Charles H. Huggins (1973) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

Charles H. Huggins

Induction:
1973

Charles H. Huggins
Sport: Special
Year Inducted: 1973

Charles H. Huggins, according to the book, was athletic trainer at Brown from 1897 until his death in October of 1924. Don’t believe the book. He was much more than that. In an era when athletic trainers at major universities were well-rounded men often more knowledgeable about coaching than the men they worked for, Huggins was a giant in his field. In addition to serving as a trainer for all varsity sports, he served without salary as coach of a number of minor sports, just to “keep them going” in an era of financial strain. He also coached varsity track (winning a New England title), and handled baseball one year when Coach Wally Snell was ill. His day began at 6 a.m. and ended when he completed the bed check of his athletes in the late evening. There is no indication that he also sold tickets at Andrews Field. But don’t bet against it. Huggins was an innovative trainer, one of the best. He was also the man who organized intercollegiate swimming at Brown in 1905-06 and who made the school a swimming power. Between 1919 and 1924, Huggins had a 37-6 record and won three consecutive New England titles. Huggins knew swimming and knew how to teach the sport. He was patience personified in getting a recruit to learn how to turn properly or do something that would increase his speed or improve his form. A loveable character, always ready with a story, Charlie Huggins devoted his life to Brown and to Brown athletics, doing more for the University over a long stretch than many men whom the University had loaded with honors.