Forty-Five years ago, Weavers' Pond [correct name was Weber's Pond], just below the H.S., had a feeder running to the Remington Arms Co. From Benedict Ave., there was a cinder path, which most students, going North would use. I found it an excellent place to do my work if I could find anyone, willing to stay on and set me off my marks. I was still able to use the showers in the H.S., although the gym, had nothing but concrete floor at that time.

It is May, 1910. "Boots" is the one-man track team of the school. His first race in actual competition was in the Cornell interscholastics. It was admitted to be only an experiment by the school authorities. But "Boots" finished third in the 100-yard dash, surprising even himself. He was beaten by Brownville, of Mercersburg, who won, and Gardner, of Perkiomen.

The following Saturday, Lever went to Syracuse for the interscholasties there and won the first race of his career. He made the 100 in 10 1-5 seconds and was a real dark horse. More than that, he defeated Gardner, who nosed him out the week ahead. Brownville was not present.

One more week and Lever had stirred the country when he made the century in ten seconds flat, the feat going into the schoolboy annals of the country. That was in the Colgate championships.

When the curtain rises again it is August, 1916. Ted Meredith, the greatest of Penn runners, is performing in Ilion in a special meet of the Remington Arms Centennial celebration. Ted met "Boots" on the cinder path there. And through the chance meeting, the mere accident of an exciting afternoon, the way is paved for "Boots," not only to come to Mercersburg, but also to the University of Pennsylvania.

Enrolling at Mercersburg, through Ted's efforts, "Boots" started in a major way on his career. He played footfall in the fall of 1916 there much to the consternation of Jimmy Curran, the Mercersburg track coach, who was on pins and needles throughout the season for fear that the youth would suffer injury.

In the spring of 1917 "Boots" competed in five inter scholastic track meets. He won the 100-yard dash in every one of them, outclassing the schoolboy sprinters in the East. He ran the stretch in ten seconds flat in the New York University meet, and in the meet at Penn. He did 10 1-5 in the other three, at Rutgers, Princeton and Lafayette.

In the Princeton and Penn meets he ran his first 220-yard races and took second place both times. He was an entry to win points for the team, and filled the bill.

Then the United States declared war.

They have a new miracle man out Penn way. He is Billy Morris, veteran rubber of football and track team at Franklin Field. Since Morris has been rubbing athletes at the Red and Blue institution, he has had such success that many new men, especially freshmen, call him "Doctor."

The latest success of this miracle man took place on Saturday afternoon when Harold Lever, the sensational freshman sprinter, won two events at Cornell against the Ithaca freshmen. On the Saturday of the relays it will be remembered Lever finished second to Scholtz, of Missouri, by virtually throwing himself across the finish line. The youngster had to be carried to the dressing room, where, doctors pronounced his injury as a badly pulled tendon. Usually that sort of a diagnosis means a layoff of several months, if not permanently.

Morris was appealed to and he sat to work to get the youngster in shape. Within ten days, Lever was able to get into a tracksuit and jog easily around the track. The treatment continued and Lever asked Coach Robertson to permit him to make the trip to Ithaca. The permission was granted with the proviso that if the injured leg did not feel just right Lever should remain on the sidelines. Lever felt "right," went into the meet and won two events, the hundred and the broad jump.

"Look out for Harold Lever, the brilliant young sprinter of the Meadowbrook Club, whose home is in Ilion. With but one day to train in before trying out in the Philadelphia Olympic preliminaries, Lever was barely nosed out of first place in the 100-yard dash by L. Murchison, the N.Y.A.C. star."

"Lever, although he was somewhat short and stubby legs, is a brilliant and powerful runner. There was little doubt in the minds of those who saw him work out in the tryouts here that he would have beaten Murchison had it not been for lack of training. Lever has one of the speediest starts ever seen, his leap at the gun appearing to be at least ten feet and giving a lead that hard for anyone to cut down." - The Utica Herald Dispatch July 7, 1920 - Utica NY Herald Dispatch 1920 - 2911.pdf

"A flunk for an athlete and he is ineligible for some time. Two flunks and he might get his walking papers into town. Three flunks and he is certain to be moving to other fields. ... Coach Roberson's band of track athletes seem the least perturbed outwardly, although several admitted that they were seething caldrons inside. Smalley, Lever, Meredith, Eby and a host of other varsity men were out on the track yesterday working out. There is to be no let-up for the regulars because of a meet in Brooklyn Saturday night." - The Evening Public Ledger January 25, 1921

"That's what enabled Harold E. (Boots) Lever to break the world indoor record for the 70-yard dash that had stood the test for twenty years. Lever himself is sponsor for the story that raw meat combined with milk enabled him to establish the new figures of 7.1 seconds in New York the night of March 3. On the advice of Lawson Robertson, coach of the university track team, Lever followed a course of dieting that made him fit for the race of his life."

"When I left my bed in the training house the Wednesday afternoon previous to the race still weak from the grip," said Lever, in telling of the preparations he made for the intercollegiates, "I naturally felt rather weak. I had been in bed for almost a week and my strength was at a decidedly low ebb."

"The first thing I did was to ask Coach Robertson what he wanted me to do in preparation for the race. I felt that I would enter no matter what happened, though I could not win my heat. Robbie told me that I would have to feed up on raw meat and milk. I laughed at first, but when I found him serious inquired further and then decided to go ahead."

"I went to a butcher shop and asked for a half pound of round steak chopped up with as much as the fat removed as possible. I took the meat to the chef of the fraternity house, asked him to fix it up in some way that it would be palatable and waited results."

"That night at dinner the raw meat was put on the table, and I surprised myself and those around me by finishing every morsel of it. It wasn't the most tasteful thing in the world, but I figured that it was up to me to eat it to gain strength."

"In addition, I drank one quart of milk In the course of the day and had my second portion of raw meat. On Thursday, I repeated the same process and again on Friday. Saturday morning I felt rather fit. Not that I had had any practice, but I felt my strength had at last returned and that I would be able to do something worthwhile that night."

Lever’s story was seconded by Lawson Robertson, the Penn coach, who was present during the interview.

"Raw meat did it," chimed in Robertson, whose strategy was responsible for Penn winning the championship when its prospects were considered worse than third. "Best thing in the world for an athlete whose strength has been sapped by an illness. Helped Lever a lot."

Lever is one of the best examples of close application to training orders of any athlete in college ranks. He adheres strictly to all the rules as laid down by Robertson and as a result is one of the easiest of athletes to handle.

He served In France with the 814th Infantry Ambulance Corps and ran as a member of the United States team in the Interallied games. On his return to this country he matriculated at the university and has been a star sprinter there ever since. He has worked his way through the Wharton School writing for newspapers and working at nights.

His ideas on sprinting are worth repeating. "Nervousness is something that cannot be overcome in sprinting," said Lever. "It is almost impossible for a man to lose nervousness. From the time I get into my track togs until a race is over I feel nervous. On the floor I keep thinking of the race and wondering just how successful I am going to be."

Lever was asked to explain his methods of running a race. "In the first place," he said, "I put my foot down on the floor firmly, stamping it a number of times. When the starter says. 'Come on, boys,' I put my right knee on the floor and my left foot against the block, but not tight. During the time between 'Come on, boys,' and get set my right foot is quivering like a man with the palsy."

"When the starter raises the pistol, I put that right foot firmly against the block and wait for the report. I never use the front block, as many sprinters do, but am content with the rear one, which gives me an opportunity to shove away at the crack of the pistol with all possible speed."

"From the time that gun goes off until the tape I never remember a thing. I might as well be away off in another sphere. There is not a thought in my mind. I move mechanically with all the speed I am capable of. I take a deep breath before the pistol is fired and that's all I remember before the raw is over."

Training for sprinting is vastly different than training for anything else, according to Lever.

Robertson, to whom Lever attributes all the success he has had in running, doesn't believe in having a sprinter run his full distance in preparing for a race.

Fast starting and racing for perhaps thirty or forty yards is sufficient, according to Lever. He never runs the full distance, whether it be fifty, sixty, seventy or a hundred yards. A fast, start and speed for the aforementioned forty or fifty yards is sufficient.

As far as food is concerned, Lever eats everything, including raw meat, before a race, except pastries and fried food. Coffee is tabooed, but milk or tea are used in moderation. Greasy foods are also on the blacklist, but otherwise anything that is served Lever consumes. The new world's record holder thinks that an athlete should have at least eight to nine hours sleep at night and that he should not smoke at all. On this basis, he works constantly training from the middle of December until the day of the outdoor Intercollegiate, with the result that, barring illness, he is always in tip-top condition.

"The greatest collection of track and field athletes ever gathered together in Central New York State will perform at the Remington Typewriter Park, at Ilion, Saturday, in the Lever Day A. A. U. track and field meet arranged as a testimonial to Harold "Boots" Lever, star track athlete of the University of Pennsylvania, world's record holder, lOO-yard intercollegiate champion, and native of Ilion."

"Fans of this vicinity will have a chance to see many crack men in action, in addition to Lever who holds the Indoor 30 and 70-yard dash records and the 60 yard mark jointly."

"Saturday will be a full holiday at the Remington plants and a record-breaking crowd is expected to take advantage of the opportunity of seeing so many track celebrities in action and also paying tribute to Lever, Ilion's native son, who has put the town of the world's athletic map."

Athlete Makes Gift

Harold "Boots" Lever Will Give Cup to Promote Athletics

Will Present Memorial Cup to Schools

Ilion, July 13 - "Boots" Lever has sent the following letter to Ernest Wright, president of the field day held in his honor:

Delanco, N.J., July 8, 1923

"Mr. Ernest Wright,
President Business Men's Association and
Chairman Lever Day Committee,
Ilion, N. Y."

"My Dear Mr. Wright:"

"Having been forced to leave Ilion much sooner than I had originally planned, I, in my haste, did not thank many of the committee, as I should have done. However, there are a great many that I do not know, and I know that a letter to you as chairman would at least show you all, who did so much, just how I appreciated it."

"I want to thank each one personally for their work in making the affair a success. It could never have worked so beautifully and successfully had not everyone worked together. The entire day was far more than I had hoped for; it meant a great deal more to me than you can all imagine. Preparations for such an event mean work for all those who hope to put it over. In regard to the field program, I think that with the exception of the delay of the Rochester team, due to change of time, all worked as smoothly as it would have where meets are run off weekly."

"The fellows from Pennsylvania, who came with me, wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the general committee for their gracious reception. They had a very wonderful time and wish those to whom they are indebted thanked."

"I have just dropped a letter to W. J. Powers telling him of a proposed idea of mine, which originated when on the field last Saturday. You all started a meet which attracted attention throughout the entire valley. My plan is to attempt to carry your work a step further. Athletics for our boys and girls are what we all agree they need. It is up to the older people to encourage them as much as possible. I consider myself in this class now that my days of actual competition are about over, therefore my plans are to put up for competition in the high school a cup, as a memorial to the boys who were killed overseas. The conditions of award and manner to be decided later. This award to be made in connection with the commencement exercises each year to the individual who in the opinion of judges has maintained a certain standard throughout the year, in all branches of sports. I would be very glad to have you get in touch with Mr. Powers, and any suggestion, which you may offer, will be incorporated into, the original plans. This plea for help is open to all who may have had more experience than myself and who may be acquainted with the boys and their qualifications."

"Once more, I want thank you for all your work in making the day a success and, indeed, it was from every standpoint, and should at any time the village need a few men to make a meet a real high class affair, I stand ready to secure the services of any one of the many stars that we have in the East."

"With many thanks to you all I beg to remain, even though far away.
"A sincere Ilion Booster,"

(Signed) "Harold 'Boots' Lever"

Ilion Gridders Feted At Dinner By Varsity Club

Ilion - Fidelity to their alma mater and importance of clean sports was imbued into young athletes last night by Everett (Hap) Day and Harold (Boots) Lever, as they addressed the more than 200 athletes, guests and friends attending the Varsity Club banquet in Beethoven Maennerchor Hall.

In an inspiring talk, tinged with love for Ilion, Lever, holder of the 70-yard indoor track record, reminded that "whether we win or lose it doesn't make any difference the long run because its the team that counts."

The football field has been the training ground for men in the past war. It is a worthwhile game because it is a fight. Life is a fight.

Maintain Friendship

"When you go onto the field whether you win, lose or draw, if you play hard and square and come out feeling the other fellow is still your friend, you can feel that you have gone forth in preaching clean sportsmanship," he said.

Lever, a graduate of Ilion High School and Mercerburg Academy, gave the Lever Cup to the high school to be awarded each year to the most outstanding athlete. Milton Hess, football captain, is the present holder. A member of the Class of 1923 at Wharton, he served two years in France during World War 1 with the ambulance corps. Termed one of the greatest sprinters in the history of the University of Pennsylvania, Lever is co-holder of the university record of 9.8 seconds for the 100-yard dash. In 1923 he won the 100-yard dash in the Intercollegiates, besides playing football at Pennsylvania.

Day, brother of Harold Day, Remington Rand, Plant 1 manager, offered sidelights of his early sport years. He graduated from Ilion High School where he captained the 1917 and 1918 football team and then went on to gain track and football honors at the University of Pennsylvania

Voted to Membership

The club adopted the following resolution: "Be it resolved that we of Ilion Varsity Club having duly, noted the evidence of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited over a period of years and taking into consideration certain conflicts of time and distance that render these gentlemen incapable of attaining active participation, do hereby empower the secretary of the Ilion Varsity Club to officially recognize and forward evidence of such recognition to the participants that they are life time honorary members of the Ilion Varsity Club. We do therefore publicly announce these appointments: Charles Luce, Everett Day, Harold Lever."

Ernest Sitts, captain in 1923 and 1924 introduced these guests: Luce, Carl Peterson. Roy Bennett, Ralph Horton, Edward Day, Elmer Morgan, Daniel Murphy, Jack Storn, Bentley Williams, Albert Schulz, George Finnigan and Charles Mallory.

Other speakers were J. G. Prindle. E. P. Watkin, Milton Hess, who introduced all team members and cheer leaders; and Kenneth Patrick.

Sitts was general chairman, assisted by Capes, Glenn Salsburg, Frank Connors and Arthur Barnum.

The Utica Observer Dispatch - April 21, 1963 - Harold B. (Boots) Lever, 68, an Ilion native and a well-known area athlete died April 18, in Daytona Beach after he was stricken with a heart attack while scoring the Florida Amateur Golf Championship.

He was an official tournament scorer of the Florida Section of the Professional Golfers Association, and was scoring the amateur tournament on the Port St. Lucie Golf Course.

He was born in Ilion and educated in local schools. Although he was active in all sports, he was most proficient in track. He was a track star at the University of Pennsylvania during the 1920s and twice won the Maxwell Trophy, now awarded only in football. It was then emblematic of track supremacy.

He captained his college track team in 1923 and set a record of 7.1 seconds for the 70-yard indoor dash, a mark which has been surpassed only twice since.

While in Ilion, he was active in church, civic and Masonic affairs. He settled in Connecticut after his college days and was a retired insurance executive. He had been living in Florida since 1960.