Leroy Harper was the model of consistency in his playing days at Emporia State University, starting every Hornet football game from 1936-39.  A member of legendary Fran Welch’s "All-Time Dream Team." Harper played end his first three seasons before moving to the interior of the offensive line as a senior.  He joined the New York Giants in 1940 but suffered a broken leg and finished that season with the professional farm team in Jersey City, N.J.  After that, Harper did a tour duty in the United States Army, coaching the 29th Infantry baseball team and serving as a player-coach for the post football team.  He was selected for the All-Army football team in the fall of 1942.  After the stint in the Army, Harper returned to Emporia and served on Welch’s football staff while earning his master’s degree.  Harper earned his doctorate in 1950 at Columbia University and was assigned to the Wentworth Military Academy where he taught ROTC Science and Tactics courses.  In 1953, Harper became the Director of Athletics and Chairman of Health and Physical Education at Central Missouri State University, where he also coached baseball.  He then moved on to Fort Hays State University where he was the Chairman of the Physical Education Department until 1959.  From there, Harper moved to San Diego State University, earning Faculty Emeritus honors upon his retirement in 1979.