Hall of Fame induction: 1997

Jim was the foremost miler in the state schoolboy history, having run a 4:15.7 at the New Castle County Championships in 1972, a mark which is a superior performance to today’s State Record in the 1600 meters. He also ran a 4:16.4 at the State Championships in 1972 which remains the State Meet mark to this day. Jim placed second at the State Cross Country Championships in 1971, when Newark defeated Salesianum for the team championship, a rare feat in those days.

Due to injury and mononucleosis, Jim was only able to compete for about three fourths of one season in college. He set one of the more long standing University of Delaware records in the Steeplechase with a time of 9:10.4 in 1975 when he won the Colonial Relays Steeplechase. In 1976, he was named to the IC4A All East team in cross country.

Hall of Fame induction: 1997

Coach Degnan is revered by all who knew him as one of the most successful coaches ever from lower Delaware. Bill passed away unexpectedly and suddenly in the prime of his life in 1996 at the age of 43.

His coaching successes include leading Woodbridge High School, the smallest school in the state at the time, to a Division II State Champion in Cross Country in 1978, and also winning the outdoor track & field title the following spring in 1979. Woodbridge won the Henlopen Conference title in 1981, and culminated an undefeated season the following year by again winning the State Championship team title in Division II.

Later at Cape Henlopen High School, Bill also led a team to the Division I State Championship in 1986 and was named Delaware’s State Coach of the Year.

Bill’s contributions can hardly be measured by a won-loss record. He came to mean so much to the Woodbridge and Cape Henlopen communities through his personal inspiration to countless young men and women who learned a love for track and field and the purity of the sport.

Hall of Fame induction: 1997

A star coached by George Johnson at Howard High School and one of the finest school-boy track men from Delaware in the 1950’s. Marshall won the State High School Championship at 880 yards twice and set a State Record of 2:00 flat in 1957. He was a member of the fine Howard mile relay team that won the championship in 1955 and 1956 at the Penn Relays. Dickerson was the first Delaware high school runner to consistently run the 880 around the 2 minute mark.

Later, Marshall attended the University of Michigan and ran the quarter in 47.2 and the 600 yards in 1:12.2. He competed throughout the Midwest for the Wolverines including the Penn Relays, Ohio State Relays, Cleveland Relays, Chicago Relays, and the Los Angles Relays.

Hall of Fame induction: 1997

Ed McCreary had an illustrious career as a sprinter, distinguished by both his unique experiences and remarkable achievements. While his victory in a “gimmick” race of 100 yards against a standard bred horse and a Model T Ford at Brandywine Raceway may have been entertaining, it was his competitive success against fellow athletes and his record-setting performances at the University of Delaware that truly set him apart.

McCreary’s relentless drive and ability to maximize his performance were highlighted by his coach, who noted that these qualities made him a special person. His records at the University of Delaware still stand as a testament to his talent: a 10.33-second 100 meters and a 21.00-second 200 meters, both set in 1980. He also held records for every sprint relay event at the university.

During his tenure at the University of Delaware, he was instrumental in guiding the Blue Hens to three consecutive conference championships. He earned the title of East Coast Conference Champion four times in individual/relay events. In his senior year, his leadership was acknowledged when he was named co-captain of both the indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

His collegiate success extended to the national stage, where he qualified for and competed in the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 100 meters. Additionally, he qualified for the 1980 Olympic Trials, further underscoring his elite status.

Hall of Fame induction: 1997

A versatile athlete who went from a two time State High School Champion at Tower Hill School in the Triple Jump, to the Indoor IC4A quarter mile champion, as welll as a school record holder at the University of Delaware in the 440 yard Intermediate Hurdles, and the Indoor 440 yard dash, and Indoor 880 yards. Ed was a seventh place finisher in the NCAA Indoor Championships in the 400 meters in 1973.

Ed anchored the University of Delaware mile relay team to victory in the East Coast Conference Championships in 1972, setting a conference record and the school record (still standing) for the mile relay both indoors and outdoors along the way.

Mongan ran for the Philadelphia Athletic Club mile relay teams that won at the Millrose Games and the Philadelphia Track Classic and he anchored the Delaware Sports Club mile relay team (which included Brad Morris) that won at the Penn Relays in 1976.