Harry Hartwell Broadbent was born in 1913 and raised n Murray County, Oklahoma, a son of Agnes Belle Redd and Harry Wilson Broadbent. He had two older brothers, Howard and Wilson. Father Harry Wilson Broadbent worked as an attorney.

Harry went to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. He was a member of the Oklahoma wrestling team that won the NCAA Wrestling Championship in 1936. He won the 174-pound NCAA title that year. Harry next went to the University of Pennsylvania where he would receive his M.S. degree. By the time of the 1940 Census, Harry had married Clairene Ramsey, and they lived in Philadelphia. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania while seeking his graduate degree.

He joined the Navy in June 1942 at the U.S. Naval Academy and served as an officer during WW II. He was discharged in October 1946 at the U.S. Naval Officer Separation Center in Philadelphia. From 1946 to 1949 Harry was Head Wrestling Coach at Washington and Lee College. He also was an assistant football and track coach.

Harry left Washington and Lee to coach and taught at San Diego State in 1949. He was appointed Assistant Professor of Physical Education. He had a very successful career as Head Wrestling Coach from 1949 to 1966. He also taught and was Assistant Football Coach from 1949 to 1955. Harry served as Department Chair of Physical Education for Men in 1969-70.

Harry retired from San Diego State in 1979 after a 30-year career in teaching and coaching. He was awarded the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his long service to the sport.