 Jerry Harkrader coached Fenwick football and track teams for 23 seasons beginning in 1956. He guided Falcon football teams to five playoff appearances, beginning with the first year the playoff system was introduced, winning Class A State championships in 1973 and 1974 after losing in the semifinals in 1972.
His formula for competing against opponents, who often outsized and outnumbered his teams, was to insist on hard work, respect, and dedication to teamwork. "Harkie's" formula was a winning one, as his football teams amassed a record of 151 wins, 82 losses, and 4 ties during his tenure. Falcons teams of the Harkrader Era produced a multitude of payers worthy of league, district, and State honors. Perhaps, to a man, those players would tell you that their highest honor was to achieve the respect and trust of the coach.
Jerry Harkrader, a member of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame, passed away in September, 1981. |
