I’m a big western movie fan. As I waited to first meet Coach Hysell on a recruiting trip, I noticed a large John Wayne Poster in his office. At that moment, I knew I would like him. When he finally came into the office, he was just what I imagined a college head football coach would be; big, blunt and larger than life. It was these things about him that moved me to sign on with Montana State University to play football.

As if the culture shock of being a football player from Compton, Calif. coming to Bozeman, Mont. wasn’t enough to absorb, the demanding nature of Coach Hysell pushed me beyond my limits. I soon developed a love-hate relationship with the 3-a-day practices at football camp, which by no surprise are now banned by the NCAA. Throughout my college career, Coach Hysell would ride me so hard. Efforts never seemed enough. During my sophomore year, I approached my positions coach and asked, “Why is Coach (Hysell) all up in me all the time?” He replied, “If he didn’t care about you or see anything in you he wouldn’t say anything. Be worried if he stops yelling at you.” That philosophy has stayed with me, and is one I’ve instilled into my own kids as they deal with their coaches.
Coach Hysell helped me prove to myself how hard I could work and most importantly, how to own up to mistakes. Going into my senior year, I was still dealing with my Napoleon complex as I continued to get into “scuffles” at the local bars and parties. Finally, Coach Hysell called me into his office one day. Waiting out your fate in Coach Hysell’s office was like getting sent to the principal 10 fold. That feeling of not knowing your immediate future was unbearable. He understood this too, as he’d make you wait 10-15 minutes in his office before he came in. The wait always seemed like an eternity. My stomach still turns to this day just thinking about it.

When he came in, Coach Hysell told me this was his last attempt at saving me. If I got into any more trouble, socially or academically, he was sending me home. He also made me stand up in front of the team at the end of practice to tell them about our agreement. One more mess up was not an option. It was then that I straightened up, and would later earn my degree. For this, I thank him dearly.

Atta-boys were hard-earned with Coach Hysell, too. One of my proudest moments playing under him came when I had a big hit during a game. As I jogged onto the sidelines afterward, Coach slapped me on the helmet and yelled, “Way to knock his dick in the dirt Perkins!” That felt good, for I had just pleased one of the hardest people in the world to please!

Upon graduating from Montana State, I became a business man in Bozeman and opened my own clothing store. When I would run into Coach Hysell on the street, he’d congratulate me on my clothes “deal”. Even then, I still found myself trying to impress him, by telling him about my success, my kids’ and  future endeavors etc. He’d just say he was happy for me and he thought I’d get fat after football! Love Coach.

When I attended Coach Hysell’s memorial at Montana State University, it was crazy for me to hear his lifelong friends share their stories. I realized the one thing about him remained constant throughout each story, and that was Coach’s sincerity. He carried himself in this way throughout his life, approached friends, family and colleagues in the same manner. There was never a fake bone in his body. Sadly enough, there aren’t too many people like that around anymore.

That day in his office with the John Wayne poster, when I signed a letter of intent to play football for Montana State University, Coach Hysell said to me, “Screw the bells and whistles, I’m offering  you a full ride scholarship to play college football. All I can guarantee you is a chance at a college education and degree. And return you to your family a better man.”

I must admit, your mission was accomplished, sir. May you rest in peace.  

Josh Perkins was MSU Defensive Back, 1996-2000: and Team Capt., 2000. He is currently the owner of Justus Entertainment Group/Clothing Store.