spruce Up Austin, 7:30 a.m., Y’s Women at 6:30 p.m.

 Coming soon to the HHH

• Social Concerns: The Power of Touch by Julie Champlin, masseuse, on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. Come and enjoy an introduction to hand and feet massage and reflexology.

Massage decreases stress and fulfills the need for human touch. When we speak of something “touching”it implies a close link between touch and the emotional reactions of the heart.

It is more than a metaphor-our skin does speak to our hearts and our hearts respond. Please bring your favorite bottle of lotion and a small towel and you will be given an opportunity to learn how to apply pressure to relax with reflexology and massage strokes for your hands and feet.

Register at 433-4243 by Monday, Jan. 16.

• Cooking Tips & Trends will be held at at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. “Tour of Asian Cuisine” will be presented by Patrick King, as part 1 of 3-part “Passport to Flavor” classes in January, February and March. Register through Community Ed at 460-1704.

• Austin Wedding Showcase featuring the Austin Bruins, will be noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. The Bridal Fashion Show is presented by Belles & Beaus and ViDeyo Arts at 2 p.m. Admission is $3 at the door.