Churchill, Fred

 

Fred Churchill – (1987)

 

Fred Churchill

By the time he reached junior high school, Fred Churchill had made one of his best and one of his worst decisions, simultaneously. He decided to enter athletic competition–he chose boxing! It was a short lived career!

By the time he reached high school, Fred had begun to prepare himself for competition in basketball, football and track.

As an end, Fred joined teammates Bonko, Witkowski and others in a legendary period in Lorain St. Mary’s football history. In 1954, the team was 9-0 in the regular season but lost to mythical state champion Magadore 25-20. Fred was a 3 year letterman and led the North Central Conference in receiving his junior and senior years while St. Mary’s won conference championships. He made all-conference end both years and Captain and Most Valuable Player his senior year.

Fred was a 3 year letterman in basketball. His senior year he was Captain, Most Valuable Player and All North Central.

With no track team or facility while at St. Mary’s, Fred enlisted Jimmy Lawhead as his coach and trainer. Jim would drive his pace car so that Fred could practice running around Meister Road, Route 58 and Oberlin Avenue. With no previous meet experience, Fred ran 3rd in the Sectional, 2nd in the District and finished 3rd in the State in the 880 yard run.

Receiving a football scholarship to Bowling Green, Fred became a sophomore starter as a 6’2” end. He played three years varsity football and two years of basketball. To fill in his time, he became ”All Campus Champion” in the 440 and 880 yard runs, 100 yard backstroke and freestyle in swimming and in the 155 lb. wrestling class.

After graduation, Fred went into football coaching in the Lorain area. His best years were 9-1 at Brookside and 8-2 at Admiral King. Since November 1982, Fred Churchill has been Athletic Director for the Lorain City Schools.