Fred Schmertz
Meet director of the Millrose Games
In office
1934–1974
Succeeded byHoward Schmertz
Personal details
Born(1888-11-10)November 10, 1888
DiedMarch 25, 1976(1976-03-25) (aged 87)

Fred Schmertz (November 10, 1888 – March 25, 1976) was a founder member of the Millrose Athletic Association in 1908 and the Millrose Games in 1914. For the latter, he was meet director between 1934 and 1974.[1][2]

Schmertz acted as assistant meet director for the Millrose Games from 1915 before acting as director. He was succeeded in the role of director by his son, Howard Schmertz. The Millrose Games has become one of the world's foremost international indoor track and field meets.

From 1928, Schmertz also acted in an official capacity for several United States Olympic teams.[3]

Schmertz was inducted posthumously into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1989,[3] the Millrose Games Hall of Fame in 2003,[1][4] and with his son Howard, the United States Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2012.[1]

He is buried in Mount Hebron Cemetery, in Queens, New York.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Fred Schmertz". USA Track and Field. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Amdur, Neil (March 26, 1976). "Fred Schmertz, Who Directed Millrose Games 41 Years, Dies - He Attracted Many Olympic Stars to Oldest Invitational Indoor Track Meet". New York Times. p. 38. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "The Pillar of Achievement Fred Schmertz". International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on April 5, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  4. ^ "Second Schmertz for Millrose Hall". New York Times. January 31, 2007. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2015.

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