A 1947 McCaskey graduate, Al Eckert played football and ran track at McCaskey. He was a member of the District Three medalist mile relay team. Moving on to Millersville State College, Eckert played baseball for three seasons and ran track for one season.
Eckert played American Legion baseball for five years. In 1948, he had a batting average of .557. He also played and coached many baseball teams in Lancaster County.
Eckert coached at various levels for many years. He started at Salisbury Township (grades 9-11), coaching soccer, basketball and baseball for two years. The school merged with Paradise, and many of the players took part in the Pequea Valley School teams. He was the varsity baseball coach for five years. The Braves were Lancaster County champions in 1957 and 1960. He served as athletic director from 1960-61 and was elected for the Pequea Valley Hall of Fame.
Eckert became part of the McCaskey staff in 1961 and served as the JV baseball coach 12 years seasons. From 1974-76, He was the Red Tornado’s varsity coach. He became the cross-country coach in 1972 and had an undefeated team and county championship in 1973.