History of Fordham Prep Track  
updated 02/15/05

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History of Fordham Prep
Track & Field
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In 1894, a Prep student named Frank Crinnion won the 100 yard dash in what is believed to be the Prep's first interscholastic track competition. Thus began a tradition that has been at the forefront of New York City Scholastic Track and Field for over a century.

In 1928, the Catholic High Schools Athletic Association was founded, and the Prep became a member after spending 30 years in various athletic associations where they competed against local Bronx high schools and Jesuit rivals Xavier, Regis and Brooklyn Prep. The 1920's and 30's saw the team begin to grow sporadically under the stewardship of various Jesuits and Jesuit scholastics. Standouts included the Prep's 1st CHSAA Champion William Longua (1928 High Jump), and Joseph Fox '29 -- the 1929 880 Yard Champion. The 1930's showcased the talents of milers Arthur Starrs and James Rafferty, and hurdling skill of 3-time city champion George Gallico '35.

The war years were hard on the Prep harriers, as February graduations often deprived talented Seniors of their spring campaign. Still, standouts included record-setting sprinter Richard McCall, and city Champion Long Jumper Richard Henning.

In 1945, Mr. Joseph Fox '29 returned to the Prep as teacher and Track Coach, and the "glory years" of Prep Track began. Mr. Fox' vision revolved around a philosophy that Track teams should be big, inclusive and competitive. Right away, his teams made their mark. In 1946 the Prep's first Relay City Championship was won by the 880 yard quartet Bellantoni, DiOrio, Maguire and McKeever- signaling a coming hallmark of Prep teams--the relays. Field events flourished as well, as pole vaulters, long jumpers, throwers and hurdlers routinely scored in major meets. But the signature of the Fox years may well have been the simple fact that thousands of young men over the years became part of a special tradition. Everyone occupied an important place among the "Fox Trotters"--weight division runners could be City Champions, marginal runners called "pork chops" were often team leaders due to their work ethic, superstars were given the guidance needed to become national and world-class athletes. Mostly, the demands made upon those privileged to compete for "uncle Joe" steadily built character indicative of leaders--and Christians.

Some of Mr. Fox' harriers went on to greatness. Terrence Foley '50 represented Fordham University as a member of the world record 2 mile relay team. Tom Carroll '57 set national records in the half-mile and 1000 meters. Norbert Sander'60 went on to win the New York City Marathon. These names only scratch the surface. Prep Track Alums have made even bigger names in business, industry, and education.

In 1965, Mr. Fox stepped down but left the team in the capable hands of Mr. Thomas Byrne '60. Mr. Byrne carried on the tradition of excellence as he led the Prep into the "track boom" years. After years of being on top of New York City Track, the Prep now found itself a state and nationally ranked powerhouse. In 1969, the Mile Relay of Costello, Reilly, Hallinan and Miller set a still-standing CHSAA and NY State Catholic record of 3:17.0 to run the fastest qualifying time at the Penn Relays. The distance Medley and 2 Mile Relays, including stars Bob Anastasio, Des Sugrue, Brian Faraci, Mike Nahon and John Doyle to name a few, also found themselves among the best in the Northeast. Mr. Byrne's charges ably carried the torch lit by Mr. Fox.

The 1970's saw the emergence of some of the Prep's greatest individual stars. Jack Lynch '74 became only the second Prep runner to break the elite 13 minute barrier at Van Cortlandt (12:54) and Fred Miller '69 returned to coach the likes of Jim DeRienzo '75(1:52.9 800m), Ernie Robertson '76(:22.2 200m, :48.8 400m) and John Hemsley '77(4:16 mile split). Mike Cleary '79 closed out that special era with 4 CHSAA titles in the Mile (4:14), 2 Mile (9:23) and Cross Country (12:47 VCP). The 1980's were difficult years for Prep track, as frequent coaching changes took their toll. Still, standouts Ramon German '86 and Matt McMillan '88 made names for themselves and the Prep under coach Kieran Donnelly.

In 1988 George Febles took the helm and the look of the old Fox teams began to return. Teams approached 100 members, weight division runners thrived, and the scope of the team broadened as coaches George Febles Sr, Brian Carney and Bill Dowling re-introduced specialties such as hurdling, pole vaulting, and the throws. Rey Mendez '93 provided much of the star power, as he set numerous school and league records while becoming an All-American half miler (1:51), miler (4:13) and 2 miler (9:06).  

In 1996, the Prep established the Track and Field Hall of Fame to pay tribute to these fine scholar athletes and the legacy they have left for future "Sons of Joe Fox"