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KHSAA Track and Field State-Winning Charm
KHSAA Track and Field State-Winning Charm
Donor: Fred Crawford, class of 1958
Authors: Meg Howton, Haidyn Kelsay, Class of 2028
Story Contributor: Gary Herfel, Class of 1960
Web Page Designer: Jade Farley, Class of 2027
1958 Highlands Track Team (charm belonged to F. Crawford, front row, fourth from left)
Fred Crawford lines up for one of the biggest track meets that he'll ever compete in. As he’s lining up, he looks up and sees his friends and family cheering him on. Every sound around him seems to have drowned out. He takes a deep breath and sets into position. “BANG” The gun lets out and starts the race.
On May 16th, 1958, Fred Crawford and his teammates won the 1-mile relay event at the KY state track meet, earning them the featured track and field charm. Highlands track and field had won the N.K.A.C. (Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference) championship eight years in a row! Now, this state win (in the 1-mile relay) was setting the tone for even bigger accomplishments ahead!
The following year, in 1959, the boys track team came back even stronger and better, winning the entire meet. Winning coach, Bernie Sadosky, began track workouts in the gym, starting in March. Once the weather permitted, they moved to the track behind the school for routine practices, sparking endurance and building confidence.
Our journalism team had the pleasure of speaking with track team member Mr. Gary Herfel, who illuminated details about the track program in the late 1950s and 1960s.
1959 State Overall Track Meet Champs – Highlands High School!
“We'd gone to state before and hadn't won; we just showed up, warmed up, and did the best we could. It had just turned out that when we added the scores up, it was enough.” Gary Herfel, a shot-put and discus thrower from the class of 1960, talks about the winning year.
Coach Bernie Sadosky
Herfel remembers a time at one of his practices where he learned to truly value the runners on his team. Bernie Sadosky, the head coach, made everyone on the team run a quarter mile, leaving Herfel worn out and fatigued.
“One of the toughest things I ever did was run that quarter mile,
and it made me appreciate the runners a lot more.”
Coach Sadosky, as Herfel would say, always gave 100% to the team. From being an amazing athlete to coaching the state-winning team, he constantly supported his athletes.
“Bernie Sadosky was one of the most important coaches I ever had,” Herfel reflected. He told us Sadosky kept memorabilia of the teams he coached, and he was even the athletic trainer for the football team.
“I played football for Highlands, and he was the trainer for the football team. I had bad ankles, so before every practice and game he would tape my ankles,” Herfel explained.
According to Herfel, the Ft. Thomas community has always been encouraging of Highlands athletes. Herfel talked about the amazing environment and support that people gave to him in football and track. Across all Highlands athletics, everyone gives their support to each other.
“They were happy as can be for everyone and congratulated all of us. Sadosky took pictures of all of us and put them in a room at his house, where he lived in Fort Thomas. They were very supportive, pleased, and congratulated us. It was a great thing for Highlands and the athletes,” Hefel exclaimed, remembering the state victory in track for Highlands.
It is dedicated coaches, such as Bernie Sadosky who help bring out the best in our Highlands athletes. We are proud of Coach Sadosky and the hard-working track stars from this team!
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