KINGSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville athletic department, with the generosity of Martin Clement, announced the establishment of the Ron and Marlene Harms Scholarship Endowment on Monday.

Earnings from the scholarship endowment will go to a Javelina Football Player in honor of the College Football Hall of Famer and his wife based on the following criteria: the football player is a student in good academic standing with Texas A&M-Kingsville, demonstrates success on the field, and demonstrates integrity and leadership among his teammates.

"On behalf of the University and the Department, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Clement family in starting this scholarship in honor of Coach Harms and his wife," said Steve Roach, Executive Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation. "Coach Harms and Marlene made such a significant impact on his student-athletes during his time as both football coach and athletic director, and this endowment in their names will continue to make a positive impact on the student-athlete experience."

For friends, fans and former student-athletes who wish to contribute to this new scholarship, donations may be made by making a check to the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation and mailed to the following address:

700 University Blvd, MSC 173
Kingsville, Texas 78363

Please make a note in the memo section of the check to the Harms Scholarship. Alternatively, those interested in contributing can also make an online donation at the following link: RON AND MARLENE HARMS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

"Melinda and I are delighted and honored to spearhead this effort to establish this scholarship endowment in the name of Ron and Marlene Harms," said Clement. "Ron and Marlene lived Javelina athletics for many years, and Ron and I are longtime friends.

"Ron was instrumental in shaping the lives of many young men over the many years he was head coach of Javelina football. Many of those folks maintained close ties with Ron over the years and will now have a way to honor him."

"I would like to extend our appreciation to Martin Clement and the Clement family for creating this endowed scholarship in support of Javelina Football," said head coach Mike Salinas. "This endowed scholarship will recognize Coach Harms and his wife Marlene for their dedication and service to Texas A&M-Kingsville.

"Coach Harms had an incredible impact on this university, but had an even greater impact on all the young men he coached."

Harms enjoyed a 31-year career as a head coach at three different football programs in which he won 14 conference championships and one NAIA national title. His coaching career began at Concordia College before he landed at Adams State ahead of his 21-year stint at TAMUK.

Harms' first year in Kingsville culminated in a Lone Star Conference Championship and NAIA National Championship in 1979 with a 12-1 overall record. His career as lead man for the Javelinas featured 11 LSC Championships, including six straight from 1992 to 1997, and eight trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. The Javelinas reached the semifinal round in five of those trips, including an appearance in the 1994 NCAA Division II National Championship game.

Harms retired from coaching following the 1999 season, finishing his career with NAIA Coach of the Year, AFCA Regional Coach of the Year, NAIA District Coach of the Year, CNN NCAA Division II Coach of the Year and LSC Coach of the Year accolades. He was first inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 2002, was inducted into the LSC Hall of Honor in 2003, and most recently became the seventh Javelina to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COACH HARMS' IMPACT ON JAVELINA ATHLETICS

"Coach Harms deserves a lot of credit for the Javelina program being one of the best in college football history. He produced not only championship teams, but also some of the greatest college football players ever. From Richard Ritchie, college footballs' most successful quarterback, to Johnny Bailey, the only three-time Harlon Hill Trophy recipient, and even Pro Football Hall of Fame members Darrell Green and John Randle, the list could go on and on. He is one of college footballs' most successful coaches and Javelina Nation is fortunate to have him on staff for 23 years." – Fred Nuesch, Emeritus Sports Information Director

"I would not have had the success I enjoyed if it wasn't for Coach Harms. Within a minute of meeting on the field, we were correcting errors and he was giving me tips for running the option. He was a positive and stabilizing force for me, and from day one he was like a father. You will not find a bigger fan of Coach Harms than me. This scholarship endowment will forever honor the Coach and his wife and will greatly benefit future Javelina football players." – Richard Ritchie, College Football Hall of Fame 1998 inductee, Class of 1977

"We all know Coach Harms and his amazing records, but to me, Coach Harms and his wife Marlene were great mentors. They both had an incredible talent of bringing the best out of young people. Coach Harms took a chance on a lot of different young athletes and prepared them for life beyond Kingsville. Miss Marlene did the same with young women who were developing their roles as coach's wives in the ever-changing profession of coaching. They both led by example and I know, personally speaking, they influenced me greatly in my roles at the university as well as how I interact and raise my family. This scholarship will certainly keep their influence and memory alive at Javelina Nation." – Ruben Cantu, Associate Athletic Director

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