Blog

After reeling off 29 straight wins, the ’58-’59 Redwings completed their season with an incredible 29 wins and 1 loss.  In the Regional Championship game the Atlanta boys beat the mighty Lincoln Railsplitters 84 – 80, ending Lincoln’s 10-year reign as Regional Champs.  The Redwings toed the line, making good on 32 of 39 attempts from the charity stripe; Lincoln made just 12 free pitches. Atlanta was led by its two senior all-conference players Larry Rodgers (23 points) and Marvin Hulva (21). Junior Wayne Turner added 15 points, junior John Quiram 14 and senior Dave Kindred had 11.

Think about this, 155 points in 64 minutes. Armington had tried to slow down the Runnin ‘Redwings to no avail in the Regional opener, a game won by Atlanta 71-39. The Redwings faced sickness and injuries to key personnel in the Sectionals, where they lost for the first time to Jacksonville. Jacksonville would lose to Springfield, who went on to win the one-class state championship. See the team photo and list of players above.

School Spirit!

Imagine standing or sitting on the stage, decorated with the big red “A”, overlooking the gym at half court as your favorite players like Gordie Hamblin, Jim Ash, Terry Rich, Weldon “Cork” Cheek, Dave Kindred, and Larry Rogers ran the court, making the hometown fans wild with excitement. It must have been a great atmosphere to play and cheer in. Each Redwing wore his red Atlanta letter jacket with pride!!

There were other great teams at Atlanta with the best listed below.

Boys Basketball

Several scores involving Atlanta High School in the IHSA State Tourney were located on a website titled “Illinois High School Postseason Basketball Scores”, these scores are listed below as well.

1920-21                   Fairbury District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Melvin 28-17

2nd Rd lost to Fairbury 13-10

Fairbury beat Saunemin in title game

—–

1921-22                   Bloomington District Tournament     Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Bloomington 40-19

Bloomington beat Stanford in title game

—–

1922-23 – 1931-32  Postseason scores, records, and coaches’ names needed.

—–

1932-33                    Lincoln District Tournament             Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Lincoln 36-5

Mt. Pulaski beat McLean in title game

—–

1933-34                    Lincoln District Tournament             Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Waynesville 66-20

2nd Rd Beat Hartsburg 36-31

Semi-final lost to Mt. Pulaski 32-17

Mt. Pulaski beat Lincoln in title game

—–

1934-35                    Lincoln District Tournament             Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Middletown 35-28

Semi-final lost to Mt. Pulaski 27-8

Mt. Pulaski beat Hartsburg in title game

—–

1935-36                    New Holland District Runner-Up  Coach’s name & record needed

Semi-final Beat Shirley Ben Funk 33-25

Title Game lost to Latham 40-24

—–

1936-37  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

1937-38  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

1938-39                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Mt. Pulaski 38-18

Mt. Pulaski beat Lincoln in title game

—–

1939-40                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Mt. Pulaski 24-18

Lincoln beat Latham in title game

—–

1940-41                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Elkhart 33-21

Lincoln beat Elkhart in title game

—–

1941-42                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Hartsburg 28-24

Semi-final lost to Lincoln 38-25

Lincoln beat Mt. Pulaski in title game

—–

1942-43                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat McLean 39-35

Semi-final lost to Mt. Pulaski 35-26

Lincoln beat Mt. Pulaski in title game

—–

1943-44                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Elkhart 31-30

Lincoln beat Springfield in title game

—–

1944-45                    Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat New Holland 34-29

Semi-final lost to Springfield Lanphier 44-28

Lincoln beat Lanphier in title game

—–

1945-46                    Logan County Champions            Coach Phil McCullough

 Lincoln Regional Runner-Up

1st Rd Beat Middletown 51-30

Semi-final Beat Lincoln 55-39

Title Game lost to Mt. Pulaski 41-28

Coach Phil McCullough

Atlanta Redwings 1945-46

Members of the 1945-46 Atlanta High School Redwings (above) are: (front row, from left) Wayne “Stooge” Polley, Dick Gilbert, Weldon “Cork” Cheek, Harold “Tee” Brooks, Dick Schmidt; (second row) Jack Brandt, Chet Hout, Jim Ash, Eddie Bevard; (back row) Orville “Speed” Compton and coach Phil McCullough.

1946-47                  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Mt. Pulaski 46-21

Mt. Pulaski beat Lincoln in title game

—–

1947-48                  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to New Holland 54-36

Hartsburg-Eden beat Lincoln in title game

—–

1948-49                  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Springfield Feitshans 55-35

Mt. Pulaski beat Lincoln in title game

—–

1949-50                  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Lincoln 43-19

Lincoln beat Hopedale in title game

—–

1950-51                  Williamsville Regional Tourney        Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Mt. Pulaski 71-34

Lincoln beat Springfield in title game

Lincoln lost in Elite 8 Round

—–

1951-52                  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Riverton 64-57

Lincoln beat Hopedale in title game

—–

1952-53                  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Buffalo Tri-City 61-58

Lincoln beat Tri-City in title game

—–

1953-54                  Williamsville Regional Tourney        Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Lincoln 63-47

Lincoln beat Hartsburg-Emden in title game

—–

1954-55     15 – 11  Lincoln Regional Tournament          Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd lost to Springfield Cathedral 61-52

Lincoln beat Cathedral in title game

Lincoln lost in Elite 8 Round

—–

1955-56     22 – 5    Williamsville Regional Tourney        Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd Beat Buffalo Tri-City 84-58

Semi-final lost to Mt. Pulaski 70-57

Lincoln beat Mt. Pulaski in title game

—–

1956-57     22 – 5    Armington District Runner-Up      Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

Semi-final Beat Armington 86-50

Title Game lost to Hartsburg-Emden 60-58

—–

1957-58     21 – 6    Williamsville Regional Tourney        Coach Eldridge “Doc”Kinsey

1st Rd Beat McLean 73-52

Semi-final lost to Lincoln 63-58

Lincoln beat Mt. Pulaski in title game

  —–  

1958-59     29 – 1    Lincoln Regional Champions       Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd Beat Armington 71-39

Semi-final Beat Riverton 69-67

Title Game Beat Lincoln 84-80

ATLANTA (84): Hulva 23, Rogers 21, Turner 15, Quiram 14, Kindred 11

LINCOLN (80): Dutz 21, Goebel 20, Wall 19, Brackney 11, Engle 8, Dehner 1

Springfield Sectional Tournament

Semi-final lost to Jacksonville 73-48

JACKSONVILLE (73): Keller 20, Bone 16, Hudson 15, Norwill 10, Allison 6, Bourn 4, Trier 2.

ATLANTA (48): Kindred 17, Quiram 13, Hulva 9, Rogers 5, Behens 2, Patterson 2.

Springfield beat Jacksonville in title game

Springfield won State Championship!

The Greatest Atlanta Redwings Basketball Team – 1958-59

Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1959 Regional Champs with the plaque

Credit: Bloomington Pantagrph

1959-60     19 – 9   Lincoln Regional Tournament            Coach Eldricge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd Beat Armington 60-48

Semi-final lost to Lincoln 64-39

Lincoln beat Riverton in title game

—–

1960-61                  Lincoln Regional Tournament             Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd lost to Williamsville 65-61

Lincoln beat McLean-Waynesville in title game

—–

1961-62     9 – 12     Lincoln Regional Tournament             Coach Gary Craigmiles

1st Rd lost to Lincoln 87-63

Lincoln beat Williamsville in title game

—–

1962-63   11 – 13      Lincoln Regional Tournament             Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd lost to McLean-Waynesville 82-58

Lincoln beat Williamsville in title game

—–

1963-64   13 – 12       Mt. Pulaski Regional Tournament      Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd lost to Lincoln 87-63

Lincoln beat Williamsville in title game

—–

1964-65   15 – 9         Hartsburg District Tournament           Coach Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey

1st Rd lost to New Holland-Middletown 54-47

New Holland-Middletown beat Beason in title game

—–

1965-66   11 – 15        Postseason scores needed.                 Coach Tom Stewart

—–

1966-67   10 – 15        Hartsburg District Tournament           Coach Dave Lapson

1st Rd lost to Beason 74-66

Elkhart beat Armingtonin title game

—–

1967-68     9 – 15         Hartsburg District Tournament           Coach Dave Lapson

1st Rd lost to New Holland-Middletown 63-59 (O/T)

Armington beat Beason in title game

—–

1968-69    3 – 19          Hartsburg-Emden District Tourney     Coach Duane Carder

1st Rd lost to McLean 71-67

Hartsburg-Emden beat Elkhart in title game

—–

1969-70     8 – 16         Beason District Tournament                Coach Rick Bristow

1st Rd Beat New Holland-Middletown 69-58

Semi-final lost to Elkhart 96-63

Elkhart beat Williamsville in title game

—–

1970-71     16 – 10         Hartsburg District Champions             Coach Rick Bristow

Semi-final Beat New Holland-Middletown 71-57

Title Game Beat Hartsburg-Emden 58-34

Mt. Pulaski Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Maroa-Forsythe 75-65 (3 O/Ts)

Lincoln beat Clinton in title game

—–

1971-72      8 – 16         Leroy Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney          Coach Rick Bristow

1st Rd Beat Downs Tri-Valley 62-55

**Semi-final lost to Heyworth 65-41

Farmer-City beat Heyworth in title game

**Final game for the Atlanta High School Redwings. Consolidated to Stanford Olympia High School in the summer of 1972.

——

Boys Baseball

The boys baseball teams also had many successful seasons. The best of these seasons included the 1963-64 and 1965-66 seasons.  The season records of these teams is not listed nor is the coach, however according to the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org)  these two teams earned Regional Championships.

1963-64     N.R.A.     Regional Champions     Coaches names unavailable

1965-66     N.R.A.     Regional Champions

——-

Track and Field

Out of the many great athletes who walked the halls of Atlanta High School the following Redwings faired the best in Track and Field, all placing in the Illinois High School Association State Track Meet.  Earl Mountjoy was responsible for the 1907 Atlanta team’s 4th Place finish at the State Meet. Jack Freeston obviously sticks out in the early 1930s as the premier weight man in the state.  He led the AHS thinclads to a 5th place finish in 1933 and a 6th place finish in the 1934 state track meet!

1902                               2/3 Mile Relay Team     2nd Place

                                      Team Members Included:

                                      Everett Pumpelly, Will Dowdy,

                                      Ed Gebhardt, and Ed Schindler

                                      Team lost only to Chicago South Division HS

1905    Martin Dowdy     Standing Broad Jump   3rd Place

1906    Martin Dowdy     High Jump                    3rd Place

1907          Team Placed FOURTH (4th) at the State Track Meet 

                                       Individual Medalist

                 Earl Mountjoy     440 Yard Dash               STATE CHAMPION

                 Earl Mountjoy     Hammer Throw             2nd Place

                 1907 Final Team Standings – State Track Meet

1.)  Oak Park-River Forest – 18

2.)  Chicago University      –  14.5

3.)  Chicago Englewood    –  10

                             4.)  ATLANTA                 –    8       

5.)  Chicago Lakeview       –   6

Champaign                –   6

7.)  Chicago North Div.     –    5.5

8.)  Chicago Phillips        –     5

Normal, Greenefield, Joliet,

McKinley, Moline

1912    Huber                 Hammer Throw              3rd Place 

1932    Jack Freeston    Shot Put                         3rd Place

           Jack Freeston    Discus                             5th Place

1933    Team Placed FIFTH (5th) at the State Track Meet

                                 Individual Medalist

           Jack Freeston    Shot Put       STATE CHAMPION

           Jack Freeston    Discus           STATE CHAMPION

           1933 Final Team Standings – State Track Meet

                          1.) Rockford                – 18  

                          2.) Maywood Proviso   – 16.5

3.) Oak Park-R. F.      – 12

4.) Glen Ellyn             – 10.5

5.) ATLANTA             – 10

                               Centralia               – 10

Tuscola                 – 10

8.) Chicago Hyde Park  – 9

9.) Galesburg               – 8.5

Winnetka New Trier   – 8.5

1934    Team Finished Sixth (6th) in the State Track Meet           

                                 Individual Medalist            

            Jack Freeston    Shot Put       STATE CHAMPION

            Jack Freeston    Discus           2nd Place

            1934 Final Team Standings – State Track Meet 

                      1.) Winnetka New Trier  –  19

                      2.) Sterling                   –  15

Rockford                  – 15

4.) Chicago Englewood  – 10.5

5.) Centralia                  –  9.5

6.) ATLANTA               –   9

Kankakee (Sr.)         –  9

8.) Carrier Mills             –   7

Chicago Tilden         –   7

10.)  Evanston                 –   6.5

—–

Girls Bowling

Atlanta deactivated in the tail end of the time when Girls Athletics were starting to form in high schools in Illinois. Atlanta did compete in pre-Title IX “Postal Tournaments”. In the Bowling tournaments, schools with participating teams tried to get the best bowling scores they could muster and the results were mailed (hence “postal”) to the IHSA and the winner was determined by which team had the highest overall team score (similar to the more common Basketball postal tournaments). Atlanta’s team placed second in this tournament in 1968.

 —–

Boys Baseball

The Redwings had some excellent baseball teams over the years. no player may have been more successful than Lee Dunham, AHS Class of 1920. Court Michelson provided the following information about Lee Dunham.

“Lee Dunham – a 1920 grad who played briefly as a 1st baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1926. His minor league career was 1925-1932. In 1925, he batted .334 for the Binghamton Triplets of the Class B NY-Penn League, .308 for the Springfield Senators (Class B Three-I League) in 1928 and .323 for the Tampa Smokers (Class B Southeastern League) in 1930.”

Court Michelson provided a photo and some great yearbook pages from a 1919 Redwing yearbook. These images are available at the bottom of this page.

  —–  

Great Coaches

Two men left an outstanding legacy on Atlanta High School athletics, Phil McCullough (pictured below) and Eldridge “Doc” Kinsey.

Lynn Hieronymus, AHS class of 1950, writing in a 1981 memoir, eight years before Hieronymus’ passing, noted McCullough’s “emphasis of discipline and in using one’s head.”

In Kinsey’s first six seasons at the school (1954 – 1960) his basketball teams compiled a cumulative record of 129 – 37! Kinsey came back after a brief rest to coach basketball for three more seasons winning 40 more ball games. He had school spirit, always known for wearing his famous red bow tie. Kinsey’s overall record at Atlanta was an awesome 169 – 71.

—–

Famous Alumni

Dave Kindred, a player on the 1959 Regional Championship team, loved basketball and all sports in general. In fact he loved them so much he continued his sports mentality and made a career out of it. Dave Kindred is a nationally reknown columnist for “The Sporting News” after stints at three of the country’s foremost newspapers. He has authored seven books, including a dual biography of Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell. Through all his many travels, Kindred keeps a part of AHS close to his heart. Upon returning home in 2004, he found the doors to the gym open. He walked in, took a seat on the top row of the four-row bleachers and sat there for nearly a half hour. The memories flowed for sure.

Special thanks to:

Ruth Ann Hieronymus, Atlanta librarian, for her research.

Norma Adams Price and Paul A. Adams for their pictures and history in their outstanding book,  “More Momentous Happenings in Atlanta, Ill. – 1876-2003”.

All the great Redwings players and coaches who made all these special moments happen.

—–

Seeking Further information

If you have further information you would like to share regarding Atlanta High School please submit a School Submission Form or Guest Commentary Form.  You may also write us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or via postal mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days 

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago,  Il.   60631

Year opened:              1880s

Year closed:               1988

School nickname:       the “Tigers”

School colors:            Green and Yellow

School building today: ExCel School

School Fight Song:      “Here’s a Cheer for Old Atkinson”

                                    SUNG TO THE NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY FIGHT SONG TUNE

                                 (Lyrics provided by Atkinson High School Cheerleader/Athlete ANITA (TABOR) PARKS.)    

                                  Here’s a cheer for old Atkinson.

                                  We fight for honor, we fight for fun.

                                  Raise our golden banners high.

                                  Shake down the thunder from the sky.

                                  Though our foes be great or small,

                                  Old Atkinson will win over all!

                                  While our golden boys are marching

                                  Onward to victory!

                                  T-I, T-I, T-I-G-E,

                                  G-E, G-E, G-E-R-S,

                                  T-I-G-E-R-S, T-I-G-E-R-S,

                                  TIGERS, TIGERS,

                                  RAH YEA TIGERS!

Atkinson High School Gym West Wall 2020

Submitted by Casey Miller

Atkinson HS Gym Bleachers Southeast Corner

Submitted by Casey Miller

Atkinson High School Duffle Bag

As Displayed at the Atkinson Historical Museum / William “Bill” Freddy – Proprietor

ATHLETICS

The Tigers have a rich tradition of competitive and highly successful teams in many different sports. First in the Three Rivers, then the Cornbelt, and finally the Indian Valley Conference, the Tigers were a force to be reckoned with.  For many years the battles carried on between Atkinson and their “arch-rivals” Annawan were contests movies could be written about.  This was a real throw out the records game for both schools.  The most successful teams and individuals in each sport the Tigers and Tigresses competed in are listed below.

Atkinson HS Mascot 1938 – 1973

Submitted by Casey Miller

Girls Basketball

During the mid 1980s girl’s basketball in Atkinson kept everyone “abuzz”. The girls won 5 Regional titles in 6 years and made it all the way to the Elite Eight in two of those years. The Tigresses of 1985-86 came within two points of advancing to the Final Four. Only those five years are listed on the IHSA web site and are documented below.

1982-83    15 – 5    Annawan Regional Champs        Coach Mick Shinkevich

Semi-Final Beat Erie 41-35

Title Game Beat Prophetstown 40-37 (Prophetstown ended season 20-3)

Riverdale Sectional Tournament

Semi-Final lost to Morrison 59-35

Morrison beat East Dubuque in title game

Morrison won Super-Sectional / lost in Elite 8 Round

  —–  

1983-84    24 – 3      Elite Eight Finalist                        Coach Mick Shinkevich

                              Regional Champs

                              Sectional Champs

                              Super-Sectional Champs

                              Won 41 – 37 against Amboy

                              Elite 8 Finalist

                              Lost 38 – 34 to Bushnell-Prairie City

                              BPC finished 4th

  —–  

1985-86    25 – 2      Elite Eight Finalist                        Coach Heidi Hamer

                              Regional Champs

                              Sectional Champs

                              Super-Sectional Champs

                              Beat Byron 60 – 58

                              Elite 8 Finalist

                              Lost 45 – 44 to Metropolis (Massac County)

                              Metropolis eventual State Runner-up

1985-86 Elite 8 Finalists – Atkinson Tigerettes

(A better photo is needed)

1986-87    23 – 3     Atkinson Regional Champs       Coaches Ted & Heidi Hamer

Semi-Final Beat Erie 49-23

Title Game Beat Riverdale 69-47

Lanark Sectional Tournament

Semi-Final lost to Morrison 47-46

Morrison lost to Dakota in title game. Morrison finished season 24-2.

  —-  

1987-88    21 – 5     Annawan Regional Champs          Coaches Ted & Heidi Hamer

Semi-Final Beat Riverdale 59-56

Title Game Beat Prophetstown 59-55

Savana Sectional Tournament

*Semi-Final lost to Milledgeville 50-45 (O/T)

*Final varsity girls basketball game for Atkinson High School. 

1987-88 Regional Champions – Atkinson TIgerettes

(A better photo is needed)

Great Player

**The Quad City Times named an Atkinson grad, Val Wancket (1983-87), as one of the “Top 100 Athletes of the 20th Century.”  Val Wancket was named to the Class ‘A’ All-State team her junior and senior years.

Atkinson High School All-State Player Val Wancket

Moline Dispatch Photo

Here are some of Val Wancket’s IHSA credentials:

  #4 ALL-TIME in IHSA history in consecutive games scoring 10+ points with 100

  #7 ALL-TIME in IHSA history in career rebounds with 1,606

  #7 ALL-TIME in IHSA history for rebounds in one game – 32 (vs. Wyanet, Jan. 28, 1985)   

  #9 ALL-TIME in IHSA history in most free throws attempted in one game with 25 (March 16, 1984 vs. Prophetstown) 

#10 ALL-TIME in IHSA history in games scoring 10+ points with 103  – EVERY GAME SHE PLAYED IN!

#15 ALL-TIME in IHSA history in career points scored with 2,644

#15 ALL-TIME in IHSA history for rebounds in one season – 455 (1986-87)
#36 ALL-TIME in IHSA history for rebounds in one season – 402 (1985-86)

   In addition to her stellar basketball career Val also earned three medals at the IHSA Class 1A State Track Meet. See her accomplishments in this sport further on down this page.

**Val Wacket continued her incredible basketball career at Division I Bradley University in Peoria. Her adult life has found her being called “Coach” as she has coached basketball in the Annawan School District for several years. As Annawan’s Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant Head Coach for the past two years the Annawan teams have excelled including a 3rd Place finish in the Class !A tournament for the 2012-13 season, and IHSA Class 1A State Championships in 2013-14 and 2016-17.

Atkinson HS Girls & Boys Basketball Jerseys

Displayed at the Atkinson HS Posrtion of Historical Museum

Boys Basketball

The earliest Atkinson High School basketball team has been traced back to as far as 1922 when they beat Kewanee in a game by the score of 32-14. The boys basketball teams at Atkinson have had many a great seasons.  The high school gym of the 40s and 50s was one of the premier gyms in the area, always hosting the District tournament.

The AHS kids competed in the annual IHSA Basketball Tournament. AHS teams won a total of SIX District Titles over the years. Several scores from this tournament were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.” The scores we located are printed below.

Atkinson High School Gymnasium 1938 – 1973

Submitted by Casey Miller

All postseason scores, season records, and coaches’ names prior to 1921-22 are needed.

1921-22                    Moline District Tournament         Coach’s name & record needed

Beat Erie 25-13

Lost to Annawan in semi-final

Annawan lost in title game

1922-23 through 1933-34 Postseason scores, coaches’ names, and records needed.

—

1927-28   24 – 1      Rock Island District Tournament Third Place     Coach Phelan 

Undefeated Regular Season

Tourney held at Augustana College

1st Rd Beat Cordova 38-11

2nd Rd Beat Alpha 27-7

Semi-Final Lost to Orion 26-25 (O/T)

Third Place Beat Port Byron 35-11

  —–  

1930-31                   Kewanee District Tournament        Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Mineral 29-27

Kewanee beat Sheffield in title game. 

  —–  

1931-32                   Geneseo District Tournament       Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat (Score needed)

2nd Rd Beat Neponset 36-18

Semi-Final lost to Orion 32-28

Kewanee beat Orion in title game.

  —–  

1932-33                   Galva District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Lost to Wethersfield 28-16

Alpha beat Geneseo in title game.

  —–  

1933-34                   Galva District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed.

Atkinson scores needed

Cambridge beat Kewanee in title game.

  —–  

1934-35                   Galva District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Lost to Galva 41-18

Galva lost in semi-final round

  —–  

1935-36                   Galva District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Beat Cambridge 35-25

2nd Rd Lost to Galva 49-24

Galva lost in semi-final round

  —–  

1936-37                   Wethersfield District Tournament   Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Lost to Wethersfield 44-21

Wethersfield beat Viola in title game

  —–  

1937-38                   East Moline District Tournament     Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Lost to Coal Valley 36-29

Cordova beat Tampico in title game.

  —–  

1938-39                   Hillsdale District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Beat Coal Valley 44-21

2nd Rd Lost to Lyndon 38-29

Lyndon beat Cordova in title game

  —–  

1939-40         Postseason scores, records, and coach’s names needed.

  —–  

1940-41   17 – 8       Sheffield District Tournament      Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. Lost to Annawan 30-24

Mineral beat Sheffield in title game

  —–  

1941-42   13 – 9       Postseason Scores Unavailable    Coach William Holloway

  —–  

1942-43     7 – 9       Atkinson District Tournament        Coach Lucian Fuhrmeister

1st Rd Beat Mineral 35-31

2nd Rd lost to Sheffield 29-25

Manlius beat Sheffield in title game

   —–               

1943-44    10 – 10    Atkinson District Champs           Coach Paul Earp

Early Rd Scores Needed.

Title Game Beat Mineral 42-30

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Galva 45-34

Kewanee beat Geneseo in title game.

  —–  

1944-45    19 – 9      Atkinson District Runner-up       Coach Paul Earp

1st Rd Beat Mineral 66-28

Semi-Final Beat Neponset 42-31

Title game – Lost to Sheffield 46-33

  —–  

1945-46    19 – 8      Atkinson District Champs           Coach Paul Earp

1st Rd Beat Neponset 39-31

Semi-Final Beat Mineral 46-36

Title Game Beat Sheffield 41-39

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Galva 46-21

Galva lost in semi-final round.

  —–  

1946-47    20 – 9      Atkinson District Runner-up        Coach Paul Earp

1st Rd Beat Buda 53-27

Semi-Final Beat Neponset 53-33

Title game lost to Mineral 42-38

  —–  

1947-48    22 – 7      Atkinson District Champs            Coach Paul Earp

1st Rd Beat Tampico 50-34

Semi-Final Beat Sheffield 42-36

Title Game Beat Mineral 40-26

Kewanee Regional Tourney

 1st Rd Beat Wethersfield 52-27

Semi-final lost to Kewanee 51-29

Kewanee won Regional title.

  —–  

1948-49    28 – 3      Atkinson District Champs             Coach Paul Earp

1st Rd Beat Mineral 56-29

Semi-final Beat Sheffield 66-27

Title Game Beat Cambridge 30-22

Kewanee Regional Tourney

Beat Wyoming 47-33

Semi-final lost to Galva 29-28

Galva lost in title game.

Atkinson HS District Champs 1948-49

On Display at the Atkinson Historical Museum

1949-50    18 – 9      Atkinson District Runner-up       Coach Lawrence Curl

Semi-Final Beat Annawan 64-38

Title Game Lost to Mineral 50-41

  —–  

1950-51      6 – 19    Atkinson District Tournament        Coach Lawrence Curl

1st Rd Lost to Sheffield 70-54

Sheffield lost to Mineral in title game

   —–  

1951-52    12 – 17    Atkinson District Runner-up        Coach John Haworth

1st Rd Beat LaFayette 36-29

Semi-Final Beat Neponset 43-42 (2 O/Ts)

Title game lost to Mineral 59-28

  —–  

1952-53    16 – 12    Atkinson District Champs            Coach John Haworth

1st Rd Beat Buda 64-41

Semi-Final Beat Sheffield 59-55

Title Game Beat Mineral 49-45

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Wyoming 50-48

Wyoming lost to Kewanee in title game

  —–  

1953-54    11 – 15     Atkinson District Tournament        Coach John Haworth

1st Rd Beat Mineral 31-29

Semi-Final score needed.

Title game lost to Buda 59-41

    —–                  

1954-55    11 – 13     Atkinson District Tournament        Coach John Haworth

1st Rd Beat Mineral 45-44

Semi-Final Score needed

Title game lost to Buda 89-59

  —–  

1955-56    13 – 13     Atkinson District Tournament        Coach John Haworth

1st Rd Beat Mineral 77-49

Semi-Final Beat Tampico 45-43

Title Game lost to Buda 41-39

  —–  

1956-57    11 – 13    Tampico District Tournament       Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd Beat Mineral 79-39

Semi-Final beat Lyndon 69-46

Title game lost to Tampico 47-35

  —–  

1957-58    14 – 11    Atkinson District Runner-up        Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd Beat Annawan 59-44

Semi-Final Beat Buda 64-48

Title Game Lost to Neponset 55-47

  —–          

1958-59    16 – 9      Annawan District Champs          Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd Beat Buda 71-53

Semi-Final Beat Mineral 76-67

Title Game Beat Annawan 67-58

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd Lost to Dunlap 75-62

Dunlap lost in title game

  —–                   

1959-60      7 – 15    Buda District Tournament              Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd Beat Neponset 63-55

Semi-Final Lost to Mineral 48-46 (O/T)

Mineral lost in title game

  —–  

1960-61      3 – 17    Annawan District Tournament        Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd lost to Sheffield 58-51

Annawan beat Tampico in title game

  —–  

1961-62    11 – 11    Annawan District Tournament         Coach Bill Davis

 1st Rd Beat Tampico 50-48

Semi-final Lost to Buda Western 60-47

Western lost to Annawan in title game

  —–  

1962-63      6 – 17   Annawan District Tournament         Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd Beat Tampico 69-66

Semi-final lost to Annawan 64-37

Annawan beat Buda Western in title game.

  —–  

1963-64      6 – 16   Postseason Scores Unavailable      Coach Bill Davis

  —–  

1964-65      7 – 15   Atkinson District Tournament        Coach Bill Davis

1st Rd lost to Neponset 67-66

Tampico beat Neponset in title game.

  —–  

1965-66    14 –  9    Tampico District Tournament         Coach Bill Davis

Semi-Final lost to Buda Western 67-44

Neponset beat Western in title game 

  —–  

1966-67      6 – 16    Tampico District Tournament         Coach Bill Davis

Semi-Final lost to Buda Western 67-44

Neponset beat Western in title game 

  —–              

1967-68      3 – 19   Bradford District Tournament           Coach Don Dolieslager

1st Rd Lost to Toulon 69-58

Toulon lost in semi-final

Buda Western beat Neponset in title game

     —–  

1968-69    19 – 6     Cornbelt Conference Champs     Coach Don Dolieslager

Kewanee District Tourney

1st Rd Beat Bradford

Semi-final Lost to Neponset 67-53

Neponset lost to Toulon in title game

  —-  

1969-70    12 – 12   Toulon District Tournament             Coach Gale Thoroman

1st Rd Beat Wyanet 61-59

Semi-final lost to Toulon 58-47

Toulon lost to Bradford title game

   —–  

1970-71    11 – 13   Neponset District Tournament         Coach Jim Frankenreider

1st Rd Beat Neponset 90-73

2nd Rd Lost to Buda Western 77-68

Western lost title game

  —–  

1971-72    20 – 5    Prophetstown Class A Regional       Coach Jim Frankenreider

1st Rd Beat Cambridge 78-67

2nd Rd Lost to Prophetstown 56-51

Prophetstown beat Erie for Regional title.

  —-  

1972-73    14 – 11    Prophetstown Class A Regional    Coach Jim Frankenreider

1st Rd lost to Cambridge 65-56

Riverdale beat Prophetstown in title game. 

  —–  

1973-74    11 – 12    Prophetstown Class A Regional    Coach Jim Frankenreider

1st Rd lost to Riverdale 65-47

Prophetstown beat Riverdale in title game. 

  —–  

1974-75      4 – 18    Prophetstown Class A Regional      Coach Doug Wilson

1st Rd lost to Prophetstown 82-46

Riverdale beat Cambridge in title game. 

  —–  

1975-76      7 – 16    Prophetstown Class A Regional    Coach Don Steers

1st Rd lost to Cambridge 44-35

Riverdale beat Prophetstown in title game. 

  —–  

1976-77      6 – 16    Erie Class A Regional    Coach Dave Lee

1st Rd lost to Sterling Newman 60-48

Sterling Newman beat Prophetstown in title game. 

  —–  

1977-78      4 – 19    Sterling Class A Regional    Coach Dave Lee

1st Rd lost to Annawan 64-50

Riverdale beat Sterling Newman in title game. 

  —–  

1978-79    13 – 11   Tampico Class A Regional    Coach Chuck Blake

1st Rd lost to Sterling Newman 69-61

Sterling Newman beat Riverdale in title game. 

  —–  

1979-80      9 – 14    Tampico Class A Regional    Coach Chuck Blake

1st Rd lost to Annawan 84-66

Sterling Newman beat Riverdale in title game. 

  —–  

1980-81      4 – 18    Erie Class A Regional          Coach Chuck Weber

1st Rd lost to Erie 67-40

Annawan beat Erie in title game. 

  —–  

1981-82      5 – 17    Atkinson Class A Regional    Coach Lynn Daniels

1st Rd lost to Wethersfield 69-46

Kewanee beat Annawan in title game. 

  —–  

1982-83      2 – 20    Prophetstown Class A Regional    Coach Lynn Daniels

1st Rd lost to Tampico 71-45

Prophetstown beat Tampico in title game. 

  —–  

1983-84    10 – 13    Tampico Class A Regional    Coach Jeff Neubauer

1st Rd lost to Erie 72-54

Riverdale beat Prophetstown in title game. 

  —–  

1984-85      5 – 17    Prophetstown Class A Regional    Coach Joe Iorio

1st Rd lost to Walnut 51-50 (O/T)

Annawan beat Walnut in title game. 

  —–  

*1985-86    13 – 10   Annawan District Tournament         Coach Joe Iorio

1st Rd Beat Manlius 84-57

Semi-Final Lost to Annawan 59-47

Annawan beat Riverdale title game

*Beat state-ranked Annawan during regular season. Annawan finished 27-3 this season and lost in Sweet 16.

  —–  

1986-87    14 – 10    Tampico Class A Regional    Coach Joe Iorio

1st Rd lost to Erie 52-51

Tampico beat Erie in title game. 

  —–  

*1987-88      5 – 17    Port Byron Class A Regional    Coach Bob Graves

**1st Rd lost to Manlius 68-45

Annawan beat Rock Island Alleman in title game. 

  —–  

**Final varsity boys basketball game for the Atkinson High School “Tigers.”

  —————————————————————————————————————————

Noteable Roundball Athletes

Mike Hamer – Class of 1972 – Selected to first ever Class ‘A’ All-State Team by the Chicago Daily News.

Leslie Arnold – Led the Tigers to a 17-8 record in 1940-41 and ranked among the area’s leading point scorers with 277 points scored.

Dale Van Moorey – Led the Tiger teams during the early 1950s and was a member of the Two Rivers All-Conference team in 1952-53.

  ———————————————————————————————————————————

Boys Football

AHS Football Helmets & Conference Champ Trophies

On Display at the Atkinson Historical Museum

Atkinson HS Football Jerseys

On Display at the Atkinson Historical Museum

Many a Friday night were spent cheering for the Tigers on their home turf.  The Tigers rarely were the bigger of the two schools on the field, yet they battled year in and year out.

One season that stands above the rest was the 1985-86 Tiger team which finished the regular season at 9 – 0 as Champions of the Indian Valley Conference. The team progressed to the 3rd round of the 1A playoffs, making an Elite Eight appearance before losing to Monmouth Yorkwood.

The Tiger fans also enjoyed undefeated seasons during the 1952-53 and 1962-63 campaigns. In addition, five of the AHS football seasons ended with only one loss and 28 of the 47 seasons ended with a season record of .500 or better.

Atkinson Football Practice Goal Post

Original Scoreboard in Background

Football Press Box

Atkinson HS Football Field

The Tigers’ 47 seasons on the “gridiron” are listed below.

1941-42      3 – 3 – 1                                          Coach Bill Halloway

1942-43      8 – 1                                               Coach Bill Halloway

1943-44      6 – 1                                               Coach Paul Earp

1944-45      9 – 4                                               Coach Paul Earp

1945-46      8 – 4 – 1                                          Coach Paul Earp

1946-47      4 – 4                                               Coach Paul Earp

1947-48      8 – 3                                               Coach Paul Earp

1948-49      5 – 3                                               Coach Paul Earp

1949-50      5 – 4                                               Coach Lawrence Curl

1950-51      3 – 6                                               Coach Lawrence Curl

1951-52      7 – 1                                               Coach John Haworth

1952-53      7 – 0                                               Coach John Haworth

1953-54      3 – 2 – 2                                          Coach John Haworth

1954-55      1 – 7                                               Coach John Haworth

1955-56      5 – 4                                               Coach John Haworth

1956-57      0 – 9                                               Coach George Frasher

1957-58      4 – 5 – 1                                          Coach Bill Davis

1958-59      3 – 7                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1959-60      5 – 3 – 1                                          Coach Bill Schehl

1960-61      5 – 3 – 1                                          Coach Bill Schehl

1961-62      7 – 1                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1962-63      8 – 0                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1963-64      7 – 1                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1964-65      6 – 2                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1965-66      6 – 2                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1966-67      5 – 3                                               Coach Bill Schehl

1967-68      2 – 5 – 1                                          Coach Bill Severino

1968-69      1 – 7                                               Coach Bill Severino

1969-70      2 – 7                                               Coach Bill Severino

1970-71      2 – 6                                               Coach Bill Fulton

1971-72      4 – 3 – 1                                          Coach Bill Fulton

1972-73      5 – 3                                               Coach Bill Fulton

1973-74      5 – 4 – 1                                          Coach Bill Fulton

1974-75      3 – 4 – 1                                          Coach Galen Noard

1975-76      2 – 7                                               Coach Galen Noard

1976-77      7 – 2                                               Coach Galen Noard

1977-78      3 – 6                                               Coach Galen Noard

1978-79      6 – 3                                               Coach Dan Craddock

1979-80      6 – 3                                               Coach Jim Frankenreider

1980-81      4 – 5                                               Coach Chuck Weber

1981-82      3 – 7                                               Coach Chuck Weber

1982-83      2 – 7                                               Coach Gene Eggleston

1983-84      2 – 7                                               Coach Stacy Bandy

1984-85      4 – 5                                               Coach Stacy Bandy

  —–  

1985-86     11 – 1       Class 1A Elite Eight         Coach Greg Christakos

                                Indian Valley Conf. Champs

                                Undefeated Regular Season

                                Beat Cambridge  34 – 8

                                Beat Bradford      28 – 21

                                 Lost to Yorkwood     8 – 28

                                 Yorkwood lost to Durand in Semi-final / Durand lost to Arcola in title game

  —–  

1986-87      3 – 6                                               Coach Bob Schumaker

1987-88      0 – 9                                               Coach Bob Schumaker

*School’s final year was 1987-88.

OVERALL SCHOOL FOOTBALL RECORD:  221 – 192 – 11   .534 Winning % 

  —–  

Tiger Grid Iron Greats:

*Darrell “Bump” DeDecker – “Bump” continued his football success after leaving Atkinson High School in 1956.  “Bump” DeDecker went on to play for the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois (http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/FBHist-All-TimeRosters–1950-74.html ), playing for the varsity teams of 1958, 1959, and 1960. Darrell is listed as a 6′ 02″, 230 lbs. offensive lineman. “Bump” was selected in the 1959 NFL draft by the Chicago “Cardinals” and in the 1961 AFL draft by the Boston “Patriots” (http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/FBHist-Illini-NFLDraft.html).

AHS Great and Hall of Fame Coach Galen Noard

*Galen Noard – After a stellar career at AHS, Galen Noard attended the University of Iowa on a football scholarship.  Galen Noard became Coach Noard and returned to his alma mater (Atkinson High) as head football coach from 1974-77.  Coach Noard continued his successful high school coaching career at Roseville and Biggsville Union, He also coached at Paw Paw High School and continued to coach at the River Valley Coop Football Program in Varna for several years. His efforts and influence in the game of football have culminated in his induction to the Illinois High School Football Coach’s Hall of Fame!

AFL Player, Hall of Fame Coach Wayne DeSutter

*Wayne DeSutter – Wayne DeSutter left Atkinson High and went on to star at Western Illinois University, eventually joining the Buffalo Bills of the AFL in 1966 (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeSuWa20/gamelog/1966/ ).  DeSutter entered the high school coaching ranks and became one of the winningest coaches in IHSA history.  Coach DeSutter’s coaching career landed him a spot in the Illinois High School Football Coach’s Hall of Fame! Coach DeSutter’s spot in the IHSA record books is reprinted below:

“143.]  135, Wayne DeSutter, Rock Island (Alleman), 1970-82, Plainfield 1983-96 (135-106-1)”

In addition, as is pointed out by Deborah Davis Jones:

“Wayne DeSutter played in the AFL for the New York Jets. When Wayne was in high school and my brother was 4 years old and I was 6 years old, Wayne would carry us around with each of us sitting on his shoulders.”

AHS & University of Iowa Great Tony Wancket

Photo on Display at the Atkinson Historical Museum

*Tony Wancket (1977-80), was named to the IHSA Small School All-State Football First Team. Tony went on to play at the University of Iowa for Coach Hayden Frye where he started at defensive end.

*In a game against LaMoille in 1977, John Longeville returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. One of the longest returns in IHSA history!

  ———————————————————————————————————————————-

Track and Field

 The Tiger thinclads had three individuals earn all-state honors, all in the mid-1980s. The three are listed below.

The Cinder Track

Atkinson High School

Girls Track & Field

Val Wancket’s athleticism did not stop on the hardwood court.  Check out her medals won at the IHSA Class ‘A’ State Track Meet!

Val Wancket   1984   200m                6th Place

Val Wancket   1985   400m                5th Place

Val Wancket   1987   300m hurdles   3rd Place

  —–  

Boys Track & Field

Two Tiger thinclads won medals at the IHSA Class ‘A’ State Meet. One item of note is that former Tiger great Tony Wancket (older brother of Val of girls basketball fame) was probably the only athlete in IHSA history to advance to the state finals in the Shot Put and the 100 Meter Dash.

Jon Ellis            1987   Long Jump        6th Place

Neal Sherbeyn  1988   400 Meter Dash 2nd Place

  ———————————————————————————————————-

 EXTRA_CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Atkinson High School had many activities besides athletics to offer to their students. Band, choir, FFA, FHA, dances, homecoming festivities, student government and many other clubs and activities were a large part of the AHS experience.

BAND

Atkinson High School had a marching band that compared well with any other in the area. The group performed at halftime of all home football and basketball games and during the annual Homecoming parade. Below are photos of two of the hats worn by the members of the AHS marching band.

Atkinson High School Band Hat

On Display at the Atkinson Hisotical Museum

Atkinson High School Marching Band Hat

On Display at the Atkinson Historical Museum

Seeking Further Information

There is no record on the IHSA web site regarding the Tiger girls volleyball teams. If you have information regarding volleyball or any other information you wish to share regarding the Atkinson High School Tigers please e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net 

Atkinson HS Gym Ticket Booth

Submitted by Casey Miller

Atkinson HS Gym Bleachers 2020

Submitted by Casey Miller

Atkinson HS Gym Bleachers Southwest Corner

Submitted by Casey Miller

Atkinson HS Gym Tiger Mascot North Wall 2020

Submitted by Casey Miller

Atkinson High School Trophy and Display Area

Atkinson Historical Museum, William “Bill” Freddy – Proprietor

Atkinson Railroad Depot 1940s

Photo Displayed in the Atkinson Historical Museum

Assumption High School Building – 2008

Courtesy of Sarah Dixon

Regarding the photo of the Assumption gymnasium above:

From Coach Bruce Firchau:  “This gym picture is of Assumption High School that closed a few years ago. It is now the middle school for Central A&M and hosts events for the IESA. In 1979, Blue mound defeated Assumption (89-81) for the Meridian Conference Championship. By the start of the JV game the gym was packed. Some of “old historians” called this one of the greatest games in conference history. Seating capacity 1700.”

Athletics

The Assumption High School athletic program enjoyed success on many different levels and in many different sports.  The boys competed in baseball, basketball, football, and track while the girls were offered basketball, softball, track, and volleyball.  We are searching for many of the particulars regarding the AHS athletic teams. 

Boys Track & Field

The Assumption High School thinclads had some nice individual efforts to go along with a strong program.  The team of 1909 finished NINTH in the IHSA State Meet.  Team accomplishments and individual medalists are listed below. 

1908-09         Team Finished NINTH in STATE MEET Competition!!

                         Individual Medalist

                          ??  Harpole               Long Jump        STATE CHAMPION!!

                          Final Team Standings

                          1)  Chicago (University)                              21  

                          2)  Oak Park (O.P.-River Forest)                 17  
                          3)  Milford                                                 15  
                          4)  Galesburg (H.S.)                                  10   
                          5)  Averyville                                               8  
                          6)  Aurora (West)                                        7     
                          7)  Normal (Community)                               6  
                          7)  Tuscola                                                 6  
                          9)  ASSUMPTION HIGH SCHOOL               5  
                          9)  Biggsville                                               5  
                          9)  Springfield (H.S.)                                    5

1921-22B        ??  Campbell              440 Yard Dash           3RD Place
1922-23B        ??  Campbell              440 Yard Dash           4TH Place

                      ??  Riley                       50 Yard Dash           3RD Place 

1924-25B        ??  Long                       High Jump               3RD Place           

1940-41           Dale Nichols               880 Yard Run             3RD Place

Boys Baseball

The baseball program won a Regional title.  This is currently the extent of the information we have regarding this sport.

1962-63    8 – 4                                                 Coach Mel Roustio 

1963-64  10 – 4                                                 Coach Mel Roustio

1977-78    5 – 4                                                 Coach Robert Firchau

1978-79  14 – 3      Regional Champions       Coach Robert Firchau

                            Meridian Conf. Champs

From former Coach Robert Firchau:

“I was coach of the 77-78 team and I think we were 5-4.  Since we were a small school we had to share our players with track.  The 78-79 season the baseball team finished 14-3 and won a share of the Meridian Conference Championship.  The first in school history .  I believe Maroa, Niantic and Assumption ended in a three way tie.  We lost the sectional championship to Decautar St. Theresa 8-7 in 9 innings (a loss that still hurts today)  Our only losses were to Kincaid, Niantic and St. T.  St. T advanced to the quarter finals that year. Major players on that Comet team where Dan Himes pitcher/short stop who later played baseball and basketball at Mac Murray College, Paul Adcock catcher/pitcher who later played at Northeast Louisianna.

Boys Basketball

Though apparently not winning any IHSA hardware, the basketball program lists some nice season records on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org). 

1975-76        22 – 5   Mt. Auburn Tourney Champs  Coach Ralph Hallum

1976-77        18 – 7                                                  Coach John Lawson

1977-78        20 – 7                                                  Coach Bruce Firchau
1978-79        21 – 5                                                  Coach Bruce Firchau
1979-80        16 – 9                                                  Coach Dan Denton
1980-81        18 – 9                                                  Coach Dan Denton
1981-82        18 – 8                                                  Coach Dan Denton

1989-90        17 – 8

1990-91                                                                  Coach Dan Himes 

Vandalia Basketball Tourney info from Mark Jurenga:

1977 – Consolation Champs – Assumption def. Neoga
1978 – 4th Place – Nokomis 58 Assumption 56
All-Tournament
1977 – Tim Dial
 
Assumption’s Cheerleaders won the Cheerleading competition in both 1977 and 1978.

Coach Bruce Firchau adds the following information about the Comet basketball program:

“I researched Assumption basketball history going back to the 1920’s.  As I remember they had outstanding teams in the 20’s and 30’s, but could not get past the Witt(Speed Boys) in state playoffs.  Later, they ran up against the Taylorville(Tornadoes).  Dan Himes scored over a 1000 points and Paul Adcock scored over 900+ in their careers as Comets.  Today Dan coaches the Central A & M basketball team at Mowequea.”

Football

The football program also had some great seasons.  The team qualified for the IHSA playoffs on three ocassions and had some incredible season records as well.

1974-76                                                                                   Coach Monty Cater
1976-77      6 – 2 – 1                                                                  Coach Monty Cater
1977-78      8 – 1                                                                       Coach Keith Sinclair
1978-79      9 – 1       Team Qualified for Class 1A Playoffs      Coach Keith Sinclair

                                          Undefeated Regular Season

                                          Lost to Arcola 14 – 0

                                          Arcola Eventual State Champs 
1979-80      7 – 2                                                                       Coach Keith Sinclair
1980-81                                                                                    Coach Keith Sinclair
1981-83                                                                                    Coach Doug Foster
1983-84                                                                                    Coach Ron Graham
1984-85      6 – 3                                                                        Coach Ron Graham
1985-86    10 – 2       Team Qualified for Class 1A Playoffs        Coach Ron Graham

                                           ELITE 8 FINALIST

                                           8 – 1 Regular Season

                                           Beat Elvarado  20 – 0

                                           Beat Moweaqua 37 – 7

                                           Lost to Hardin Calhoun 14 – 7  
1986-87      8 – 2                                                                        Coach Ron Graham
1987-88      9 – 3        Team Qualified for Class 1A Playoffs       Coach Ron Graham

                                           ELITE 8 FINALIST

                                           Beat South Fork  14 – 9

                                           Beat Moweaqua 20 – 12

                                           Lost to Hardin Calhoun 20 – 8

                                           Calhoun Finished 2ND 
1988-89      6 – 3                                                                         Coach Ron Graham

1989-90      4 – 5                                                                         Coach Keith Skinner

Assumption Football By The Numbers:

10 – Number of interceptions by Jim Manley in 1979, which set the school record. It was tied by Curt Mink in 1987.

11 – Games in 1985 in which Steve Zuber rushed for over 100 yards.

23.1 – Rushing average (yards per carry) by Todd Hutchens in 1987; another school record.

293 – Number of rushing yards allowed by the Assumption defense in entire season of 1985, which is fifth best in Illinois H.S. Football history.

380 – Yards ran on punt returns by Hutchens from 1986 to 1987; another school record.

633 – Total yards allowed by the Assumption defense of 1985, which is third best in Illinois H.S. Football history.

Girls Volleyball

The lady netters had a nice early run in volleyball.  Coach’s names and records of the better teams are listed below.

1973-74     5 – 0                Coach Francis Fisher
1974-75     9 – 0                Coach Francis Fisher
1975-76     6 – 4                Coach Francis Fisher
1976-77     7 – 6                Coach Carol Hourigan
1977-78                            Coach Carol Hourigan
1978-79                            Coach Pam Rincker
1979-80                            Coach Pam Rincker
1980-81   11 – 11               Coach Cindy Tapscott
1981-82                            Coach Cindy Tapscott

1982-85                            Coach Irene Hubbard
1985-88                            Coach Angie Adams

Girls Basketball, Softball, & Track

If you have any informatiion you can provide regarding the above listed girls sports please contact us at eganann@sbcglobal.net.

Seeking Your Assistance   

If you would like to add ANY information on this page regarding Assumption High School, please contact us via e-mail. A photo of the high school building is being sought. You can e-mail items to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.    60631

Ashkum-Clifton High School definitely offered boys basketball.  It is quite probable that baseball, track, and maybe even football were part of the sports program there.  A complete account of the A-CHS basketball program is available on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org).  Ashkum-Clifton High School team nickname, colors, fight song, and information on the other sports competed in are all items we are interested in.

Boys Basketball

The Ashkum-Clifton boys had a couple of nice seasons and managed to win two District titles during their very brief existence!  The information as found on www.ihsa.org is listed below.

1941-42                                                                                  Coach Roy Staggs

1942-43                        Distrct Champions                       Coach Roy Staggs

1943-45                                                                                  Coach Roy Staggs

1945-46                                                                                  Coach Glenn Raymond

1946-48                                                                                  Coach Ray Temple

1948-49    14 – 13        District Champions                      Coach Ray Temple

1949-50    16 – 7                                                                    Coach Ray Temple

Seeking More Information

If you have more information you would like to share regarding Ashkum-Clifton High School please complete a School Submission Form or Guest Commentary Form.  We especially enjoy photos of the school building, great teams, players, and coaches.  You can also e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.     60631

The Ashkum High School boys competed in basketball for sure (www.ihsa.org).  It is probable that baseball and track were also offered at the school.  We are missing a lot of information for the Ashkum athletic program.  School nickname, school colors, and school fight song are all being sought.  We are also looking for coach’s names and the records of the better teams of Ashkum High School.

Boys Basketball

The feature sport of nearly every small town high school of the early 1900s was boys basketball.  Ashkum was no exception.  The Ashkum boys were a cause for great pride in their town.  Unfortunately we currently do not have the team records of the Ashkum teams listed below, or any of the better hardwood court teams for that matter.

1928-29                          Coach Bert Lester

1936-37                          Coach Glenn Raymond

1937-38                          Coach Glenn Raymond

1938-39                          Coach Glenn Raymond

1939-40                          Coach Glenn Raymond

Need Your Assistance

If you have any information regarding the history and achievements of Ashkum High School (especially a photo of the original school building) please write to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  You can also write to us via real mail at:

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.     60631

Arrowsmith High School did offer boys basketball. It is believed that baseball and track were also offered. If you have any other information such as conference affiliation or athletic success of Arrowsmith High please forward it to us via e-mail.

Boys Basketball

The Arrowsmith High School Indians’ boys basketball team made one venture into the land of the “big boys.” The AHS boys team of 1942-43 won the school’s lone District Title and advanced to the Regional tournament.  Unfortunately the record and coach’s name of this team and other successful teams in Arrowsmith High School history are not available. The Indians also brought home a Junior Division title from the McLean County Tournament in 1925-26 before the division was eliminated.

The postseason IHSA Tourney basketball scores listed below were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.”

1925-26   McLean Co. Jr. Division Champs   Coach C.A. Conklin

Arrowsmith HS Basketball Team of 1925-26

Courtesy of Lauren Conklin

Arrowsmith HS Basketball Team of 1925-26

Submitted by Lauren Conklin

1932-33   Gibson City District Tournament       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Fisher 19-16

Rantoul beat Fisher in title game

1933-34   Gibson City District Tournament       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Lost to Bellflower 26-22

Bellflower lost in 2nd Rd.

1934-35   Fisher District Tournament               Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Lost to Strawn 39-29

Strawn lost in 2nd Rd

1935-36   Colfax District Tournament               Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Lost to Colfax 28-16

Colfax lost in 2nd Rd

1936-37 through 1939-40 postseason scores, records, and coaches names needed.

1940-41   Colfax District Tournament               Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Lost to Towanda 32-20

Colfax lost in 2nd Rd

Cropsey beat Gridley in title game

1941-42 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1942-43   Colfax District Champions!           Coach Floyd Schwenn

1st Rd Beat Cropsey 53-35

Semi-final Beat Anchor 35-27

                Title Game Beat Colfax 46-34

                Regional Tournament

                1st Rd. Lost to Gridley 53-25

Gridley lost to Normal in title game.

Arrowsmith Basketball District Champs – 1943-44

Submitted by Wilma James

Front Row (L – R):  Lloyd Stone, Donald Carrell, Onal Thompson, Wayne Smith, Russell Carey

Back Row:  Mgr. Lyle Hastings, Bill Curtis, Kenneth Holderly, Howard Maupin, Dale Terven, Wayne Jones, Coach Floyd Schwenn

1943-44 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1944-45   Ellsworth District Tourney                  Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. lost to Colfax 72-31

Cropsey beat Anchor in title game

1945-46   Colfax District Tourney                       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Beat Colfax 49-40

Semi-final – Lost to Anchor 47-41

Anchor beat Cropsey in title game

1946-47   Colfax District Tourney                       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Beat Cooksville 49-43

Semi-final – Lost to Bellflower 48-34

Anchor beat Bellflower in title game

1947-48   Colfax District Tourney                       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Beat Colfax 49-40

Semi-final – Lost to Anchor 62-42

Anchor beat Gridley in title game

1948-49   Ellsworth District Tourney                  Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. – Beat Cooksville 44-31

Semi-final – Lost to Anchor 53-48

Anchor beat Gridley in title game

Arrowsmith High School Basketball – 1948-49

Names of players in photo above:

Back row, from the left,  Bobby Wilson, Ted West, John Robinson, Raydean Strain, Floyd Morefield, and Lynn Curtis.

Front row, from left, Donnie Mock, Loren Mock, Duane West, Chuck Paxton, and Ron Messamore

(Names supplied by Floyd Morefield)

1949-50   Ellsworth District Tourney                  Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd. lost to Gridley 45-34

Saybrook beat Bellflower in title game

1950-51 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1951-52   Sibley District Tourney                       Coach’s name & record needed

**1st Rd. lost to Buckley 89-46

Saybrook beat Melvin-Sibley in title game.

**Final basketball game for Arrowsmith High School, consolidated to Saybrook-Arrowsmith in the summer of 1952.

ACTIVITIES

Several other exra-curricular activities were a part of the overall experience at Arrowsmith High School.  Included were clubs such as the Girls Athletic Association, FFA, and FHA  Band, chorus, school plays,and other such activities made the AHS experience memorable and fun.

Arrowsmith HS Girls Athletic Association – 1943

Submitted by Wilma James

GAA Photo Above:

Front Row (L – R):  Betty Murrell, Betty Ommen, Dorothy Hughes, Wanda Miller, Miss Hinman, Adeline Norman, Frances Dodson, Marilyn Jones

Back Row:  Valarie Rhorer, Wilma Jacobs, Roselyn Carrell, Helen Jenkins, Phyllis Terven, Myrta Warren, Lorraine Carey, Dorothy Cave

We Are Hopeful for Some Assistance…

…from an Arrowsmith alum or resident regarding all of the great achievements attained by the residents of Arrowsmith and the faculty and students of Arrowsmith High. For inspiration, take a look at Rollo High School’s page on this site. We are hopeful that Arrowsmith can provide similar information some day. If you have a photo of the school and/or information you would like to share you can e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

Arrowsmith Student Body of 1943

Thank you to Wilma James

1943 Student Body Photo:

Front Row (L-R): Mrs. Baird, Myrta Warren, Helen Holderly, Helen Kirkpatrick, Doris Lloyd, Dorothy Mock, Phyllis Terven, Rosalyn Carrell, Wanda Miller, Lorraine Carey, Dorothy Cave, Helen Jenkins, Verna Birecky, Coach Floyd Schwenn, Principal E.F. King

Middle Row:  Miss Hinman, Adeline Norman, Dorothy Hughes, Valerie Rhorer, Marianne Grimm, Betty Ommen, Marilyn Jones, Wilma Jacobs, Frances Dodson, Dolly Poland, Faye Birkey, Betty Murrell, Helen Lloyd, Edwin Dodson, Jesse Rigby, Jack Lambert, Edred Satchwell, Lloyd Stone

Back Row:  Lyle Hastings, Bill Curtis, Donald Ommen, Eugene Schilkafski, Wilbur West, Junior Jenkins, Wayne Smith, Onal Thompson, Dale Terven, Russell Carey, Howard Maupin, Donald Carrell, Ommen Satchwell, Wayne Jones, Bill Douglas, James Poland, Kenneth Holderly  

Former Arrowsmith Grade School Building

Now Village of Arrowsmith Community Center

Arrowsmith Baseball Diamond

Former High School was located to the right

Arrowsmith Grade School Building 2015

Now Arrowsmith Civic Center

Armington Hittle High School Gymnasium

Now Town Park Gymnasium – 2005

Athletics

Hittle Township High School won several titles in the sports of boys basketball, baseball, and track.  We are unsure if any other sports were offered at the school.  We are looking for the records and coaches names from what appears to be some great seasons at Armington High.  The Hittle Township High School Mustangs showed their school spirit was strong to the final out as the basketball and baseball teams of 1967-68 closed out the school’s athletic history with both teams winning District titles.

Boys Basketball

The Hittle Township High School boys basketball team won 7 regional titles including four in the 1960s.  One interesting fact is that the all-time winningest coach in Illinois High School history, Dick Van Scyoc, began his coaching career at Armington.  Coach Van Scyoc spent his first two years of coaching at HTHS in 1950 and ’51 starting his career with 27 wins. Coach went on to greater fame at Washington and Peoria Manual reaching incredible heights.

Coach Van Scyoc happens to be a fan of the Glory Days site and had this to say about his days at Hittle Township High School:

“I enjoyed reading the comments pertaining to Hittle High.  I have many fond memories of my days in Armington.  I’ve sure had a great time at the class reunions that I have been able to attend.”

The best of the H.T.H.S. basketball seasons are listed below. Some scores from the IHSA State Tourney involving Armington are also listed as found on the website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.”

1933-34                   Pekin District Tournament         Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Green Valley 26-16

Green Valley lost in 2nd Rd to Pekin

Pekin beat Peoria Kingman in title game

1934-35                   Pekin District Tournament        Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Green Valley 29-23

Green Valley lost in 2nd Rd to Pekin

Pekin beat Peoria Manual in title game

Pekin finished 3rd in IHSA State Tourney

1935-36                   New Holland District Tourney  Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Latham 47-24

Latham beat Atlanta in title game

1936-37  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1937-38  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1938-39  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1939-40  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1940-41  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1941-42  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1942-43  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1943-44  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1944-45                   New Holland District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to McLean 36-33

McLean lost to New Holland in title game

1945-46                   New Holland Dist Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed

Title Game lost to McClean 46-33

1946-47                   IHSA District Champions     Coach Albert P. Kaufman

                                District Scores Needed

Lincoln Regional Tournament

                                1st Rd Beat Williamsville 43-42 (O/T)

                                Semi-final lost to Lincoln 61-29

Lincoln lost to Mt. Pulaski in title game

1947-48  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1948-49                   San Jose District Tourney       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Green Valley 55-28

Green Valley Beat Hopedale in title game

1949-50  14 – 12      Armington District Tourney     Coach Dick Van Scyoc

                                1st Rd Beat Green Valley 66-33

                                Semi-final lost to New Holland 46-45

Mew Holland lost to McLean in title game

1950-51  13 – 12      Armington District Tourney     Coach Dick Van Scyoc

Early Rd score needed

Semi-final lost to McLean 76-54

McLean lost to Hartsburg-Emden in title game

1951-52                   New Holland Dist. Champs  Coach Joe Stowell

                                Season record needed

                                Early Rd Score Needed

                                Semi-final Beat New Holland 53-38

                                Title Game Beat Elkhart 45-42

                                Lincoln Regional Tournament

                                1st Rd lost to Hartsburg-Emden 59-42

                                Hartsburg-Emden lost to Lincoln in semi-final

Lincoln beat Mt. Pulaski in title game

1952-53  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1953-54  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1954-55  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1955-56  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1956-57  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1957-58  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1958-59                   Hartsburg District Champs  Coach Joe Stowell

                   Season Record Needed

Semi-final Beat Hartsburg 38-37

                                Title Game Beat Elkhart 59-49

                                Lincoln Regional Tournament

                                1st Rd lost to Atlanta 71-39

Atlanta Beat Lincoln in title game

1959-60                   Armington District Champs  Coach Norman FInk      

                                Season Record Needed

                                Semi-final Beat Elkhart 62-39

                                Title Game Beat Hartsburg-Emden

                                Lincoln Regional Tournament

                                1st Rd lost to Atlanta 60-48

Atlanta lost to Lincoln in semi-final

Lincoln beat Riverton in title game

1960-61  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1961-62  28 – 5        Hartsburg District Champs  Coach Norman FInk

Semi-final Beat Elkhart 50-40

                                Title Game Beat Hartsburg-Emden 65-54

                                Lincoln Regional Tournament

                                1st Rd Beat McLean 60-38

                                Semi-final lost to Williamsville 67-60

Williamsville lost to Lincoln in title game

1962-63                   Armington District Champs Coach Lee Edwards

                                Season Record Needed

                                Semi-final Beat Elkhart 61-54

                                Title Game Beat New Holland-Middletown 59-58

                                Lincoln Regional Tournament

                                1st Rd Beat Mt. Pulaski 64-53

                                Semi-final lost to Lincoln 64-56

Lincoln beat Williamsville in title game

1963-64  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1964-65  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1965-66  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1966-67  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1967-68  19 – 8        Hartsburg District Champs  Coach Lee Edwards

                                Semi-final Beat New Holland-Middletown 77-54

                                Title Game Beat Beason 89-62

                                Lincoln District Tournament

                                1st Rd Beat Williamsville 81-72

                                **Semi-final lost to Lincoln 58-54

Lincoln beat Mt. Pulaski in title game 91-48

**Final game for Armington Hittle Township High School. Armington High School had an enrollment of 59 students but gave the boys from Lincoln a GREAT game! Arrmington became a part of the McLean-Waynesville-Armington High School in the summer of 1968.

A great coach at Armington Hittle High was Coach Joe Stowell who attended Bradley University in Peoria where he was a player for the Braves’ basketball program. He came to HTHS high school as a coach. When he left Armington he returned to Bradley University to coach the Braves.

Boys Track & Field

Two boys brought home medals from the Illinois State Track Meet in the 1920s. Only their last names are available.

1920       Britt               Discus           2nd Place

1925       Plummer       Discus           2nd Place

One further story is written about the Hittle High School boys track team that is worthy of mention is as follows.  In 1906 the boys track team was lead by a very talented athlete named Ray Kelly.  The article mentions that Ray was the county and state track meet champion in the 100 yeard dash.  (The IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org) does not verify Ray’s status as state meet champ however.)  In any case the boys getting to attend the state track meet in Peoria was in doubt as they had no transportation to get there.  A request was made to the railroad to run an extra train to Peoria on meet day however this request was denied by the railroad company.

Several days before the meet was scheduled to run the grain elevator in Armington began to burn.  The Hittle High School boys were dismissed from school to help fight the blaze.  The boys formed a bucket brigade line and successfully fended off potential fire damage to the train depot.  The train company was so thankful and impressed with the boy’s team work and assistance they showed their gratitude by providing a train ride for the boys to Peoria for the state track meet!

Boys Baseball

The multi-talented group of 1962-63 also won the school’s only Regional Title in Baseball.  The baseball team of 1968 was able to duplicate the basketball / baseball twin title year, winning District titles in both sports. To go along with with one of the school’s 7 basketball titles.

1946       18 – 4                           Tri-Valley Conf. Champs    Coach A.H. Crum

1963                                          Regional Champions         Coaches Name Unavailable

1968                                          District Champions             Coach Lee Edwards

MEMORIES

From Nancy Canzoneri:

“My great grandfather was a man named Peter B. Leach who was a custodian at the Armington High School. The 1920 census shows him employed there at that time. I recently received an obituary for my great grandmother and it tells that the “the students and faculty attended in a body, in respect to Mr. Leach, who for many years served the high school.” My grandmother passed away in 1927 so Peter was still employed there at that time.

I’m writing to find out if there is a way to obtain any old records on him from the high school. Would there even be any records after this long? Old photos?”

If you have any information to pass on to Nancy, please contact the IHSGD staff at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net .

Need Some In-Put

If you have any more information you can provide regarding Armington Hittle Township High School please submit a Guest Commentary Form or a School Submission Form.  We like to share photos of the old school buildings and great teams and coaches if possible.  You can also e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.     60631 

Hittle Township HS Girls Basketball

Armington, Illinois — 1905

Armington Hittle Township High School

Armington, Illinois