Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTORVILLE — The dedication of the Fairland High School gym on Jan. 4 in honor of legendary Carl York will be held at halftime, but there will be a preliminary meeting for former players.

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria for former players who were on teams coached by York. The dedication committee is asking that as many former players attend as possible.

The dedication ceremony will be at halftime of the Fairland-Chesapeake game.

A former football and basketball standout at Marshall University, York coached at Fairland beginning in 1954 and ending in 1978. His tenure was interrupted for a year and a half while he served in the Army. He returned in 1956 due to an exemption because he was a teacher.

York later coached at South Point and his 1980-81 team went 18-0 during the regular season.

During his coaching career, York posted a 423-159 record including 321-138 at Fairland. During his 23-year tenure, York had four 20-win seasons and his teams won seven Ohio Valley Conference championships, six sectionals, two district crowns and a regional title.

York had the famed 1961 team nicknamed “The Untouchables” who finished the regular season unbeaten and reached the state tournament before losing in the quarterfinals to Ayersville. The team finished 25-1.