Peoria Bergan High School “Trojans”

Peoria Bergan High School
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Opening day, 1964 (courtesy of http://www.cdop.org)

The History of Peoria Bergan High School

Peoria (population: 113,000) is located in central Illinois along the Illinois River, and is deep in history. The community was once the home of the Peoria Indians, who were part of the Algonquin tribe, and were part of the Illinois Confederacy with the Tamaroa, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, and Cahokia tribes.

French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to come thru the area in 1673 as the French took over control of the land. That would change in 1765 when the British gained control after victory over the French in the French & Indian War. However, that would be short-lived as George Rogers Clark would claim the area for the state of Virginia in 1778.

The community began to take shape and grew as the country would go westward in the 19th century. Peoria would be incorporated as a town in 1835, then repeat the process as a city ten years later.

Interstate 74 is the major route in the area, with Interstate 474 being a bypass for those who wish to go around the city. Other routes include US 24 & 150, in addition to Illinois 6, 8, 29, 40, 91, and 116. Rail service is offered by ten different carriers, including BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific.

Peoria’s history with Roman Catholic education is also important to its history as nuns from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Louis made the trek to Peoria in 1863. Other orders would also come to the community, such as the LaSalleans from the Christian Brothers Community, and have stayed to educate Peoria’s youth.

Bergan was formed in 1963 when the Catholic Diocese of Peoria decided to open up a school in the northern part of the city where the population was growing along with new churches were opening. Under the leadership of Bishop John B. Franz, Bergan was named for Peoria native and the Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska at the time, Gerald T. Bergan. The school was a co-ed operation as compared to established schools Academy of Our Lady and Spalding Institute, which were single-gender only.

The following history of the school is recalled by Class of 1984 alum Jeffrey Flexer:

“Originally, Bergan was opened as a school for men and women, but it was not co-educational.  Separate classes were held for men and women in separate wings of the school.  Only the lunch area (“The Commons”), Chapel, Auditorium, and Library were shared during the school day.

The school was run by the Christian Brothers in the very end of the 1970’s.  By the time my class started – all the Brother’s were gone, we were told they had

become too “liberal” in their educational style.  Fr. Ken Marchelones was the first principal after the Diocese took over operational management of the school.  Robert Cleary, a parapelegic, was named principal for in 1983 and served in that capacity for many years following.

The Benedictine sisters made up part of the staff during my years.  Later the Sister’s left and the convent was closed and converted to other use.”

Enrollment at Peoria Bergan was 723 in 1980.  The school thrived until 1988 when it was decided that due to declining enrollment (587 that year) to merge Bergan and Academy of Our Lady/Spalding together. The new school is now known as Notre Dame and uses the Bergan campus as its home base.

Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan
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School was named after him (courtesy of http://www.cdop.org)

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PEORIA BERGAN HS

Year opened:                1963

Year closed:                 1988

Now used as:                Peoria Notre Dame High School

School colors:               Black & White

School nickname:         “Trojans”

School song:               “Hey Look Us Over, We’re Bergan High”

                                   sung to “Hey Look Us Over”

                                               Lyrics provided by JEFFREY FLEXER & CATHY SAUER MCQUILLAN

                                  Hey, look us over,

                                  We’re from Bergan High!
They call us the Trojans,

                                  And here’s the reason why:

  

                                  We’re rough and ready,

                                  Colors Black and White;
And when we meet the enemy

                                  We’ll fight with all our might!

And (So,) we’ll be loyal to Bergan,
We’ll always be true.

                                  Win for Alma Mater, that’s the thing to do

                                  We’re a school with class 

                                  You can’t surpass,

                                  We’ll never say die

                                  We’re the Trojans of Bergan High!

ATHLETICS

Peoria Bergan was a competitive school, as it was a member of the Mid-State Conference with other Peoria-area schools such as Woodruff, Central, Manual, Richwoods, Academy of Our Lady/Spalding, Pekin, East Peoria, and Bartonville Limestone being on the Bergan schedules. The Trojans offered baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, and wrestling to the boys, and girls could compete in basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball. There is no record of a swimming team for either boys or girls, and no softball at Bergan according to the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org), although we do welcome any information someone might have.

GIRLS TRACK

Let’s start with a bang with this notable sport in Bergan history. Three was a magic number for the Bergan girls track team. In addition to making its name noteworthy, the Lady Trojans won three state Class A titles in succession under three different coaches, and having three relays along with three individuals come home with gold medals for winning their events. Suzy Tuffey won four titles in establishing herself as one of the best distance runners in state history. She still holds the state records for the 1600 (4:46.5) and 3200 (10:03.0) as of March 2007. Tuffey also has the third fastest two-mile time in prep indoor track history at 10:05.15, set in 1985.

1979AA      Individual Medalist

 Sandra Geier     long jump—6th place

1980A        Tied for 6th in State         Coach unknown

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Mahomet-Seymour                               36

6   Greenville                                            18

6   Elmhurst Immaculate Conception          18

 6   Peoria Bergan                                   18

   

                 Relay/Individual Medalists

                   400-meter relay—3rd place

                   Sandra Geier      100-meter hurdles—8th place

                                              200-meter hurdles—3rd place

                                              Long Jump—4th place

     

1981A        STATE CHAMPIONS !!!  Coach Luis Rubio

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

 1   Peoria Bergan                   42  

2   New Lenox Providence         36

3   Chicago University               29

4   Chicago Luther South           28

5   Elmwood                             24

 Relay/Individual Medalists

                    400-meter relay—STATE CHAMPIONS!! (:49.9)

                    (Cheryl Geier, Sandy Geier, Diane Joseph, Julie Szidon)

                  1600-meter relay—STATE CHAMPIONS!! (4:03.9)

                    (Bary Beyers, Carrie Eggerichs, Karol Heid, Maria Pasquel)

 Carrie Eggerichs      400-meter dash—3rd place

                  Sandra Geier           200-meter dash—4th place

                                                  200-meter hurdles—3rd place

                                                  Long Jump—4th place

1982A        STATE CHAMPIONS!!!   Coach Sr. Diane Francque

                    District Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

 1   Peoria Bergan                  49  

2   Teutopolis                          37

3   Downs Tri-Valley                 31

4   New Lenox Providence        30

5   Mt. Olive                            28

 Relay/Individual Medalists

                      400-meter relay—4th place

                      800-meter relay—6th place

                    1600-meter relay—3rd place

                    Sandra Geier         200-meter dash—6th place

                                                  200-meter hurdles—2nd place

                    Suzy Tuffey          1600-meter run—2nd place

                                                  800-meter run—2nd place

                    Carrie Eggerichs    400-meter dash—4th place

                    Joan Murphy        3200-meter run—7th place

1983A        STATE CHAMPIONS      Coach Tim Dougherty

                    Sectional Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

 1   Peoria Bergan                   51  

2   Chicago Luther South          48

3   Teutopolis                           42

4   Monticello                           20

4   Aurora Rosary                     20

 Relay/Individual Medalists

                     800-meter medley relay—STATE CHAMPIONS (1:48.8)

                      (Carrie Eggerichs, Cheryl Geier, Jill Mattern, Julie Szidon)

                     400-meter relay—2nd place

 1600-meter relay—6th place  

 Carrie Eggerichs   400-meter dash—STATE CHAMPION!!  (:57.7) 

                   Suzy Tuffey           800-meter dash—STATE CHAMPION!!! (2:14.6) 

1600-meter run—STATE CHAMPION!!    (5:06.0)

1984A         Seventh in State          Coach Tim Dougherty

                    Sectional Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Teutopolis                          46

7   Peoria Bergan                  26

 Relay/Individual Medalists

                   Suzy Tuffey       1600-meter run—STATE CHAMPION!! (4:52.8)

                                             3200-meter run—STATE CHAMPION!! (state-record time 10:03.0)

                   Jill Mattern        100-meter dash—5th place

                   Chaille Torrey   Long Jump—7th place

1985A        Fifth in State!!!                   Coach unknown

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Teutopolis                          51

2   Aurora Rosary                    35

3   Urbana University                34

4   Cairo                                  30

 5   Peoria Bergan                  28  

                 Relay/Individual Medalists

                    400-meter relay—2nd place (:49.7—:00.1 behind!!)

                    800-meter relay—4th place (1:45.0)

                    Jill Mattern          100-meter dash—5th place (:12.6)

                                                200-meter dash—6th place (:26.5)

                    Stephanie Stump 1600-meter run—4th place (5:13.3)

                                                  800-meter run—8th place (2:21.3)

                    Chaille Torrey       Long Jump—7th place (16’ 8¼”)

1986A        3rd in State!!!                   Coach unknown 

                    Sectional Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Chicago Luther South       57

2   Stanford Olympia             36

  3   Peoria Bergan               35

4   Madison                          34

4   Maple Park Kaneland       34

 Relay/Individual Medalists

                    3200-meter relay—8th place (10:02.0)

                    Chaille Torrey       Long Jump—STATE CHAMPION!!! (18’ 9¼”)         

                                                 100-meter hurdles—5th place (:16.01)

                    Stephanie Stump  1600-meter run—3rd place 

 800-meter run—4th place (2:23.2)

                    Jill Mattern             100-meter dash—4th place (:13.17)

                                                   200-meter dash—5th place (:26.46)

1987A        Sectional Champions      Coach unknown

 Relay/Individual Medalists

 1600-meter relay—3rd place

                     Stephanie Stump  1600-meter run—2nd place

1988A        Individual Medalist

                    Stephanie Stump    1600-meter run—3rd place

INCREDIBLE JOB BY THE LADY TROJAN TRACKSTERS!!!

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

Bergan was known as one of the top boys’ cross-country teams in the state during the 1980’s, gathering two state championships, a second, and a sixth place finish in four consecutive seasons under coach Mike Sullivan. In addition, six harriers gained all-state honors by placing in the top 25 at the finish line.

1980      STATE CHAMPIONS!!    Coach Mike Sullivan

State Qualifer

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

 1   Peoria Bergan                                    89  

2   Princeton                                            123

3   Elmhurst Immaculate Conception         142

4   Paxton                                               148

5   Trenton Wesclin                                  178

              State Medalists

 Eric Volkert     STATE CHAMPION!!   (time: 14:46.9)

 Dan Ray          15th place   (15:27.0)

               John Spring   16th place   (15:28)

1981     STATE CHAMPIONS!!   Coach Mike Sullivan

State Qualifier

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

 1   Peoria Bergan                                    92  

2   Trenton Wesclin                                  111

3   Prophetstown                                      161

4   Aurora Marmion                                   163

5   Petersburg PORTA                              169

 State Medalists

              Richard Spring   3rd place (15:04.0)

              Dan Ray              4th place (15:10.0)

1982      2ND in STATE!!           Coach Mike Sullivan

               Regional Champions

                Sectional Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Trenton Wesclin                                   91

               2   Peoria Bergan                                  134  

               3   Streator Woodland                              148

4   Elmwood                                            174

5   Elmhurst Immaculate Conception         204  

 State Medalist

               John Stein   12th place (15:22)

    

1983      6th in STATE                Coach Mike Sullivan

State Qualifier

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Elmwood                                             62

6   Peoria Bergan                                    197

 State Medalist

               John Stein   2nd place

               (15:03.0-:00.2 behind state champion Ron Speletich of Beecher)

BASEBALL

During the 1980’s, the Trojans brought home some hardware from the ball diamonds of Central Illinois, winning five Class A regionals, two sectionals, and having two appearances at the state finals in Springfield.

1980   23-14     Elite 8 Finalist         Coach Rich Coleman

                       Regional/Sectional Champions

                          Class A State Qualifiers

                            Lost to Mount Carmel, 3-2, in quarterfinals

 

1981   22-15-1     Elite 8 Finalist         Coach Rich Coleman

                           Regional/Sectional Champions

                            Class A State Qualifiers

                             Lost to Aurora Central Catholic, 5-0, in quarterfinals

1984                 Regional Champions        coach unknown

1986   22-14      Regional Champions        Coach Jerry Rashid

1987   24-12                                               Coach Jerry Rashid

1988   18-10      Regional Champions        Coach Jerry Rashid

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Trojans had their share of success, including a second-place finish at the state class A tournament under Rudy Keeling, who would go on to be head coach at the University of Maine. The best seasons in Bergan history are listed below.

1965-68                                                              Coach Jerry Faye

1968-69  12-11                                                   Coach Don Mathews

1969-70  19-  8                                                   Coach Don Mathews

1970-71  17-  9                                                   Coach Don Mathews

1972-73  26-  2   Regional Champions            Coach Terry Knapp

1973-74  18-  8                                                   Coach Terry Knapp

1974-75  12-12                                                   Coach Bob Swigris

1975-77                                                              Coach John Lucas

1977-79                                                              Coach Rudy Keeling

1979-80  23-  9  Class A State Tourney 2ND Place!!  Coach Rudy Keeling

                           Regional Champs

                            Sectional Champions

                             Defeated Sterling Newman 56-55 at Moline Supersectional

                              Downed Gibson City in quarterfinals 66-55

                              Beat Madison 57-51 in semIfinals

                               Lost to Chicago Luther South in championship game, 56-51

 Rated 11th in final regular AP Class A Poll

                           Scott McCabe and Tom Gilles named All-Tournament

1980-81    3-16                                                   Coach Dan Corken

1981-84                                                              Coach Tom Eder

1984-85  14-12                                                   Coach Tom Eder

1985-86  12-16                                                   Coach Tom Eder

1986-87  10-18                                                   Coach Jim Carlson

1987-88  14-16   Class A Sweet 16 Qualifers  Coach Jim Carlson

                            Regional Champs

                             Sectional Champs  

Lost to Lena-Winslow 56-54 at Rock Island Supersectional

Macomb High School Boys Basketball Tourney Highlights for Bergan HS:

1969 Champion def. East Peoria 59-43

1970 Champion def. East Peoria 55-50

1972 Champion def. Macomb 83-64

1973 Champion def. Monmouth 82-72

All-Tourney Selections

1969 1st team-Larry Gallway & Tom Howe

2nd team- Mark Kedzior

1970 1st team- Bill Schlicksup (MVP)

1971 2nd team- Steve McLinden

1972 1st team-Bill Knaub

2nd team- Jim Carlson, Jeff Ralph

1973 1st team-Jeff Ralph & Bill Ricca

2nd team- Jim Kelly

Tournament records

Highest Average score by one team, tournament

1972 Peoria (Bergan) 92.8pts (4 games)

Most points scored one team, GAME

1972 Peoria (Bergan) 122 vs. Sherrard

Most Field Goal Attempts one team, tournament

1972 Peoria (Bergan), 319

Most Field Goals made one team, tournament

1972 Peoria (Bergan), 157

Most Free Throws Made by one team, tournament

1970 Peoria (Bergan), 82

Most Rebounds team, tournament

1973 Peoria (Bergan), 175

Most Rebounds by one team, game

1973 Peoria (Bergan) 61 vs. Macomb.

GIRLS GOLF

In the first year of the girls’ state tournament, Bergan was represented at the finals by Dotti McLaughlin, who nearly took top medalist honors from Bloomington’s Ann Atwood.

1975   Individual Medalist

Dotti McLaughlin    2nd place—one stroke behind (177)

GIRLS TENNIS

Bergan was involved in the first IHSA state meet and without having a singles or doubles entry even finish in the top eight of the state, they still had enough points to finish in the top 10, tied with two other schools. The Lady Trojans also sent three other teams to state after winning either a district or sectional championship.

1972-73         Tied for 8th in State            Coach unknown

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Oak Park-River Forest        26

8   Des Plaines Maine West    12

8   Homewood-Flossmoor        12

 8   Peoria Bergan                 12

  

1973-74        District Champions              

State Qualifiers

1982-83        Sectional Champions          Coaches Virginia Hederle & Connie Alexander

State Qualifiers

1983-84        Sectional Champions          

State Qualifiers

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

The Trojans were active on the cinder tracks and competed with some of the best in the state. In fact, the boys’ team came home with a fourth place finish at the state Class A meet in 1984, led by event winners Kevin Jakopin and John Stein.

1980A         Individual Medalists

                     Mike Driscoll         3200 meter run—8th place

                     Eric Volkert             800 meter run—3rd place

1981A         Individual Medalist

                     Eric Volkert           1600 meter run—3rd place

1984           4TH IN STATE!!                          Coach unknown

                   STATE FINAL STANDINGS

                     1   Melrose Park Walther Lutheran          52

2   Cairo                                                42

3   Farmington East                               28

                     4   Peoria Bergan                                25  

5   Elgin St. Edward                               24

Sullivan                                            24

                   Individual Medalists

                    Kevin Jakopin         400 meter dash—STATE CHAMP!! (:49.89)

                    John Stein             3200 meter run—STATE CHAMP!!! (9:14.89)

                    John Stein             1600 meter run—4th place

BOYS SOCCER

Before Peoria Notre Dame was formed and became a perennial favorite to win a state title, the Bergan program was already laying the cornerstone of a perennial powerhouse into place which would help Notre Dame get to the position they were in the 1990’s and early 2000’s.

The Trojans went out with a bang in 1987. That season, Bergan set the IHSA state record for fewest goals allowed in one season at seven. It has since been tied by Quincy Notre Dame’s 1994 squad. The Trojans also had nine consecutive shutouts during the season, which is tied for tenth best in a single season on the IHSA list. Mark Alaksiewicz shined in goal that season, allowing seven goals and recording 14 shutouts.

1978     9-  0      First season                                 Coach Bill Fulton

1979   12-  6-2                                                       Coach Jerry Crabtree

1980   15-  7-3                                                       Coach Jerry Crabtree

1981   10-  3-3                                                       Coach Jerry Crabtree

1982   15-  8-4   Regional Champions                   Coach Jerry Crabtree

1983                                                                     Coach Jerry Crabtree

1984   13-  7-2   Regional Champions                   Coach Jerry Crabtree

1985   13-  9                                                          Coach Jerry Crabtree

1986   12-  6-2                                                       Coach Danny Driscoll

1987   18-  2-1                                                       Coach Danny Driscoll  

BOYS GOLF

There were an number of successes in the boys’ golf program at Bergan as four teams finished with top 10 finishes at the state finals, and eight players placed high on the medalist’s list for individual honors, including Marty Best & Dan Kaulauski, who finished twice inside the the top 15 .

1967         5TH IN STATE!!                    Coach unknown

                  DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

                   STATE QUALIFIERS

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Winnetka New Trier East            638

2   Glen Ellyn Glenbard West          645

3   Jacksonville HS                         653

Park Ridge Maine South            653

 5   Peoria Bergan                         660  

                   Individual Medalist

                    Mike Poulsen      Tied for 4th place at 153 (four strokes back)

1968          3RD IN STATE!!                  Coach unknown

                   DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

                    STATE QUALIFIERS

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Glenview Glenbrook South       647

2   Rockford Guilford                    648

 3   Peoria Bergan                      651  

4   Carterville                               652

5   Freeport HS                            654

 Individual Medalist

                   Marty Best          Tied for 12th place at 160 (seven strokes back)

1969          DISTRICT CHAMPIONS     Coach unknown

                   STATE QUALIFIER

Individual Medalist

                   Marty Best               Tied for 4th place at 152 (five strokes back)

1978AA      Individual Medalist

 Bob Schelly             Tied at 11th place at 159 (10 strokes back)

1980A        Individual Medalist

                   Scott Zarley            Finished in 5th place at 157 (eight back)

1983A        5TH IN STATE!!                 Coach unknown

                   STATE QUALIFIER

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Dunlap                                     644

2   Elgin St. Edward                       649

3   Bloomington Central Catholic     676

4   Quincy Notre Dame                   677

 5   Peoria Bergan                        679    

 

                Individual Medalist

                 Dan Kazlauski        Finished 12th place at 159 (12 strokes back)

1984A      9TH IN STATE                  Coach unknown

                 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

                  STATE QUALIFiER

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Aledo                                         660

 9   Peoria Bergan                          699

                Individual Medalist

                 Dan Kazlauski        Took 3rd place at 159 (five strokes off)

1985A       Individual Medalist

                 Chris Neville           Tied for 10th place at 162 (five strokes away)

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Trojans were able to take on all comers in the Peoria area, and won a Class A Regional before the school merged with Academy of Our Lady (AOL)/Spalding in 1988 . We are missing the win-loss record as well as the name of the head coach of this plaque-winner.

1982-83      Class A Regional Champions        Coach unknown

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

Bergan’s girls were able to run in the fall with some success, and kept track athletes busy in preparing for their spring sport. One team came away with a regional title in the school’s final year of operation. If you know more about this team or program, please contact us.

1987-88      Class A Regional Champions         Coach unknown

FOOTBALL

Peoria Bergan played among all the schools in the city of Peoria in the MidState 8, holding its own against the rest to prove their worth. The Trojans’ best seasons are listed below.

1963-64                    Coach Fran Malpede

1965                         Coach Jim Heid

1966        5- 5           Coach Jim Heid

1967        4- 6           Coach Jim Heid

1968        7- 3           Coach Jim Heid

1969                         Coach Jim Heid

1970        6- 4           Coach Jim Heid

1971        5- 5           Coach Jim Heid

1972                         Coach Jim Heid
1973        7- 3-1        Coach Jim Heid

1974                         Coach Jim Heid

1975        5- 4           Coach Jim Heid

1976                         Coach Jim Heid
1977        6- 3           Coach Jim Heid

1978                         Coach Jim Heid

1979                         Coach Merv Haycock
1980        7- 2           Coach Merv Haycock

1981-82                    Coach Merv Haycock

1983        5- 4           Coach Merv Haycock

1984-85                    Coach Merv Haycock

1986        5- 4           Coach Tim Dougherty

1987        5- 4           Coach Tim Dougherty

1988        5- 4           Coach Jim Donahue

Memories from Phil Staab (Class of 1968):

“SEPT 10,1966 AT RICHWOODS STADIUM THE TROJANS WON THEIR FIRST MIDSTATE 9 GAME EVER DEFEATING WOODRUFF 21-14 IN A TOUCH OF CLASS WOODRUFF COACH VIRGIL BOUCHER GOT ON OUR BUS AND SAID THIS IS THE FIRST OF MANY VICTORYS FOR YOU GUYS SAVOR IT FOR NOW AND GET READY FOR MANY MORE BERGAN WOULD GO 4-6 THAT YEAR THEN IN ’67 UNDER COACH JIM HEID WE WERE 7-3 WITH GREAT WINS OVER MANUAL CENTRAL WOODRUFF LIMESTONE PEKIN DECATUR EISENHOUR & CHAMPAIGN CENTENNIAL OUR HEARTBREAK LOSSES WERE AT EAST PEORIA BY 7 RICHWOODS BY 1 AND OUR FINAL GAME AGAINST SPALDING IN A DRIVING RAINSTORM BY 7 WE WERE JUST 15 POINTS AWAY FROM AN UNDEFEATED SEASON.”

BOYS TENNIS

Bergan did have success on the tennis courts of central Illinois and won two district titles and placed a pair of teams into the top 10 at the state meet during the mid-1970’s. Unforunately, we are missing names of coaches and key performers that helped the Trojans have such a high finish. Please let us know if have this information.

1974-75         Tied for 9th in State           Coach unknown

District Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Hinsdale Central                  26

9   Elmwood Park                    10.5

 9   Peoria Bergan                  10.5

1975-76        Tied for 9th in State          Coach unknown

District Champions

STATE FINAL STANDINGS

1   Hinsdale Central    21

 9   Peoria Bergan       9

9   Bloomington HS      9

WRESTLING

Bergan offered a chance for those who wished to grapple during the winter months. According to the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org), there is no record of any Trojan wrestler that placed at the state meet to medal. The 1973-74 team had the most success from a winning percentage standpoint, posting a 14-5 record. No other Bergan team finished above .500.

1967-68                            Coach James Heid
1968-69                            Coach Mike Meismer
1969-71                            Coach Rollie Inskeep
1971-74                            Coach Bill Beckman
1974-75                            Coach Don Euteneuer
1975-80                            Coach Charlie Barkman
1980-81                            Coach Rich Coleman
1981-88                            Coach Paul Bussone

GIRLS SOCCER

The girls also got their kicks on the soccer pitch for Danny Driscoll, who would wind up as a successful coach at Peoria Notre Dame after Bergan merged with AOL/Spalding. His record with Bergan and Notre Dame combined for the girls was 184-67-19, with three regional titles, three sectional championships, three supersectional victories and as many trips to the state finals. He left Notre Dame in 1999.

1988     7-8-1                         Coach Danny Driscoll

VOLLEYBALL

Bergan won a district and had several seasons of success under Coach Camargo. We’d like to find out more about the Lady Trojan volleyball program. If you have anything, please contact us at our addresses (see below).

1980     11-10     District Champions      Coach C. Camargo

1981     14-  6                                        Coach C. Camargo

1982     18-  6    good record!                Coach C. Camargo

1983     19-  8    good record!                Coach C. Camargo

1984     13-13                                        Coach C. Camargo

1985-88                                                 Coach C. Camargo 

BOYS HOCKEY

Information provided by Jeffrey Flexer:

“In 1983, Bergan and Academy/Spalding joined forces to create a Boy’s Hockey team, coached by Tim Staats. This team did compete against other schools, but in my time, did not advance beyond the Mid-State conference.”

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Bergan High School also participated in girls softball.  Coach Cathy Camargo led the charges in the early 1980s, however team recoreds and other coach’s names are not currently available.

SWIMMING

*From Peter M. Fitzpatrick:

“I am an alumnus from Bergan from the years 71’ to 75. There was a small swimming team in 1971, due to requests from several swimmers who had grown up in an era when children’s swimming teams and meets between 7 or 10 country clubs in the greater Peoria area were very popular (the sixties). I do not remember the name of the Christian Brother, (though I can picture his face) who acted as a coach, but we mainly borrowed the pool at  Richwood’s High School, later using the swimming pool at the Hyatt Lodge where the old Vonachen’s Junction used to be, though that was not long lived, for practice. We did travel for meets and were pretty good. I was one of maybe three freshmen, with about 5 or so upperclassmen also in the team. Our star swimmer, a Junior, I believe, got in trouble for “smoking” – whatever substance that might have been -I do not know, (this was the early seventies, remember), but whatever it was, there was a BIG kerfluffle and he was kicked off the team by our coach.. There was no follow-up the next year, and since none of the Catholic schools had swimming pools, it never resumed.”

THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Bergan entered the state tournament for individual events in speech and had three people come away with state medals for competiting among the state’s best durig the early 1980’s.

1980 Kelly Basfield                                        oratorical declam.—4th place
1982 Maggie Gesselbract & Matt Solomon    humorous duet—5th place

FINE ARTS PROGRAM

Bergan had a very active Fine Arts program.  The school produced a play and a musical every year, had a band and chorus.

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. Bergan High school participated in this festival from 1977-80.

MEMORIES

**From Brenda Zamorski:

“I had an all girl band played at lunch time are there any pictures. Marge student council was the base player Terry on drums me on cords electric We won battle of bands against other high schools. My all girl band played during lunch time with dimmed lights and dancing. We won a Battle of the Bands contest. Just can’t remember if it was 65/66/67. We played at functions around town. Trying to track if anyone has a picture of our band.”

REMEMBER…if you have any information about the history of Bergan High school, please let us know. Items such as the words to the school song, names of coaches and key athletes, win-loss records, photos, and other memories are greatly appreciated. You can submit your information by either clicking on this link to the CONTACT US page, or by sending us an email to ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.. Or we’ll be glad to accept your contributions by USPS. Our address is:

Illinois High School Glory Days

6439 North Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il  60631


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