| Carthage High School Building | |||||||||
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| Original Carthage High School? |
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| Now Carthage Grade School |
The History of Carthage (& Hancock Central) High School
Carthage (population 2,725) is located in upper-western Illinois smack dab in the center of Hancock County. It serves as the county seat and sits about 25 miles west of Macomb and about 12 miles east of the Mississippi River. The two main roadways leading to and from Carthage include U.S. Route 136 and Illinois Route 94.
Carthage has an incredibly rich and storied history which the town’s people have strived to maintain. Carthage was first settled in 1831 and was named the county seat of Hancock County in 1833, a distinction it has held ever since. Abraham Lincoln once made a campaign speech in Carthage. What the town is most recognized for in American history however is that it is the place where Mormon leader Joseph Smith was assassinated at while in the local jail in 1844. To view the city’s website check out http://www.carthage-il.com/main/index.htm .
The history of the Carthage school system is in need of more detailed research. Gary and Carol Vest provided the following bit of historical information on the Carthage school system:
“The earliest known high school in Carthage was held in the 2nd floor of an early grade school built in 1860, pictured on p. 52 of the 1979 edition of “Historic sites and Structures of Hancock County, Illinois” published by the Hancock County Historical society and the Hancock County Bicentennial Commission with the support of the Hancock County Board. The original high school was built in 1905 is also pictured on the page referenced above.”
Carthage High School was certainly in full swing by the late 1800s. We believe it was in the late 1940s to mid 1950s that several small school districts in the center of Hancock County closed and agreed to consolidate with the Carthage School District. At this time the school district name was changed to Carthage Hancock Central School District. This arrangement appears to have been maintained through the 1991-92 school year. The name “Hancock Central” appears to have been dropped after that year. In the fall of 1992 it appears as though the school returned to being called Carthage High School.
The school established itself quite well for the next several years. Talks began with its neighbors of Dallas City and La Harpe in the middle of the first decade of the 2000s regarding the joining of all three town’s educational resources. As Tom Allen tells us, the three towns made the decision to “converge” which may be the first time in the history of Illinois that this took place. Plans were finalized in 2006 and it the school districts of Carthage, Dallas City, and La Harpe converged for the 2007-08 school year. The new school district was named “Illini West”, ending the run of the Carthage High School name.
The good news is that Illini West High School will remain in Carthage, allowing the students and faculty to carry on the traditions of great education and athletics of those who came before them.
Carthage High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800s?
Year name “Hancock Central” added: 1957?
Year name “Hancock Central” dropped: 1992?
Year Carthage HS convereged: 2007
Converged with: Dallas City & La Harpe
Converged to: Illini West High School (Carthage)
Carthage High School team nicknames: “Blueboys” & “Bluegirls”
Carthage HS team uniform colors: Royal Blue & White
Carthage HS fight song: “We’re Loyal to You Carthage High”
Sung to Illinois Loyalty
Lyrics Provided by Gary & Carol Vest
We’re Loyal to you Carthage High
We’re true white and blue Carthage High
We back you to stand ‘gainst the best in the land
For we know you have sand Carthage High
Rah! Rah!
So smash that blockage Carthage High
Go crashing ahead Carthage High
Our team is our fame protector,
On boys, for we expect a
Victory from you, Carthage High!
| ATHLETICS
Carthage High School has an incredible tradition in high school athletics. State Championships were won in football and girls basketball. Excellent achievements were attained in several other sports as well. We are in need of several season records, coach’s names, and the school fight song for the Carthage Blueboys and Bluegirls athletic teams.
FOOTBALL If you are a fan of high school football, especially the lower enrollment classes, then you have no doubt heard of the Carthage High School Blueboys football program. Only six seasons in the school’s 50 recorded years of football did the Blueboys have a losing record. Several good coaches have led the charge for teh grid iron warriors, none better than current coach Jim Unruh however. We will try and summarize the incredible successes of the Cathage football program, however this may get quite lengthy! * 3 – Undefeated State Championship Seasons * 4 – IHSA State Championships Won (3 in succession) * 5 – IHSA State Playoff Second Place Finishes * 5 – Total Undefeated Seasons * 9 – IHSA State Champioinship Game Appearances *15 – Undefeated Regular Seasons *16 – Consecutive IHSA State Playoff Appearances *23 – IHSA State Playoff Appearances *377 – Total Wins in 50 Years of Coverage (377 – 127 – 10) *.743 – School’s Winning % in 50 years covered! As Carthage Hancock Central 1957-58 5 – 2 Coach Lefty Wilson 1960-61 4 – 4 Coach Dick Biery 1961-62 4 – 3 – 1 Coach Dick Biery 1962-63 0 – 6 – 3 Coach Dick Biery 1963-64 5 – 4 Coach Dick Biery 1964-65 5 – 2 – 2 Coach Dick Biery 1965-66 1 – 7 – 1 Coach Dick Biery 1966-67 3 – 6 Coach Dick Biery 1967-68 4 – 5 Coach Ed Test 1968-69 5 – 4 Coach Ed Test 1969-70 8 – 0 – 1 Undefeated Season Coach Ed Test 1971-72 6 – 3 Coach Ed Test 1972-73 8 – 0 – 1 Undefeated Season Coach Ed Test 1973-74 8 – 2 Coach Ed Test 1974-75 8 – 2 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Ed Test Lost to PORTA 14 – 9 1975-76 4 – 5 Coach Gary Hanlin 1977-78 7 – 2 Coach Bob Steinman 1978-79 6 – 3 Coach Bob Steinman 1979-80 8 – 2 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Bob Steinman Lost to Knoxville 12 – 7 1980-81 8 – 2 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Bob Steinman Lost to Kewanee Wethersfield 34 – 8 1981-82 6 – 3 Coach Kenneth Miller 1982-83 6 – 3 Coach Kenneth Miller 1983-84 7 – 2 Coach Kenneth Miller 1984-85 12 – 1 IHSA Class 1A SECOND Place!! Coach Kenneth Miller Beat Monmouth Yorkwood 19 – 0 Beat Walnut 52 – 19 Beat Lanark 13 – 0 Championship Game Lost to Jacksonville Routt 20 – 0 1985-86 7 – 3 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Kenneth Miller Lost to Roseville 47 – 22 1986-87 6 – 4 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh 1987-88 7 – 3 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Lost to Monmouth Warren 22 – 20 1988-89 13 – 1 IHSA Class 1A – SECOND Place!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Sciota NW 14 – 0 Beat Astoria 9 – 6 Beat Alexis 9 – 7 Beat Orangeville 27 – 3 Championship Game Lost to Arcola 15 – 0 1989-90 10 – 1 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Undefeated Regular Season Beat Roseville 44 – 19 Lost to Sciota NW 22 – 0 1990-91 5 – 4 Coach Jim Unruh 1991-92 7 – 3 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Lost to Monmouth Warren 12 – 8 As Carthage High School 1992-93 9 – 3 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Beat Joy Westmer 36 – 26 Beat Monmouth Warren 42 – 13 Lost to Kewanee Wethersfield 24 – 20 1993-94 10 – 1 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Undefeated Regular Season Beat Astoria 32 – 0 Lost to Hardin Calhoun 37 – 0 Calhoun won State Championship 1994-95 10 – 1 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Beat Jacksonville ISD 44 – 8 Lost to Hardin Calhoun 14 – 6 1995-96 14 – 0 IHSA CLASS 1A State Champions!! Coach Jim Unruh Undefeated Regular Season Beat Peoria Hts. 44 – 18 Beat Kewanee Wethersfield 26 – 12 Beat Sciota NW 14 – 0 Beat Sterling Newman 14 – 6 Championship Game Beat Arcola 45 – 13 1996-97 8 – 3 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Lost to Monmouth Warren 33 – 8 1997-98 6 – 4 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh 1998-99 14 – 0 IHSA CLASS 1A State Champions!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Dakota 46 – 8 Beat Lewistown 34 – 14 Beat Monmouth Warren 28 – 20 (2O/T) Beat Milledgeville 30 – 14 Championship Game Beat Sterling Newman 30 – 26 1999-00 14 – 0 IHSA CLASS 1A State Champions!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Mendon Unity 14 – 7 Beat Palestine 54 – 12 Beat Lexington 26 – 7 Beat Dakota 14 – 12 Championship Game Beat Galena 14 – 12 2000-01 13 – 1 IHSA CLASS 1A State Champions!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Hardin Calhoun 56 – 6 Beat Lewistown 62 – 8 Beat Cambridge 42 – 7 Beat Galena 28 – 0 Championship Game Beat Sciota NW 14 – 0 2001-02 6 – 4 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Aledo Won Class 2A Championship 2002-03 13 – 1 IHSA Class 2A – SECOND Place!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Cuba 54 – 14 Beat Winchester 46 – 8 Beat Sciota NW 30 – 8 Beat Auburn 54 – 14 Championship Game Lost to Aledo 41 – 40 (O/T) 2003-04 13 – 1 IHSA Class 2A – SECOND Place!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Virginia 66 – 6 Beat Beardstown 60 – 23 Beat White Hall NG 34 – 6 Beat Argenta Oreana 42 – 15 Championship Game Lost to Gilman IW 32 – 14 2004-05 13 – 1 IHSA Class 2A – SECOND Place!! Coach Jim Unruh Beat Tremont 56 – 0 Beat Orion 22 – 20 Beat Knoxville 30 – 0 Beat Shelbyville 41 – 0 Championship Game Lost to Sterling Newman 21 – 7 2005-06 11 – 1 IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Beat White Hall NG 30 – 6 Beat Bushnell PC 42 – 0 Lost to Aledo 31 – 6 Aledo Eventually Placed 2nd 2006-07 7 – 4 IHSA Class 1A Playoff Qualifier Coach Jim Unruh Beat Gibson City MS 16 – 6 Lost to Arthur 37 – 12 School’s Final Season as Carthage HS IHSA STATE RECORDS HELD BY THE CARTHAGE BLUEBOYS FOOTBALL PROGRAM (as of July, 2007) #1 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 694 (2000) #1 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season – 81 (2000) #2 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 681 (2003) #2 – All-Time – Most Rushing Yardage, Season – 5,164 (1995) #2 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season – 79 (2003) #3 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 94 (2000) #3 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 94 (2003) #3 – All-Time – Most Rushing Yardage, Season – 5,093 (2000) #3 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season – 74 (2002) #3 – All-Time – Most Fumbles Recovered, Season – 34 (1984) #3 – All-Time – Most Fumbles Recovered, Game – 7 (1988 vs. Arcola) #5 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 93 (2002) #5 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season – 72 (1995) #6 – All-Time – Highest Scoring Average, Season – 49.5 (2000) #7 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 658 (2002) #9 – All-Time – Most Interceptions Returned for Touchdown, Game – 2 (1984 vs. Walnut) #10 – All-Time – Most Consecutive Wins – 31 (1998 – Sept., 2000) #10 – All-Time – Most Rushing Yardage, Season – 4,754 (2002) #11 – All-Time – Most Consecutive Games Without a Loss – 31 (1998 – Sept., 2000) #11 – All-Time – Most Rushing Yardage, Season – 4,745 (2003) #12 – All-Time – Highest Scoring Average, Season – 48.6 (2003) #13 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 608 (1999) #13 – All-Time – Most Yards, Total Offense, Season – 5,709 (1995) #13 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season – 62 (1999) #14 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 602 (1995) #16 – All-Time – Highest Scoring Average, Season – 47.0 (2002) #16 – All-Time – Most Rushes Attempted, Season 659 (1999) #17 – All-Time – Most Rushes Attempted, Season 657 (1995) #18 – All-Time – Most First Downs, Season 245 (2003) #19 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 73 (1995) #22 – All-Time – Most Yards, Total Offense, Season – 5,573 (2002) #22 – All-Time – Most Rushing Yardage, Season – 4,328 (1999) #23 – All-Time – Most Yards Rushing, Game – 542 (vs. Beardstown, Nov. 18, 2003 -54 attempts) #23 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Game – 8 (3 seperate games – 2000, vs. Camp Point Central, Warsaw, & Lewistown) #24 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 566 (1998) #24 – All-Time – Most Yards, Total Offense, Season – 5,510 (2000 – 5,093 rush, 417 pass) #28 – All-Time – Most First Downs, Game – 28 (2002 – vs. Auburn) #30 – All-Time – Most Rushing Yardage, Season – 4,231 (1998) #30 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season – 52 (1998) #31 – All-Time – Most Passes Intercepted, Season – 24 (2000) #36 – All-Time – Most Yards Rushing, Game – 523 (2000 vs. Warsaw) #38 – All-Time – Most Rushes Attempted, Season – 601 (2000) #47 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Game, Both Teams Scoring (92 – Beat Mendon Unity 66-26 in 1995) IHSA INDIVIDUAL RECORDS HELD BY CARTHAGE BLUEBOY FOOTBALL PLAYERS (as of July 2007) #3 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 300, Ashton Gronewald (2003) #4 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 43, Ashton Gronewald (2003) #5 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Career – 614, Ashton Gronewald (2000-03) #5 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 288, Ashton Gornewald (2001) #7 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Career – 84, Ashton Gronewald (2000-03) #8 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 41, Ashton Gronewald (2002) #13 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Career – 494, Wyatt Green (1998-2000) #13 – All-Time – Most Yards Total Offense, Career – 5,704, Wyatt Green (1998-00) #14 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 250, Wyatt Green (2000) #15 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Career – 474, Ezra Law, (1994) #17 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Career – 67, Wyatt Green (1998-00) #17 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Career – 430, Luke Wessel (1996-98) #20 – All-Time – Most P.A.T.s Career – 92, Ashton Gronewald (2000-03) #26 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Career – 61, Luke Wessel (1996-98) #32 – All-Time – Most Touchdowns Scored, Season – 34, Wyatt Green (2000) #37 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 212, Ashton Gronewald (2002) #37 – All-Time – Most Yards Total Offense, Career – 4,724, Ashton Gronewald (2000-03) IHSA RECORDS HELD BY COACH JIM UNRUH As of July 2007 #2 – All-Time – Most Consecutive Title Games Won – 3 #4 – All-Time – Most Title Game Appearances – 7 #4 – All-Time – Most Consecutive Title Game Appearances – 3 #4 – All-Time – Most Title Games Won – 4 #16 – All-Time – Most Wins at One School – 216 (1986-2006, 216-45) #23 – All-Time – Most Wins in Career – 216 (1986-2006, 216-45) GIRLS BASKETBALL The Bluegirls also had an incredible history in athletic competition, their basketball prowess was one of legend. TWO IHSA CLASS ‘A’ CHAMPIONSHIPS highlighted the Bluegirls’ many successful seasons. Check out this summary of their accomplishments: IHSA Tournament Trophies * 2 – IHSA Class ‘A’ STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!! * 3 – IHSA Class ‘A’ State Runner-up Finishes! * 2 – IHSA Class ‘A’ Third Place Finishes * 1 – IHSA Class ‘A’ Fourth Place Finish Interesting Facts * 0 – Losing Season Records (AMAZING!!) * 4 – 30+ games-won seasons * 5 – IHSA Championship Game Appearances * 8 – IHSA Final 4 Appearances * 9 – IHSA Elite 8 Appearances (9 Super-Sectional Titles) *13 – IHSA Sweet 16 Appearances (13 Sectional Titles) *20 – 20+ games-won seasons *26 – IHSA Regional Championships (out of 33 possible seasons!) *737 – Total wins in school history *.778 – Overall winning % in 33 year history (737 – 210) As Carthage (Hancock Central) 1974-75 11 – 2 Coach Dick Biery 1975-76 15 – 4 Coach Dick Biery 1976-77 19 – 4 Regional Champions Coach Dick Biery 1984-85 24 – 4 IHSA Class 1A Sweet 16 Finalst!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Lost to Cambridge 49 – 48 1985-86 24 – 3 Regional Champions Coach Dick Biery 1986-87 30 – 1 IHSA Class 1A SECOND Place!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Bedat London Mills SRV 78 – 41 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Greenville 54 – 44 Final Four Finalist Beat McLeansboro 47 – 39 Championship Game Lost to Seneca 54 – 47 1987-88 19 – 7 Coach Dick Biery 1988-89 24 – 4 IHSA Class 1A Sweet 16 Finalst!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Lost to Kewanee 59 – 57 (O/T) 1989-90 31 – 2 IHSA Class 1A FOURTH Place!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat Sherrard 59 – 46 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Warren 51 – 48 Final Four Finalist Lost to Teutopolis 55 – 34 (T-town won championship) Consolation Game Lost to Hume Shiloh 65 – 61 1990-91 27 – 2 IHSA Class 1A Sweet 16 Finalst!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Lost to Kewanee 58 – 54 (O/T) 1991-92 30 – 2 IHSA Class 1A STATE CHAMPIONS!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat R.I. Alleman 80 – 56 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Okawville 74 – 67 (O/T) Final Four Finalist Beat Crescent City C.I. 67 – 52 Championship Game Beat Sullivan 74 – 69 (O/T) As Carthage 1992-93 32 – 1 IHSA Class 1A STATE CHAMPIONS!! Coach Dick Biery Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat Alwood 86 – 73 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Teutopolis 44 – 41 Final Four Finalist Beat Gibson City 63 – 43 Championship Game Beat Okawville 69 – 57 1993-94 16 – 9 Coach Bill Lapp 1994-95 23 – 9 IHSA Class 1A Sweet 16 Finalst!! Coach Bill Lapp Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Lost to Alwood 81 – 72 1995-96 28 – 7 IHSA Class 1A SECOND Place!! Coach Bill Lapp Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat Stronghurst Southern 51 – 31 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Timothy Christian 66 – 56 (O/T) Final Four Finalist Beat Byron 47 – 36 Championship Game Lost to Carlyle 86 – 50 1996-97 19 – 9 Coach Bill Lapp 1997-98 33 – 2 IHSA Class 1A SECOND Place!! Coach Bill Lapp Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat R.I. Alleman 55 – 30 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Illiana Christian 69 – 68 (O/T) Final Four Finalist Beat West Frankfort 53 – 48 Championship Game Lost to Nokomis 70 – 60 1998-99 20 – 9 Coach Bill Lapp 1999-00 23 – 7 Regional Champions Coach Bill Lapp 2002-03 24 – 9 IHSA Class 1A Elite 8 Finalist!! Coach Bill Lapp Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat Ottawa Marquette 58 – 45 Elite 8 Finalist Lost to Pana 64 – 58 Pana placed 2nd 2003-04 27 – 8 IHSA Class 1A THIRD Place!! Coach Bill Lapp Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat R.I. Alleman 58 – 51 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Kankakee McNamara 47 – 42 Final Four Finalist Lost to Hampshire 48 – 46 Hampshire Placed Second Consolation Game Beat Illiana Christian 60 – 41 2004-05 17 – 14 Regional Champions Coach Bill Lapp 2005-06 27 – 8 IHSA Class 1A THIRD Place!! Coach Zach Keene Sectional Champions Super-Sectional Finalist Beat Piasa SW 58 – 43 Elite 8 Finalist Beat Walter Lutheran 62 – 46 Final Four Finalist Lost to Hillsboro 50 – 33 Hillsboro Won Championship Consolation Game Beat Flanagan 73 – 57 2006-07 25 – 5 Regional Champions Coach Zach Keene **Top Results for Carthage Bluegirls at the Bloomington-Normal Holiday Classic Tournament as researched by our good friend Mark Jurenga : 2002- 4th Place 2003- 4th Place *6-6 record in three years at B-N Classic (2002-2004). Tournament Records Longest Game:Two (2) OT, Bloomington (Central Catholic) 61 Carthage 59, 2002. All-Tournament 2003 (Class A) – Lexanne Dickerson IHSA RECORDS HELD BY THE CARTHAGE BLUEGIRLS BASKETBALL PROGRAM (as of July 2007) #1 – All-Time – Most Consecutive Appearances, State Finals – 4 (1989-1992) #3 – All-Time – Most 3-Point Field Goals Made, Season – 255 (2005-06) #3 – All-Time – Most 3-Point Field Goals Attempted, Season – 736 (2005-06) #6 – All-Time – Most Field Goals Made, Season – 1,051 (1992-93) #11 – All-Time – Highest Scoring Average, Season – 75.9 (1992-93) #12 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 2,505 (1992-93) #14 – All-Time – Most Rebounds, Season – 1,159 (2005-06) #15 – All-Time – Most 3-Point Field Goals Made, Season – 181 (2006-07) #16 – All-Time – Most 3-Point Field Goals Attempted, Season – 528 (2005-06) #20 – All-Time – Most Wins, Season – 33 (1997-98, 33 – 2) #40 – All-Time – Most Free Throws Made, Season – 425 (2005-06) #45 – All-Time – Most Free Throws Attempted, Season – 661 (1994-95) #23 – All-Time – Most Points Scored, Season – 2,394 (1997-98) #39 – All-Time – Most Wins, Season – 32 (1992-93, 32 – 1) IHSA INDIVIDUAL RECORDS HELD BY CARTHAGE BLUEGIRL BASKETBALL PLAYERS (as of July 2007) #18 – All-Time – Most 3-Point FGs Att., Season – 242, Brianne Guymon (2005-06) #50 – All-Time – Most Assists, Season – 216, McKensey Long (2005-06) IHSA COACHING RECORDS HELD BY CARTHAGE BLUEGIRL BASKETBALL COACHES (as of July 2007) #23 – All-Time – Most Wins, One School – 416, Richard Biery #29 – All-Time – Most Wins, Career – 416, Richard Biery #50 – All-Time – Most Wins, Career – 252, Bill Lapp BOYS BASKETBALL The boys basketball team had some great seasons too. The school won a total of ELEVEN Regional Championships!! Included in this total were five (four consecutive) between the years of 2001 and 2006. Coach Eric Bryan was at the helm from at least 2000-01 through the school’s final game in 2006-07. His record speaks for itself. We are, however, missing several seasonal records and coach’s names from the list below. As Carthage 1947-48 Regional Champions 1949-50 Regional Champions As Carthage Hancock Central 1959-60 Regional Champions As Carthage 2000-01 16 – 12 Regional Champions Coach Eric Bryan 2002-03 21 9 Regional Champions Coach Eric Bryan 2003-04 20 – 9 Regional Champions Coach Eric Bryan 2004-05 26 – 4 Regional Champions Coach Eric Bryan ***Carthage High School’s top finishes in the annual Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament as provided by Mark Jurenga: 1951 1952 3rd Place- Carthage 47 Mason City 43 Jerry Dye of CHS had 67 pts in the tourney, 39 of those were on free throws. 1954 3rd Place- Augusta 64 Carthage 57 1955 3rd Place- Carthage 61 Macomb (Western) 47 1966 3rd Place- Macomb (Western) 64 Carthage 55 1967 Champ- Macomb (Western) 77 Carthage 63 CHS’ Kent Wildrick had 41 pts in the championship game. 1968 3rd Place- Carthage 61 Bushnell-Prairie City 57 1971 3rd Place- Carthage 62 Bushnell-Prairie City 60 1972 3rd Place- Pittsfield 61 Carthage 42 2004 Champ- Rock Falls 56 Carthage 50 2005 3rd Place- Farmington 54 Carthage 45 All-Tournament 1967- Kent Wildrick (MVP) 1970- Jim Burling (2nd Team) 1971- Jack Wildrick (First Team) 1972- John Sherrick (First Team) 1973- John Sherrick (2nd Team) 2004- Brock Edris (MVP) Skyler McKinley 2005- Brock Edris ***At the annual Bloomington-Normal State Farm Holiday Classic tournament in 2002, Joe Reed was named to the Class A all-tournament team. GIRLS TRACK & FIELD The Carthage Bluegirl thinclads earned several individual and relay medals at the IHSA State Track Meet. As a team the lady tracksters earned a SECOND Place trophy at the IHSA State Class ‘A’ Track Meet in the school’s final season! The girls also won two Sectional titles and finished in the top-ten on five other ocassions. Two of the Bluegirls, Julie Seaton and Katelyn Bastert, won multiple IHSA individual State Championships in their respective events. As Hancock Central 1973-74 Individual Medalist – Julie Seaton 220 Yard Dash 3RD Place 1974-75 Team Finished NINTH at IHSA State Meet (One-class system!) Individual Medalist – Julie Seaton 220 Yard Dash 2ND Place 100 Yard Dash 3RD Place 1975-76 Team Finished THIRD at IHSA State Meet (One-class system!) Final Team Standings 1 Chicago (Calumet) 21 2 Illiopolis 18 3 Carthage (Hancock Central) 14½ 4 Evanston (Twp.) 12 4 East Moline (United) 12 Individual Medalist – Julie Seaton 440 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!! 100 Yard Dash 2ND Place 220 Yard Dash 2ND Place Long Jump 5TH Place 1976-77 Individual Medalist – Julie Seaton 440 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!! Long Jump 5TH Place 1979-80A Individual Medalists – Relay Team 800 Med. Rel. 8TH Place 1989-90A Individual Medalists – Relay Team 4×100 M. Relay STATE CHAMPIONS!! 4×200 M. Relay 6TH Place As Carthage 1997-98A Individual Medalist – Lacey Fecht 3200 M. Run 6TH Place 1999-00A Individual Medalist – Heather Carl 100 M. Hurdles 3RD Place 2003-04A Team Finished SEVENTH at IHSA State Meet Coach Jerry Butcher Individual Medalists – Katelyn Bastert 1600 M. Run STATE CHAMPION!! 3200 M. Run STATE CHAMPION!! Kayla Bisby 300 M. Hrdls. 7TH Place 2004-05A Team Finished SIXTH at IHSA State Meet Coach Jerry Butcher Individual Medalists – Katelyn Bastert 1600 M. Run STATE CHAMPION!! 3200 M. Run STATE CHAMPION!! 2005-06A Team Finished THIRD at IHSA State Meet Coach Jerry Butcher Final Team Standings 1 Benton 43½ Andy Sloan 2 Aurora (A. Christian) 37 Jeff Schutt 3 Kewanee (H.S.) 33 Tim Atwell 3 Carthage 33 Jerry Butcher Individual Medalists – Katelyn Bastert 3200 M. Run STATE CHAMPION!! 300 M. Hrdls 3RD Place
2006-07A Team Finished SECOND at IHSA State Meet Coach Jerry Butcher Final Team Standings 1 Sherrard 47 Todd Volkert 2 Carthage 41 Jerry Butcher 3 Dwight 40 4 Benton 33 Andy Sloan 4 South Holland (Seton Aca.)33 Individual Medalists – Katelyn Bastert 1600 M. Run STATE CHAMPION!! Amy Byers 300 M. Hrdls 2ND Place Relay Team 4×200 M. Relay 8TH Place BOYS TRACK & FIELD The Blueboys tracksters had some excellent moments as well. An individual State Championship was won in the Pole Vault in 1975 by Bill Lawson!! Lawson’s efforts led his team to a SIXTH place overall finish in the IHSA Class ‘A’ Meet that year. The boys also won a Sectional title in 1999 and several other individual medals in the school’s tenure. As Carthage Hancock Central 1974-75A Team Placed SIXTH at the IHSA State Meet Individual Medalist – Bill Lawson Pole Vault STATE CHAMPION!! 1978-79A Individual Medalist – Richard Boyer 100 Yard Dash 6TH Place 220 Yard Dash 6TH Place 1979-80A Individual Medalist – John Harrison Pole Vault 6TH Place As Carthage 1994-95A Individual Medalist – Ben Jefferson 100 Meter Dash 8TH Place 1995-96A Individual Medalist – Ben Jefferson 100 Meter Dash 7TH Place 1996-97A Individual Medalist – Ben Jefferson 100 Meter Dash 7TH Place 1998-99 Team Won Sectional Championship GIRLS SOFTBALL The Bluegirl softball program made two trips to the IHSA State Finals as Hancock Central. Included was a FOURTH Place finish in 1987-88. In addition the school earned two more Regional titles as Carthage High School. As Carthage Hancock Central 1986-87 19 – 4 IHSA Class ‘A’ Elite 8 Finalist!! Coach Jerry Logan Sectional Champions Elite 8 Finalist!! Lost to Casey-Westfield 3 – 0 Casey-Westfield placed 2ND 1987-88 19 – 4 IHSA Class ‘A’ FOURTH Place!! Coach Jerry Logan Sectional Champions Elite 8 Finalist!! Beat Pinckneyville 4 – 3 Final Four Finalist Lost to Casey-Westfield 9 – 0 (CW won State Title) Consolation Final Lost to R.I. Alleman 8 – 2 As Carthage 2004-05 16 – 13 Coach Jeri Schuster 2005-06 21 – 7 Regional Champions Coach Jeri Schuster BOYS BASEBALL The baseball Blueboys won a Regional Champiionship in 2004-05. We are interested in adding the season records and coach’s names of other great Carthage HS baseball teams to the list below. As Carthage 2004-05 15 – 9 Regional Champions Coach Eric Bryan GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY The Bluegirl harriers did not earn any team hardware, however one individual set a state record that will NEVER be broken. Katelyn Bastert won the IHSA Class ‘A’ State Individual Championship FOUR CONSECUTIVE years!! Katelyn earned the state title her Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, a feat which allowed her to tie with one other female cross country runner in State History for the most individual state titles!! 2003A Katelyn Bastert STATE CHAMPION!! BOYS CROSS COUNTRY The Blueboy harriers qualified for the IHSA State Meet as a team in 1980 as Hancock Central. John White earned two individual medals during his career at the school as well ! As Carthage Hancock Central 1980-81A Team Qualified for IHSA State Finals 1981A John White 8TH Place 1982A John White 14TH Place BOYS GOLF Two linksters won medals in the IHSA State Finals match as part of the Hancock Central High School golf program. 1951 Ken West 5TH Place 1961 Mike O’Connell 4TH Place BOYS WRESTLING One grappler from the Bluebird program earned a medal from the IHSA State Finals. Allan Long finished 2ND in the Heavyweight division in the 1979 Class ‘A’ State Meet. 1979A Individual Medalist – Allan Long HWT. 2ND Place INDIVIDUAL EVENTS COMPETITION The well-rounded curriculum offered at Carthage schools included cometition in the events of speech and acting. Loren Bivens took advantage of this competition by finishing second in the judging of the Individual Events Competition held by the IHSA. His efforts led the Carthage Hancock Central team to a NINTH Place finish at the State Finals competition. 1958-59 Team Placed NINTH at IHSA State Competition!! Individual Medalist – Loren Bivens Serious Category 2ND Place SCHOLASTIC BOWL COMPETITION The Scholastic Bowl competitors earned yet another Regional title for the Carthage High School programs. More evidence that the Carthage High School experience was full of opportunities for its students; 2005-06 Regional Champions Coach Dianne Bollin If You Wish To Share Further Information on Carthage & Hancock Central Schools…. You can contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net . You can also write to us via USPS at the following address: IHSGD Website 6439 N. Neva St. Chicago, Il. 60631 |
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