Lawrence "Pop" McGowan
Graduating class: 1928
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2005
Hall of Fame Category: Athlete
"Educator, athlete, coach and war veteran. Such is the enviable achievement record of Lawrence McGowan" is how he was described in an article in the 1951 Evening Standard. A star athlete at F.H.S., he played football for four years. He earned all Bristol County honors in 1926 and 1927. His senior year from the halfback position he led his team to an undefeated season and a Bristol County championship. In a 2-0 win over Durfee; Pop blocked a kick and scored a safety.
Pop was a member of the track team for four years and was captain his senior year. The team could always count on him for points on the broad jump, 440, high jump and the pole vault. He held the Bristol County record for the 440 of 53 seconds. He won the Steiger/Dungeon cup for high individual scoring set at a Bristol County meet.
He was the recipient of the Stanley Tripp Cup for the greatest number of points in indoor and outdoor meets in 1928 and led his team to the New England Interscholastic Indoor and Outdoor Class B Championship.
Pop played basketball for 4 years, serving as captain his senior year. He played center and was the leading scorer. Pop also played baseball for 1 year. He was awarded the Sparrow Trophy for his prowess as an all-around athlete. Pop was President of the Glee Club, a member of the Student Council, traffic squad and senior dance committee. Pop was Director of the North Fairhaven Play-ground while a student.
After graduating Pop attended Tilton Academy, then went on the University of New Hampshire. He continued to star in athletics while majoring in education and the sciences. A popular student he was president of his class for 4 years.
In 1933 he accepted a position at FHS as a teacher and coach and worked there for 2 years. After positions at Bourne High School and Austin Gare Academy in New Hampshire, Pop went to work at Tewksbury High School. He taught physics and science, coached and eventually became principal.