JOHN LEAKE
CLASS OF 1943
CONTRIBUTOR
Although he was the sportswriter for Harrisonburg High School, John did not play sports or coach sports at HHS. Like many of his contemporaries, John Leake went to war during WWll and later Korea. Returning to Harrisonburg after WWll, John became a staunch supporter of Blue Streak athletics. This continued for more than 70 years.
It all began with a group of former HHS athletes returning from military service who wanted to be involved in competitive sports. They formed the Monogram Club and started a football team and later a basketball team. These teams scheduled games with other local teams and sometimes traveling teams from outside the area. The rosters contained a number of players who, many years later, were inducted in the HHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
John Leake was the business manager, agent, and (according to many) “chief instigator” of the organization. His ability to fill out the roster for difficult games seemed to make him an early master of the “art of the deal”. The monogram club lasted for 6 years but his support for HHS athletics never wavered. Over the years John provided tangible support for the athletic department without seeking attention or credit. He continues to be a constant presence at Blue Streak sporting events, especially contests involving the football, basketball and tennis.
John’s civic and professional influence in the community is long and distinguished. He served 45 years as trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Court and as the 1st Chief Magistrate for the State District Courts. His portrait hangs in the federal building on north Main Street.
A member of the Lions club for 70 years; John held every office in the organization. John is also a 69 year member of the Elks club, serving as secretary for 48 years. His daughter, Anne Leake Turner ran track for one year and grandson Ian Frazier played basketball and tennis for four years. John Leake Jr. was HHS football team student trainer for four years.
