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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

CHESAPEAKE -- Nathan T. ``Nat'' Hardee played football at Deep Creek High School in the 1950s. He helped coach the Hornets in the '60s.  He has been the school's principal since 1972. He has not missed a Deep Creek football game, home or away, in 39 years. Tonight, the Hornets' football stadium will bear his name. In a ceremony before a Southeastern District game between top-ranked Deep Creek and Indian River, the facility is being renamed Nathan T. Hardee Stadium for all he has meant to the school and its football program. ``I'm very elated and very humble that the community, teachers and school system thought enough about my contributions over the years to honor me,'' he said. ``It still hasn't set in yet, but it will Friday night.''  If he doesn't believe it, he can see his name in large purple letters outside the stadium. Coaches and players from five decades have been invited to tonight's festivities. The list includes Jerry Carter, who coached the Hornets to a state runner-up finish in 1994, and Miami Dolphins running back Deon Dyer, a Deep Creek star in the '90s whose NFL team has this weekend off. Hardee's 61st birthday is Saturday, but he won't be giving any pregame pep talks. ``I was asked to do it one game when we were playing Wilson 11 years ago,'' Hardee said. ``We were undefeated, and they were undefeated, so they asked me to give a little pep talk before the kickoff.'' Hardee gave it everything he had. ``I told them all about when I played here and what it meant,'' he said. ``I really did a good job. Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz wouldn't have done better. So we got finished and went out there and got our butts whipped 49-0 on my 49th birthday. So from now on when they want me to talk, I say no.'' The stadium dedication came about after 33 people signed a proposal last spring for the school board to have Hardee's name attached to the stadium, located at Deep Creek Middle School.  Stephanie Rayfield, who has worked with Hardee at Deep Creek for 13 years, helped start the proposal. ``I used to work as a ticket manager at the games, and I can't even count the numerous times that people would come up and ask when were we going to rename the stadium after Mr. Hardee,'' she said. ``Finally we said why should we wait until he retires to name the stadium after him. He's worthy of it now.'' Hardee, who with his wife, Barbara, has a daughter and one grandchild, taught or coached many of those who signed the proposal.  After the signatures were collected, the proposal was brought to Hardee, who, as principal, had to give final approval. Of course, he couldn't say no. Now he hopes to live up to having his named attached to a stadium. ``One of the things I've tried to be is a positive role model,'' said Hardee, who shows no signs of slowing and hasn't mentioned retirement. ``I'm kind of tough, but I care about people because I have a big heart.'' Hardee was brought to Deep Creek when the school was having problems with integration in the '70s. ``He knew so many people and families that he made them realize that education was the most important thing,'' Rayfield said. ``Many people say that if it wasn't for Mr. Hardee, we may have lost the school.'' Robert Heath, a senior fullback on this year's football team, said Hardee is always there for the students. ``He's just a positive influence for all of us,'' Heath said. ``He tries to help out in any way he can, and that's why he's so deserving of this.'' Hornets coach David Cox has known Hardee since he was hired at the school 15 years ago. Cox, whose team is ranked second in the state, says Hardee's commitment to athletics is unmatched. ``If I need anything as a coach, he's going to do everything in his power to help,'' Cox said. ``I've only worked here, but I can't imagine it being this good at every other school.'' Hornets athletic director Benny Polk says no one could mean more to a football program than Hardee. ``He lives for Friday nights, and I think it's an honor for the stadium to be named after him,'' he said. ``It just fits. Deep Creek football and Nathan Hardee are a good fit.''

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