Our History.
In 1988, Fred Rosenfeld, a 1963 Overbrook High School (OHS) alumnus, teacher, and coach, discussed Overbrook’s rich athletic history with then-principal Dr. Diane Scott. They concluded that creating an Athletic Alumni Association was long overdue and would greatly benefit both current Overbrook students and alumni. They envisioned many positive outcomes that a strong Alumni Association could provide. Dr. Scott generously provided seed funding to help launch the initiative.
Coach Rosenfeld, affectionately known as “Mr. Rose,” began reaching out to former OHS athletes. Initial efforts included public service announcements on the radio, but that method proved ineffective. A billboard company was then contacted, but the cost of a single billboard for one month would have exhausted the entire budget. However, a follow-up effort with the company’s Public Service Department paid off: the company donated ten billboards for over a month, using only a quarter of the original budget. Bright orange and black signs appeared throughout the city, encouraging former athletes to contact Coach Rosenfeld — and they did.
As alumni responded, they were invited to a meeting held at St. Joseph’s University, which included a free meal funded by the remaining budget. 125 enthusiastic and emotional former Overbrook athletes attended what turned out to be a joyous reunion filled with smiles, laughter, and tears. After the meal, Coach Rosenfeld addressed the group, sharing his hopes and goals for what would soon become the Overbrook High School Athletic Alumni Association (OHSAAA). The extended applause that followed made it clear that there was strong interest and support. Many alumni stepped up to help make the vision a reality.
A dedicated group of individuals came together to form a Board of Directors, established various committees, and began working on what became a true “project of love.” The initial board included Gene Levin, Jimmy Sadler, Mel Brodsky, Winston Williams, Delores Hamilton-Davis, Stan Channick, John Barber, Paula Hatten, Ed Snyder, Allan Weinberg, Howie Horenstein, Ron Duckett, Steve Kane, Charnel Elliott, and Greg Floyd.
A major milestone was achieved in 1991 with the first OHSAAA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in the packed auditorium at Overbrook High School in front of excited students, alumni, and special guests. The legendary Wilt Chamberlain (Class of ’55) was the headline inductee and was deeply honored by the recognition. Joining him were Jackie Moore (’50), the first African American NBA player from Philadelphia; Ira Davis (’54), a three-time Olympian; and Cliff Calvert (’32).
To date, more than 90 inductees have been honored, and their plaques proudly line the second-floor marble hallway at “The Brook.” The annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, along with the Sam Cozen Golf Tournament—organized by Howie Horenstein—have served as major fundraising events. Together, they have generated over $100,000 in scholarships awarded to deserving Overbrook graduates.
As the organization evolved, OHSAAA became the Overbrook High School Alumni Association (OHSAA), expanding its mission to include not only athletes but all distinguished alumni. Leadership has rotated over the years, beginning with founder Fred Rosenfeld (’63) and including Gene Levin (’59), Bobby Wright (’85), MacArthur Littles (’68), Janine (Hill) Gant (’78 – the first female president), Jamal “Bread” Montgomery (’92), Wayne Crawford (’75), Interim President Deborah Weeks-Coleman (’71), and the current president, Patricia Mathis (’72).