Colchester High School “Indians”

Colchester High School
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Original building in use until 1969
Colchester West Prairie Middle School
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Colchester High School 1970 – 2003
Colchester HS Building 1878
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From “1878 McDonough County History” Submitted by John Bybee

The History of Colchester High School

The city of Colchester (population 1,493) is located in western McDonough County. U.S. Route 136 is the main highway that runs through town and connects Colchester to its neighbor seven miles to the east, Macomb. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad runs through the center of town. The East Fork of the La Moine River touches the outskirts of Colchester.

Roberta Van Briesen provided the following information on the history of Colchester and its school system as she gathered it from a book titled ‘The Bootlegger” by John E. Hallwas:

“COLCHESTER WAS FOUNDED ON OCT. 5, 1855 WHEN THE RAILROAD CAME THRU MCDONOUGH COUNTY.  IN 1854 A SMALL GROUP OF MINERS FROM NEW CASTLE, PA HAD OPENED A FEW DRIFT MINES ALONG THE CROOKED CREEK, AND HAD STARTED HAULING WAGONLODAS OF COAL BY OXEN TO VILLAGES FURTHER SOUTH THAT WERE ON THE RAILROAD.  THREE DAYS AFTER THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVE CAME THRU ON THE NORTHERN CROSS RAILROAD, THE FIRST COAL WAS SHIPPED OUT. (PG. 17-18)

THE NORTH SIDE SCHOOL WAS BUILT IN 1869.  IT WAS A TWO STORY BRICK BUILDING WITH TALL WINDOWS AND A MASSIVE CUPOLA.  THE FRONT YARD HAD A PUMP AND THERE WERE 2 OUTHOUSES IN THE BACK YARD.  INSIDE THE BUILDING WERE 4 CLASSROOMS.  THE LOWER GRADE CLASSES WERE HELD DOWNSTAIRS AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES WERE CONDUCTED UPSTAIRS.  THERE WAS ALSO A WHITE PAINTED FRAME SCHOOLHOUSE ON THE SOUTH SIDE WHICH HELD THE INTERMEDIATE GRADES. (PG. 78-9)

THE FALL OF 1919 WITNESSED A BITTER CLASH OVER EXPANSION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.  FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE TOWNSPEOPLE HAD WANTED TO CREATE A HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT WOULD EXTEND INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE, AND, WITH THE LARGER TAXBASE, BUILD A NEW 4 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL.  OTHERS WERE AFRAID OF THE EXPENSE INVOLVED.  A VOTE ON THE ISSUE IN 1913, HAD RESULTED IN A SOUND DEFEAT OF THE PROPOSITION.  BY 1919, HOWEVER, WOMEN WERE NOW VOTING, AND THEY GENERALLY FAVORED THE PLAN.  AS A RESULT, A VOTE THAT OCTOBER IN WHICH ALMOST EVERY ELGIBLE CITIZEN CAST A VOTE GAVE THE PROPOSAL A STUNNING VICTORY.  A FOLLOWUP VOTE APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF A SITE AND PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION.

BUT THE OPPONENTS REFUSED TO GIVE IN.  THEY CHALLENGED THE DECISION ON THE GROUNDS THAT WOMEN REALLY DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.  DEFEATED IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, THEY APPEALED TO THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT WHICH AT FIRST DECIDED IN THEIR FAVOR.  THEN THE LEGISLATURE PASSED THE “VALIDATING ACT” AFFIRMING THAT THE VOTES BY WOMEN WERE, AND HAD BEEN LEGAL, SO THE SUPREME COURT REVERSED ITSELF.

THE LARGER HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT WAS ESTABLISHED, BUT OPPOSITION TO IT CONTINUED WELL INTO THE 1920’S AS WELL AS OTHER VOTES TAKEN, AND ANIMOSITY RTURNED LIKE A CHRONIC DISEASE.  A NEW BUILDING WAS NOT CONSTRUCTED FOR 50 YEARS. ( PG 153-4)

(KELLY WAS THE BOOTLEGGER)  WHEN COLCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH HAD ONLY 150 STUDENTS, ORGANIZED THEIR FIRST FOOTBALL TEAM IN 1921, THERE WAS NO MONEY IN THE SCHOOL BUDGET FOR UNIFORMS.  LOCAL MERCHANTS FAILED TO CONTRIBUTE, SO KELLY OUTFITTED THE BOYS HIMSLF.  HE ALSO LET THEM PRACTICE ON LAND HE OWNED.

THE OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON, AGAINST LAHARPE WAS A CLOSE ONE.  DURING THE SECOND HALF A FIGHT BROKE OUT, AND KELLY WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.    COLCHESTER LOST 19-12.

THE TEAM ENDED THE YEAR WITH A WINNING SEASON-7 VICTORIES IN 10 GAMES.  IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR THEY WERE UNDEFEATED, AVERAGING 49 POINTS A GAME.
(PG 183-4)

1925—THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WERE VISITED BY A DELEGATION ON THE KLANSMEN IN UNIFORM, AND A SHORT SERVICE WAS HELD AT EACH BUILDING, AND AN AMERICAN FLAD WAS PRESENTED TO EACH SCHOOL AND A BIBLE WAS GIVEN TO EACH ROOM.
THE KLANSMEN SECURED THE SERVICES OF THE MAYOR, MRS. HATTIE POLK, WHO ACCOMPANIED THE DELEGATION TO THE SCHOOLS, AND MADE A SHORT TALK ON THE BIBLE AND THE FLAG.(FORM THE INDEPENDANT)(PG 209)

THE TOWNSPEOPLE WERE USED TO OVERT RELIGIOUS PROSELYTIZING IN THE SCHOOLS DURING THE POLK ADMINISTRATION.  IN 1923 ALL THE GRADE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A REVIVAL AT THE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE FOLLOWING YEAR AT THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. (PG. 210)

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The first graduating class from Colchester High School received their diplomas in 1891 or possibly 1892. The original high school building closed in 1969. The new building graduated its first senior class in 1970. Colchester High School reached enrollments as high as 230 students in the “baby-booming” mid-1970’s.  We are told that enrollments in the 200 to 250 range were the norm for the late 1950s and 1960s with Colchester High Schools largest graduating class occurring in 1961.  In the late 1940s the students from nearby Tennessee High School joined the Colchester school system. Colchester built a new grade school building in 1955 and were joined by the kids of Tennessee Grade School in 1956.

The school system faired extremely well through the early 2000s. Consolidation talks loomed heavy between Colchester and Sciota Northwestern High School. This became a reality after the 2003 school year with the creation of the West Prairie School District.

The Colchester school building serves the West Prairie system as there are two West Prairie Schools located in Colchester, the Middle and Elementary schools. The West Prairie Middle School served as Colchester High School from 1970 until its closing in 2003 and is pictured above, along with the original high school building. If you can assist us with some more of the facts we have listed, please drop us an e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.

Colchester High School Quick Facts 

Year opened:              probably late 1800’s

First graduating class: 1891

Year closed:               2003

School nickname:       the “Indians”

School colors:            Purple, White, & Yellow

School Fight Song:     Colchester High School “Indians” Fight Song

On Colchester,

                                 On down that floor,

                                 We’re for you as always before,

                                 We expect a victory from you tonight,

                                

                                 You, Rah, RAh, RAH!

                                 

                                 We’re for you man to man,

                                 You do the best you can,

                                 Hear us, Hear us call,

                                 For its fight, you fellows, fight,

                                 Fight for Chester High!!

                                 CCCHE – EEEST – TTTER … C H E S T E R!!!!!!

ATHLETICS

Go get a sandwich or hit the restroom if you need to, the Colchester High School Indians have a lot of things for you to read about regarding their athletic program.  IHSA success was acheived in Boys Baseball, Boys Basketball, Boys Track, Boys Cross Country, as well as Speech Individual Events and Drama Team Events. But wait until you take a look at the incredible Girls Volleyball success achieved at Colchester High School. Coach Terri Paul built what only can be described as a dynasty at Colchester from 1987 through the final year CHS was open in 2003.  She has continued her success at West Prairie as well. The many successful teams and seasons enjoyed at Colchester High School are listed below.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

There is no sense in holding this until last. This is without a doubt one of the most dominating programs any small school has sustained in any sport over such a long period of time that is listed on this site. Coach Terri Paul truly built a program that others should try and mimic if they wish to succeed. Colchester probably rarely had more than 200 students in its high school, maybe much less. However, the “Lady Indian” netters won an incredible 16 straight Regional titles! Take a look at this volleyball resume:

From 1988 through 2003, the Colchester Volleyball success included:

16 Straight Regional Titles

16 Straight “Twenty Plus” – Match Winning Seasons

9  “Thirty Plus” – Match Winning Seasons (including 5 in a row from 1993-97)

9   Trips to the Sweet Sixteen

7   Trips to the Elite Eight

4   Trips to the Final Four

2   Fourth Place Finishes

1   Third Place Finish

1   Runner-Up Finish

The seasons, one by one as listed on the IHSA web site, are listed below.

1975-76     N.R.A.  District Champions                            Coach Marilyn Moon

1986-87     19- 6     (good record)                                      Coach Terri Paul

1987-88     25- 5     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul

1988-89     29- 4     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul

1989-90     30- 5     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul

1990-91     35- 4     THIRD Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Beat Hoopeston (H.-East Lynn)

                             15-7, 10-15, 15-3

                             Final Four Finalist

                             Lost to Princeton

                             9-15, 3-15

                             3rd Place Trophy Winners

                             Beat Mendota

                             16-14, 10-15, 15-3                              

1991-92     28- 7     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul

1992-93     30- 8    Elite 8 – IHSA Class A Tourney           Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Lost to Wheaton St. Francis

                             L  8-15, 15-5, 10-15

St. Francis eventual State Champs

1993-94     38- 5     SECOND Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Beat Strasburg (Stewardson-S.)

                             15-8, 12-15, 15-6

                             Final Four Finalist

Beat Kansas

                             15-12, 15-3

                             2nd Place In Class A!!!!

                             Lost to Breese Mater Dei

5-15, 15-12, 13-15

1994-95     33- 6     Sweet 16-IHSA Class A Tourney        Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Finalist

                             

1995-96     32- 9    Elite 8 – IHSA Class A Tourney           Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to Strasburg (Stewardson-Stras.)

15-6, 15-2

Stewardson-Strasburg finished 3rd

1996-97     36- 7     FOURTH Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Beat Shelbyville

                             15-2, 13-15, 15-7

                             Final Four Finalist

Lost to Mt. Pulaski

                             5-15, 9-15

Mt. Pulaski eventually finished 2nd 

                             4TH Place Trophy Winners

Lost to Huntley

4-15, 15-8, 6-15

1997-98     28-12    Sweet 16-IHSA Class A Tourney            Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Finalist

1998-99     29-10    Regional Champions                           Coach Terri Paul

1999-00     28-10    Regional Champions                           Coach Terri Paul

2000-01     34-8      FOURTH Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Beat Orion

                             10-15, 15-2, 15-8

                             Final Four Finalist

                             Lost to Normal (University)

                             7-15, 5-15

Normal University eventual State Champs 

                             4TH Place Trophy Winners

Lost to Breese Mater Dei

12-15, 9-15

2001-02     N.R.A.   Regional Champions                            Coach Terri Paul

2002-03     30-11    Elite 8 – IHSA Class A Tourney               Coach Terri Paul

                             Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs

                             Super-Sectional Champs

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Lost to Mt. Pulaski

                             10-15, 8-15

Mt. Pulaski finished 2nd

In addition, the following records are recognized among the greatest performances in IHSA history in Girls Volleyball.

Coach Terri Paul – The IHSA record book needs updating here. It lists Coach Paul as the 24th all-time winningest coach in girls volleyball history with 478 wins from 1982-2000. This places her #24 in state history.  However, the record for the 2002 season is not listed and Coach Paul added 64 more since in 2001 (34) and 2003 (30). This alone would move her up to #20 all-time. As stated before, Coach Paul adds to her record each year as she is still the head volleyball coach at West Prairie High School, a career spanning 22 years (so far). 

In fact Coach Paul is listed in the IHSA record book as having won 761 matches through the 2012 school year. This ranks Coach Paul 12th all-time in state history. Coach Paul continues to coach at West Prairie High School and adding each year to this number.

Team Stats – Most Blocks in a Season

1993 Team – #6 all-time with 869 blocks

2000 Team – #12 all-time with 683 blocks

1995 Team – #13 all-time with 662 blocks

Team Stats – Most Wins in a Season    

1994 Team – #31 all-time with 38 wins in one season

Individual Stats – Most Blocks in One Season

2000 – Jessica Sears  –  #5 all-time with 276 blocks

1995 – Kim Clayton    –  #18 all-time with 212 blocks

Individual Stats – Most Assists in One Season   

1998 – Brenna Harper  –  #35 all-time with 862 assists

Individual Stats – Most Kills in One Season 

2000 – Jessica Sears  –  #35 all-time with 431 kills

Truly incredible and amazing for such a small school. If anything was missed or needs correction, please drop us a line at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.

BOYS BASKETBALL

The boys basketball team at Colchester also had many years of success. Included were three District and five Regional titles. Some of the most intense games played on the hardwood were against Colchester’s neighbors from the east, Macomb Senior High School. In spite of large disparity in enrollment, the Colchester kids always “got up” for this game and gave the MHS boys a good run. In the early/mid-1960’s, some classic games were played including the 1962 contest in which Colchester came out on top 52-50 in a double-overtime thriller over their highly favored opponents. Though overall Macomb held a decided advantage in victories, this was a classic rivalry for the Colchester kids. The enrollment difference ended the annual contest in the late 1970’s. Records and some coaches names for the great teams are being sought.

1930-31                IHSA District Champions          Coach Stix Morley

                             District Scores & Record Needed

                             McDonough County Tourney Champs

                             Springfield Sectional Tourney

                             1st Rd lost to Decatur 31-13

Decatur beat Springfield in title game

Decatur won State Title!

Colchester HS Basketball Team of 1930-31
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Submitted by Lee Stelzer

1931-32                IHSA District Champions          Coach Stix Morley

                             District Scores & Record Needed

                             Springfield Sectional Tourney

                             1st Rd lost to Pekin 20 – 18 (O/T)

Pekin lost to Canton in semi-final

Canton beat Wenona in title game

Canton lost in state title game

1935-36               Carthage Regional Champs       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Bardolph 56-25

                            Semi-final Beat Colusa 58-19

                            Title Game Beat Carthage 35-18

                            Peoria Sectional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Peoria Central 29-19

Central lost to Canton in semi-final

Canton lost to Peoria Manual in title game

Manual lost in Sweet 16 Rd.

1936-37                IHSA District Champions          Coach’s name needed

                       District Scores & Record Needed

                             Roseville Regional Tourney

                             1st Rd lost to Kirkwood 34-19

Kirkwood lost to Macomb in semi-final

Macomb beat Roseville in title game

 

1939-40               IHSA Regional Champs              Coach’s name needed

                       Regional Scores & Record Needed

                            Peoria Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Biggsville 40-22

                            Semi-final lost to Moline 38-31

Moline beat Rock Island in title game

Moline placed 3rd in IHSA Tourney!

The following records were provided by former Colchester High School player (Class of 1989) and coach (1998-2003) Scott Sullivan.  If you have information on the great teams that played for Colchester High School prior to the 1944-45 season please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net :

Year         Won / Lost               Head Coach       

1944-45         8 – 19        .296   Spike Webster    

1945-46         8 – 17        .320   Spike Webster                 

1946-47         3 – 22        .120   Spike Webster    

1947-48        (needed)             Spike Webster    

1948-49         7 – 14        .333   Spike Webster    

1949-50       13 – 12        .520   Spike Webster    

1950-51       15 – 9          .625   Spike Webster    

1951-52       10 – 13        .435   Spike Webster    

1952-53       19 – 8          .704   Spike Webster    

1953-54       22 – 5          .815   Spike Webster    

1954-55       19 – 8          .704   Spike Webster    

1955-56       25 – 3          .893   Spike Webster

       

1956-57       24 – 5  Bushnell Regional Champs   .828   Spike Webster

                               1st Rd Beat Roseville 64-57

                               Semi-final Beat VIT 62-46

                               Title Game Beat B-PC 51-46

                               Macomb Sectional Tourney

                               Semi-final lost to Peoria Central 75-45

Central lost to Pekin in title game

Pekin lost in Sweet 16 Rd.

1957-58       24 – 5                                                    .828   Spike Webster 

1958-59       19 – 8                                                    .704   Spike Webster

1959-60       12 – 13                                                  .480   Spike Webster

   

1960-61       19 – 9  LaHarpe Regional Champs    .679   Spike Webster

                               1st Rd Beat Dallas City 76-54

                               Semi-Final Beat Hamilton 55-53

                               Title Game Beat Augusta 69-62

                               Quincy Sectional Tourney

Semi-final lost to Beardstown

Beardstown lost to Monmouth in title game

Monmouth lost in Sweet 16 Rd.

1961-62       13 – 13                                                  .500   Spike Webster

1962-63       13 – 10                                                  .565   Spike Webster

1963-64         7 – 16                                                  .304   Spike Webster

1964-65       11 – 13                                                  .458   Spike Webster

1965-66         7 – 14                                                  .333   Spike Webster

1966-67        (information needed)

1967-68        (information needed)

1968-69         1 – 19                                                  .050   Dick Brown

1969-70         5 – 18                                                  .217   Roger Icenogle

1970-71         5 – 16                                                  .238   Roger Icenogle

1971-72       11 – 10                                                  .524   Roger Icenogle

1972-73         4 – 17                                                  ,190   Roger Icenogle

1973-74         7 – 15                                                  .318   Roger Icenogle

1974-75       16 – 8     Conference Champions       .667  Roger Icenogle

    

1975-76       16 – 8     IHSA Regional Champs       .667   Roger Icenogle

                                  Regional Scores Needed

                                  Lewistown Sectional

                                  Semi-final lost to Augusta SE 61-59 (O/T)

Augusta lost to Havana in Title Game

Havana lost in Elite 8 Rd

     

1976-77       10 – 14                                                  .417   Roger Icenogle

1977-78         0 – 21                                                  .000   Chuck Snow

1978-79         1 – 20                                                  .048   Chuck Snow

1979-80         6 – 18                                                  .250   Chuck Rakers

1980-81       10 – 15                                                  .400   Chuck Rakers

1981-82         8 – 17                                                  .320   Chuck Rakers

1982-83         4 – 20                                                  .024   Jeff Linder

1983-84         0 – 24                                                  .000   Jeff Linder

1984-85         1 – 23                                                  .042   Max Murfin

1985-86         6 – 19                                                  .240   Max Murfin

1986-87       17 – 10                                                  .630   Max Murfin

1987-88       18 – 9                                                    .667   Max Murfin

1988-89       14 – 12                                                  .538   Max Murfin

1989-90         9 – 18                                                  .333   Max Murfin

1990-91         9 – 15                                                  .375   Max Murfin

1991-92         6 – 19                                                  .240   Max Murfin

1992-93         9 – 17                                                  .346   Jeff Thorman

1993-94       14 – 12                                                  .538   Jeff Thorman

1994-95       11 – 15                                                  .423   Jeff Thorman

1995-96         8 – 17                                                  .320   Jeff Thorman

1996-97         4 – 22                                                  .154   Jeff Thorman

1997-98         4 – 24                                                  .143   *Al Lindsey / Scott Sullivan

           *Coach Lindsey coached the first 5 games and had to step down

due to illness. Coach Sullivan coached the remaining 23 games.

1998-99       13 – 15                                                  .464   Scott Sullivan

1999-00       15 – 14                                                  .517   Scott Sullivan

2000-01       14 – 12                                                  .538   Scott Sullivan

2001-02       22 – 5                                                    .815   Scott Sullivan

2002-03       21 – 7                                                    .750   Scott Sullivan

Overall 1944-45 through 2002-03:  617 – 781       .441

Average wins / losses:  11 – 14

                        Top Ten Teams – Wins

  

       Year          Won / Lost           %           Coach  

#1   1955-56         25 – 3              .893       Webster

#2   1956-57         24 – 5              .828       Webster

#3   1957-58         24 – 5              .828       Webster

#4   1953-54         22 – 5              .815       Webster

#5   2001-02         22 – 5              .815       Sullivan

#6   2002-03         21 – 7              .750       Sullivan

#7   1952-53         19 – 8              .704       Webster

#8   1954-55         19 – 8              .704       Webster

#9   1958-59         19 – 8              .704       Webster

#10 1960-61         19 – 9              .679       Webster

  

            Coaches Listed in Order of Overall Wins

Coach        Won / Lost         Pct.

Webster      298 – 235        0.559

Sullivan         89 – 72          0.553               

Murphin        80 – 125        0.390

Icenogle        74 – 106        0.411

Thorman       46 – 83          0.357

Rakers          24 – 50          0.324

Linder             4 – 44          0.083

Snow               1 – 41          0.024

Brown             1 – 19          0.050

Lindsey           0 – 5            0.000

Colchester High School
Boys Basketball – Team/Individual Record Book

Team Records

Most Wins in a Season

Season Wins Coach
55-56 25 Webster
56-57 24 Webster
57-58 24 Webster
53-54 22 Webster
01-02 22 Sullivan
02-03 21 Sullivan
60-61 19 Webster
52-53 19 Webster
54-55 19 Webster
58-59 19 Webster
87-88 18 Murfin
86-87 17 Murfin

Most Team Points in a Game

Pts Opponent Date
113 Industry 1957
103 Astoria 2-17-77

Individual Records

Most Points Scored – Career

Player Total Seasons
Steve Bice 1,583 1972-1975
Tyler Mesick 1,496 1999-2003
Roger Spring 1,295 1977-1981
Justin Haddix 1,166 1991-1995
Mark Booth 1,131 1968-1972
Charlie Brown 1,127 1956-1958
Ryan Phelps 993 1996-1999
Jordan Mesick 982 1998-2002
*Matt Denney 940 2000-2003
Shawn Biswell 937 1985-1988
Jason Sullivan 883 1989-1992
Tim Biswell 783 1983-1987
Scott Sullivan 780 1987-1989
Jonathon Miller 710 1991-1994
Fred Pendleton 695 1985-1988
Brock Thompson 620 1996-1999
Jason Nicholson 614 1997-2000
*Matt scored another 527 as Senior West Prairie after consolidation for a total of 1,467

  

Most Points Scored – Season

Player Pts. Season
Steve Bice 676 1974-1975
Charlie Brown 645 1957-1958
Roger Spring 601 1980-1981
Ryan Phelps 543 1998-1999
Steve Bice 518 1973-1974
Mark Booth 499 1971-1972
Tyler Mesick 494 2001-2002
Charlie Brown 482 1956-1957
Justin Haddix 477 1994-1995
Jerry Biswell 465 1960-1961
Matt Denney 453 2002-2003
Dave Willock 442 1976-1977
Fred Pendleton 441 1987-1988
Scott Sullivan 419 1988-1989
Matt Denney 417 2001-2002
Jonathon Miller 408 1992-1993
Shawn Biswell 399 1987-9188
Andy Beck 391 1996-1997

Most Points Scored – Game

Player Pts. Opponent Date
Steve Bice 47 Cardinal Stritch 12-6-74
Steve Bice 45 Cuba 1-14-75
Ryan Phelps 43 Dallas City 2-2-99
Steve Bice 41 Dallas City 1-10-75
Charlie Brown 38 LaHarpe 1-15-57
Steve Bice 38 Hamilton 11-29-74
Mark Booth 38 Nauvoo-Colusa 2-4-72
Charlie Brown 37 Warsaw 2-4-58
Mark Booth 37 Avon 1-4-72
Steve Bice 37 Abingdon 12-19-74
Steve Bice 37 Plymouth 2-11-75
Roger Spring 36 Carthage 11-26-80
Ryan Phelps 36 LaHarpe 12-13-98
Charlie Brown 35 Macomb 12-10-57
Steve Bice 35 Avon 12-17-74
Roger Spring 35 Canton, MO 2-8-80
Roger Spring 35 Plymouth 1-6-81
Steve Bice 34 Green Valley 2-5-74
Joe Haddix 33
Justin Haddix 33 Rockridge 12-16-94
Ryan Phelps 33 Northwestern 2-17-99
Roger Spring 32 Warsaw 11-29-80
Roger Spring 32 Industry 1-20-81

Most Points by Class

Player Pts Season Class
Steve Bice 676 74-75 Senior
Steve Bice 518 73-74 Junior
Matt Denney 417 01-02 Sophomore
Tyler Mesick 311 99-00 Freshman

Highest Scoring Average – Career

Player Avg Pts. GP Seasons
Steve Bice 23.9 1,583 66 72-75
Charlie Brown 19.4 1,127 59 56-58
Roger Spring 16.6 1,295 78 77-81
Scott Sullivan 15.6 780 50 87-89
Matt Denney 14.5 1,467 101 00-04
Tyler Mesick 14.2 1,496 105 99-03
Justin Haddix 13.3 1,166 88 91-95
Mark Booth 13.1 1,131 79 68-72
Shawn Biswell 12.1 937 77 85-88
Jason Sullivan 11.9 883 74 89-92
Tim Biswell 11.3 783 69 83-87
Jordan Mesick 10.8 982 91 98-02
Fred Pendleton 10.2 695 68 84-88

Highest Scoring Avg. – Season

Player Avg. Season
Steve Bice 28.1 1974-1975
Mark Booth 23.8 1971-1972
Steve Bice 23.5 1973-1974
Roger Spring 23.1 1980-1981
Ryan Phelps 20.1 1998-1999
Scott Sullivan 20.0 1988-1989
Steve Bice 19.4 1972-1973
Justin Haddix 19.1 1994-1995
Dave Willock 18.4 1976-1977
Tyler Mesick 18.3 2001-2002
Jerry Biswell 16.6 1960-1961
Fred Pendleton 16.3 1987-1988
Roger Spring 16.2 1978-1979
Matt Denney 16.2 2002-2003
Jason Sullivan 15.8 1991-1992
Andy Beck 15.6 1996-1997
Matt Denney 15.4 2001-2002

Most 3pt FG Made – Career

Player 3pt FG Seasons
Justin Haddix 215 1991-1995
Tyler Mesick 207 1999-2003
Jason Nicholson 130 1997-2000
Jason Sullivan 129 1989-1992
Jordan Mesick 89 1999-2003
Scott Sullivan 76 1987-1989
Eric Zimmerman 71 1996-1998
Doug Haddix 50 1988-1989
Andy Beck 49 1995-1998
Brooks Bainter 46 1998-2001

Most 3pt FG Made – Season

Player 3pt FG Season
Justin Haddix 91 94-95
Jason Nicholson 73 99-00
Tyler Mesick 64 01-02
Justin Haddix 63 93-94
Jason Sullivan 55 91-92
Tyler Mesick 52 02-03
Doug Haddix 50 88-89
Scott Sullivan 50 88-89
Jason Nicholson 47 98-99
Jason Sullivan 46 89-90
Tyler Mesick 46 99-00
Tyler Mesick 45 00-01
Justin Haddix 40 92-93
Eric Zimmerman 40 97-98
Andy Beck 37 96-97
Jordan Mesick 34 00-01
Eric Zimmerman 31 96-97
Shawn Biswell 27 87-88
Scott Sullivan 26 87-88
Brooks Bainter 26 00-01

Most 3pt FG Made – Game

Player 3pt FG Opponent Date
Jason Nicholson 9 Northwestern 1-4-00
Justin Haddix 8 Union 11-94
Justin Haddix 7 Dallas City 2-93
Justin Haddix 7 Southeastern 2-16-94
Justin Haddix 7 Northwestern 12-20-94
Jason Sullivan 6 Avon 1-14-92
Justin Haddix 6 QND 12-3-94
Justin Haddix 6 Carthage 12-9-94
Justin Haddix 6 Macomb (JV) 1-23-95
Justin Haddix 6 Dallas City 2-14-95

Most Consecutive Games with 2+ 3pt FG  

Player # of Games Season
Jason Nicholson 14 99-00
Justin Haddix 13 94-95

Most Rebounds – Career 

Player Rebounds Seasons
Don Markey 504 73-76
Ryan Phelps 501 96-99
Ryan Dorethy 426 98-01
Brock Thompson 351 96-99

Most Rebounds – Season

Player Rebounds Season
Ryan Phelps 228 98-99
Ryan Dorethy 189 00-01
Ryan Dorethy 180 99-00
Sid Parks 172 76-77
Brock Thompson 166 00-01
Ryan Phelps 148 97-98

**There are a lot of season without rebounding statistics available.

Incredible research by Coach Sullivan!

In a December 13, 1997 game against LaHarpe, the Indians’ Jeremy Royer made 21 free-throws, most in school history. He went a perfect 20-for-20 from the “charity stripe” in the fourth quarter.

From former Coach Roger Icenogle:

“Some top players on those Colchester teams included Mark Booth ’72, Steve Bice ’75 (averaged 27.2 ppg.), and Don Markey, ’76 5’9″ center on that Regional Championship team.”

From Don Markey:

“Kudos to Coach Icenogle nonetheless, he was a tremendous coach and role model. It’s a shame coaches today don’t emulate his patience and poise.”

                           

BOYS BASEBALL

The Cochester hardballers also brought home IHSA hardware. The season records and coaches names are not available.

1944-45   N.R.A. District Champions

1948-49   N.R.A. District Champions          Coach William K “Spike” Webster

1949-50              Regional Champions      Coach William K “Spike” Webster

                          Lost to Peoria Central

in Sectional play

1950-51              Regional Champions      Coach William K “Spike” Webster

                          Lost to Quincy Notre Dame

in Sectional Play

1956-57   N.R.A. Regional Champions

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

One Colchester thinclad brought home a 2nd place finish from the IHSA State Track Meet.

1927-28   Raymond Stewart    1 Mile Run      2nd Place

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

    

The strongest sports program in Colchester, Illinois, from the early-to-mid-1970’s, was the cross-country team which, from 1970 to 1974, compiled a record of 55-17 under coach Charlie Schwalm.  The highlight was a 15-0 record in 1971 which included a conference championship…the Indians also won numerous invitational meets during those years. The cross country program at Colchester was started in 1969 by Coach Fred Peterson.

Colchester High School was one of the smallest schools in the state to field a cross-country team yet had tremendous success.  Although at the time there was only one class for cross-country, the Indians advanced teams or individuals from regional to sectional competition each year from 1971 to 1974.

Some of the outstanding runners for Colchester during those years were Rick Beal, George Lewis, Greg Bartlett and Don Markey.  Other top runners included Craig Vawter, Billy Clark, Tim Roberts, Robert Duffy, Sam Moran, Mike Lung and Gordon Switzer.  Also among key runners were Jon Nicholas, Rick Louderman, Randy MacBeth, Rick Wetzel, Scott Clauson, Steve Biswell, Chris Smith, Danny Powell, Ron Porter, Chuck Carlton, Kendall Knowles, Darrell Waller and Scott Parker.

Schwalm went on to build an outstanding distance program at Class AA Canton, IL. after leaving Colchester.  Highlights included a 14-1 record in 1978…the core runners from that team would go on to win the state Junior College championship at Spoon River College in 1980.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been forty years since those glory days of Colchester cross-country.  I can still remember walking the course with a measuring wheel that I borrowed from the local power company to get the right distance,” said Schwalm.  “Dominating the Southeastern Invitational with a one-two finish by Lewis and Markey and six runners in the top fourteen was probably our best meet.”

“In 1974, we were among only eight schools out of the 120 that qualified for sectional who would have fit under the new two-class system, with an enrollment cutoff of 750 students, which started the next year after I left,” added Schwalm.  “Those were truly wonderful times that I still vividly remember.”

SPEECH & INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Two Colchester girls won 2nd place finishes in the entire state in speech competition. The Drama team also qualified for the state competition by winning their Sectional one year. Their accomplishments are listed below.

1957-58    Vera Bloomfield     “Serious” category    2nd Place

1965-66    Sherry King            “Serious” category    2nd Place

DRAMA TEAM

1943-44    Qualified for State Finals

                Sectional Champions

THEATRE

The Illinois Theatre Festival is the largest, non-competetive high school theatre festival in the world. It was organized in 1976 by teachers from the Chicago suburbs. This festival is still going strong as they perform at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) and Illinois State University every other January. Colchester High school participated in this festival in 1981 and 1989.

SCHOLASTIC BOWL

Colchester participated in Scholastic Bowl competition for sure in 2001-2002.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION

regarding the many successes of the Colchester High School students please complete a Guest Commentary Form. Photos of some of the great teams can be sent via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.     60631

Colchester West Prairie Elementary School
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Roseville Tourney Champs
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Bi-County Tourney Champs
 


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