Eldon "L. D." ElartonThere probably isn’t a checklist that L. D. Elarton used to become one of the state’s most respected educational administrators, but if there was, one could be assured that included the following attributes: leading by example, holding a shared vision, being well-respected, a problem-solver, selfless, a good listener, adaptable, knowing individual strengths and weaknesses, making those around him better, accountability at all levels.
If that was his checklist, he could mark all them off during his nearly 40 years in education.
L. D.’s career as a student participant, teacher, coach and administrator was steeped in his native Lamar. He played baseball, basketball and football, was student body president and an all-state participant for LHS.
He led LHS to a state football championship in 1961, earning four letters in baseball and three each in football and basketball.
After college, he turned to teaching and coaching and moved up the ranks, serving as teacher, assistant principal, principal, finance director and superintendent.
As a coach, L. D. earned coach of the year honors at Widefield High School. Once returning to Lamar, his basketball and baseball teams both made the playoffs. He also coached basketball for nine years, making the playoffs each season.
L. D. initiated the Academic Letter Award, hosted countless CHSAA Music and Speech events.
Under L. D.’s watch, Lamar High School experienced incredible success in athletics with the school’s baseball, wrestling and girls’ basketball teams winning 10 state titles among them. He was active on the state and national scene through CASE and NASSP.
L. D. was a constant for nearly 40 years of academic, non-athletic and athletic success at Lamar. It is a culture that stands today.
L.D.’s service to CHSAA include a stint on the baseball, board of control, CLOC and the hall of fame selection Committees.
