In 1962, the world witnessed a series of remarkable events that would leave an indelible mark on history. The Beatles released their first single, “Love Me Do,” igniting a musical revolution and (some would argue, more importantly) Sam Walton opened the doors to the very first Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas, setting the stage for a retail empire. Meanwhile, in the small town of Montague, Michigan, a determined high school track team defied all odds, uniting in an unforgettable season that culminated in the holy grail of Michigan high school sports, a regional championship.
As one of the premier teams in the Western Michigan area, Montague showcased its prowess through record-smashing relay teams. These athletes consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible, demonstrating it in every race. Their efforts set a standard for future generations and inspired pride throughout the community.
*It’s important to note that this was prior to the MHSAA’s switch from the imperial system to the metric system for records, times, and events.*
- Medley Relay: (1960 – 2:38.4) Dick Beauregard, Dick Smith, Garnold Crump, Bob Quinn
- 880 Yard Relay: (1960 – 1:38.9) Mike Blankenship, Dick Beauregard, Bob Quinn, Don Schiller
- Mile Relay: (1961 – 3:40.5) Bob Quinn, Jim Smith, Don Ingersoll, Dick Smith
Throughout the year, the team demonstrated their excellence by consistently defeating competitive teams in their league, often winning by margins of 20-plus points. Each victory was a step closer to their ultimate goal, fueling their determination and solidifying their legacy. Members of this ’62 team consistently broke records, including the sprint medley record that had stood since 1941—a remarkable 21 years.
- 440 yd. Dash – Conference Record – (53.2 sec.) – Bob Quinn
- 220 yd Dash – Montague High School Record – Bob Lloyd
- Mile Relay – Conference Record – (3:49.1) – Larry Painter, Don Ingersoll, Dick Smith, Randy Peterson
- Mile Relay – Regional Record – (3:40.2) – Larry Painter, Don Ingersoll, Dick Smith, Randy Peterson
- Sprint Medley – Conference and Regional Records – (2:32.9) – Dick Smith, Bob Quinn, Bob Lloyd, Garnold Crump
All of this culminated in a finals run where the team achieved one of the highest honors: the golden chalice, the prized award, an MHSAA regional title. This victory was not just a testament to their athletic prowess but also to their unwavering spirit and collective effort. The 1962 Montague track team remains a symbol of what can be accomplished when a group of individuals comes together with a shared vision and relentless drive.
These notable achievements still resonate in the annals of Montague high school sports history. Their relentless pursuit of excellence was not just about winning but about redefining what could be achieved for even the smallest of towns. To say this team was just good, is criminal understatement. They were the epitome of greatness in the little old town of Montague, Michigan.
Fast forward to today, many of these athletes are still around the quaint and quiet town of Montague. In fact, they just celebrated their 62nd-year class reunion. The reunion was a heartwarming event, filled with laughter, memories, and a sense of enduring camaraderie.
Stopping by their reunion, it was clear that the spirit of 1962 still burned brightly within these individuals. The room was adorned with memorabilia from the “glory days”, and the air was thick with stories of their incredible achievements. Capturing images of the event, one could see the pride and joy in their faces as they reminisced about their undefeated run and state championship. Below are some of those moments from the reunion.
The legacy of the 1962 Montague track team continues to inspire, proving that greatness and legacy span generations.
Thank you to Bob Lloyd and Don Ingersoll who not only brought this wonderful story to us but also provided much of the documentation for it!
