Eatonville Hall of Fame adds Fitzer brothers

The 2023 Eatonville High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony is just around the corner, and this year's honorees include two remarkable athletes, brothers Marvin and Harold Fitzer. These two legends of Eatonville's sports history will be celebrated during halftime at the Eatonville vs. Tenino football game on Saturday, Sept. 30. Following the game, friends and relatives are invited to join a small gathering in the Hall of Fame area in the Eatonville High School commons.

Harold Fitzer: Basketball maestro of the early 1930s
Harold Fitzer, born in 1933, etched his name into Eatonville's basketball lore during the early 1930s. His contributions to the Eatonville basketball team are especially noteworthy as he was a key member of the squad that clinched victory in the very first Washington State Class "B" state basketball tournament in 1931, a remarkable achievement considering there were only two classifications in the state at the time, Class A and Class B.

Known for his precision shooting and leadership on the court, Harold played a pivotal role in the Eatonville team's success. The Cruisers secured the West Central District Class B championship after an undefeated run in the Puget Sound Class B League. They suffered only one close loss to the Class A state champion Stadium and were narrowly defeated by Class A O'Dea in 1931. During the 1931-32 state tournament, Harold ("Dead-Eye") emerged as the state's leading scorer and was honored with a place on the state tournament all-star team, despite Eatonville finishing 8th.

Harold's basketball journey continued as he briefly joined what is now Western Washington University before returning home to embark on a successful business venture alongside his brothers. Sadly, Harold Fitzer passed away in 1995, but his legacy in Eatonville's sports history lives on.

Marvin Fitzer: The dual-sport Dynamo
Marvin Fitzer, born in 1932, was a versatile athlete who excelled in both basketball and baseball during the early 1930s at Eatonville High School. Much like his brother Harold, Marvin was a crucial part of the 1931 basketball team that made history by winning the inaugural Washington State Class "B" state basketball tournament.

Marvin, often celebrated as a defensive specialist and team leader, played a pivotal role in the Cruisers' journey to the West Central District Class B championship. Like his brother Harold, Marvin also tasted defeat at the hands of formidable Class A opponents. He briefly continued his basketball career at what is now Southern Oregon University, where his team earned a spot in the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City. However, he chose to return home after a year to work in the timber industry alongside his brothers.

Marvin was not limited to the hardwood; he showcased his athletic prowess on the baseball diamond as well. As a pitcher for the Cruiser baseball team, he played a pivotal role in clinching league championships in 1931 and 1932. Alongside his brother Kenneth, the Fitzer pitching duo became known for their exceptional skill, giving up only ten hits through the first five league games of the 1931 season.

Marvin Fitzer's legacy continued long after his athletic career, and he left an indelible mark on Eatonville's sports history. Sadly, Marvin Fitzer passed away in 2007, but his contributions to the community and athletic achievements continue to inspire generations.

The induction of the Fitzer brothers, Harold and Marvin, into the Eatonville High School Athletic Hall of Fame is a testament to their enduring impact on the world of sports and their community. Their names will forever be synonymous with excellence in athletics in Eatonville, and their stories will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and fans.