The "Memories Of A Winning Track Team!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading a story that was written by "The Scribbler"; better known as Jack Brubaker.  His story dates back to 1942 when the Junior High track and field team of James Buchanan School, which was in the School District of Lancaster, PA. was the best around.  In May of that year the team totally dominated the Junior High division and captured the trophy for winning the most track meets in Lancaster County.  It happened to be the third year in a row that the team won the Junior High trophy.  The trophy sat in the display case at James Buchanan School for years until Wheatland Middle School was built and Buchanan became an elementary school rather than a Jr. High School.  At that time the trophy was moved to Wheatland where it was once again displayed for all to view.  Recently, it was found that Lancastrain James B. McMullin became the last surviving member of the winning team of 30 boys coached by Mr. Fred Engle.  He wasn't necessarily the team's best athlete, but he did compete in the sprints, relay races and the broad jump.  Well Mr. McMullin, now 94 years olds,  recently found out about the trophy and decided he wanted to see it one last time and have his picture taken with it to show his  living relatives.  So, he wrote a letter to Wheatland Middle School asking if it would be possible to have the photograph taken.  Well, time went by and he had no answer.  But, he wasn't forgotten!  Seems the school's resource officer, Scott Neff,  wanted to polish the tarnished trophy before Mr. McMullin came to visit.  He wanted it to be a surprise and wanted to have a photograph taken of Mr. McMullin with the trophy.  In the meantime, Mr McMullin was getting anxious and wrote a letter to the Wheatland Middle School asking more about his request.  He still didn't get an answer.  Eventually the school located a relative who could bring him to the school to where the newly polished trophy was located, and have a few photos taken with him and the trophy.    His daughter, Sandy Bloom, who lives in nearby Manheim Township took him for a ride around town one day and happened to stop by Wheatland Middle School.  Sandy and her dad entered the school and were greeted by Mr. Neff and others, along with the shiny trophy, waiting for Mr. McMullin.  Mr. McMullin stated in a newspaper article that..."They kept it a secret from me.  

Mr. James McMullin looking at the special trophy.
Photo taken by Sandy Bloom

I was just so  emotional."  80 Spring track seasons have passed, but Mr. McMullin still has fond memories of the last team that won all-star team honors.  Memories that have been with him for years and will now be relived once again.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.