Friday, October 4, 2013

Finishing First: memories of Joe American Horse

Many visitors to this website will likely remember Joe American Horse, the outstanding track star who ran for Gordon High School back in the 1950's. He was often seen leading the pack in distance races at Chadron State College and other track venues around northwest Nebraska.  

This photograph shows Joe winning the Mile Run in the Nebraska High School State Track Meet in Lincoln in 1956 -- his third straight year of winning the event.  His winning time was 4:28.1, fast enough to leave his nearest rival nearly 50 yards behind, setting a Nebraska Class "B" record.  Joe was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame in 1990, the only Native American so honored thus far.  

Thanks to Joe American Horse, Con Marshall, and the good folks at Chadron State College for sharing this photograph from a Gordon High School yearbook.