Jim Biglin 1927-2002

Most who read this won’t have the foggiest! Those who do will appreciate every word. However, the very next time you visit the Chapman Consbruck Gymnasium, take a close look at a couple of the large pictures on the wall depicting the first two STC State Basketball Teams. There you will find a gentleman standing next to his players donned in a V-neck sweater that would have been orange in color if printed in such fashion. It is he of whom I speak.
An obituary appeared in the Tribune on January 3, 2003. It may have gone unnoticed. There was no picture. It was relatively simple, no reason to catch one’s eye. It read, James Biglin. It was just as well because words may not exist to adequately describe Coach Biglin. At least, they may not exist in my limited vocabulary.
Since the news of his death reached many of us here and elsewhere, my email box has been bombarded with cares and concerns, tales and recollections; all humorous or fond. My best attempt to describe him was in an email that I sent to his son, Michael. I have decided to share it with you.


"Dear Michael,
I wish to extend my personal condolences with the loss of your father, Jim. He occupied a very special place in the hearts of many here at St. Cecilia’s High School. Certainly, those being copied with this correspondence are among this group.
Several of us have been trading email messages, attempting to find someway in which to remember him and point out to others the role that he played in our school history. Coach Biglin led our school to its very first State Basketball Championship. However, much more important was the fact that he alone was responsible for establishing the Blue Hawk winning traditions for years to follow.
Certainly, the procedures that he put in place and the development that resulted were due to his hard work and dedication and, I might add, aptitude. HE KNEW WHAT IT TOOK TO WIN!
Every Saturday morning for many years, Coach Biglin would crawl out of bed about 7:30 following a late night Varsity game. He would drag himself across 6th & Minnesota to the Kealy Gymtorium where hordes of 7-8 year olds would be waiting for his arrival. He would open up the gym, turn on the lights, drag out the old jerseys, connect the varsity clock, roll the basketballs onto the gym floor and organize this unruly tribe into teams; just like the big guys the evening prior. At 9AM the 9-10 year olds arrived; at 10AM, the 11-12 year olds, etc. This is how many of us learned to play the game, some exceptionally well. The results of these scrimmages can be seen by the various State Championships positioned on the wall at the Frances Consbruck Chapman Gymnasium today.
Obviously, it is still much more than this. He had the ability to inspire and guide. Though leading with an iron fist, he also instilled virtues of faith, integrity, courage and sportsmanship. He led with gusto and fervor, intelligence and backbone. Frankly, he taught us how to be men. He made it hurt but you loved him for it. It was a sad day when he and your mother left Hastings for Lincoln. There was a pretty big hole remaining.
Norbert Parr was one of the individuals coached by your father. (Norb was known for his very soft hands when receiving the football. Unfortunately, he also had very poor eyesight) He indicated that Coach Biglin ‘taught him the value of sportsmanship and fair play’. So, it is with that thought in mind that we wish to establish a scholarship in his name. Though still open for suggestions, this scholarship would be given to any athlete displaying exemplary sportsmanship while competing in any athletic competition for the Blue Hawks during the school year, Senior year included.
The monies contributed through contributions would be held by Wachovia Securities and Mr. Patrick Duggins. Mr. Duggins would distribute no more than the Interest earned or not more than 5% of the Principal established. In this manner the scholarship would continue to grow over a period of time Finally, I wish to tell you that I had the opportunity to visit with your father this past summer. It had probably been at least 25 years since I had seen him. He attended Mass with us on Saturday morning at the High School and had a cup of coffee and donut following.
He was a pleasure to speak with though I have to tell you that his intentions were to travel to Lincoln to keep you in line. Anyway, that’s what he said and who would know if it were not true? The Good Lord has no choice but to look very kindly on Coach Jim Biglin. Believe me!"