Despite being 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Jim Harding considered himself more of a finesse offensive guard and defensive tackle during his playing days for the Normandale Community College football team.
Harding was a Minnesota Community College Southern Division All-Conference player in 1974 and received All-American honors that year for his play at offensive guard. Normandale compiled a 9-0-1 record during the 1974 season as the Lions won the Mid-Ameri-can JUCO Bowl Champion-ship and ended the season as the nation's No. 2-ranked team. Harding became Normandale's first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) First Team All-American Offensive Player.
For his achievements on the field and his success in the banking and finance business since his playing days ended, Harding has been named to the NJCAA Football Coaches Association's Hall of Fame. Harding was presented with the award by Normandale Pres-ident Kathi Hiyane-Brown on Sept. 18 on the college campus in Bloomington. The NJCAA Hall of Fame now has 122 members.
"It's a nice honor," said Harding, who is employed at State Bank in Park Rapids. "I was a little surprised when I heard about it. I was fortunate to have a couple of good years there under a good system."
"Jim accepted this award with humility. He has always been grateful for the opportunity Normandale provided to play championship football and get an education," said Ralph And-erson, Normandale dean of students. "Without that opportunity, Jim feels that he would not have the career opportunities he has had during his lifetime."
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Harding graduated from Minneapolis South in 1973 and chose Normandale to play for legendary head coach Fred Moyer.
"Normandale gave me an opportunity to go on and play football and continue my education," said Harding. "My two years there were a blast. Any time you win is fun."
After two years at Normandale, Harding transferred to North Dakota State University and helped the Bison win consecutive North Central Conference titles and appear in two bowl games.
Normandale was a football power among two-year colleges during the 1970s and 1980s before the school cut all intercollegiate sports programs in the 1990s.
"It was a good experience. I feel fortunate for the opportunities Normandale gave me to play football," said Harding. "I worked hard but I was also lucky to play with some good players and for some good teams. I always say that if you work hard, you can get lucky."
