Bud Legg, a former South Hamilton teacher, recently completed a book that chronicles his life’s journey. Entitled “Do Your Best and Then Some More,” the book springboards from the advice his mother gave him when he started school and again at every crossroad of employment in his life.
Legg will be in Jewell, Jan. 21, to present complimentary copy of the book to South Hamilton High School and to sign books at the Jewell Market from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. He will have a limited supply of books for cash sale ($24.95, Iowa tax included), or it can be purchased on Amazon.com.
“I am so proud that South Hamilton was a significant part (1966-76) of my career.” says Legg and adds, “The book is, in part, a tribute to the many people who encouraged and supported me over the years.”
He was well known for his teaching and exemplary coaching. At South Hamilton, he served as an assistant coach to the legendary Dick Rasmussen for six years. In his final four years, he led the girls softball team to seven straight State Tournaments including runner-up finishes in the Summer and Fall in 1973 and the State Championship in 1974 Fall State Championship. His 1975 basketball team, startled fans with a fourth place finish. Earlier in his career he was a successful girls’ track coach with numerous state qualifiers and place winners. He left South Hamilton after the 1976 softball season to take a teaching and coaching position at Ames.
The 398 page, 19 chapter book features 55 personal and family anecdotes of his high school and college education experiences employment, teaching, coaching and officiating opportunities. Readers are offered a glimpse of what it was like to grow up in a single parent family. Twelve days after his father’s death in 1948, the fifth child of the family was born January 1, 1949. His mother, who remarried later, was left with five children, ages 12 to new born. She sacrificed at every turn to make life better for her children.
A 1961 graduate of Anita High School, he was a National Honor Society student, and took full advantage of the school’s athletic and activities program. He went on to earn his BS degree in social studies education and two MS degrees in guidance and counselling and secondary school administration each from Iowa State University.
In 2001, following a 35-year career in education, he became the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s first Information Director and Historian. During his 17-year tenure there he researched Hall of Fame and other award recipients, and updated the history of the IHSAA, state records and all-time best performances of athletes, coaches, and school teams in each of the 11 high school boys’ sports. He was also the voice of the IHSAA Awards at the State Tournament and throughout the year, while serving as the chairperson of the hall-of-fame committees.
His state-wide work and expertise led to his presence on national committees as he contributed to the National Association of State High School Associations and its National Hall of Fame selections. He served Iowa schools as a football and softball official, at many boys and girls State Tournaments. He also helped with radio, television and print media coverage at those events. Few Iowans can top his knowledge and expertise of high school boys and girls sports and activities. An engaging and motivational personality, he has spoken at graduations, alumni and athletic banquets.
He lost his wife Marge of 32 years to an 11-year struggle with cancer in 2014. He also overcame cancer in 2018-19. His daughter Annie and three grandchildren live in West Des Moines where she operates Balance 365, an Internet site, which supports women’s health and life issues.
Included in the 84,000 word book is an overview of Iowa’s four unique organizations that administer student activities and his perspective on the future challenges awaiting them. A historical tribute to over 1,000 Iowa school districts that initially formed the Iowa High School Athletic Association is also featured.