After 60 years, the title is still recognized as the ultimate of glory days. There have been state titles in the area since, but none celebrated like theirs.
“They galvanized this city with that win,” said Dick Pitzer, whose dad Elwood Pitzer, was the head coach of that team. “The city hasn’t seen anything like it since. It was not only a win for Springfield High School, but it was a win for the city of Springfield, too. ... It was just a magical time, and it’s carried on for 60 years.”
A crowd of 8,048 watched the Wildcats bring home the win, but it was the celebration afterward that allowed most of the town’s citizens to get a glimpse of their conquering heroes.
Police estimated a crowd of 35,000 to 55,000 jammed the streets for the victory parade that started at Burnett Road and continued to the Esplanade.
The Clark County Historical Society will honor the team on the 60th anniversary of its win with a celebration at 2 p.m. today, May 30, at the Heritage Center.
Team members and cheerleaders from that team will be the featured guests. Presenters will include Dr. Goettman, Dick Hatfield and Dr. William Kinnison, a 1950 Springfield High graduate.
Dick Pitzer will present a collection of photographs, film and memorabilia that includes a game film, the radio broadcast and film footage from the parade showing the city as it was then.
Photos, pieces of the net cut down after the game, letter jackets and sweaters will also be on display.
The event is free and open to the public.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0366 or bplasters@coxohio.com.
About the Author