Colchester High School “Indians”

Colchester High School

Original building in use until 1969

Colchester West Prairie Middle School

Colchester High School 1970 – 2003

Colchester HS Building 1878

A horse carriage in front of a building

Description automatically generated with low confidence

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)

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

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