Harrison Dillard, Baldwin Wallace: Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame, Class of 2022

Known affectionately as “Bones” due to his slight build, Harrison Dillard joined a fellow high school alum in being a legend in track & field. Stories tell that Dillard was encouraged by Jesse Owens – another graduate of Cleveland’s East Technical High school – with returning to college following serving in World War II.

Dillard indeed returned to Baldwin Wallace – in a way rarely seen, winning NCAA titles in the 120-yard and 220-yard hurdles in 1946 and 1947, becoming the last athlete with such a double-double.

A potential triple-triple for Dillard was cut short when he was ruled ineligible on the eve of the 1948 NCAA meet. His entire 1948 season seemed similarly doomed, when he failed to qualify in the 110 hurdles. Dillard, however, made the team in the 100 meters and won his first individual Olympic gold medal.