1973 Clearview Boys Track Team

1973 CLEARVIEW BOYS TRACK TEAM

The 1973 Clearview High School Boys Track Team competed in a time period rich in accomplishment for the school. They followed the 1972 football state runner up team and preceded the 1973-1974 boys’ basketball state champions. The 1973 track team carved out its own place in history by capturing the state championship as well as the regional, district and conference championships.

The team boasted three future LSHOF inductees in Otis Jenkins (2021), Larry Fortner (1994) and Larry Harris (1993). The anchor of the team was Jenkins who finished first at the state meet in the 100-yard dash (9.9 seconds), the 200-yard dash (a state record 22.2 seconds) and second in the long jump at 22 feet 2 3/4 inches. Fortner took home a first in the high jump with a jump of 6 feet 6 1/2 inches, which was also a state record. Harris garnered a 4th place finish in the high jump at 6 feet 4 inches and also won 6th place in the 120-yard high hurdles with a time of 15.4 seconds. Rounding out the state finishers was Randy Dlugosz with a 4th place finish in the 800-yard run with a time of 2:00.2.

The early to mid-1970’s was a magical era for Clearview Clipper sports teams and their fans. The 1973 boys track team certainly cemented their legacy by winning the state championship. The entire team is deserving of recognition by induction into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame.