Article by Brian Nielsen, JG-TC Sports

CHARLESTON — Coaching four sports at one time or another at Eastern Illinois, Hop Pinther's personality is what is remembered the most.

“Ol' coach he was a good coach,” former EIU wrestler Renny Garshelis said. “He was definitely from the old school. I think he treated his wrestlers like they were his sons. That was no treat because he was fair and firm. He would watch you and take care of you, but you'd better go a straight arrow with him.”

Harold Otto Paul — whose three names were usually just turned into “Hop” — Pinther Jr. died Monday at age 87 at his daughter's home in Winter Haven, Fla.

Pinther was Eastern's first soccer coach, starting the program in 1963. He also served as a head golf coach and assistant football coach.

But the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame selection had his most success as the wrestling coach who compiled a 151-103-11 record with two Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and six teams finishing in the top 20 at NCAA College Division Championship tournaments. He also coached 51 NAIA and NCAA All-Americans during this period.

“He coached with body language,” Dave Kidwell, EIU's assistant athletic director for special projects, said recalling Pinther's days as the wrestling coach. “He twisted and turned with every one of his wrestlers' moves on the mat. And he showed up with a bow tie. That was his trademark. If there were times when he didn't wear a bow tie, I can't recall.”

Some may remember Pinther's personality and friendships developed at EIU more than any of his victories.

“There wasn't a better location for camaraderie than Russ Waltrip's equipment room, and there wasn't a better person to have around to add to the camaraderie than Hop Pinther,” Kidwell said. “The conversation always picked up when Hop appeared. Hop held court in the equipment room.”

Garshelis said: “The whole coaching staff back then was like a family. It was definitely a great fit for me. Wonderful people, wonderful mentors.”

Ken Baker, now EIU's director of campus recreation and a Charleston High School student during Pinther's coaching days recalls seeing him running outside in the winter when wearing just a short and T-shirts.

Pinther was active.

“He just liked doing things, running, playing tennis,” Garshelis said. “He was a piece of work.”

The coach also provided lessons for his athletes.

“Hop was great for one-liners,” Garshelis said. “I still use a lot of his one-liners. One of his best one-liners was 'It's no disgrace to get beat by a champion.' When I lose at even cards, I'll say, 'It's no disgrace to get beat by a champion.'”