Hall of Fame
Charles Eugene Lighter, Class of 1916, has compiled one of the brightest records in the history of Coe College's competition in track and field events. He was a four-year letterman in track and captained the team in both 1915 and 1916. In collegiate and AAU track competition he garnered more than 75 medals and awards which are mounted in Coe's Eby Fieldhouse as an inspiration for today's young athletes. In a competitive career that was filled with highlights, perhaps the most memorable moment came in May, 1913, when Gene Lighter entered and won five events in a dual meet with Grinnell. He held records in the high hurdles and broad jump and was a member of a record-setting mile relay team. His high academic standing in combination with his athletic ability were noted in a nomination for a Rhodes Scholarship. Mr. Lighter qualified for the 1916 Olympics scheduled to be held in Rome, games that were cancelled by World War I. He passed up coaching offers in 1916 to enter the service and he was in the military in both World War I and II. Through his splendid achievements in track and his selection for the U.S. Olympic team, Charles Eugene Lighter earns mention among those who have reached the top in Coe athletics. For that reason it is an honor for me to induct him into the Coe Athletic Hall of Fame. October 25, 1974
