KINGSVILLE, Texas - Harold Hees, a 1982 inductee to the Javelina Hall of Fame and member of the 1959 NAIA National Championship football team, passed away this week at the age of 82.

Hees lettered for the Javelina football program for three years as a fullback under College Football Hall of Fame coach Gil Steinke after spending his freshman year at Texas A&M where he was recruited by another College Football Hall of Fame coach in Bear Bryant. A business major from Harlingen, Texas, he was one of the team's leading scorers and rushers in his first season with the team.

As a junior in 1959, Hees was named All-Lone Star Conference as the Javelinas won their first-ever LSC championship and claimed their first NAIA national championship in program history. He was named All-LSC again in the 1960 season, landed on the All-Texas College team, and was named Associated Press Little All-America honorable mention as the program clinched its second LSC championship and the Great Southwest Bowl title with him in the backfield.

Prior to his time at Texas A&I, Hees lettered for three years at Harlingen High School in the mid-1950s. He was a two-time All-District honoree, led District 8-3A in scoring and was among the Valley leaders in touchdowns scored.

Hees was active away from the gridiron as well, being named to the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and was a member of the Javelina Society for the Texas A&M-Kingsville Foundation. In 2016 he was honored by the Javelina Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumni, an award presented to individuals whose personal and professional accomplishments have brought honor and prestige to Javelina Nation.

An ever-present member in the community, Hees was president of the Kingsville Jaycees in 1963 and 1965, during which time they received the Outstanding Club of the Year Award. He was also president and member of the Holy Cross Church Council and served on the City of Aransas Pass Electrical Board.

For Javelina Nation, Hees was a member of the President's Circle since its inception, was a member of the Champion's Club in 2012 and 2013, the Century Club in 2000 and the Texas A&I Javelina Club Golden Javelinas in 1985 and 1986.

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