Remember when...

By now, you know I am a New London history buff. I love to imagine the way things were and the people that were much involved in this little town from years past. An old Journal article came into my possession and the timing was just right. It was written in about 1963 or 1964 by then high school student Steve Readinger. It concerned track records … what perfect timing as track season is gearing up.

These records were above the gym doors, the gym being the one built in 1920. Steve informed his readers that some records were recent and some had stood for a long time. What better way to start the track season than with a trip down memory lane? See how many of these names you recognize.

50-yard dash — Burdell “Oops” Gilleard —: 5.6 (1938.)

100-yard dash — Burdell “Oops” Gilleard and Ralph Johnson —: 10.1 (1938 & 1961.)

220-yard dash — Burdell “Oops” Giileard —: 23.1 (1938.)

440-yard dash — Ralph Johnson —: 52.6 (1961.)

880-yard dash — Johnny McKinnon — 2:06 (1960.)

Mile Run — Wendell Fender — 4:49 (1937.)

120-yard high hurdles — Don Lounsbury —: 15.8 (1961.)

180-yard low hurdles — Daryl Brown — 2.15 (1959.)

High Jump — Don Lounsbury — 5’ 11.5” (1961.)

Shot Put — Bill Broeker — 48’ 9” (1959.)

Discus — Dennis Snyder — 134’ (1956.)

Broad Jump — Daryl Brown — 20’ 6” (1959.)

Pole Vault — Dick Davison — 10’ 6” (1953.)

440-yard relay — Mel Broeker, Don Johnson, Jim Ritchey, Jeff McKinnon —: 45 (1962.)

880-yard relay — Mel Broeker, Don Johnson, Jim Ritchey, Jeff McKinnon — 1:33.7 (1962.)

Mile Relay — Herb Phillips, Ralph Johnson, Jeff McKinnon, Johnny McKinnon — 3:33.4 (1961.)

Medley Relay — Jim Ritchey, Don Johnson, Tom Noel, Mark Kuhlenbeck — 3:47 (1963.)

2 Mile Relay — Bill Hoel, Don Johnson, Jim Ritchey, Tom Noel — 9:11 (1961.)

How many of these names ring a bell? Of course “Oops” Gilleard’s athletic prowess is well-established in New London lore. He went on to play football at Iowa and was a teammate of Nile Kinnick. Sadly, he was killed in World War II. Several of the rest I remember, and I am related to a couple.

These records are no longer displayed at the school, and the gym they were displayed in has been gone since 1967. Most track events are now measured in meters instead of yards. It would be interesting to know how many were broken.

But it is good to remember, people we knew and admired are on such a list as this. They get to be remembered as young and strong, in the prime of life. For a brief fleeting moment the clock is turned back and time is suspended, for them and for us, would we want to go back if we could or just cherish the memories? It’s probably good we don’t get that choice.