Toluca High School “Wildcats”

Toluca High School

Toluca, Illinois

The History of Toluca High School

Toluca (population 1,339) is located in north central Illinois in east central Marshall County. The town is located on Illinois Route 117 just south of Illinois Route 17. The AT & SF Railroad runs through town as does the North Branch of the Crow Creek. The town is located about 30 miles northeast of Peoria (as the crow flies).

According to the web sites http://www.piperspages.com/Marshall/toluca.html as well as http://www.piperspages.com/Marshall/TolucaNow.html, the Santa Fe Railroad became the driving force behind the location of Toluca. The railroad began coming through the area in 1887 and the coal mines were established in the area in 1892. Soon the town of Toluca was “booming,” becoming incorporated in 1893. By 1907, Toluca’s population had swelled to over 6,000 residents!

The town continued to flourish until 1924, when the coal mines closed. In that one year hundreds of families left town looking for work. Though two hills, known as “The Jumbos,” in Toluca remain as reminders of the town’s coal mining past, the population has declined to a steady 1,400 for the past few decades. Those from Toluca consider the hills a land mark they are proud of, just like two restaurants in town, Mona’s and Capponi’s, which were opened by the Bernardi family in the 1930’s.

The residents of Toluca immediately recognized a need for higher education and established a high school in 1893. The first graduating class for THS was the Class of 1897. The school prospered and excelled in many areas for nearly 100 years.

In the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, consolidation talks with nearby Minonk-Dana-Rutland and Wenona surfaced. The effort became a reality in 1993 when Toluca High was deactivated and the Fieldcrest School System was born. The high school remained in Minonk. Toluca residents built a “new” high school building in 1922, which served the school district as Toluca High until its closure in 1993. The Toluca High School building now serves as the Fieldcrest West Elementary and Middle School.

Coming Soon two volume History Books of The Boy’s Basketball of Toluca High School. This 2 volume history of the Wildcats is packed with group, individual and action photographs and many articles from 1923 to the closing of Toluca High School in 1992. There will a special pricing if both volume’s are purchased at the same time. Don’t delay order your books today by emailing Terri at www.tntimage@mchsi.com.

Toluca High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1893

Year closed: 1992

School nickname: the “Wildcats”

School colors: Purple, Gold, & White

School Fight Song: “Wave the Flag”

FIGHT SONG LYRICS COURTESY OF TnT Photo

Music Played by the Potomac High School Alumni Band

TOLUCA HIGH SCHOOL SONG

Wave the colors of Toluca

The Purple and the Gold

Fighting ever for her Honor

Are Players Brave and Bold

The Boys will Fight Hard for

Their School’s Fame

We’ll Praise them to the Sky

While they Fight to win this Ball Game

We’ll Cheer Toluca High

TOLUCA HIGH SCHOOL SONG

Wave the Colors of Toluca

The Purple and the White, Rah Rah

Fighting ever for our Honor

Our Players they will Fight, Rah Rah

We know they’ll try to Win this Ball Game

We’ll Praise them to the Sky

Our Boys who fight to win this Ball Game

We will Cheer Toluca High

T-TOL-U-UCA TOL-UCA TOLUCA

(This song is repeated twice before you say Toluca)

Toluca HS Gymnasium

A building with cars parked in front

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Athletics

The Toluca High School Wildcats have a VERY long and storied history in Illinois High School athletics. The boys basketball program was one of the premier programs in northern Illinois in the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s. The boys’ track team had some real nice success in the 1920s. Showing that they were well-rounded athletes, the baseball teams at Toluca also had some very good teams. Though there is no mention of girl’s athletics on the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org) we are confident there were many competitive teams forged by the Lady Wildcats as well. Toluca competed in the Tri-County Conference throughout its existence. If you have any information on the athletic program at Toluca you would like to share please e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.

1983-84 Super Sectional – Pre-Game

#42 Todd Rankin, Bernard Beoletti (background), Coach Chuck Rolinski, Mike DeRubeis

Boys Basketball

No reason to wait here. The boys’ basketball program at Toluca High was extremely strong for many years. For over seven decades, the Wildcats consistently had teams vying for IHSA hardware. Even during the one-class system in Illinois, Toluca had to be reckoned with by the “big boys.” Were it not for a couple of breaks and an unfortunate match-up, Toluca would have brought home some hardware from the big tournament.

Two coaches define the incredible success attained by the Toluca Wildcats on the hardwood. First came Anton J. (Tony) Kresl, who coached the “Cats” from 1932-33 to 1946-47. During his 15-year tenure at Toluca, Kresl’s teams had eight 20+ win seasons (including three seasons of 27 wins) and brought home four Regional titles. His overall record of 294-122 rank him second on Toluca’s all-time list. His teams also won five consecutive Tri-County Conference titles from 1941 – 1945. He led the boys of 1944-45 to the school’s first Sectional Championship game (and a top-32 team finish). Great job Coach Kresl and the boys of the 1930’s and 1940’s.

The next name is known throughout the Illinois High School basketball coaching circles. Coach Chuck Rolinski was one of the premier coaches in northern Illinois during his career. His accomplishments are well-written about by Toluca fan David Gallianetti:

“Without question, the school’s most well-known coach was state coaching legend Chuck Rolinski, a Toluca native who was named athletic director, basketball coach, and baseball coach in 1956. When he retired folowing the 1987-88 season, his 32-year basketball career ended with a 649-262 record, then good for 7th on the all-time wins list. Coach Rolinski is considered the “father” of the two-class Illinois state basketball tournament, as he was the driving force behind the creation of two classes.

Toluca won 59 major championships under Rolinski. Included were 16 Tri-County Conference titles, 12 Regional titles, and three Sectional titles which resulted in three Sweet 16 appearances. Rolinski, an Illinois State University graduate, and his wife, Anita, still reside in Toluca. Coach Rolinski serves the Illinois Basketball Coach’s Association as its secretary-treasurer. He is a member of the ISU, IBCA, and Greater Peoria Area Halls of Fame.”

The former Toluca High School gymnasium (current Fieldcrest West Grade School gym) is named Chuck Rolinski Gymnasium (see photos below).

Long game – One side-story involving the Toluca High basketball program involves the Freshman/Sophomore team. Playing their arch-rivals Wenona in February of 1930, the “Wildkits” were involved in one of the longest games in high school history. The game went 10 overtimes before Wenona prevailed 26-22. Some coverage about the game was even received on a national level!

The INCREDIBLE small-town high school successes of the Toluca High School Wildcats basketball program, according to the IHSA web site, are listed below.

1920-21 Marshall Co. Tourney Champions Coach Swanson

Toluca “Wildcats” – 1920-21 Marshall Co. Champs

Courtesy of Terri Taylor – http://www.tntimages.com

1921-22 Ottawa District Tourney Coach Ed Foley

1st Rd Beat Princeton 36-16

2nd Rd lost to LaSalle-Peru 21-16

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1922-23 Postseason scores and record needed. Coach Ed Foley

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1923-24 LaSalle District Champions Coach Ed Foley

Early Rd Scores Needed

Semi-Final Beat LaSalle-Peru 19-18

Title Game Beat Mendota 31-16

Peoria Sectional Tournament

1st Rd Lost to Cornell 22-7

Canton Beat Bloomington in title game

CORNELL (22): Lindquist 12, Grimm 4, Johnson 4, Rusted 2.

TOLUCA (7): Cattistella 4, Mariotti 2, Cassel 1.

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1924-25 Postseason scores and record needed.

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1925-26 Postseason scores and record needed.

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1926-27 18- 2 Post Season Scores Needed Coach Carl Megel

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1927-28 20- 2 Post Season Scores Needed Coach Carl Megel

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1928-29 24- 4 Post Season Scores Needed Coach Carl Megel

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1929-30 21- 2 Post Season Scores Needed Coach Bill Carlin

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1930-31 14-10 Marshall Co. Tourn Runner-Up Coach Bill Carlin

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1931-32 15- 9 Wenona District Tourney Coach Bill Carlin

1st Rd Beat Henry 29-16

2nd Rd lost to Wenona 21-14

Wenona beat Minonk in title game

1932-33 16- 8 Wenona District Tourney Coach Anton J. Kresl

1st Rd lost to Minonk 20-17

Long Point Beat Henry in title game

1933-34 11-11 Wenona District Touirney Coach Anton J. Kresl

1st Rd Beat Varna 34-27

2nd Rd Beat Lostant 36-23

Semi-Final lost to Minonk 34-25

Granville beat Minonk in title game

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1934-35 23- 5 Wenona District Touirney Coach Anton J. Kresl

1st Rd Beat Dana 39-16

2nd Rd Beat Varna 37-26

Semi-Final lost (score needed)

Lacon beat Henry in title game

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1935-36 27- 3 Wenona Regional Champions Coach Anton J. Kresl

Semi-Final Beat Wenona 37-18

Title Game Beat Granville 18-13

Joliet Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Seneca 28-20

Joliet beat Marselles in title game

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1936-37 21- 9 Wenona Regional Champions Coach Anton J. Kresl

1st Rd Beat Minonk 25-16

Semi-Final Beat Granville 29-25

Title Game Beat Rutland 30-25

Ottawa Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Ottawa 27-24

LaSalle-Peru beat Ottawa in title game

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1937-38 22- 6 Wenona Regional Finalists Coach Anton J. Kresl

Early Rd Scores Needed

Title Game Lost to Minonk 34-28

Top 2 From Regional Advance to Sectional

(This Particular Year Only)

Pontiac Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Fairbury 42-29

Semi-Final lost to Braidwood 35-25

Braidwood beat Streator in title game

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1938-39 27- 6 Wenona Regional Champions Coach Anton J. Kresl

1st Rd Beat Granville 27-22

Semi-Final Beat Sparland 32-23

Title Game Beat Minonk 41-31

Ottawa Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Normal U-High 28-26

Semi-Final lost to Dwight 41-26

Dwight Beat Bloomington in title game

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1939-40 24- 5 Wenona Regional Finalists Coach Anton J. Kresl

Semi-Final Beat Lacon 35-26

Title Game Lost to Granville 37-21

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1941-42 27- 4 Tri-County Tourney Champs Coach Anton J. Kresl

Wenona District Tourney

1st Rd Beat Henry 38-21

Semi-Final lost to Granville 43-33

Granville beat Wenona in title game

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1942-43 13-16 Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups Coach Anton J. Kresl

Wenona Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Cornell 44-33

Granville beat Cornell in title game

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1943-44 14- 9 Lacon Regional Runner-Up Coach Anton J. Kresl

1st Rd Beat Lacon 33-23

Semi-Final Beat Cornell 25-24

Title Game lost to Lostant 29-24

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1944-45 27- 2 Wenona Regional Champions Coach Anton J. Kresl

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Wenona Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Granville 33-21

Semi-Final Beat Cornell 36-28

Title Game Beat Henry 38-33

LaSalle Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final Beat Princeton 34-30

TOLUCA (34): Ghiglieri 19, Aimone 6, O’Dea 4, Fenoglia 4, Rusiotelli 1.

PRINCETON (30): Eakle 10, Halberg 8, Ferris 8, Mercer 4.

Title Game lost to Somonauk 50-45

Somonauk lost in Elite 8 Rd to Champaign HS who placed 2nd.

Toluca Wildcats of 1944-45

A group of men posing for a photo

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Courtesy of Mark & Terri Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

1946-47 15-12 Tri-County Tourney Champs Coach Milo B. Watson

Wenona Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Granville 48-37

Granville beat Minonk in title game

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1947-48 16-11 Varna District Champions Coach Milo B. Watson

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Varna District Scores

1st Rd Beat Long Point 45-32

Semi-Final Beat Sparland 46-43

Title Game Beat Tonica 36-32

Wenona Regional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Granville 48-42

Semi-Final lost to Henry 54-36

Henry beat Minonk in title game

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1948-49 18- 8 Lacon Regional Tourney Coach Milo B. Watson

1st Rd Beat McNabb 54-41

Semi-Final lost to Granville 48-31

Henry beat Granville in title game

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1949-50 17- 9 Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups Coach Milo B. Watson

Wenona Regional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Cornell 36-33

Semi-Final lost to Wenona 42-34

Wenona beat Minonk in title game

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1950-51 14-10 Wenona Regional Runner-Up Coach Milo B. Watson

1st Rd Beat Long Point 45-34

Semi-Final Beat Granville 43-40

Title Game lost to Minonk-Dana 47-38

MINONK-DANA (47): Toler 14, Woltzen 12, Dishinger 10, Klendworth 6, Harms 5.

TOLUCA (38): Vosberg 12, Ciccarelli 8, Gabrick 7, Rolinski 7, Spires 2, Schumacher 2.

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1951-52 8-15 Granville Regional Tourney Coach Milo B. Watson

1st Rd lost to Minonk-Dana 62-30

Varna Mid-County beat Henry in title game

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1952-53 9-16 Hennepin District Tourney Coach George Henderson

1st Rd Beat Rutland 79-48

Semi-final lost to Sparland 62-60

Magnolia Swaney beat Sparland in title game

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1953-54 13-12 Granville Regional Tourney Coach George Henderson

1st Rd lost to Varna Mid-County 66-63

Wenona beat Varna Mid-County in title game

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1954-55 5-18 Henry Regional Tourney Coach Joe Salisbury

1st Rd lost to Granville 47-40

Tonica beat Wenona in title game

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1955-56 4-19 Granville Regional Tourney Coach Joe Salisbury

1st Rd Beat Wenona 58-55

Semi-Final lost to Granville 59-51

Varna Mid-County beat Granville in title game

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1956-57 17- 6 Tri-County Tourney Champs Coach Chuck Rolinski

Streator Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Mid-County 73-65

Streator Woodland beat Granville Hopkins in title game

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1957-58 23- 7 Henry Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Henry Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Henry 62-53

Semi-Final Beat Mid-County 60-52

Title Game Beat Streator Woodland 77-68

TOLUCA (77): Baker 18, Ji. Mariotti 17, Fenoglia 14, Daghe 13, Rankin 11, Frederick 2, Jo. Mariotti 2.

WOODLAND (68): J. Pastirik 15, B. Pastirik 15, Noble 14, Grant 10, Yock 10, McBride 2.

LaSalle Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final lost to Tiskilwa 70-65

TISKILWA (67): Sash 18, Nevitt 16, Huston 14, McCoy 9, Russell 8, Vaughn 2.

TOLUCA (65): Mariotti 22, Fenoglia 16, Baker 11, Fredricks 9, Daghe 4, Rankin 4.

Ottawa beat Tiskilwa in title game

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1958-59 30- 1 Granville Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Undefeated Regular Season

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Granville Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Mid-County 52-45

Semi-Final Beat Streator Woodland 56-54

Title Game Beat Granville 74-50

TOLUCA (74): Marotti 15, Gardner 15, C. Fenoglia 14, Rankin 13, Daghe 13, Schubert 2, Robinson 2.

GRANVILLE HOPKINS (50): Aimone 24, Borri 10, Nannie 6, Botoletto 4, Ghibellini 2, Fiedler 2.

Ottawa Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final Beat LaSalle-Peru 68-67

TOLUCA (68): Fenoglia 21, Daghe 15, Rankin 15, Mariotti 12, Gardner 5.

LASALLE-PERU (67): Mills 20, Pittman 14, Croissant 14, Galassi 12, Ficek 4, Orlandini 3.

Title Game Lost to Ottawa 58-57

OTTAWA (58): Schlosser 21, Schiffbauer 11, Love 7, Johnson 7, Blue 6, Chevalier 6.

TOLUCA (57): Gardner 16, Daghe 11, Rankin 11, Mariotti 9, Fenoglia 6.

Ottawa lost in Sweet 16 Rd.

Toluca High School “Wildcats” – 1958-59

A group of people posing for a photo

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Submitted by Terri & Mark Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

1959-60 29- 4 District/Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Toluca District Tourney Scores

Semi-Final Beat Hennepin 84-62

Title Game Beat Cornell 75-61

Wenona Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Henry 92-63

Semi-Final Beat Streator Woodland 59-58 (O/T)

Title Game Beat Mid-County 64-47

TOLUCA (64): Rankin 20, Baldwin 18, Gardner 18, Imm 5, Hemenway 3.

MID-COUNTY (47): Varney 18, Wood 10, Orrison 7, Kanive 6, Starks 4, Leihley 2

LaSalle Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final Beat Normal HS 91-69

TOLUCA (91): Rankin 25, Gardner 23, Imm 17, Baldwin 15, Hemenway 6, Clark 3, Fengler 2.

NORMAL (69): Shoemaker 29, Barton 12, Willis 7, Ehrlich 6, Lamb 5, Bilyeu 4, Foster 4.

Title Game lost to Ottawa 85-64

OTTAWA (85): Blue 24, Love 19, Johnson 15, Stahley 11, Ristau 6, Bernardoni 6, Polancic 4.

TOLUCA (64): Gardner 26, Rankin 15, Baldwin 8, Fenoglio 6, Hemenway 5, Imm 4.

Ottawa lost in Elite 8 Rd.

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1960-61 23- 5 Streator Woodland Regional Champs Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Streator Woodland Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Wenona 72-61

Semi-Final Beat Henry 69-52

Title Game Beat Woodland 71-47

TOLUCA (71): Daghe 23, Gardner 14, Imm 14, Hemenway 12, Bernardi 6, Dahlbach 2.

WOODLAND (47): Holland 13, Carby 10, Zellman 9, McBride 8, Noble 4, Leonard

Ottawa Sectional Tourney

Semi-FInal lost to Shabonna 63-60

SHABBONA (63): Benson 24, Hopwood 16, Meserole 10, Johnson 7, Krabenbuhl 3, Sutton 3.

TOLUCA (60): Daghe 17, Gardner 15, Hemenway 13, Imm 12, Dahlbach 3.

Ottawa Beat Shabonna in title game

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1961-62 26- 2 Henry Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Henry Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Woodland 72-27

Semi-Final Beat Mid-County 71-55

Title Game Beat Henry 58-48

TOLUCA (58): Vignali 19, Gardner 16, Daghe 15, Bernandi 4, Dahlbach 2, Zilm 2.

HENRY (48): Davis 19, Stickel 12, Dewey 9, Villiger 5, Hageman 3.

LaSalle Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final lost to Pontiac 66-52

PONTIAC (66): Thompson 19, Fuss 16, Armbruster 12, Bond 11, Stamps 8.

TOLUCA (52): Gardner 24, Daghe 13, Vignali 5, Zilm 4, Bernardi 4, Fenogla 2.

Pontiac Beat Ottawa in title game

Pontiac lost in Sweet 16 Rd.

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1962-63 27- 2 Granville Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Granville Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Woodland 80-45

Semi-Final Beat Cornell 81-44

Title Game Beat Wenona 63-56

TOLUCA (63): Vignalli 16, Bernardi 15, Massino 13, Dahlbach 10, Haugens 9.

WENONA (56): D. Forrest 17, Beckman 12, Baker 10, Campbell 7, Bassi 5, Skaggs 5.

Ottawa Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Streator 56-49

TOLUCA (56): Bernardi 15, Vianoll 12, Houans 11, Massino 8, Dahldach 8, Hemenway 2.

STREATOR (49): Ahearn 16, Williamson 10, Bailey 10, James 6, Moore 5, Soirouso 2.

Title Game lost to Braidwood 62-59

Braidwood lost tin Sweet 16 Round

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1963-64 27- 1 Wenona Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Undefeated Regular Season

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Wenona Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Granville 90-23

Semi-Final Beat Henry 74-54

Title Game Beat Wenona 64-49

Streator Sectional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Pontiac 49-48

PONTIAC (49): Fuss 18, D. Shurr 9, Ruppel 9, Thompson 9, Jacquat 4.

TOLUCA (48): Vignall 19, Hemenway 13, Haugens 10, Burks 4, Pescitelli 2.

Streator Beat Pontiac in title game

Streator lost in Sweet 16 Rd.

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1964-65 18- 7 Streator Regional Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Streator Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Henry 67-36

Semi-Final Beat Mid-County 53-47

Title Game lost to Wenona 60-51

WENONA (60): Hallam 17, Jackson 15, Bassi 13, Melvin 13, Spaulding 2.

TOLUCA (51): Pescitelli 25, Zilm 10, Bastion 6, Nenne 4, Althaus 2, Haugens 2, Burks 2.

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1965-66 25- 3 Henry Regional Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Granville 97-46

Semi-Final Beat Mid-County 57-43

Title Game Lost to Wenona 80-58

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1966-67 17-10 IHSA SWEET 16 FINALISTS Coach Chuck Rolinski

Wenona Regional Tourney Scores

1st Rd Beat Mid-County 52-49

Semi-Final Beat Henry 76-65

Title Game Beat Wenona 71-70

TOLUCA (71): Haugens 33, Tyner 13, Zilm 13, Moore 10, Clark 2.

WENONA (70): Spaulding 25, Meinhold 18, Salz 17, Foote 7, Zulz 3.

*Streator Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final Beat LaSalle-Peru 90-72

TOLUCA (90): Haugens 36, Tyner 21, Kazenske 13, Modro 12, Zilm 8.

LASALLE-PERU (72): Ellberg 23, Youngdale 22, Lamps 10, Windy 9, Kohr 6, Welch 2.

Title Game Beat Lockport Central 68-67 (3 O/Ts)

TOLUCA (68): Haugens 22, Tyner 20, Kazenske 13, Modro 7, Clark 6.

LOCKPORT CENTRAL (67): Hickman 23, Handy 19, Green 17, Czerkies 4, Tusek 4.

IHSA Sweet 16 Finalists

1st Rd lost to Pekin 77-64

Pekin Won IHSA State Championship

*Only Tri-County team to win Sectional in one-class System

Toluca Wildcats of 1966-67

Courtesy of Mark & Terry Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

1967-68 22- 5 Wenona District Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Wenona District Scores

1st Rd Beat Woodland 101-51

Semi-Final Beat Low Point-Washburn 98-51

Title Game Beat Roanoke-Benson 77-75

Peoria Manuel Regional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Peoria Spalding 82-71

Peoria Central beat Peoria Manuel in title game

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1968-69 26- 4 Wenona District Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Wenona District Scores

1st Rd Beat Minonk-Dana-Rutland 102-47

Semi-Final Beat Mid-County 88-54

Title Game Beat Roanoke-Benson 57-55

Peoria Richwoods Regional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Peoria Bergan 70-62

Semi-Final Lost to Peoria Manual 87-78

Peoria Spalding beat Peoria Manual in title game

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1969-70 21- 6 Wenona District Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Woodland 85-66

Semi-Final Beat Metamora 66-63

Title Game Beat Mid-County 70-66

Peoria Regional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Peoria Spalding 58-55

Peoria Bergan beat Peoria Spalding in title game

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1970-71 21- 6 Wenona District Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Roanoke-Benson 62-42

Semi-Final Beat Mid-County 62-52

Title Game Beat Metamora 62-51

Peoria Sectional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Peoria Bergan 53-48

Semi-Final lost to Peoria Woodruff 82-74

Peoria Woodruff beat Peoria Central in title game

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1971-72 20- 7 Metamora Class A Regional Champs Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Metamora Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Low Point-Washburn 53-52 (O/T)

Semi-Final Beat Eureka 68-50

Title Game Beat Henry 59-57 (O/T)

Wenona Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final lost to Woodland 52-48

WOODLAND (52): Highland 16, Adams 13, Weiss 11, Kern 6, Tombaugh 6.

TOLUCA (48): M. Rinker 20, J. Rinker 12, Heck 7, Egleton 4, Ghiglieri 3, DeRubels 2.

Woodland beat Princeville in title game

Woodland lost in Elite 8 Rd.

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1972-73 22- 6 Regional/Sectional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

*Ranked #2 in State at beginning of season

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Roanoke Regional Scores

Semi-Final Beat Roanoke Benson 71-42

Title Game Beat Henry 50-49

TOLUCA (50): M. Rinker 14, DeRubeis 14, Da. Rinker 10, Heck 10, Bond 1, Egleton 1.

HENRY (49): Hunter 20, Smith 11, Gibbs 7, Watkins 7, Allard 4.

Wenona Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final Beat Wenona 91-72

TOLUCA (91): M. Rinker 25, DeRubeis 19, Heck 14, Bond 13, D. Rinker 13, Egelton 3, Stones 2, Seoglia 2.

WENONA (72): Peterson 22, Flahaven 20, Barke 17, Hatton 8, Stasell 2, D. Scheuer 2, J. Scheuer 1.

Title Game Beat Peru St. Bede 62-58

TOLUCA (62): M. Rinker 32, Bond 15, DeRubeis 7, D. Rinker 4, Egelton 2, Heck 2.

ST. BEDE (58): Comiskey 24, Mattioda 18, Koehler 8, Manilak 6, Morris 2.

Pontiac Super-Sectional

Title Game lost to St. Anne 81-62

St. Anne had future NBA All-Star Jack Sikma.

St. Anne placed 4th in Class A State Tourney

Toluca Wildcats – 1972-73

Courtesy of Terri & Mark Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

1973-74 14-10 Henry Class A Regional Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

Semi-Final Beat Minonk-Dana-Rutland 59-54

Title Game lost to Roanoke Benson 61-54

ROANOKE-BENSON (61): Aeschliman 17, Boeschen 14, Schroeder 14, Rudin 9, Sauder 7

TOLUCA (54): Rinker 20, Bond 20, McCully 6, McAllister 4, Egleton 2, Mariani 2.

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1974-75 18-10 Varna Class A Regional Champs Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Sparland 71-48

Semi-Final Beat Putnam County 77-59

Title Game Beat Mid-County 43-41

Wenona Sectional Tourney

Semi-Final Beat Woodland 48-43

TOLUCA (48): Rinker 18, McCully 12, Mariani 10, Egleton 4, McAllister 4.

WOODLAND (43): Stimpert 15, Myers 12, Cassady 8, Mudrock 8.

Title Game Lost to Buda Western 51-50

BUDA WESTERN (51): Sprowls 22, Bowman 11, Anglin 6, Horton 6, Taylor 4, Hartz 2.

TOLUCA (50): Rinker 22, McCully 10, Mariani 6, McAllister 6, Egleton 6.

Buda Western lost in Elite 8 Rd

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1975-76 13-13 Roanoke Class A Reg. Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Low Point-Washburn 52-45

Semi-Final Beat Flanagan 53-36

Title Game lost to Roanoke-Benson 49-37

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1976-77 11-15 Varna Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Sparland 75-39

Semi-Final lost to Mid-County 72-65

Roanoke-Benson beat Mid-County in title game

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1977-78 4-17 Minonk Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd lost to Low Point-Washburn 51-49

Flanagan beat Mid-County in title game

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1978-79 11-14 Toluca Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd lost to Roanoke-Benson 61-56

Roanoke-Benson beat Mid-County in title game

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1979-80 17-9 Varna Class A Reg. Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Henry 73-43

Semi-Final Beat Low Point-Washburn 75-64

Title Game lost to Mid-County 57-48

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1980-81 13-13 Wenona Class A Reg. Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Woodland 69-67 (5 O/Ts)

Semi-Final Beat Lostant 56-55

Title Game lost to Ottawa Marquette 42-37

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1981-82 16- 9 Marseilles Class A Reg. Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Marseilles 62-35

Semi-Final Beat Woodland 65-55

Title Game lost to Ottawa Marquette 48-45

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1982-83 22- 5 Roanoke Class A Reg. Runner-up Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Roanoke Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat El Paso 63-36

Semi-Final Beat Roanoke-Benson 59-58 (O/T)

Title Game lost to Flanagan 53-52

Flanagan placed 2nd in State Class A Tourney

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1983-84 29- 1 Regional/Sectional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

*Undefeated Regular Season

*Ranked in Top 5 all season

*Tri-County Tourney Champs

Minonk Regional Champions

1st Rd Beat Eureka 56-46

Semi-Final Beat Flanagan 42-30

Title Game Beat Roanoke-Benson 58-51

Pontiac Sectional Champions

Semi-Final Beat Manito Forman 25-23

TOLUCA (25): Rankin 11, Beoletto 10, Hamlet 4.

FORMAN (23): C. Harms 8, Woiwode 6, Thomas 5, Dosier 2, Pearson 2.

Title Game Beat Bloomington Central Catholic 42-39

TOLUCA (42): Beoletto 15, Rankin 13, Hamlet 8, DeRubeis 4, Egli 2.

BLOOMINGTON CC (39): Lanier 13, Schilkoski 10, Krause 10, Brady 4, Neirynick 2.

IHSA ‘Sweet 16’ Super-Sectional FInalist

Title Game lost to Hoopeston-East Lynn 51-48 (O/T)

Hoopeston-East Lynn lost to Mt. Pulaski in Elite 8 Rd.

Mt. Pulaski placed 2nd in IHSA State Tourney

Toluca Wildcats 1983-84

Submitted by Terri & Mark Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

1984-85 16-11 Roanoke Class A Regional Runner-Up Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Low Point-Washburn 61-60 (O/T)

Semi-Final Beat El Paso 48-47 (O/T)

Title Game lost to Roanoke-Benson 59-57

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1985-86 19- 7 Eureka Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd Beat Low Point-Washburn 67-36

Semi-Final lost to Roanoke-Benson 54-45

Roanoke-Benson beat El Paso in title game

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1986-87 18- 7 Minonk Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Champs

Semi-Final lost to Minonk-Dana-Rutland 60-53

M-D-R beat Gridley in title game

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1987-88 18- 8 Wenona Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Wenona Regional Scores

1st Rd Beat Minonk-Dana-Rutland 58-39

Semi-Final lost to Mid-County 62-61 (O/T)

Flanagan beat Mid-County in title game

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1988-89 1-21 Varna Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd lost to Minonk-Dana-Rutland 56-47

Mid-County beat Flanagan in title game

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1989-90 14-10 Minonk Class A Regional Tourney Coach Chuck Rolinski

1st Rd lost to Mid-County 56-47

Gridley beat Minonk in title game

—–

1990-91 15-10 Wenona Class A Regional Tourney Coach Kim Whittington

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Up

Wenona Regional Scores

1st Rd lost to Flanagan 75-65

Flanagan beat Low Point-Washburn in title game

—–

1991-92 9-14 Varna Class A Regional Tourney Coach Kim Whittington

*1st Rd lost to Gridley 83-52

Flanagan beat Mid-County in title game

*Final game for Toluca High School boys basketball program. Became part of the Fieldcrest School District in the summer of 1992.

Incredible Job Toluca High School boys basketball program!!

Toluca High School Gym

Toluca High School

Chuck Rolinski Gymnasium

Girls Basketball

Toluca High School girls basketball got its start like many high school girls teams in the early 1900s. However, in the late 19-teens the IHSA dropped girls basketball. Girls basketball was not reinstated by the IHSA until 1974. Below is a photo of the Toluca High School girls basketball team of 1913-14. If you have any information about the girls basketball program please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.

Toluca HS Girls Basketball Team of 1913-14

Submitted by Bruce Firchau

Boys Track & Field

The Toluca Wildcats of the early 1920’s had two athletes who brought the program fame on a state-wide level. One athlete, Joe “Joe Day” Dicenzo, won two gold medals in consecutive seasons to lead the Toluca thinclads to consecutive top-ten finishes at the State “B” Track Meet. The Wildcat coach of the 1921, ’22, and ’23 teams was Ed Foley. One other athlete, with only a last name of Hoswell, also brought home a medal (3rd Place) in 1921. The track accomplishments of Toluca High School on a State Meet level are listed below.

1920-21 ?? Hoswell 50 Yard Dash 3rd Place

1921-22 Team Placed 4TH Overall at the State “B” Track Meet Coach Ed Foley

Individual Medalist

Joe “Joe Day” Dicenzo 50 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!!

Joe “Joe Day” Dicenzo 100 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

1.) Forrest HS 19.5

2.) Elmwood HS 15.2

3.) Greenfield HS 12

4.) TOLUCA HIGH SCHOOL 10

5.) Monticello HS 9

1922-23 Team Finished 6TH Overall at the State “B” Track Meet Coach Ed Foley

Individual Medalist

Joe Dicenzo 50 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!!

Joe Dicenzo 100 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

1.) White Hall HS 20.2

2.) Bridgeport HS 15.5

3.) Hinsdale HS 15

4.) Carlinville HS 12

5.) Havana HS 11

6.) TOLUCA HIGH SCHOOL 10

Olney HS, Pickneyville HS, and Wheaton HS

all tied for 6th with 10 points also.

Baseball Field

Toluca High School

Boys Baseball

The Toluca High School boys were a multi-talented bunch and proved this on the baseball diamond. They won two District Titles and two Regional Titles. It was even said they at one point won eight consecutive Tri-County Conference Championships, going an incredible 72-1 during that span. The years of the State winners are listed below. Unfortunately, the team records of these and other great Toluca baseball teams are not available at this time.

Toluca Baseball Team – Conference Champs

Courtesy of Mark & Terri Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

Toluca HS Baseball Team of the 1950s (8 – 3)

Chuck Rolinski Batting Average – ,558 !! Photo Courtesy of Terri & Mark Taylor (www.tntimages.com)

1941-42 District Champions Coach Anton J. Kresl

Lost to Streator in the Sectional

1949-50 District Champions Coach Milo Watson

1958-59 Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

1969-70 Conference Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

1981-82 Regional Champions Coach Chuck Rolinski

Toluca Baseball Team of 1970 – Conference Champs

Courtesy of TnT Images – Mark & Terri Taylor (www.thtimages.com)

The following articles were sent to us by Terri and Mark Clark:

“1951 Fall Baseball Season – The Toluca Wildcats breezed through their 7 game schedule without a defeat, to win the Tri County Championship. The 1^st game was at Wenona. The Wildcats 9 scored 31 runs before Wenona in the last inning could get a run across. Final score 31-4. The following game was with Sparland at home. The local boys weren’t hitting well but managed to pull through a 5-3 Victory. The next game was at Lostant & the boys got back in the stride to roll over the opposition 18-6. The Henry team was the next victim, with Joe Gabrick, the regular hurler, pitching a fine 7 hit game. Final score 13-5. Our next game was at Tonica. The boys played their usual good brand of baseball & won 10-5. At Swaney, Gabrick turned in a beautiful game. He gave up 4 hits, 5 walks & struck out 12 men. It was another massacre 16-1. The final game was against the highly touted Hopkins of Granville team. Our boys had no trouble at the plate & turned in some real fielding gems that were worthy of more experienced teams. They took the championship 16-2. A very successful season for a fine bunch of ball playes.

Courtesy of TnT Images

Terri & Mark Taylor

This article appeared in the Toluca Star Herald, Volume 62, No. 41, Thursday, Oct. 10, 1957 –

Toluca won the Tri County baseball for the 2^nd straight year. Toluca became the 1^st team in history of the Tri County baseball league to go undefeated for 2 straight seasons. On Monday, Oct. 7 the Hornets of Hopkins forfeited the game to Toluca . Their winning streak in Tri County baseball now stretches to 18 games in a row. The 18 games in a row can be contributed to many different reasons. Hitting & pitching are the 2 main reasons. The hard hitting Wildcats in the 1957 season collected 106 runs & 97 hits while the pitchers allowed 12 runs & only 21 hits. The team batting average is a fantastic .371 as the Wildcats had 7 starters that had batting average of over .350. The scores of the 56 & 57 seasons follow. 1956 – Toluca 14, Hopkins 5 – Toluca 5, Mid County 0 – Toluca 5, Tonica 0 – Toluca 14, Henry 1 – Toluca 14, Lostant 0 – Toluca 15, Wenona 1 – Toluca 17, Sparland 1 – Toluca 3, Washburn 1 – Toluca 4, Swaney 3 – 1957: Toluca 6, Mid County 0 – Toluca 17, Wenona 4 – Toluca 11, Tonica 0 – Toluca 12, Henry 6 – Toluca 13, Sparland 0 – Toluca 11, Washburn 1 – Toluca 13, Swaney 1 – Toluca 9, Hopkins 0 (Forfeit) – Toluca Baseball Batting Averages: Mariotti, Jim .379 – Mariotti, Jack .467 – Daghe, Joe .367 – Baker, Bill .440 – Burroughs, John .276 – Schubert, Jeff .391 – Fengolia, Chuck .324 – Guderjan, Jerry .091 – Fredericks, Don .565 – Hedrick, Chuck .300 – Rolinski, Jerry .600 – Imm, Ray .111 – Clark, Roger, Hemenway, Jerome & Haig, Terry all .000 & Rankin, Roger .250.”

Noteable Alumni / People

*The following players were named to the Illinois All-State Basketball Team:

Roger Rankin (1960)

Tom Gardner (1961 & 62)

John Bernardi (1963)

Tony Vignali (1964)

Bob Pescitelli (1966)

Ray Heck (1969) – Ray Heck continued his athletic career at Lakeland College in Wisconsin

where he was named to the NAIA All-American Basketball Team.

Mike Rinker (1973)

Tom Fenoglia (1984)

Todd Rankin (1984)

Erin Barisch (1988)

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*Coach Chuck Rolinski – Toluca Basketball Coach 1956-57 through 1987-88

Member Illinois Basktball Coaches Association Hall of Fame

Member Illinois State University Hall of Fame

Member Greater Peoria Area Hall of Fame

Member Bloomington – Normal Officials Assoc. Hall of Fame

“Father” of the Two-Class System in Illinois

Current IBCA Secretary-Treasurer

Named to the All-Time IHSA Legends team in 2007!

Check out his bio at

http://www.ihsa.org/initiatives/legends/index.htm.

32 Year Career at Toluca High School

30 Years and counting – IBCA Coach’s Clinic Organizer

17 – Tri-County Conference Championships

16 – Twenty-plus games-won seasons

12 – Regional Championships

11 – Tri-County Conference Tournament Titles

8 – Twenty-five-plus games-won seasons

6 – District Championships

3 – Sectional Championships

3 – Sweet 16 Appearances

2 – Undefeated Regualar Seasons

1 – 30 games-won season

Baseball Coaching Record Unavailable

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*Coach Anton J. Kresl – Toluca Basketball Coach 1932-33 through 1946-47

Toluca High School Graduate – Class of 1923

294-122 Overall

8 – Twenty-plus games-won seasons

7 – Consecutive seasons of 20+ wins

5 – Consecutive Tri-County Conference Championships

4 – Regional Titles

3 – 27 games-won seasons

1 – Top 32 Finish in State Playoffs

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*B.H. “Duffy” Bass (Class of 1942) – Played on the basketball and baseball teams of the early 1940’s, Duffy went on to become the Head Baseball Coach at Illinois State University, leading the 1969 Redbirds to the college division championship.

Need More Information

If you have any further information regarding the Toluca High School Wildcats and especially the Lady Wildcats’ successes, please send us an e-mail. You can e-mail photos and information to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. Yo

1983-84 Super-Sectional vs. Hoopeston-East Lynn

Rankin vs. H.E.L.’s Dave Busch H.E.L.’s Thad Matta (current Ohio State head coach) in background

Toluca High School “Wildcats”

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