Osmond Pitter '26 is recognized as the first Black student at Haverford College. In addition to his lasting legacy on the College, Pitter made his mark on varsity athletics as a four-year member of both the track & field and cricket teams.
As a member of the track & field team, Pitter was a part of one of the most dominant throwing squads in the Middle Atlantic Conference. With some of his toughest competition in the conference coming from his own teammates, Pitter took home the gold medal as a senior during the 1926 conference championships as he launched the javelin 161 feet, three and one-eighth inches (49.15 meters).
When he graduated from Haverford during the spring of 1926, that throw ranked second in school history. Although the track & field program was relatively new as the team achieved varsity status for the first time in spring of 1912, Pitter's exploits have since stood the test of time. His career best throw still ranks ninth in school history to this day.
The multi-talented Pitter additionally made his presence known on the cricket pitch for the nation's only varsity collegiate team. A star bowler for the Fords, Pitter helped the team to undefeated seasons in 1924 and 1925. He was awarded the Congdon Prize Ball as a top bowler following both of those undefeated campaigns. Starting with Pitter joining the Fords during his first-year, the cricket team won 18 straight matches from June 9, 1923 through May 8, 1926 (a stretch that spanned his first-year through senior seasons). The winning streak still stands as a College record for the cricket program to this day.
Pitter originally hailed from Newport, Jamaica and the British West Indies prior to enrolling at Haverford. He previously attended the Happy Grove School in Jamaica and was drawn to Haverford as his high school in Jamaica was founded by Quakers. In addition to his endeavors in athletics, Pitter was also a very active member of the Press Club through his undergraduate career at Haverford.
Throughout the month of February, the Haverford College athletic department will be spotlighting former Black student-athletes, featuring their successes both as athletes and after their graduation in celebration of Black History Month.