Farewell to a Legend
Husmann’s Memorial Brings Huge Crowd to Stadium That Will Be Named After Him
Saturday proved the memory – and the name – of David Husmann will live forever in Schulenburg.
In an emotional two-hour memorial service at Shorthorn Stadium hundreds showed up to pay their respects to the legendary coach who died Dec. 18 of complications from COVID-19.
The ceremony culminated with the presentation of a plaque to his wife Karen, officially proclaiming that Shorthorn Stadium would be named after Husmann -- something the school board had unanimously voted on earlier this month, after the Class of 1992 wrote a passionate letter to the board advocating for such an honor.
Saturday’s ceremony included special seating on the field Husmann used to roam, in three large sections, one for his former players from his stops at Schulenburg, Gladewater and Weimar among others, one section for his family, and one for the 2020 Sacred Heart Hallettsville football team, which Husmann had been coaching up until he fell ill this fall. That team presented Husmann’s wife a signed game ball.
Up in the stands there was a section wearing University of Houston gear, harking back to his days as Cougars quarterback – and lots of folks wearing Schulenburg orange and Weimar purple. Husmann holds the record for most career playoff wins at both schools.
Husmann’s exploits on the field were legendary, during a 40-year coaching career, winning back-to-back state titles in 1991 and 1992 with the Shorthorns, leading Gladewater to the state quarterfinals in 2001 and leading Weimar to five playoff appearances in football and four state golf titles.
But what became clear as several people came to a podium carved with Schulenburg’s Superman-S on it at midfield to speak to the crowd, was that Husmann’s legacy was far greater than the 219-101-1 won-loss record he amassed in his coaching career.
Dale Manning, who played for Schulenburg in 1985 and 1986 told the crowd: “He was one of the best men I’ve ever known and the greatest coach,” before detailing how Husmann had come to see him in the hospital after he suffered a serious wreck years after he graduated. “If you have a good coach he’s like a second father,” Manning said. “We can’t see him on Earth, but we need to strive to be better people so we can see him up there (pointing to heaven).”
Mickey Reynolds, who was a lineman for Husmann in Gladewater and now the coach at New Diana said, “He saw value in me I didn’t see in myself.”
Husmann’s daughter Angie Ebrey began Saturday’s memorial service by telling the crowd, “Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement you have given us and thank you for being here today.”
Ernie Husmann, David’s uncle, who watched him grow up in Nebraska, told the crowd that “this was a great testament to David’s life ... I am extremely proud of the man he was ... David your legacy will remain because you cared.”
Miller Bassler was a teammate of Husmann’s at the University of Houston. “David was ahead of his time ... He was interesting beyond description ... a legend gone too soon but one we will not forget.”
Shane Hollas, the Shorthorn quarterback in 1985 and 1986 told the crowd: “He would take guys and find ways for them to be contributors ... I love him, I can’t believe he’s gone but I am very thankful for the time I had with him.”
Jonny Louvier was one of Husmann’s quarterbacks in Gladewater and now is the head football coach there. He told the crowd that he’s still running many of the same plays and drills at Gladewater that he was taught by Husmann.
Alex Seydler, Husmann’s son-in-law detailed several instances of Husmann’s coaching exploits, telling the crowd, “The man is indeed a legend ... I never had the chance to say goodbye. Thank you for telling me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear.”
Rick Ware coached with Husmann at Schulenburg and Weimar and told the crowd, “One you knew David you knew him for life. He was the most social person I ever met.”
Kevin Haas, the Principal at Sacred Heart High School said that when Husmann was interviewing for the job there before the 2020 season he had said, “I feel like I still have more to give. God is not done with me.”
Two of Husmann’s cousins from Colorado sang the national anthem, and then the crowd proceeded into the gym for a slideshow celebrating Husmann’s legacy.
The outdoor portion of the event was closed with Dr. Toby Shockey’s prayer as he quoted scripture saying of Husmann, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”