MILLENNIUM: Richardson, a pioneer

Don Cantrell

Harlow Richardson has chalked up a long list of achievements and

so-called firsts over the years in Southern California sports

competition.

His list includes sterling marks at Newport Harbor High, Orange Coast

College and Long Beach State. He was voted, “Tar of the Year,” at Harbor

in 1950 after excelling in football, basketball and baseball.

His last note of achievement was an induction into the Daily Pilot’s

Sports Hall of Fame, Jan. 1, 2000, celebrating the millennium.

During his final year at Long Beach State, he played on the school’s

first-ever football team under Coach Mike DeLotto. He also became a part

of Long Beach history when he kicked some of the 49ers’ first field

goals.

Old family friends would nod approvingly since Richardson was born in

Long Beach. In time, the family moved to the Dorsey High area in Los

Angeles, then shifted to the harbor area with a new home established at

Bayshores.

Prior to Long Beach State, Richardson had helped lead the OCC Pirates

to their first-ever football championship in 1951 under Coach Ray Rosso.

Numerous Harbor High veterans had joined him, including Bob Woodhouse, Ed

Mayer, Mel Smalley, Jack Meeks and Keith Burch.

Richardson followed his Harbor High sports pattern at OCC by competing

in basketball under Miles Eaton and baseball under Wendell Pickens.

“I always liked (Harbor football Coach Al) Irwin, Rosso and DeLotto,”

Richardson said.

Richardson, a physical powerhouse, made his first grid marks for Irwin

on the 1948 Harbor High football squad as a first-string halfback.

The ’48 offense relied on fullback Bob Berry, end Bob Thompson and

Richardson.

The Tars almost defeated the St. Anthony Saints, which went on to tie

for the CIF title with Santa Barbara. Harbor led, 12-7, until the final

two minutes, then lost, 14-12. The Saints were led by future All-American

fullback Johnny Olzweski.

Harbor fans felt the upcoming season of ’49 would find Richardson

receiving somewhat of a rest in varsity football.

Instead, Richardson broke the tibia in one lower leg when he was hit

at an awkward angle. He had just scooped up the ball and started his

sprint up field after taking the opening kickoff in the first game of

the season vs. St. Monica.

Hearts sank on the Newport side and it would be noted before the 8-1

season ended that Irwin would be missing Richardson badly by the

championship clash with champion Fullerton at Davidson Field. The Tars

lost, 43-27.

Still, Richardson would hobble out to the field on crutches every

afternoon and do what he could to help with the equipment. He also

followed the team to all games at home and on the road on Friday nights.

Richardson knew he could always mix it up with the bigger opponents

and often be able to catch them. However, the one chap who always gave

him the roughest go was a little fellow, Rolly Pulaski, on the beach at

Bal Isle.

The time came when Pulaski became a tremendous breakaway runner at

Harbor and eventually was named to the All-CIF third team. He was also a

remarkable passer and a great punter.

Richardson now understands the talent the older fellows faced on the

beach in the mid-forties with the “little” fellow. He still laughs about

it.

Now 68 and with about five years of health problems, he resides in a