Retro RFH Boys on Track

Image June 9, 2022 Elaine Van Develde

RFH Boys Track circa 1970s
Photo/George Day

You could say this bunch of RFH boys was on track for success … and some fun along the way.

The coaches, both now gone, got them running and funning. For instance, find the track clown in this shot. After all, the picture is worth a million words, all telling the story of how much fun these coaches, the team leaders, were known to be in the classroom, too.

They would be Tom Bain and Bob Young. Bain taught math and Young taught earth science, each with his own special brand of personality. Both were very easy going and popular with the students.

Each had his own 70s fashion style, too. Bain was more conservatively dressed, while Young was more the hippy with the long hair and bell bottoms. Though both sported those hip-in-the-70s powder blue and mint green polyester leisure suits. Remember those fashion horrors? But, hey, whatever it took for a teacher to be groovy. But, in the end, it all boiled down to running with it all — literally.

As far as the team went, well, this particular crew was pretty hip, not square. And, if you can believe it, some of the RFH sports-minded had the theater bug as well. A few could also be seen on the RFH stage in musicals and exclusively Tower Player plays. Run with that for a minute.

A couple of those track stars are no longer with us. One is Kevin Reed, who, speaking of double billing in RFH fame, was seen on the RFH stage as Diana Ross; and, he was spectacular. His mom’s clothes were pretty cool, too.

Dane Smith, in the back row, was in many an RFH show. Anyone else you spy who was on track for at least a double threat in show and track biz?

The showy biz of it all, really, was the camaraderie of the team, whether in the classroom or playing the field, stage or hallways. That’s where running with it all came in. And the leaders of this team will always be remembered — and for more than their groovy clothes.

Yes, they were on track and crossed the finish line, all winning for the RFH team experience — on or off the field.

Now, what’s one stand-out life lesson that one of these coaches taught? On or off the track field? Run with that!