by Linsey | Jul 22, 2019
Paul was a two-sport Section VI champion for the Bulldogs for wrestling and track. In wrestling, Paul was undefeated in dual meets in both his junior and senior seasons, and as a sprinter on the track team, won titles in the 220 and 440 events. Witman was also the first recipient of the Art Howe Award, given to the top Male Athlete of the Year. After graduating from Ithaca College, he spent his career teaching physical education and coaching in Hamburg. His wrestling (28 seasons), soccer (32 seasons), and track (22 seasons) teams produced many Section VI and state individual champions.
by Linsey | Jul 22, 2019
Tom Morgenfeld graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and received his master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1973. A fighter pilot in Vietnam, he flew 90 combat missions and amassed more than 500 carrier landings. He became a test pilot and flew top secret missions in Soviet MiG jets. Morgenfeld then joined Lockheed and helped develop the F-117 and YF-22 fighter jets. In 1991, he became a Chief Test Pilot for the Lockheed Skunk Works and performed the first flight in the X-35 Joint Strike Fighter. He has over 7,000 hours in more than 80 different aircraft. At HHS, Morgenfeld was captain of the first soccer team, and also earned the Eagle Scout award through Explorer Post 509. He has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career, including being inducted into the Lancaster, CA (Edwards Air Force Base) Aerospace Walk of Honor in 2004. In 2011 he was elected to Board of Trustees for the National Test Pilot School.
by Linsey | Jul 22, 2019
Dick was a three sport star at Hamburg, who was one of the fastest to ever wear the purple and white. His first varsity football game was a testament to his speed, averaging 15 yards per carry from the line of scrimmage. Dick mentions the win over East Aurora 41-27 in 1948, as one of his finest high school sports memories. While a member of the track & field team, Dick ran the anchor leg for the 1/2 mile relay. He is still ranked number 6 fastest in the 100 dash and ranked number 3 all-time in the long jump. In 1948, Dick won the Parker Memorial Track trophy, which is given annually to the top Hamburg Track and Field-Athlete of the Year. He was also twice the recipient of the American Legion outstanding athlete award, which he won during his freshman and senior year. After graduating from Hamburg, Dick served his country in the U.S. Army before graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1959. Today, Dick is retired from a career as a District Sales Manager for Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals.
by Linsey | Jul 22, 2019
Dick launched his Hall of Fame career as a three sport star at HHS (football, basketball, baseball). He led the football and basketball teams to championship seasons in 1953, earning all-star honors in both sports. Continuing his career at the University of Buffalo, Dick was a member of one of the most famous teams in WNY history. The 1958 team won their conference, was awarded the prestigious Lambert Cup, which earned UB an invitation to the Tangerine Bowl. Upon learning that their black teammates could not participate, the team voted to reject the bowl invitation. After graduation, “Coach Van” began his teaching and coaching career in Warsaw, winning championships at both the JV and Varsity levels in his four years there. Returning to his alma mater in 1965, he assumed the role of Assistant Varsity coach until 1971, when he took over as the Bulldog’s head coach, leading the team to undefeated seasons in 1974 and 1994. In his teaching position, Dick was instrumental in developing one of the finest health education programs in the state.
by Linsey | Jul 22, 2019
Harry Lockwood graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Agriculture. After graduation, he returned home to help run the family vegetable farm, “The Lockwood Farm on Clark Street”, with his father. The Lockwood Farm has been in the family since 1914 and has grown from a farm and roadside stand to a full service garden center. Lockwood’s Greenhouses is known as a destination garden center, attracting visitors from all over Western New York. With a focus on education, they offer gardening classes, hands-on workshops, and guest speakers. Mr. Lockwood has also served on various committees including the Board of Directors for the Erie County Agricultural Society, the Buffalo Trotting Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, and the Erie County Farm Bureau. Mr. Lockwood is also a life- long member of Hamburg United Methodist Church.
