Montague "Monte" Upshaw
PHS Class of 1954
Monte Upshaw's name was synonymous with track and field stardom during his days at Piedmont High School. He was a world-class long jumper and set the national record in 1954 wit a jump of 25’ 4-1/2", which would have been good enough to win the subsequent 1956 Olympics! Monte also starred in the 180 low hurdles and the 120 high hurdles, defeating the likes of Rafer Johnson, who went on to win the 1960 Olympics Decathlon title at the Rome Olympic Games. Monte was quite simply the man who consistently defeated everyone against whom he competed.
In football. Monte was an outstanding wide receiver and "the best defensive back I ever saw"; according to long time Piedmont football coach Bob Muenter. Monte had outstanding speed and work ethic, pushing himself up the hills around the school and running the halls of the junior high school after school on rainy days. He won all-league honors in both track and football in the ACAL in both 1953 and 1954, and was Northern California Athlete of the Year in both 1953 and 1954. He served on the student council as a junior and senior and was the Student Body President his senior year.
He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he set the frosh record in the long jump at 24'6". Unfortunately, he injured his knee during the season, returned as a sophomore, pushed hard for the 1956 Olympics, and re-injured his knee. He also ran the 100, 400 and relays for Cal.
Links:
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/09/05/tributes-pour-in-for-piedmont-high-cal-hall-of-famer-monte-upshaw/