Harold Wilkinson was born on a farm near Mound City, Missouri in 1937. He grew up on various farms in the community and graduated in 1955. After high school he attended the University of Missouri for one year and then transferred to Northwest Missouri State University, now Truman State University, jn Maryville, Missouri. Harold lettered three years in football.
In 1960, He married Peggy Riley and they moved to Belle Plaine, Iowa for their first teaching position. While there, Harold taught junior high science, junior high industrial arts, and boys and girls physical education. He was athletic director and assisted conference champion football and basketball teams. In 1962, Harold started the girl’s track and field program in Belle Plaine. Belle Plaine quickly rose to fame with a group of talented athletes. In 1964, the team, nicknamed the Blue Streaks by local editor Moe Burrows, won the State Championship in West Des Moines wearing their blue gym suits.
1963 – He received his M.A. degree from Northern Colorado University.
1965 – His team won the State Indoor Meet at the Drake Field House and the State Meet also at Drake University.
In 1966, the team repeated as State Champions both indoors and outdoors. During this time, there was only one class for girls track. Belle Plaine did not have a track. They practiced on a 220 yard oval on a playground. They even held meets there! 1971 – the Wilkinson’s moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Harold was hired as the cross country and girls track coach as well as physical education teacher at Kennedy High School. He later became the Cougar girl’s basketball coach as well. During his tenure at Kennedy, he continued to have outstanding individuals and teams.
1977 – His girls basketball team finished 2nd in the Iowa Girls State Tournament.
1978 – Harold was the Drake Relays Girl’s Referee
1985 – Named the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s Track and Field Coach of the Year.
1995 – Kennedy High School inducted Harold into the Kennedy Coaches Hall of Fame.
2006 – Branson, Missouri, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association inducted Harold Wilkinson into the National Hall of Fame.
He was named IATC Regional Track and Field Coach in 1975, 1977, 1978, and 1979.
Harold and Peg moved to rural Solon, Iowa, were Harold continued to coach and has enjoyed watching the various athletic programs and activities of the community.