Individually and collectively, the 1942 Penn Relay champions are among the all-time Gettysburg greats. The group won the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Association (MASCAA) class and College Class mile relays at the 1942 Penn Relays. The Apr. 30, 1942 issue of The Gettysburgian said the team was “Termed by George Walsh, Coach of the Union College team which established the record back in 1920, as ‘the best Middle Atlantic race I've ever seen.’ Mentor Walsh added that ‘had Gettysburg drawn the inside lane, they would undoubtedly set a new record.’”
The quartet also helped the Bullets to an undefeated dual slate in 1941, which was the College's only perfect season until 1993.
The four men shone individually as well. Bucher set the school record in the 440 three times, and he won every 220- and 440-yard dash in which he competed for his entire career. Everhart set the Gettysburg 100 record with a 9.5 in 1940. Motter is the only four-year letter winner among the group. He competed in the Penn Relays four times, in 1941, 1942, 1944 and 1947. Powers earned three letters in track and field and two in football, excelling in the 100- and 220-yard dashes, in the broad jump and as a kick returner.
Bucher, a Gettysburg, Pa., native, spent three years at Gettysburg before leaving to serve his country during World War II. He later finished his education at the University of Pennsylvania. Everhart, a Gettysburg, Pa., native, graduated from Gettysburg in 1943 with a degree in English. Motter, a Taneytown, Md., native, graduated from Gettysburg in 1947 with a degree in mathematics. Powers, an Ardmore, Pa., native, graduated in 1944 with a degree in economics.
