Receives Key to the City
July 1, 1976
Steve Montgomery, who put Susanville “on the map” by winning three national championships and a state title in the shot put in less than a year receives the key to the city from Susanville Mayor Jim Chapman, during ceremonies at Memorial Park on Monday, June 21.
It was “Steve Montgomery Day” and over 100 of Steve’s friends and supporters turned out to honor the outstanding young athlete who will be leaving today for New York where he will meet other members of the U. S. AAU National Team.
Steve, along with UCLA’s Dave Kurrasch will represent the U. S. in the shot put at meets in Montreal, Canada, Russia and Germany.
The “Steve Montgomery Day” was originally scheduled for Sunday, June 20, but was changed to the next day due to the late arrival of Steve’s plane from Hawaii where he won a meet there the day before with a toss of 66-9.
Along with the key to the city, Mayor Chapman presented Montgomery with a copy of his proclamation along with a resolution of commendation adopted by the city council.
Bill Farris, chairman of the Lassen County Board of Supervisors also read a resolution adopted by the supervisors and presented a copy to Montgomery.
Steve’s personal best in the shot is 68-5½ which he heaved to win the National Prep Invitational in Chicago and earn the trip to Hawaii. Steve won the AAU Junior Nationals in Knoxville, putting the 16-pound shot 57-9½. Steve’s best discus toss is 138-5 which he threw in the California State Meet to finish second. (Swett Photo)
