Fred Schmertz

There has never been a running of the iconic Millrose Games, which first started in 1908, that either Fred or Howard Schmertz has not been involved with on some level. Fred was one of the founding members of the meet before taking over as meet director in 1934, serving through 1974. At that point, his son, Howard, a New York City lawyer, took over the position until 2003, when he was appointed meet director emeritus. During their run, the Millrose Games have come to be the most enduring indoor international track meet in the world. Both Howard and Fred are also members of the Millrose Games Hall of Fame and Howard is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Fred died March 25, 1976.