AtL Lancaster Stormers

Olympic Hero Barney Ewell Bobblehead May 31st

Published on May 26, 2016 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


Lancaster native and Olympic Champion, Barney Ewell, passed away 20 years ago. The 11,000 students in the School District of Lancaster may know the name of the McCaskey High School Football and Track Field as Ewell Field, but they don't know the remarkable history of, perhaps, Lancaster County's all-time greatest athlete. The Lancaster Barnstormers, in conjunction with Kegel's Produce and the law firm of Hagelgans & Veronis are going to teach the children about the great Barney Ewell on the School District of Lancaster on Tuesday, May 31st when Barney Ewell is honored and memorialized with a Barney Ewell Bobblehead to be handed out to the first 1000 fans in attendance.

Barney Ewell was a multiple world record holder in the 50, 100 and 200 yard races and was widely recognized as the fastest man in the world between 1940 and 1946. No Olympics were held in 1940 or 1944 due to World War II. Barney would have been the overwhelming favorite during these years to win multiple Gold Medals. Ewell's fame and legacy could have rivaled Jesse Owens, Bob Hayes or Usain Bolt. Finally, in the London Olympic Games of 1948, Barney finally won his Olympic Gold in the 4X100 relay in the 1948 Olympics.

Vice-President, Tony DeMarco, knew of Barney Ewell's incredible accomplishments and thought Ewell would be the perfect choice to continue the Barnstormers' award winning series of historical Bobbleheads in 2016. McCaskey Graduates, Kenny Myers of Kegel's Produce and Nicholas Veronis of Hagelgans & Veronis, immediately agreed to sponsor this tribute to Barney Ewell.

There will be a pre-game program honoring Barney Ewell before the game, emceed by WGAL legend, Dick Hoxworth. Dick was a great friend of Barney's and did a number of interviews with the star for WGAL. Barney Ewell's family will be in attendance as their father/uncle/ grandfather is remembered. Ewell's nephew, Ron Ford, said, "My uncle was my hero and the hero to many of Lancaster's inner city children. I am thrilled to know that Barney's remarkable life and accomplishments will not be forgotten."

The Lancaster Education Foundation, in conjunction with the McCaskey Alumni Association, is holding a special McCaskey Community Picnic on the Barnstormers' Picnic Deck. Paul Richer, Executive Director of the Lancaster Education Foundation has been a leader in the committee to recognize Barney Ewell. "My fellow McCaskey Alumni and I are extremely proud to be a part of the effort to honor Barney. Barney Ewell never forgot his roots as he was traveling the world representing the United States. His life is an inspiration to all of us who attended McCaskey High School."

Engle Printing & Publishing sponsors all the School Spirit Programs with the Barnstormers, providing tickets for every student and staff member at each school in the School District of Lancaster. Special recognition goes to Rodgers & Associates who are sponsoring the families of 500 Lancaster City students to enjoy the game as well as a complete meal at Clipper Magazine Stadium on May 31st.

Tony DeMarco is leaving the Barnstormers after the May 31st game to serve as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Alvernia University. "Working for the Barnstormers for the past five years has been one of the great highlights of my life. I have loved working with our fans, our partners, our players and my unbelievably dedicated colleagues. It is fitting that I move on following one final edition of our acclaimed series of "Historic "Bobbleheads"."

http://www.alvernia.edu/news/2016/05/news-demarco050216.html#.Vye3VlIUXIV

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