A Mile of Smiles - 50 Years Later

In May of 1962, the Detroit Free Press ran an article and photo (first image, page 1 of gallery) about a group of our state's top high school milers. Those track and field standouts in that original photo back in '62 were Ted Nelson of Milford H.S., Eric Zemper of Howell H.S., Tony Mifsud from Cody H.S. and Dick Sharkey of Redford H.S.

Those four individuals along with another Detroit track and field great who was not pictured on that day, Detroit Eastern High's Lou Scott, gathered again at Redford High School in Detroit on the morning of July 21, 2012 to relive some great times of the past. RunMichigan.com was on hand to share in their memories. In this gallery are photos from that day. (Photos by Dave McCauley, RunMichigan.com)

Original May,1962 photo taken by the Detroit Free Press. Pictured (from left to right) are: Ted Nelson of Milford H.S., Eric Zemper of Howell H.S., Tony Mifsud of Cody H.S. and Dick Sharkey of Redford H.S. This photo was taken on the football field of the Old Redford High School in Detroit. (Photo courtesy: Detroit Free Press. This original photo was taken by Tony Spina)
Ted Nelson (left) and Eric Zemper.
Eric Zemper
Ed Kozloff of the Motor City Striders shows some 1962 track and field photos to Jim Cleverly (center, Redford High class of '63) and Dick Sharkey.

Eric Zemper of Howell High School
Ted Nelson, Milford High School
Ted Nelson
Ed Kozloff of the Motor City Striders shows some 1962 track and field photos to Jim Cleverly (center, Redford High class of '63) and Dick Sharkey.

Ed Kozloff of the Motor City Striders with some classic 1960's Detroit and Michigan track and field photography
Ed Kozloff of the Motor City Striders with some classic 1960's Detroit and Michigan track and field photography
Ed Kozloff of the Motor City Striders with some 1960's track and field photography
Ted Nelson (r), former Milford High School track standout, talks to Detroit Free Press reporter Perry A. Farrell.
Former Detroit Cody High School miler Tony Mifsud
Former Detroit Eastern High School track and field legend Lou Scott. Scott was a two time MHSAA Class A State Mile Champion, Silver Medalist in the 5000 at the 1967 Pan American Games and competed at the 1968 Olympic Games.
Howell's Eric Zemper, MHSAA Class B State Mile Champion in 1962.

Lou Scott
Tony Mifsud
Redford High School Mile great Dick Sharkey.
Eric Zemper
Eric Zemper
Tony Mifsud

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