March 09

Sondre Norheim was born in 1825 in Morgedal, Norway, an area known for its snow sports traditions. He revolutionized skiing by introducing the Telemark turn and the Christiania (Carlsbad) turn, techniques that allowed greater control and agility. Norheim also designed a new, more flexible ski binding that improved performance on varied terrain. His skill and innovations earned him fame during the first Winter Olympics in Oslo's precursor festival in 1868. In 1884, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Wisconsin, where he continued to ski and promote the sport. Norheim's contributions laid the foundation for modern alpine skiing and influenced generations of skiers worldwide. He died in 1897, remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of skiing.

Born in 1943 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Hardin was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1964. He made his Major League debut in 1967 and recorded a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Hardin was a member of the Orioles' pitching staff during their 1969 World Series run. Later, he played for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves, known for his powerful fastball and curveball. After retiring, Hardin worked in real estate and remained active in his Louisiana community. On March 9, 1991, he tragically died in a boating accident at the age of 47. Hardin is remembered for his brief but impactful career and his no-hitter achievement.

He began his career in the 1950s, competing in regional promotions across Canada and the United States. After retiring from active competition in the late 1960s, he transitioned to refereeing high-profile matches before becoming a manager. As a manager, he guided and promoted top talents on the Canadian wrestling scene, enhancing their personas and storylines. Renowned for his showmanship and colorful ring persona, he helped elevate the sport’s entertainment value. Over four decades, he left an enduring mark on the development of professional wrestling in Canada. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 65.

Glen Harmon was born in 1921 in Saskatchewan and began his professional hockey career in the early 1940s. He joined the Montreal Canadiens in 1941 and played as a reliable defenceman for eight NHL seasons. Harmon helped the Canadiens secure the Stanley Cup championships in 1946 and 1953. He was known for his steady defensive play, physical presence on the ice, and leadership qualities. After retiring from the NHL, he continued playing and coaching in senior leagues, sharing his experience with younger players. Harmon was later inducted into the London Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the sport. He passed away on March 9, 2007, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and sportsmanship.

Willie Davis was born in 1940 and made his Major League Baseball debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1960. As an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was a key contributor to their 1963 and 1965 World Series championships. Davis finished his playing career with a .284 batting average, 179 home runs, and 314 stolen bases. Known for his excellent defensive skills and base-running speed, he led the National League in triples three times. After leaving the Dodgers, he played in Japan and Mexico before transitioning to coaching and management roles. Davis was honored on the Dodgers Wall of Fame for his achievements. He died on March 9, 2010, remembered as one of the franchise's versatile and respected players.

Henry Wittenberg (1918–2010) was an American wrestler known for his prowess in both Greco-Roman and freestyle disciplines. Born in Manhattan, he captured Olympic gold at the 1948 London Games and silver at the 1952 Helsinki Games. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II, demonstrating discipline both on and off the mat. After his competitive career, he coached wrestling at colleges and community centers, sharing his expertise with younger athletes. In 1970, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the sport. His technical skill and sportsmanship set a standard for American wrestling for generations. He remains celebrated as one of the country’s greatest Olympic grapplers.

Clyde Lovellette (1929–2016) was a pioneering American center renowned for his scoring and leadership. At the University of Kansas, he led the Jayhawks to the 1952 NCAA championship and earned All-American honors. He captured Olympic gold with the U.S. basketball team at the 1952 Helsinki Games. In the NBA, he won titles with the Minneapolis Lakers (1954–55) and Boston Celtics (1962–63). Lovellette was a six-time All-Star and one of the first true big men to dominate both ends of the court. After retiring as a player, he coached at the collegiate level and served as an athletic director. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.