A reunion of former Marion Harding boys basketball players from the classes of 1967 through 1972 took place at the Marion Country Club, drawing about thirty alumni and their spouses. The gathering was marked by lively conversation, shared memories, and a collective sense of gratitude for the experiences they enjoyed on the court.
Remembering the Harding Presidents
Dick Brown, the only coach in attendance, spoke about the importance of staying positive as the former athletes grow older. He praised the group’s work ethic and highlighted how many of the players have remained active in their communities, careers, and families.
The conversation turned to the historic successes of the teams represented. The 1968‑69 squad, for example, won five tournament games, captured a Class AA district championship, finished the season with a 19‑5 record, and placed second in the Buckeye Conference behind Sandusky with an 11‑3 mark. Future Ohio State guard Dave Merchant, who averaged 28.3 points that season, scored 30 or more points nine times, including a 46‑point effort against Shelby.
Other standout performances were recalled, such as the 1966‑67 junior varsity team, which lost only two games and secured the Buckeye Conference JV title. Over the six‑year span reflected at the reunion, the Presidents compiled a 79‑49 overall record and a 48‑36 mark in conference play. Attendees noted that the players were hard workers who liked to make improvements, and that most of them brought their spouses, underscoring the supportive families that accompanied their sons.
The reunion concluded with a decision to organize another gathering that would invite even more former teammates and friends. The sentiment among the alumni was clear: the bonds forged on the court remain strong, and the shared optimism for the future is as vibrant as ever.