CARL J. ROESCH, SR.

High School and Collegiate Track Coach and Official

A pioneer in the local sports community, Carl Roesch gave tirelessly to area sports. Roesch was an official in volleyball, softball, basketball and swimming, but was best known as “Mr. Track and Field.” In 1968, Roesch served as the assistant manager to the U.S. Olympic Track & Field team in Mexico City. In 1969 he was elected Secretary of the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Committee. He also was the manager of the U.S. Team that competed against teams in Leningrad, Paris and Stuttgart. He still managed to continue to coach cross country and track at Canisius College (1948-73). A competitive runner in his own right, Carl was the All High Champion in the mile from 1928-1930 and won the All High 880 yard run in 1929 and 1930. He was All City in cross country. In 1933 and 1934 he was named Outstanding Track Performer of the Year. A Buffalo Firefighter by trade, Carl was named director of recreation for the City of Buffalo in 1964. He coordinated the first ever track and field clinics for area youth and initiated a playground physical fitness test for youngsters. Carl passed away in 1987, leaving behind his enthusiastic energy for the sport of running.

The biographies contained on this website were written at the time of the honoree’s induction into the Hall of Fame. No attempt has been made to update these narratives to reflect more recent events, activities, or statistics.