DeWitt 1976
Harold Birney was a 1932 graduate of DeWitt High School. As a student he was an excellent athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track. Mr. Birney returned to DeWitt High School in 1946 and began a 32 year career as teacher, coach, and the district’s first athletic director. Harold coached Football and Track for the DeWitt D-Hawks. Mr. Birney was the Head Football Coach for 20 years from 1946 until 1966. He directed several good football teams, including an undefeated squad in 1956. Harold stayed with Track even longer, he coached track from 1946 until 1976. His track teams excelled. Track teams under his guidance earned OUTDOOR State Championships in 1951, 53, and 57 as well as Indoor State Championships in 1953, and 57. Four other times his teams were OUTDOOR State Runner-Ups. He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association, 1977 Track Coach of the Year by the Iowa Track Coaches Association, and is a member of the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Mr. Birney had also been an honorary Drake Relays judge. Harold Birney left such a lasting impression on the Central Community School District the Football Field was re-named in his honor.