Richard Clasby ‘49

   Harvard University BS ’54

Bio

President, Davenport Peters Co, oldest continuous wholesaler of lumber in the U.S.

Athletics

Star tailback, safety, punter and Captain, Harvard football.  Upon graduation he was Harvard’s all time leading rusher with 1,825 yards.  Ranks 4th on the list 45 years later.  Still holds 2 Harvard records: longest run from scrimmage (96 yards) and single season punting average (41 yards per kick).  Standout catcher on the baseball team. 
In hockey, scored the first two goals of the first Bean Pot Tournament.  Earned nine varsity letters and has been called “perhaps the school’s greatest living athlete”.

Community involvement

Boys & Girls Club of Boston, Coach Pee Wee and Bantam Hockey, President, Gridiron Club of Boston.

Awards

Lowe Trophy for New England’s outstanding football player.  
MA Chapter, National Football Foundation and 
College Hall of Fame, Distinguished American Award.

Advice to Students

Never be afraid to ask questions and to take risks. Believe in yourself. Think of Natick High School as your starting block and take advantage of all the wonderful things high school offers. Build yourself and your life into something you love and something you can be proud of... something you can build on – whether moving on to college or out into the workplace. If you want something, go out and get it, and don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way. You can do it! 

Inducted November 20, 2007