Track Coach 1959-1967
Harry Howell, a longtime New York City resident, graduated from Dewitt Clinton H.S. and attended Manhattan College on a baseball scholarship. He graduated from Manhattan and ultimately received his masters degree from Columbia University. Mter a four year stay in the United States Air Force, Harry played baseball in the New York Yankee organization for two years. He then moved on to LaSalle Academy where he began his teaching and coaching career. Mter spending three years at LaSalle and eight years at St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn, Howell finally settled in at McClancy from 1959 to 1967.
Howell, “The Father of McClancy Track and Field” established the first track team in the school’s history in 1959. His career was highlighted by many athletes who established both individual and relay records on both the Catholic school and national levels. Over ninety of Howell’s athletes went on to receive track scholarships and eleven became captains of their college teams. Harry served as President of the Athletic Association of Private Schools in 1953 and 1954 and was runner-up in the voting for C.H.S.A.A. Coach of the Year in 1963.
After leaving McClancy, Harry Howell moved to West Palm Beach, Florida where he began teaching and coaching at Cardinal Newman H.S. He organized the first cross country team for boys in 1970 and for girls in ’71. He received two Coach of the Year Awards for his efforts.
Harry concluded his illustrious teaching and coaching career in 1978.
Harry recently passed away in Florida and is survived his wife, Mona and son Harry, Jr..