The Mystery of Potter Pete's Vintage Sneakers

East Liverpool City Schools seeks public help to uncover the story behind a pair of 1920s-era sneakers signed by local legend "Potter Pete"

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A surprising discovery was made inside a storage closet at East Liverpool City Schools' Potter Fieldhouse - a pair of vintage sneakers marked with the name "Potter Pete" and a reference to an 8th-grade city championship in 1929. However, the timeline doesn't add up, as "Potter Pete" himself, Pete Coplin, was born in 1929, making it impossible for him to have worn the shoes for that championship. The school district is now asking the public for help in uncovering the true story behind this mysterious find.

Why it matters

The discovery of these vintage sneakers has sparked intrigue within the East Liverpool community, as "Potter Pete" was a beloved local figure known for his unwavering loyalty and attendance at school sporting events. Unraveling the mystery behind the shoes' origins could shed light on an important piece of the town's sports history and the legacy of this iconic community member.

The details

The sneakers were found inside a storage closet at Potter Fieldhouse by East Liverpool's head basketball coach, Kade Reynolds. Upon closer inspection, the shoes are marked with the name "Potter Pete" and a reference to an 8th-grade city championship in 1929. However, this timeline doesn't add up, as Pete Coplin, the man known as "Potter Pete", was born in 1929, making it impossible for him to have worn the shoes for that championship. After posting about the discovery online, Reynolds received confirmation from Coplin's family members that the signature on the shoes is authentic.

  • The sneakers were discovered in a storage closet at Potter Fieldhouse in East Liverpool, Ohio.

The players

Kade Reynolds

The head basketball coach at East Liverpool City Schools who discovered the vintage sneakers.

Pete Coplin

Also known as "Potter Pete", a beloved local figure in East Liverpool known for his unwavering loyalty and attendance at school sporting events.

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What they’re saying

“I went and just opened the door, and lo and behold, that's where we found the shoes.”

— Kade Reynolds, East Liverpool head basketball coach

“At first, when you see something like 1929, you think that's really old. And then you see Potter Pete's name on it. Which is a Potter legend. You just want to find the backstory for it.”

— Kade Reynolds, East Liverpool head basketball coach

“Looking at it side-by-side, it's definitely his signature for sure. So we do know that Pete Coplin, Potter Pete, did sign the shoes. That is for sure his handwriting.”

— Kade Reynolds, East Liverpool head basketball coach

“Maybe he knew someone for that team, or he knew someone from that era, and he signed them and was going to give them to him. None of it really adds up.”

— Kade Reynolds, East Liverpool head basketball coach

“I think he's definitely looking down on us laughing, because we're all trying to figure out this mystery, and it sounds like right now he's really the only person who knows the true meaning of it.”

— Kade Reynolds, East Liverpool head basketball coach

What’s next

The school district plans to keep the vintage sneakers on display at Potter Fieldhouse for future generations to see and continue the search for the story behind them.

The takeaway

This discovery has sparked a community-wide mystery that has captured the imagination of East Liverpool residents, highlighting the enduring legacy of "Potter Pete" and the town's rich sports history. Unraveling the true origins of these vintage sneakers could uncover an important piece of the past and inspire new appreciation for the town's beloved figures and traditions.