Steve Bruskotter coached the team that included state qualifiers Bruce Matter, Jon Parkins and Jerry Shaw
Forty-six track seasons ago the Bluffton High School boys’ track team did not win the Northwest Conference track meet. The team did, however, win its sectional title, but finished third at the district meet.
However, the squad scored 26 points in the state Class A meet (there were only 2 divisions) thanks to the combination of Bruce Matter and Jon Parkins, to bring home its first-ever runner-up track state trophy.
BHS was 4 points behind the state champion Lorain Clearview, which scored 30 points.
The previously Bluffton high at a state meet was sixth in 1976.
In 1978 Bluffton’s state scores follow:
• Bruce Matter, shot up, first place, 56-5 ½
• Bruce Matter, discus, second place, 160-4
• In three years competing in state track meets Matter scored 46 points.
• Jon Parkins, 880, second (5th at state meet in 1977)
Jerry Shaw also qualified for the state meet in the long but, but fouled in his attempt.
Coaching the Pirates was Steve Bruskotter with Jerry Suter, assistant coach.
The following pages are from the 1978 Bluffton High School yearbook
