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.

Hall of Fame induction: 1996

Lance was an outstanding runner at both Cape Henlopen High and Edinboro State University and helped both teams to numerous conference and state championships.

Lance won two state titles in cross country and four individual championships outdoors in addition to anchoring two state winning relay teams.

He was outstanding athlete in track and cross country in high school for three years, except for a single second in the state cross country championship meet in 1976.

Lance won the Inquirer Meet high school two mile race on a Tuesday night and returned there Friday to win the Mile title.

At Edinboro, he was an All-American in both cross country and track and was a three-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion at 1500 meters, as well as winning the conference 800 meter championship in 1983. Lance ran 3:47.3 in the 1500 and 1:49.7 in the 800 meters.