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 |
|
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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Former Colchester Grade School |
Colchester Boys Basketball |
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Roseville Tourney Champs |
Colchester High School Boys Basketball |
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Industry Tourney Champs |
Colchester HS Boys Basketball |
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Bi-County Tourney Champs |
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