Hall of Fame induction: 1996
When local track and field veterans reminisce about the memorable schoolboy athletes they have seen over the years one name always comes up. Harold Trotter of Claymont set a standard for generations to follow when he won the state high school meet in the 100y event in the seventh, eight and ninth grades. In 1957 when Harold was a ninth grader, he ran a 9.9 100 yards which tied the state record and set a state record in the 220 of 21.6. As a sixth grader, he broad jumped (note the old event reference) 19’7″ which was a junior high record and then as a ninth grader in 1957, he broad jumped 22’8½” while winning the Suburban Championship. He went on to win the state broad jump title in 1958.
Trotter was a six time state champion when there was only one division and was way ahead of his time with performances which would be considered first-rate today nearly 40 years later.