Legendary Buckeye remembered for prep play at East High

Posted 08-16-09

Buckeye football fans have come to think of Ohio Stadium as the "House that Harley Built."

The designation reflects the stellar play of Charles "Chic" Harley, whose talent and dynamic athleticism helped transform Ohio State University from a school that struggled for respect against central Ohio football teams to a national powerhouse.

Two of his great-nephews are trying to ensure that not only are Harley's OSU accomplishments remembered, but also those as a prep star at East High School and as a professional drawing card with the Decatur/Chicago Staleys.

On Friday, Aug. 14, Todd C. Wessell talked to the media about his new book The One and Only, which tells the life story of "Uncle Chic."

Before Harley became a three-time All American football player at Ohio State (1916, '17 andf '19), he earned acclaim as a four-sport star at East High School. Harley Field was named in his honor in 1929.

The Wessells are sponsoriing a new black and orange sign that will preserve the Harley name on the field where East High plays its home games.

"Proceeds from the sale of the book will pay for the sign, which means that each member of the community owns a piece of it," Wessell said.

The sign, to be posted on the press box, will be unveiled on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Tigers' home opener against Mifflin.

A fundraising event will be held at East High on Thursday, Sept. 17, during which a slide show and a video of Harley will be featured. The book, which includes family photographs not found elsewhere, will be launched in October.

Greg Reamsnider, athlertic director at East, and Mike White, the school's head football coach, took part in Friday's news conference, which was held at Eddie George's Grille on N. High Street.

The occasion also attracted Russ Finneran, whose uncle Joe played against Harley in four sports for the old Aquinas High School.

Like Harley, Joe Finneran served in the military in 1918 during World War I. They became roommates and teammates at Ohio State in 1919.

The book and related stories are but a few of the efforts by the Wessells to perpuate the memory of Chic Harley. Even though Ohio State has retired Harley's jersey, the brothers would like the university to establish a more public memorial.

They cite Woody Hayes Drive, St. John Arena and Jesse Owens Stadium as examples of things done in honor of other OSU luminaries.

	Legendary Buckeye remembered for prep play at East High

*Photo By Terry Gilliam*	By Felix Hoover For YourNewsColumbus.com Posted 08-16-09 Buckeye football fans have come to think of Ohio Stadium as the "House that Harley Built." The designation reflects the stellar play of Charles "Chic" Harley, whose talent and dynamic athleticism helped transform Ohio State University from a school that struggled for respect against central Ohio football teams to a national powerhouse. Two of his great-nephews are trying to ensure that not only are Harley's OSU accomplishments remembered, but also those as a prep star at East High School and as a professional drawing card with the Decatur/Chicago Staleys. On Friday, Aug. 14, Todd C. Wessell talked to the media about his new book The One and Only, which tells the life story of "Uncle Chic." Before Harley became a three-time All American football player at Ohio State (1916, '17 andf '19), he earned acclaim as a four-sport star at East High School. Harley Field was named in his honor in 1929. The Wessells are sponsoriing a new black and orange sign that will preserve the Harley name on the field where East High plays its home games. "Proceeds from the sale of the book will pay for the sign, which means that each member of the community owns a piece of it," Wessell said. The sign, to be posted on the press box, will be unveiled on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Tigers' home opener against Mifflin. A fundraising event will be held at East High on Thursday, Sept. 17, during which a slide show and a video of Harley will be featured. The book, which includes family photographs not found elsewhere, will be launched in October. Greg Reamsnider, athlertic director at East, and Mike White, the school's head football coach, took part in Friday's news conference, which was held at Eddie George's Grille on N. High Street. The occasion also attracted Russ Finneran, whose uncle Joe played against Harley in four sports for the old Aquinas High School. Like Harley, Joe Finneran served in the military in 1918 during World War I. They became roommates and teammates at Ohio State in 1919. The book and related stories are but a few of the efforts by the Wessells to perpuate the memory of Chic Harley. Even though Ohio State has retired Harley's jersey, the brothers would like the university to establish a more public memorial. They cite Woody Hayes Drive, St. John Arena and Jesse Owens Stadium as examples of things done in honor of other OSU luminaries. HOME PAGE