John Gutknecht

John Gutknecht was a standout track and cross-country athlete at Poland High School and a three-year track letterman. He set the school record in the mile (4:31.8) and won the Mahoning County mile championship three times. He also established Mahoning County Track Meet records in both the mile and the 880-yard run. As a senior, he finished runner-up in the mile at both the Mansfield Relays and the N.E.O. District meet.

At Ohio Wesleyan University, John was the NCAA Division cross-country runner-up and continued to distinguish himself on the national stage. He was a member of the U.S.A. National Track Team in 1961, 1962, and 1963. In 1961, he established a national AAU record in the 6-mile run (28:52). He also represented the United States at the 1963 Pan American Games, where he placed fifth in the 10,000-meter race.