More than 117 wins: Garin Higgins reflects on Emporia State legacy

EMPORIA (KSNT) — Emporia State head football coach Garin Higgins has officially become the winningest coach in Hornet history, earning his 117th career victory and passing legendary coach Fran Welch, the namesake of Welch Stadium.

The moment took place on Oct. 25 when the Hornets scored 14 straight in the fourth quarter to beat Central Missouri.

Higgins, who took over the program in 2007, has spent nearly two decades leading his alma mater — the same place he once played quarterback in the late 1980s.

“I love Emporia State,” Higgins told 27 Sports. “I never dreamed of this when I moved into the dorms here that I would be doing this interview talking about 17 wins,

His impact stretches beyond the field. Longtime assistant Mike LoPorto says Higgins’ loyalty and leadership have shaped not only the program, but the people within it. 

LoPorto was coached by Higgins for a season before joining the staff. He’s always enjoyed his time on the staff but one moment in particular made him want to stay long-term with ESU.

“We have a daughter, and she had some medical issues going on and he (Higgins) was supportive in me in everything I did,” LoPorto said. “That was the moment I knew this is where I wanted to be and why I wanted to be with him.”

“He was a player for me and he’s been here with me for every single win,” Higgins said. “I couldn’t do it without him.”

Athletic Director Steve Rodecap noted the wins are an amazing achievement, but its the type of person Higgins is on why he’s a great ambassador of the school.

“Everyone wants to focus on the 117 wins but it’s really important to under when you deal with 18-22 year olds for the majority of your career for the way you shape men they’ll go out and great fathers and great husband,” Rodecap explained. “That’s what makes it special. He’s impacted so many lives.”

For Higgins, it’s all about the memories made along the way.

“I reflect on all the memory making moments that were apart of all the wins,” Higgins said. “I never caught a pass or score a touchdown in those wins. I had a lot of great players and that’s who I reflect back on.”

With his record-setting win, Higgins cements his place in Hornet history — and continues building on a legacy nearly 20 years in the making.

For more sports news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.