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SJSU Wrestling Archives The Spartan Daily 10-4-40 |
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Our Great Loss |
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| Death has claimed Eugene B. Grattan. To say his loss to the college can never be replaced is not merely an eulogistic phrase; it is a fact that those who knew him realize. His services to the college as wrestling coach were never fully appreciated by many of us, who more or less took him for granted. Few knew that the valuable time he took off from his successful law practice to devote to the Spartan wrestling team received no remuneration except an occasional "thanks" or the deep admiration of the athletes he coached. But Eugene Grattan never expected reimbursement; to him the opportunity of working with young men and building character was the finest pay he could have received. With the intricacies of wrestling he emphasized to his athletes the doctrines of clean living and personal integrity. The high scholastic records and moral character of his pupils were results of this man who was himself an example of his teachings. It was one of his biggest ambitions in life to have amateur wrestling recognized as the clean type of sport that it is, and not confused with the unskilled, brutal professional game. During the five years he handled wrestling at San Jose State College his ability as coach and his personal inspiration produced a long list of individual champions. His coaching career reached its peak in 1939 when the Spartans won PCI championship. Those who will miss Eugene Grattan most are those he coached. He went out of his way to find them jobs and help them when they were in need. During the rush hours at his law office, he was never too busy to take time out to give counsel to members of his team or other students in need of advice. Yes, we have lost a true friend, whose place in the personnel of San Jose State College can never be filled. |
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