Harry Schaaf
Encyclopedia
Henry "Harry" Schaaf was an American
track and field athlete
, a member of the Irish American Athletic Club
, and a Police Officer
in the New York City Police Department
. He served as a patrolman from 1912 until his retirement in 1943.
On April 9, 1911, Schaaf was a member of the Irish American Athletic Club
4x440 yard relay team that broke the world record at Celtic Park, Queens, New York, and set the first IAAF- recognized world's record for 4x440 yard or 4x400 meter relay race, with a time of 3 minutes and 18.2 seconds. The other members of the world's record setting team were; Harry Gissing
, Mel Sheppard
and James Rosenberger
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
track and field athlete
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
, a member of the Irish American Athletic Club
Irish American Athletic Club
The Irish American Athletic Club was an amateur athletic organization, based in Queens, New York at the beginning of the 20th Century.-Early years:...
, and a Police Officer
Police officer
A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force...
in the New York City Police Department
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
. He served as a patrolman from 1912 until his retirement in 1943.
On April 9, 1911, Schaaf was a member of the Irish American Athletic Club
Irish American Athletic Club
The Irish American Athletic Club was an amateur athletic organization, based in Queens, New York at the beginning of the 20th Century.-Early years:...
4x440 yard relay team that broke the world record at Celtic Park, Queens, New York, and set the first IAAF- recognized world's record for 4x440 yard or 4x400 meter relay race, with a time of 3 minutes and 18.2 seconds. The other members of the world's record setting team were; Harry Gissing
Harry Gissing
Harry E. Gissing was an American track and field athlete, a member of the New York Athletic Club, Mohawk Athletic Club, and the Irish American Athletic Club. In 1911, he was part of a world's record setting team in the 4x400 meter relay race.In 1908, Gissing won the A.A.U half-mile championship...
, Mel Sheppard
Mel Sheppard
Melvin Whinfield "Peerless Mel" Sheppard was an American athlete, member of the Irish American Athletic Club and winner of four gold medals at the 1908 Summer Olympics and 1912 Summer Olympics...
and James Rosenberger
James Rosenberger
James Maher Rosenberger was an American track and field athlete and a member of the Irish American Athletic Club. He was born in New York City and died in Brooklyn, New York....
.