During the 1970’s, the Haliburton Highland Secondary School had a football program that was synonymous with excellence.
The focus was on developing the potential of local football players. Coaches Bob Colliver and Gary Brohman were intentional about building a football program that could succeed at the regional level. In 1978 John Fitzgerald was hired as teacher at HHSS and instantly became an integral member of the coaching team.
Of more importance was their goal of creating opportunities for as many school athletes as possible. They were rewarded for their efforts as the team grew from 40 to over 80 members by the 1980’s.
Coach Gary Brohman remembers the exceptional athletes from grades 9 to 13 who demonstrated preparation, dedication, and prowess. As representatives for the entire County, Brohman observed, their accomplishments served as a beacon for future HHSS championship teams.
Recognized for excellence, the 1978 and 1979 Redmen teams won the hearts of Haliburton County for their determination, hard work and indomitable spirit. This led them to becoming back-to-back K/COSSA (Kawartha/Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics) champions.
Players developed lifelong friendships thanks to an inclusive team culture, where athletes with diverse talents were appreciated for their contributions.
Their success paved the way for an era of distinction for the HHSS football program, later called the Red Hawks, which accumulated many more championships in coming years and became a source of pride for the Haliburton Highlands.
HHSS Redmen Football Team 1978
Back Row: Bob Manary (MGR), Craig Wood, Scott Miller, Rich Choy, Butch Manary, Casey Cox, Dave Nicholls, John Dack, Dave Elstone, Ken Barry, Pat Waite, Kevin Newell, Jim Kellett, Shaun Chapman, Mitchell Stephen, Terry Crowe, Jamie Rogers, Steve Bishop, Dan Allison, Mike Hatkowski, Bob Smith, Ron Yake, Bob Colliver (Coach).
Middle Row: John Fitzgerald (Coach), Gary Grohman (Coach), Bruce Medcalf, Mark Cairns, Mike Iles, Dave Shapiera, Fraser Newton, Scott Valentine Keith Harrison, Tim Davies, Jim Hicks, Paul Watson, Brian Hogg, Peter Johnson, Dave Pratt.
Front Row: Roger Hicks, Andy Anderson, John Mihalinecz, Kirk Potter (Capt.) Ed Roberts (Capt.) Chris Hodgson, Ted Pilcher Randy Peacock, Scott Arbuhnot, Karl Brisco, Brian Shaw, Andy Salvatori.
HHSS Redmen Football Team 1979
Back Row: Gary Brohman (Coach), Brent Moxam, Rich Choy, Terry Allore, Cam Monk, John Fedeski, Bruce Medcalf, Casey Cox, Rob Medcalf, Roger Hicks, Rick Beeney, Terry Crowe, Ron Yake, Doug Tallman, Fraser newton. Bob Colliver (Coach), John Fitzgerald (Coach).
Middle Row: Bob Manary, Pat Waite, Jim Lee, Mike Welsh, Steve Davies, Dave Pratt, Duff Mitchell, Mark Prior, Scott Miller, John Dack, Shaun Chapman, Karl Brisco, Pete Johnson, Dave Elstone, Tony Scheffee, Alan Northey.
Front Row: Mike Iles, Brian Hogg, Paul Watson, Jamie Rogers, Scott Valentine, Steve Bishop (Capt.), Tim Davies (Capt.), Chris Hodgson (Capt.) Ed Roberts (Capt.) Butch Manary, Ted Pilcher, Corey Walker, Mike Hatkoski.
