Former Folsom High teacher, coach, Stan Harms passes away

Stan Harms, a long-time teacher and coach who led Folsom High's varsity boys' basketball team to Division III state championship in 1985, passed away on Wednesday. Harms, 82, came to Folsom High in 1978 and taught math until retiring in 2006. He coached the basketball team from 1978 to 1995; highlighted by the 1984-85 team's 34-2 record and state championship. Harms' teams made the playoffs 13 times and won two section championships; a Division IV title in 1990 and a Division III title in 1995. Bob Mange, who was a colleague of Harms at Folsom High and remained friends with him long after both had retired, remembered Harms as a hard worker and dedicated teacher and coach. "I worked with Stan for years, and he was the hardest working guy I ever met," Mange said. "He was always there to help and do things. He was a staunch part of the whole program. He did so much for the kids. He was a disciplinarian, but the kids appreciated that in the long run. He was also an excellent math teacher. Just a great guy." Peter Maroon, a former colleague of Harms at Folsom High and now the school district's director of athletics, said this about Harms when he retired in 2006. "What do you say about a man that represents all the awesome attributes of character? Coach Harms has influenced thousands of high school students, athletes, colleagues, and community members. His persona is larger than life. His wisdom is way beyond his years. Thank you, Coach, for helping all of us become who we are today." Ben Palafox replaced Harms as the varsity boys' basketball coach in 1995 and Harms had quite an impact on him. "Stan was a great husband, father, educator and coach," Palafox said. "He was a tremendous mentor to me when I arrived at Folsom. He was always willing to listen to fellow friends, educators and coaches to let them express their issues and he always seemed to guide us all in the right direction. I can honestly say that with his guidance, I truly became a better man and coach. I cannot express how saddened I am for our loss of one of the best men I knew. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all that were impacted by his guidance." In December, the Folsom Bulldog Classic, an annual basketball tournament, was renamed the Stan Harms Classic. About 40 friends and former colleagues of Harms were at the game to show support for the coach. Folsom coach Mike Wall was glad to be part of the name change to honor Harms. "I think it's a great honor for him," Wall said in December. "The man gave a lot to this high school and this basketball program. He's a fixture around here; he bleeds royal blue and red. I feel honored to do it for my mentor and my friend."