Illinois High School Glory Days

Kankakee Westview High School “Kayhawks”

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

The History of Kankakee Westview High School

Kankakee (population 27,491) is located in northeastern Illinois in central Kankakee County. It is the county seat of Kankakee County as well. The town was established in the mid-1800’s and prospered when the Illinois Central Railroad laid tracks through the area. By the year 1900, Kankakee had a population of 13,500, quite large for that time period. Kankakee is approximately 15 miles west of the Indiana state border. The following roadways now lead to and from this busy metropolis: Interstate Highway 57, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Routes 17, 50, 102, 113, and 115. The Kankakee River flows through the middle of town and is joined at some point by the following creeks that also flow through Kankakee: Gar Creek, Soldier Creek, and Baker Creek. Three railroads also lay tracks which pass through town: The Illinois Central Gulf, the KBSR, and the CR.

Kankakee’s quick early growth included the building of several schools by the late 1800’s. Kankakee High School was certainly in place during that time period. Kankakee High School was the only public high school in town for over six decades. The ever-growing student population in the 1950’s and 1960’s forced the town’s people to divide the high school into two high schools in 1966. The schools were named Kankakee Westview and Kankakee Eastridge, & operated independently for 17 years. The now-declining student enrollment of the early 1980’s forced the school district to revert back to one high school. Hence, Eastridge and Westview were dissolved with all students returning to Kankakee Senior High School.

New buildings were built to house the Westview and Eastridge High School students. The Westview school is still standing, still used by the Kankakee School District today.

Kankakee Westview High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1966

Year closed: 1983

Reverted to: Kankakee Senior High School

Westview HS team nickname: the “Kayhawks”

Westview HS team colors: Columbia (Light) Blue & Old Gold

Westview HS Fight Song: “We Are The Kayhawks”

Submitted by Nan Cogburn

We are the Kayhawks of Westview High,

Gold, White, and Blue.

Our colors do fly,

We bring fame to our name

For our loyalty,

Pride and might.

Westview Kayhawks,

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

We’ll be loyal, tried, and true

To our colors, gold, white, and blue.

And when our high school days are through

Westview, we’ll always remember you!

W, W, W, E, E, E, S, T!!

Athletics

Like most larger schools, Kankakee Westview offered many different sports to its students. Boys competed in baseball, basketball, football, swimming and track, while the girls were offered basketball, bowling, softball, swimming, track, and volleyball. It is possible the boys competed in cross country, golf and wrestling, and the girls in cross country and golf; however, this information is currently not available. The “Kayhawks” won a measure of state recognition in most sports that they competed in.

One great story about the Westview High School athletic rivalry with Eastridge was shared by a local fan:

“Kankakee Westview had a large “W” on top of the school which lit up when Westview won that night in sports. One autumn night they beat Eastridge and when they got to school the following Monday, the “W” was laying in pieces on the ground. About 2 weeks later, Eastridge won a game. Eastridge had a big “E” on top of their school that lit up when they won in sports. When they got back to school that (following) Monday, the “E” was turned to where it looked like the letter “W”.”

Boys Baseball

The Kayhawks team records and coach’s names are not currently available. If you have this information on any of the better Westview High diamond teams please forward it to us.

Boys Basketball

A complete season summary is available for all 17 seasons the KWHS boys competed in basketball on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org). The teams won a total of three District titles, three Regional titles, and one Sectional title. The better team records and coach’s names are listed below.

1966-67 8-10 IHSA District Champions Coach Bob Kemp

District Scores Needed

Kankakee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Rich East 81-79 (O/T)

1967-68 Kankakee Dist. Runner-Up Coach Carl Koch

Season Record Needed

Kankakee District Scores

1st Rd Beat Momence 47-31

Semi-final Beat Peotone 49-48

Title Game lost to Bishop McNamara 50-47 (O/T)

1968-69 15-11 Kankakee District Champs Coach Carl Koch

1st Rd Beat Peotone 60-45

Semi-final Beat Beecher 71-56

Title Game Beat Grant Park 44-36

Crete-Monee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Maron Catholic 54-53

Marion Catholic lost to Bloom in the semi-final

Bloom beat Homewood-Flossmoor in title game

1969-70 20- 9 Kankakee District Champions Coach Denny Lehnus

1st Rd Beat Peotone 53-46

Semi-Final Beat Grant Park 58-46

Title Game Beat Kankakee Eastridge 40-32

Bloom Regional Tournament

1st Rd Beat Bradley-Bourbonnais 62-53

Semi-final lost to Bloom 63-47

Bloom beat Homewood-Flossmoor in title game

1970-71 Kankakee District Tourney Coach Denny Lehnus

Season Record Needed

District Tourney Scores

1st Rd Beat Beecher 57-50

Semi-final lost to Eastridge 68-53

Eastridge beat McNamara in title game

1971-72 16- 8 Kankakee Class AA Regional Coach Denny Lehnus

Semi-final lost to Eastridge 60-41

Eastridge beat Bradley-Bourbonnais in title game

1972-73 18- 8 Postseason scores needed Coach Denny Lehnus

1973-74 20- 8 IHSA Regional Champions Coach Denny Lehnus

Regional Scores Needed

Kankakee Sectional Tourney

Semi-final lost to Bloomington 78-71

Bloomington lost to Danville in title game

BLOOMINGTON (78): Pavlik 20, Rutledge 19, Bender 19, Jones 12, Jordan 8

KANKAKEE WESTVIEW (71): Groesbeck 22, Sykes 22, Brooks 15, Pa. Link 8, Tetwiler 2, Ph. Link 2.

1974-75 17- 7 Postseason scores needed Coach Vern Sloan

1975-76 Postseason scores & record needed Coach Vern Sloan

1976-77 13-13 Postseason scores needed Coach Vern Sloan

1977-78 18-10 Postseason scores needed Coach Vern Sloan

1978-79 25- 2 Postseason scores needed Coach Vern Sloan

Great Record!

1979-80 13 – 12 IHSA Regional Runner-Up Coach Vern Sloan

Kankakee Holiday Tourney Runner-Up

Mt. Vernon Holiday Tourney 4th Place

1980-81 25- 5 Sweet 16 Finalist Class AA Coach Vern Sloan

IHSA Regional Champs

Regional Scores Needed

Normal Sectional Champions

Semi-final Beat Danville 50-49

Title Game Beat Joliet Catholic 57-43

IHSA Super-Sectional Finalist

Lost to Quincy 72-44 in Super-Sectional

Quincy eventual State Champs!

1981-82 25- 3 Regional Champs Coach Vern Sloan

IHSA Regional Champs

Regional Scores Needed

Normal Sectional Champions

Semi-final lost to Danville 73-61

Danville beat Lockport in title game

Danville lost tin Sweet 16 round

1982-83 School’s Last Season Coach Al Brown

Postseason scores & record needed

Girls Basketball

The Lady Kayhawks won a Regional Championship of their own! The team records and coach’s name of this and other great KWHS girls basketball teams are not available

1979-80 11 – 12 Coach Dana Parker

Regional Beat Eastridge in 1st Rd

Lost to Minooka in 2nd Rd

1980-81 Regional Champions Coach’s Name Needed

Girls Bowling

The KWHS lady’s bowling team won two district titles and qualified for the IHSA State meet.

1973-74 District Champions Coach Cheryl (Robertson) Vonch

1978-79 District Champions Coach Cheryl (Robertson) Vonch

Cross Country

We currently have no information on the girls or boys cross country program at Kankakee Westview High. If you have any information, please contact us via the means listed below.

Boys Football

The boys of the gridiron had a couple of nice seasons during their seventeen year run. One team even quaified for the IHSA State football playoffs. We are told that on the last play of the State Playoff game, all-state halfback Jimmy Smith was drug down after a long gain at the Rich South 11-yard line with no time left on the clock.

J.R. Black and Bill Wendling were two of the more notable coaches in Westview High gridiron history.

1966 7-2 First team Coach Frank Duchon

First win in school history–13-7 over Kankakee Eastridge

1967 4-4-1 Coach Frank Duchon

1968 6-1-1 Coach J.R. Black

1969 4-4 Coach J.R. Black

1970 5-4 Coach J.R. Black

1971 4-4-1 Coach J.R Black

1972 6-3 Coach J.R. Black

1975 5-4 2nd place SICA South Coach J.R. Black

1976 5-4 2nd place (tie) SICA South Coach J.R. Black

1978 7-3 QHSA Class 4A Playoffs Coach Bill Wendling

Sweet 16 Qualifier

Lost to Rich Central 40-34

Rich Central lost in Elite 8 round to JCA

Joliet Catholic won state title

1979 4-5 Conference Record 3-4 Coach Bill Wendling

Westview last fielded a team in 1982. The last win in school history was a 14-7 OT win over Andrew on the final week of the 1981 season

Girls Softball

If you have any further information regarding the successes of the Lady Kayhawks’ softball program, please forward it to us. We currently have no information available to add.

Boys Swimming

One member of the boys swim team at Westview High brought home a medal from the IHSA State Meet. There is no current information available for the girls swim team.

1972 Gary Crow 200 IM 6TH Place

Boys Track & Field

Several boys won medals at the IHSA State Class AA Track Meet, including three individual gold medals!!. The team of 1978-79 even managed enough points to finish EIGHTH at the IHSA State Meet!!

1975-76 Individual Medalist– Head Coach Bill Farley

Mike Graves 330 Yd Hurdles 5TH Place Assistant Coach Joe Rockett

1976-77 Individual Medalists–

Mike Graves 330 Yd Hurdles 3RD Place Head Coach Bill Farley

Glenn Davidson Long Jump 6TH Place Assistant Coach Joe Rockett

1977-78 Individual Medalists–

Jim Smith 220 Yd Dash STATE CHAMPION!! Head Coach Bill Farley

Glenn Davidson Long Jump 3RD Place Assistant Coach Joe Rockett

Team finished 2nd in IHSA Sectional Meet

Team won SICA South Conference Meet

1978-79 Team Finished EIGHTH in STATE MEET Competition!! Head Coach Bill Farley

Individual Medalists Assistant Coach Joe Rockett

Jim Smith 220 Yd Dash STATE CHAMPION!!

Jim Smith 100 Yd Dash 4TH Place

Jimmy Smith – Westview State Champion!

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Courtesy of Tim Yonke

Relay Team 2 Mile Relay 4TH Place

Final Team Standings

1.) Evanston (Twp.) 51

2.) East St. Louis (Sr.) 44½

3.) Chicago (Phillips) 37

4.) Palatine (Fremd) 29

5.) Moline (H.S.) 27

6.) Aurora (West) 23

7.) Deerfield 21

8.) Naperville (North) 20

8.) KANKAKEE WESTVIEW HS 20

10.) Chicago (Tilden) 17

1979-80 Head Coach Bill Farley

Assistant Coach Joe Rockett

1980-81 Individual Medalist–

Melvin Keys Long Jump 2ND Place

1981-82 Individual Medalist–

John Elliott 100 M. Hurdles 2ND Place

1982-83 Individual Medalist–

John Elliott 100 M. Hurdles STATE CHAMPION!!

John Elliott – Westview State Champion!

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Submitted by Tim Yonke

**John Elliott’s effort of :13.8 in the 100 M High Hurdles is tied for

the SIXTH best time in IHSA History!

*Memories from Coach Bill Farley:

“I served as the Head Track Coach and Asst Football Coach (under Bill Wendling) during the run of success that led all the way until John Elliott was a sophomore – then I left.

A college roommate of Mike Shanahan from East Leyden H S and Eastern Illinois Univ., my career took me to jobs with the Oakland Raiders, Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide where I served 25 years in Higher Education.

Even though I was Head Track Coach, Joe Rockett and I were inseparable as Coaches, so if you do mention Coaches from those years please add his alongside my name. Joe was a great tailback at Westview in 1967 – 68 who went on to Northern Illinois where he played college football for 4 years – an incredible man and mentor who came back to his alma mater to teach and Coach.

I would say our investment and success was without a doubt 50 – 50.

I was also Head Freshman Football Coach when Jimmy Smith came to Westview as a freshman in the fall of 1975 – so to have him from day 1 of his Westview career was quite an honor. He had an amazing HS career and was considered by most prognosticators as the 3rd best running back prospect in the country in the fall of 1978. He had offers from all over, including Oklahoma, Nebraska and Southern Cal. However, others were in his class (Alonzo Cephus, Michael Morris, James Moore, Billy Warren, Carl and Michael Springer) and they helped make up the bulk of the class that would have tremendous football and track success. In Track we went from 12 athletes in the spring of 1975 before my first year to 77 athletes by the spring of 1977, so as you can tell Track became very contagious at Westview. Kankakee Eastridge also began enjoying success in Track and as a result there were some epic rivalry meets throughout the late seventies – especially the Mile Relay where Paul McKinney’s Eastridge teams were always among the very best in the State of Illinois.

I read your information and it looks to be very exact. While Michael Graves in 1976 and 1977 could not quite catch world class hurdler Greg Foster from Proviso East, he did have the top time in the state all year long and did very well in the State meet, and this began the momentum to lead others. Glenn Davidson the next year(‘78) went to Northern Illinois for long jump and triple jumps, 2 time state champ and Football All American Jimmy Smith to Purdue in 79, then Melvin Key’s and John Elliott had outstanding careers for the Fighting Illini. It was truly the glory years, and, the girls programs began to take off as well, as they wanted to be near the guys at practice and at meets.

Although the ‘79 team was great, the ‘78 team won the SICA South title and finished one point from winning a second title in 79. There is no doubt in my mind that had Eastridge and Westview merged by 1976, that Kankakee would have given East St Louis and the Chicago schools all they wanted towards capturing the overall Illinois team title.

It was a real honor and privilege to be part of this great era in Kankakee Westview sports. The people and administration in Kankakee were committed to success and doing things right. At 62 yrs. now, it was a piece of my career that I will always cherish. Mostly the memories of the wonderful Coaches / teachers / administrators / and great athletes.

The people in Kankakee, Illinois are still in my heart to this very day.”

Girls Cross Country. Golf, Track, and Volleyball

Though we are very confident that the Lady Kayhawks competed in these sports, we currently have no information available regarding their successes.

Boys Cross Country, Golf, and Wrestling

We know these sports were offered at Westview High, however we have no information on any of them at this time. Please contact us if you would like to add ANY information on any one of these boys sports.

Speech Individual Events

Two individuals brought home medals for the English Department from IHSA State Competition. One team even won a District title in this competition.

1972 Individual Medalist–
Margie Hiles After Dinner Competition 4TH Place

1981 Individual Medalist–

Viril Hill Prose Competition 3RD Place

1979-80 Team Won Regional Championship

Placed Second in the Sectional Competition

(Had Finalists in 10 of 11 Events in the Sectional)

1981-82 Team Won District Championship

Theatre

The Illinois Theatre Festival is the largest, non-competetive high school theatre festival in the world. It was organized in 1976 by teachers from the Chicago suburbs. This festival is still going strong as they perform at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) and Illinois State University every other January. Kankakee Westview High school participated in this festival from 1976-77 and again in 1979, 1981 and 1983.

Great Athlete

Jimmy Smith was an all-state selection in football to along with his two gold medals in the 220 Yard Dash. Jimmy received a scholarship to continue his football playing career at Purdue University. According to Chris Breach and Mike Frey, Jimmy Smith continued his football career to the professional ranks. This included playing with the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins!!

Notable Teacher-Athlete

John Craft was a resident of Kankakee until he turned 16. His family then moved to Momence, Illinois where he completed his Junior and Senior years of high school. Craft was an excellent athlete and became one of the top triple-jump athletes in the world. He taught at Kankakee Westview in 1970-71 while preparing for the Olympic trials. John Craft made the United States Olympic team and would compete in the Olympic Games held in Munich, Germany in the summer of 1972. John Craft would finish in 5th place, just missing out on a medal. Craft would return to coach at Eastern Illinois University in 1974 where he remained until his retirement in 2002. He was inducted into the Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame in 2011.

https://www.daily-journal.com/sports/john-craft-to-be-inducted-into-eastern-illinois-hall-of/article_0fa54cbd-6e0c-5180-be48-c1079f07c633.html

If You Have Any More Information Regarding KWHS…

…please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. We are interested in all facets of Kankakee Westview High School, not just athletics. We are especially interested in a photo of the school building. You can also write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Kankakee St. Patrick High School “Irish”

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Kankakee St. Patrick High School 1930 Yearbook

Submitted by Sherree Benoit

Kankakee St. Patrick High School Building

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Submitted by Sherree Benoit

The History of Kankakee St. Patrick High School

Kankakee (population 27,491) is located in northeastern Illinois in central Kankakee County. It is the county seat of Kankakee County as well. The town was established in the mid-1800’s and prospered when the Illinois Central Railroad laid tracks through the area. By 1900, Kankakee had a population of 13,500, which was quite large for that time period. Kankakee is approximately 15 miles west of the Indiana state border. The following roadways now lead to and from this busy metropolis: Interstate Highway 57, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Routes 17, 50, 102, 113, and 115. The Kankakee River flows through the middle of town and is joined at some point by the following creeks that also flow through Kankakee: Gar Creek, Soldier Creek, and Baker Creek. Three railroads also lay tracks which pass through town: Illinois Central Gulf, the KBSR, and the CR.

St. Patrick’s High School opened for business in 1922, as a result for the need to offer a parochial high school in the Kankakee area. St. Viator College in nearby Bourbonnais was formed in 1860 by the Viatorian order, whose main concern was to educate. The college was still open until 1938 before it closed, but St. Patrick’s continued to educate the Catholic youth of the Kankakee area.

The school was also known as St. Patrick Central from 1955 until 1964, when the name was changed Bishop McNamara High School in honor of the first Bishop of the Joliet Diocese, Martin D. McNamara.

FACTS ABOUT KANKAKEE ST. PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL

Year opened: 1922

Year name changed to St. Patrick Central: 1955

Year name changed to Bishop McNamara: 1964

School colors: Green, Gold, & White

School nickname: “Irish”

School song: unknown

ATHLETICS

It is known that St. Patrick’s offered football and basketball, and could have possibly offered baseball as well as track, but only football and basketball records are available thru the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org). In addition, this author would like to believe that there were other extracurricular activities offered outside of athletics, such as band, chorus, and other clubs. Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact us at the addresses listed below.

St. Patrick High School Football Team of 1945-46

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Submitted by Sherree Benoit

FOOTBALL

The Irish did not begin to take to the gridiron until 1932 and started slow with only two winning seasons in the first ten. The school did not field a team for three years during World War II, and after that, St. Patrick’s would begin the winning tradition that still continues today at Bishop McNamara. The Irish were members of the Kankakee Valley and Wil-Ro-Kee Conferences that won five league championships and took second on four occasions. Members of those leagues included Reddick, Crete-Monee, St. Anne, Clifton Central, Gilman, Momence, and Bradley-Bourbonnais.

1932 1- 4- 1 First season Coach Clarence “Puff” Romary

1934 6- 1 Coach Clarence “Puff” Romary

1937 Coach Pete Laffey

1939 4- 3 Coach Bill Walsh

1940 Coach Bud Monohan

1941 Coach Russ Ahearn

1945 5- 2- 1 Coach Fr. George Nelsen

1947 5- 3 2nd place–KKK Valley Conf. Coach Bud Monohan

1950 5- 2 2nd place–KKK Valley Conf. Coach Pete Laffey

1951 7- 2 2nd place–KKK Valley Conf. Coach Pete Laffey

1952 8- 1 2nd place–KKK Valley Conf. Coach Pete Laffey

1953 6- 2 Coach Pete Laffey

1955 St. Patrick Football Team

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First undefeated team (7-0-1) in school history

1955 7- 0- 1 Wil-Ro-Kee Conf. Champs

Coach Earl Benoche

Season results:

St. Patrick 13, Oak Lawn 7

St. Patrick 13, Crete-Monee 7

St. Patrick 13, St. Anne 7

St. Patrick 13, Bradley-Bourbonnais 7

St. Patrick 7, Gilman 0

St. Patrick 20, Morris 6

St. Patrick 26, Momence 13

St. Patrick 6, Clifton Central 6

1956 6- 2 Wil-Ro-Kee Conf. Champs Coach Frank Chiodo

1957 8- 0 Wil-Ro-Kee Conf. Champs Coach Frank Chiodo

Season results:

St. Patrick 31, Evergreen Park 0

St. Patrick 27, Clifton Central 6

St. Patrick 33, Crete-Monee 7

St. Patrick 33, St. Anne 6

St. Patrick 19, Bradley-Bourbonnais 12

St. Patrick 34, Sheridan 7

St. Patrick 36, Momence 6

St. Patrick 44, Gilman 7

1958 7- 1 2nd place–Wil-Ro-Kee Conf. Coach Frank Chiodo

1959 6- 2 2nd place–Wil-Ro-Kee Conf. Coach Frank Chiodo

1960 6- 1- 2 KKK Valley Conf. Champs Coach Frank Chiodo

1961 5- 3 Coach Frank Chiodo

1962 5- 1- 2 KKK Valley Conf. Champs Coach Frank Chiodo

1963 7- 1 KKK Valley Conf. Champs Coach Carl Magsamen

1963 football team (7-1)

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Last one known as St. Patrick Central

Running back John Monahan was the only gridder from St. Patrick to be named All-State, doing so in the 1960 season. Another running back, Dick Franz, set the school record for rushing yards in a single game with 244 against Evergreen Park in 1957, on the way to a St. Patrick’s single-season rushing total of 1,179. Also, Issac Porter returned a punt 99 yards against Morris in 1955.

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Irish also showed their competitive spirit on the basketball floor, winning four regional titles over an eight-year period. Unfortunately, names of head coaches and win-loss records are missing as well as information about other outstanding teams in school history.

St. Patrick Basketball Team of 1945-46

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Submitted Sherree Benoit

St. Patrick HS Irish Basketball Team of 1929-30

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Courtesy of Sherree Benoit

Boys Basketball Season Records

1929-30 10 – 5 Coach Robert “Bob” Pombert

1945-46 16 – 10 Coach Father George Nelson

1953-54 Regional Champions Coach unknown

1956-57 Regional Champions Coach unknown

1958-59 Regional Champions Coach unknown

1961-62 Regional Champions Coach unknown

St. Patrick Baseball Team of 1929-30

Submitted by Sherree Benoit

BOYS BASEBALL

The boys competed in spring baseball during the 1929-30 school year as well. The boys played against teams such as Bonfield, Irwin, Kankakee, St. George, Viator, Chebanse, Clifton, and others. No record was available in the yearbook of 1930. We know that the program continued for several more years before being stopped for three years during World War II. It was resumed in 1945-46 and continued for the life of the school, even through the renaming of the school to Bishop McNamara.

St. Patrick Girls Basketball Team of 1929-30

Courtesy of Sherree Benoit

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Irish, like many schools of the early 1930s, gave girls basketball a chance. The photo to the right is of the team organized in the 1929-30 school year. Games were said to have been contested against neighboring schools, Under the leadership of Coach Ruth Snyderjohn, the girls played “several games” and came out with only one loss.

OTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Choral Club

St. Patrick High School was a well-rounded school with many activities to offer its students. The Choral Club was a choir which focused on adding to religious ceremonies and gave students a chance to study vocal programs if they were inclined to. Boys and girls were welcome to try out for the club.

Band

The band of 1946, led by Mr. Charles E. Granger, held two concerts, marched in several parades, participated in a music festival, and provided great spirit and games and other school events. The band also performed at halftime of the home football games. Majorettes were also a part of the band and added greatly to the group’s entertainment value.

The Irish Band of 1945-46

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Courtesy of Sherree Benoit

The Choral Club of 1929-30 – St. Patrick HS

Submitted by Sherree Benoit

OUTSTANDING COACHES

Pete Laffey–Had a win-loss record of 28-10-1 in five seasons. Between 1950-53, his Irish teams were 26-7 with three runner-up finishes in the Kankakee Valley Conference.

Earl Benoche—First coach to lead St. Patrick’s football an unbeaten season.

Frank Chiodo–Was 43-10-4 in seven years at the helm of the Irish, including five conference titles, and the first unbeaten and untied team in school history.

Russ Ahearn–Only spent one year at St. Patrick, but would later gain recognition as the coach of the 1951-52 prep basketball state champs at Alden-Hebron.

DO YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION WE CAN USE…

about the history of St. Patrick’s High School? Please contact us if you do by emailing your information and photos to ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or by sending it thru the USPS at:

Illinois High School Glory Days

6439 N. Neva

Chicago, IL 60631

St. Joseph’s Academy for Ladies (Kankakee )

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Kankakee St. Joseph’s Academy for Ladies

Photo Submitted by Sherree Benoit

St. Joseph’s Seminary School Building 1865-67

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Submitted by Sherree Benoit

The History of Kankakee St. Joseph’s Academy for Ladies

Kankakee (population 27,491) is located in northeastern Illinois in central Kankakee County. It is the county seat of Kankakee County as well. The town was established in the mid-1800’s and prospered when the Illinois Central Railroad laid tracks through the area. By the year 1900, Kankakee had a population of 13,500, quite large for that time period. The following roadways now lead to and from this busy metropolis: Interstate Highway 57, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Routes 17, 50, 102, 113, and 115. The Kankakee River flows through the middle of town. Three railroad lines also lay tracks which pass through town: The Illinois Central Gulf, the KBSR, and the CR.

Kankakee residents realized very early-on the importance of a good education for their children. The Roman Catholic religion gained great popularity early on as well. This led to the development of a several grade schools in the area.

Among these was the St. Rose Grammar School established in the 1865. Sixty-six students were enrolled when the school opened that year. The school outgrew the small frame house where classes first started & a new three-story school building with room for boarding students along the Kankakee River was ready for occupancy in 1871.

Within a couple of years, the need for higher learning was also realized. St. Rose Grammar School was expanded by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, who taught there to include a high school for young ladies in 1875. They named this school the St. Joseph Seminary.

The Seminary served the community in this capacity for several years. At some point, probably in the early 1900s, the name of the school was changed to the St. Joseph’s Academy for Young Ladies. We know from a newpaper article (The Kankakee Sunday Journal, June 21, 1953) found by Sherree Benoit that St. Joseph’s Academy was still in the education business at that time. Further research by Sherree located the following information:

“An excerpt from the book “Of the People” by Mary Jean Houde and John Klasey.

“The existance of St. Joseph Seminary as a high school ended in its centennial year, 1965, when it merged with the expanded Bishop Martin D. McNamara

High School.”

The Academy building has been razed. The St. Rose Catholic Church building on the right side of the photo at the top of this page, is still an active building and parish.

St. Joseph’s Academy for Ladies Quick Facts

Year opened: 1875

Year closed: 1965

Athletics likely not offered

Kankakee St. Joseph’s Academy Activities

A group of people sitting outside a building

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Submitted by Sherree Benoit

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We know by looking at the photo to the right that St. Joseph’s was an active and creative school for the young ladies it served. Painting and art were a part of the curriculum in the 1890s for sure. We are certain the school evolved with time. It is highly probably that many other activities were offered as the school progressed.

CONTACT US WITH ANY FURTHER INFORMATION YOU WISH TO SHARE!

To provide further information on the history and your experience at St. Joseph’s Academy contact as via the following means:

E-mail: ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net

Postal Service: IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Av.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Kankakee Eastridge High School “Raiders”

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Kankakee Eastridge High School

Now Kankakee Junior High School (courtesy: http://www.k111.k12.il.us/kjhs)

The History of Kankakee Eastridge High School

Kankakee students were served by just one high school, Kankakee High School, for over six decades. An ever-increasing population and constantly growing community boundries eventually forced the residents to form a new strategy for educating their children. The strategy was to build two newer high school buildings in town. The buildings would divide the high school students into two venues. Thus, in 1966, Kankakee Eastridge and Kankakee Westview were born.

Kankakee Eastridge served high school students in town for 17 years. The late 1970’s and early 1980’s brought with them decreasing enrollment and finanacial concerns. In 1983, it was determined that there was no longer a need for two high schools in Kankakee. Therefore, the decision was made to revert back to one high school. Kankakee Eastridge and Kankakee Westview were closed and Kankakee High School was re-established.

The Kankakee Eastridge High School high school building is still in use as a school in the Kankakee School District. It is the home of the Kankakee Junior High School.

Kankakee Eastridge High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1966

Year closed: 1983

Reverted to: Kankakee Senior High School

Eastridge HS team nickname: the “Raiders”

Eastridge HS team colors: Orange, Navy Blue, & White

Eastridge HS Fight Song: “Hail to the Orange, White, and Blue”

Written by Lloyd Higgerson, KEHS band director

Hail to the orange, white, and blue of Eastridge High

We love our school, fair play’s the rule

But with us it is due or die

We never falter or fail in our duty

Raise your banners high

And we will fight, fight, fight, fight, fight, fight, fight

Because it’s all for old Eastridge High

(Bridge):

Go Raiders, Fight, Fight, Fight

Repeat the verse

(When the song ended the student body shouted);

R-A-I-D-E-R-S

Raiders, Raiders are the Best!

Thank you to John Saylor for providing the fight song of Kanakee Eastridge!!

Athletics

The Kankakee Eastridge High School Raiders and Lady Raiders were successful on many fronts in IHSA competition. Several sports saw the athletic teams bring home hardware from IHSA tournament competition. Those sports mentioned on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org) are listed below. If you have any further information on these or other sports offered at KEHS, please contact us at eganann@sbcglobal.net.

Eastridge and Westview were pretty competitive rivals in any sport. This bit of information was shared with us by an area fan:

“Kankakee Westview had a large “W” on top of the school which lit up when Westview won that night in sports. One autumn night, they beat Eastridge and when they got to school the following Monday, the “W” was laying in pieces on the ground. About 2 weeks later, Eastridge won a game. Eastridge had a big “E” on top of their school that lit up when they won in sports. When they got back to school that Monday, the “E” was turned to where it looked like the letter “W”.”

Another great tradition at KEHS was enjoyed during home football games. According to our friend “Aaron:” “The Eastridge Raiders were unique as like Florida State University…the Raiders of Eastridge had an Indian on horseback ride into the end zone after each Eastridge touchdown.” Aaron even remembers the Indian throwing a flaming arrow into the ground during this celebration!!

Boys Baseball

The boys baseball team at Kankakee Eastridge HS made two trips to the State Finals and won a total of four Regional titles and two Sectional titles. Team records are currently only available for the “State Qualifying” teams.

1968-69 Regional Champions

1970-71 19- 7 Regional Champions Coach Bill Enochs

Sectional Champions

Elite 8 Qualifier

Lost to Rockford West 1-0 (11 innings)

1971-72 23- 7 Regional Champions Coach Bill Enochs

Sectional Champions

Elite 8 Qualifier

Beat Chicago Lane Tech 1-0

Final Four Qualifier

Lost to Alton Sr. 5-4 (Alton finished 2nd)

1975-76 Regional Champions

Boys Basketball

The Eastridge Raiders made two appearances in the IHSA Sweet 16 during the one-class system in Illinois. Three Regional titles, two Sectional titles, and one District title hi-lighted the Raider hardwood court success.

1966-67 Coach Mick Pahl

1967-68 Coach Art Pahl

1968-69 17- 8 Coach Joe Gubbins

1969-70 Coach Joe Gubbins
1970-71 17-10 District Champions Coach Joe Gubbins

1971-72 24- 5 IHSA Tourney Sweet 16 Coach Joe Gubbins

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

Super-Sectional Finalist

Lost to Quincy Sr. 76-70 (Quincy finished second)

1972-76 Coach Joe Gubbins

1976-77 24- 6 IHSA Tourney Sweet 16 Coach Larry Hauser

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

Super-Sectional Finalist

Lost to Springfield Lanphier 64-47 (Lanphier finished second)

1977-78 15-11 Coach Larry Hauser

1978-79 19 – 7 Coach Larry Hauser

1979-80 26 – 3 Regional Champions Coach Larry Hauser

1980-81 12-12 Coach Larry Hauser

1981-82 Coach Ron Jones

1982-83 13-11 School’s Last Season Coach Ron Jones

Girls Basketball

The Lady Raiders had some success of their own. A Regional title was earned in the 1982-83 season. We are seeking the team record of this and other great Eastridge Lady Raider basketball teams…as well as the coach’s names.

1978-79 Coach Barbara Wray

1982-83 Regional Champions

Boys Football

The Raiders of the grid iron had some nice season records and made an appearance in the IHSA State Football Playoffs. Unfortunately the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org) only covers nine seasons and only three have winning records. The only coach listed is Craig Beverlin, who coached the playoff team of 1980-81. More records were recently researched and provided by Tom Sikorski of “Great Conferences” fame.

1966 4-5 First team Coach J.R. Black

First win in school history was 35-7 over Herscher

1968 4-3-2 Coach Bill Glazier

1969 7-2 Coach Bill Glazier

1970 6-2-1 Coach Bill Glazier

1971 6-3 Coach Bill Glazier

1972 6-3 Coach Bill Glazier

1974 2-7 Coach Bill Glazier

1976 5-4 2nd place (tie) SICA South Coach Brad Pancoast

1979 6-3 3rd place SICA South Coach Craig Beverlin

1980 7-3 IHSA Class 4A Playoff Qualifier Coach Craig Beverlin

Sweet 16 Finalist

Lost to Lisle Benet Academy 27-8

1982 4-5 Last team Coach Craig Beverlin

Last win in school history was 8-0 over Crete-Monee.

Boys Golf

One male linkster placed in the top three in the individual standings in IHSA match play. His great accomplishment is listed below.

1970 Dan Decker 3RD Place in AA State Playoffs!

Boys Swimming

The Raiders were comfortable off of land in the water as well. Three individuals brought home a total of 8 medals from the IHSA State Swim Meet while as a team the Raiders earned three District titles and a top-ten finish!!

1975-76 Individual Medalist

Rusty Walker 200 Free 2ND Place

500 Free 5TH Place

1976-77 Team Earned a SEVENTH Place Finish at IHSA Class AA Finals

Team Won the District Championship

Individual Medalists

Rusty Walker 200 Free 2ND Place

100 Free 3RD Place

John Henry 100 Fly 5TH Place

Rick Walker 500 Free 5TH Place

1977-78 Individual Medalist

Rick Walker 200 IM 3RD Place

500 Free 4TH Place

Girls Swimming

The girls swim team saw one athlete win two medals. This is the only information we currently have regarding the Lady Raider swim team.

1979 Laurie Pederson 100 Free 3RD Place
50 Free 3RD Place

Boys Tennis

The boys tennis team of Kankakee Eastridge won a total of three District titles. All were won in the 1970’s.

1973         District Champions
1974         District Champions
1979         District Champions

Girls Tennis

In spite of having no individual medalist in the school’s history, Kankakee Eastridge’s girls tennis team still was able to garner three District titles and TWO TOP-TEN Finishes in State Meet Competition!!

1972         Team Finished SEVENTH in STATE MEET Competition
1973          District Champions
1974          Team Finished SEVENTH in STATE MEET Competition

District Champions
1975 District Champions

Boys Track & Field

One relay team and one individual athlete earned medals at the IHSA State Class AA Track Meet.

1973 Estus Hood 120 Yard High Hurdles 6TH Place

180 Yard Hurdles 6TH Place

1980 Relay Team 4 X 400 Meter Relay 2ND Place

4 X 200 Meter Relay 4TH Place

Girls Track & Field

We know there was a Lady Raider thinclad team, however, we currently have no information available on their successes attained.

Boys Wrestling

The grapplers of Eastricge High won a District title and had two individuals earn medals in State Meet Competition!! Curtis Hines was the coach of the Eastridge Wrestling Program from 1969-1974 and coached the team to its first wrestling team victory in school history. He also coached the team to the District championship in 1973.

1969-72 Coach Curtis Hines

1972-73 Team Crowned District Champions Coach Curtis Hines

1973-74 Coach Curtis Hines

1975-76 Jeff Gindy 185 Lbs. 3RD Place

1982-83 Jim Cooper 126 Lbs. 6TH Place

HOCKEY

And here’s something else….the Raiders even had a hockey team! EHS grad Tim Wegner told Illinois High School Glory Days in February 2012: “we had a great hockey team in 1974 & 75. 1ST YEAR TEAM which I was GOALTENDER our record was 26-1 & 1. Not bad for a brand new team.” If anyone has any more information about this sport, please contact us.

The English Department

The academic department joined the State Competition Trophy parade too. The Drama Team of 1975-76 won a District title!!

1975-76 Drama Team District Champions

Notable Alumni

*Mike Glazier (Class of 1971) – great basketball player and football quarterback who continued his football career at Indiana University as a quarterback. Mr. Glazier went on to make his mark as an accomplished sports attorney. To read more about Mr. Glazier check out a newspaper article located at the following web address: http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/eastridge-grad-making-a-mark-in-ncaa/article_6bd1e19d-4ed0-51e4-874d-7cb2d01eda95.html

*Gregory Kunde (Class of 1972) – Accomplished and well known tenor with world-wide acclaim. From his biography:

“Regarded as one of the most accomplished singers on the international opera stage today, the American tenor Gregory Kunde appears regularly at the most prestigious opera houses around the world, working with conductors and orchestras of the highest caliber. Kenge’s achievements have been recognized with a number of awards, most recently ‘Male Singer of the Year’ at the 2016 International Opera Awards.”

*Jeff Scott (Class of 1972) – another great athlete who played baseball and basketball in the early 70s. Jeff played baseball in the minor leagues for many years. From his biography:

“Jeff Scott has been a minor league player, coach and manager as well as a scouting director. Scott was taken by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 1972 amateur draft, 52nd overall, two picks after Dennis Eckersley and one before Gary Carter. He started strong with the Geneva Senators that summer, going 6-7 with a 2.25 ERA and hitting .300. He struck out 89 and walked 19 in 96 innings. He was 9th in the New York-Pennsylvania League in whiffs, fifth in ERA and tied for third in losses.”

*Gary Moore (Class of 1972) – noted author of the book “Playing With The Enemy” (http://playingwiththeenemy.com/AI.htm)

Estus Hood

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courtesy of Illinois State University

*Estus Hood (Class of 1973) – probably the most notable athlete from Eastridge. He played football in the early seventies. Estus went on to star at Illinois State University and played several years for the Green Bay Packers. Hood is only one of three ISU football players that has had his jersey number (#8) retired.

*C. Michael Gibson (Class of 1978) – Dr. C. Michael Gibson, M.D serves as Chief of Clinical Research for Division of Cardiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Gibson has been Scientific and Clinical Advisors Board at Verseon Corporation since 2019. He is an interventional cardiologist and chief of clinical research in the division of cardiology at Harvard s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He serves as a Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Mr. Gibson is also an accomplished and noted artist.

MEMORIES

From Leola (Class of 1979):

“I attended Eastridge High School 1975-1979. My senior year I was on the girls basketball team. Our first team. The coach was Barbara Wray. My position was Forward. I have been trying to locate a yearbook for 1979. Is anyone able to assist me with that. Please email me with suggestions or if you need more information. Thanks.”

Need Your Help

We are hopeful an area “buff” will fill in the open areas regarding the history and accomplishments of Kankakee Eastridge High School. If you have any information you can offer please complete a Guest Commentary Form. We would really like to share a photo of the old school building and tell more about the students of the Eastridge High School’s historic past. You can e-mail your photos to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Kaneville High School

Posted on March 3, 2022December 9, 2025 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Kaneville HS – now Kaneville Community Center

Photo by Cody Cutter – January 2010

Kaneville HS Bldg 2011 – Northeast View

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The History of Kaneville High School

Kaneville (population 452) is located in northeastern Illinois in the southwestern portion of Kane County. The town is located about 10 miles northwest of Aurora and 10 miles southeast of DeKalb. Kaneville is located at the intersection of County Highways 4 and 62. Interstate Highway 88 passes by the northeast side of town. The Welch Creek flows by the west side of Kaneville.

Kaneville was incorporated as a town in 2006 making it one of Illinois’ newest officially recognized towns. However Kaneville’s roots run much deeper into history. A nice history of the community can be found at the web address of http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ilkane/Kaneville.htm . This article states that Kaneville is named after Elias Kent Kane. The first school for Kaneville children was established in 1839. According to “Place Names of Illinois” by Edward Callary Kaneville was first platted in 1841. The book’s article goes on to state that Kaneville may be named after a famous soldier of the day, General Thomas L. Kane.

Last Class to Graduate From Kaneville HS – 1949

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Kaneville supported its own high school from at least the very early 1900s (1907?) through 1949. An original school building made of wood is still standing in town and is used as an apartment building. A “new” brick school building, likely constructed in the early 1920s, also survives and has been put to great use by the community. We were fortunate to view several items that remain proudly displayed in the Kaneville School building. The building now serves as a township building, library, and a pre-school.

There are high school graduation photos that are prominently displayed. They start with the class of 1922 and end with the class of 1949. The 1949 photo has a handwritten note which states “Last Class to Graduate From Kaneville High School”. This photo is available above. Once closed, the kids of Kaneville attended school as part of the Maple Park Kaneland School District. This arrangement continues today.

Deanna Crider provided the following bit of information regarding Kaneville High School:

“I was on the Illinois high school glory days website to research my grandmother’s high school in Kaneville, Illinois. I happened to have her high school diploma, dated June 6, 1912! So cool to have a piece of history that is 102 years old!

Kaneville High School Quick Facts

Year opened: early 1900s?

Year closed: late 1949

Consolidated to: Kaneland School District (Maple Park)

Kaneville HS team nickname: unavailable

Kaneville HS team colors: Purple & Gold

School Fight Song: “Go You Kaneville High School”

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As Proudly Displayed in the Trophy Case at Kaneville HS

ATHLETICS

As mentioned above, we do have evidence of Kaneville High School’s existence. That evidence comes in the form of an IHSA District Basketball Tournament score from the 1948-49 season. That year Waterman High School won the District Tournament for the area. In the first game of the tourney Waterman defeated Kaneville HS 50 – 47.

Kaneville High School therefore definitely competed in basketball. The Kaneville boys cmpeted in baseball from 1935 though 1949 as well. It is likely that track may have been offered too. We are searching for the Kaneville High School team nickname, coach’s names, season records, and any individual accomplishments that you might like to share.

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BOYS BASKETBALL

Several basketball scores involving Kaneville High School participating in the IHSA Annual State Tournament were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason High School Basketball Scores.” These scores are coped below.

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

1st Rd lost to Hampshire 32-21

Chicago Harrison beat Elburn in title game.

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1931-32 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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

1st Round Beat Yorkville 33-26

2nd Rd lost to Batavia 51-25

Aurora West beat Naperville in title game.

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

1st Rd lost to Leland 23-19

Sycamore beat DeKalb in title game.

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

1st Rd lost to Shabbona 33-25

Waterman beat DeKalb in title game.

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

1st Rd lost to Hampshire 47-16

Burlington beat Plato Center in title game.

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1936-37 Elburn District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Burlington 23-14

Semi-Final Beat Elburn 22-18

Title game lost to Plato Center 15-13

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1937-38 Hampshire District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Elburn 32-27

Hampshire beat Kirkland in title game.

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

1st Rd Beat Fairdale 2-0 (Forfeit)

Semi-Final lost to Huntley 58-33

Hampshire beat Huntley in title game.

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

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1940-41 Maple Park District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Malta 39-24

Maple Park beat Genoa in title game.

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

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

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

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1944-45 Waterman District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Malta 57-24

Maple Park beat Genoa in title game.

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1945-46 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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1946-47 Maple Park District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Burlington 44-30

Maple Park beat Big Rock in title game.

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1947-48 Maple Park District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Plato Center 55-41

Semi-Final lost to Big Rock 48-41

Big Rock beat Burlington in title game.

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**1948-49 Hinckley District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

**1st Rd lost to Waterman 50-47

Waterman beat Hinckley in title game.

**Final boys varsity basketball game for Kaneville High School.

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Kaneville HS Gym Center Circle and Stage – 2011

Photo Taken from the Stands

Kaneville HS Gym Bleachers

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Boys Basketball

Brian Hoxey sent us this information regarding Kaneville High School’s team that competed in that 1948-49 District Tournament mentioned above:

“Teams entered: Waterman, Kaneville, Burlington, Plato Center, Big Rock, Hinckley, Malta, Sugar Grove. (Note: ALL are schools on this site, “left click” on their name to visit their individual page)

Kaneville HS 1948-49 team members: Burdette Barret, Leo Bomleny, Lloyd Byerhof, Charles Flint, Bill Houtz, Roger King, Perry Lakin, Gene Lewis, Larry Mell, Ted Phelps, Richard Schicht, Gene Underwood

Manager: Claude Lee

Head Coach: J. Rex Thompson

1948-49 Coach J. Rex Thompson

Kaneville HS Jersey and Trophy

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Kaneville Bleacher Seats – 2011

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BOYS BASEBALL

The Kaneville boys competed in baseball for certain. A Dekalb Daily Chronicle Newspaper article dated May 29, 1935 states the boys were champions of the inaugural Little Eight Conference baseball season. Kaneville finished with a record of 7-1 to take the title. Other teams who played in the Little Eight Conference baseball season that year included the high schools from Big Rock, Burlington, Elburn, Hampshire, Maple Park, Plato Center, and Sugar Grove.

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If You Have ANY Further Information

If you have any further information you can share regarding the many accomplishments and the history of Kaneville High School, especially an older photo of the school building, please write to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net .

Kaneville HS Bldg Northwest View

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Kaneville HS Gym Floor – 2011

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Kaneville HS Baseball Field – 2011

Kaneville HS Letterman’s Sweater

Kane High School “Hornets”

Posted on March 3, 2022October 28, 2024 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Kane School Building

http://greene.ilgenweb.net/Education/schpic2.htm

The History of Kane High School

Kane (population 459) is located in southwestern Illinois in the southern portion of Greene County ( Kane Township ). The town is situated midway between Carrollton to the north and Jerseyville to the south. The village, which is served by county blacktops and Illinois State Route 67 one mile to the west, is about 5 blocks square.

The original settlement in the area was started around 1820. In 1865, a new village was platted one mile to the east, along the line of the new railroad. The two nearly adjacent areas are still known as “Old Kane” and “New Kane” today.

Information on Kane High School is from a history of Jersey County schools written in 1977 by O.A. Wilson, former county superintendent of schools. The photo at the top of this page can by found at http://greene.ilgenweb.net/Education/schpic2.htm. The following is an excerpt from O.A. Wilson’s report:

“In 1951 some parents in the Kane school district and several other nearby districts in Greene County but adjacent to Jersey County Community Unit #100 across the Greene-Jersey county line petitioned to have their districts annexed to Community Unit #100. Kane had maintained a small high school for years, but the petitioners apparently wanted to make available to their children the wider choice of courses and other advantages of the much larger Jersey Community High School . They were opposed by many residents of Kane, who did not want to lose their high school, and by other Greene County residents who hoped to see the Kane area included in a future Greene district, probably a Community Unit based on Carrollton . . . . The referenda were held Jan. 26, 1952. The voters in Community Unit #100 approved the proposed annexation easily, 262-71, but the referendum in the Kane area developed into a first-class political brawl. When the votes were counted it was found that the annexation had carried, 209-167, and the territory became part of Community Unit #100.”

Kane High School Building Snapshot

Submitted by Buatte Springer

Regarding the Kane School photo above submitted by Buatte Springer:

“While studying my family history I have found a picture of Kane High School. Apparently my great grandfather, CH Branom, taught 7th and 8th grade at the school I’m not sure of the exact years but it was probably in the late 1800s or early 1900s.”

Based on information supplied it appears as though Kane High School closed in 1952. The following history of the Kane school buildings was sent to us by Nancy Sullivan, Kane School student from 1977-1981:

“Kane High School became Kane Elementary School and housed students from K-6 grades until the end of the school year 1981-1982. The school was closed in the spring of 1982 due to the high cost of keeping it open versus the small number of students attending the school. The students who attended Kane School were bussed to East Elementary School in Jerseyville the following year, and have been ever since. Teachers and staff from Kane School were relocated to other positions in the Jersey Community Unit School District .

The school’s colors were purple and white, and the mascot was the Hornet. Today, parts of the school remain standing – including what was the gymnasium. The gymnasium was converted into a farm implement repair shop. Other older parts of the building – including most of the classrooms and the cafeteria, were torn down. I believe the Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms, which were housed in a smaller annex building, were converted into apartments.”

Request from Brad Nunamaker:

“I went to Kane Elementary from 1975 to 1981. I was wondering if anyone had a photo of the hornet mascot that was painted on the wall in the gymnasium?”

If you do have a photo of this mascot, send it to us via e-mail at eganann@sbcglobal.net and we will insure that Brad receives it.

Kane High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s?

Year closed: 1952

Consolidated to: Jerseyville High School

Kane HS team nickname: the “Hornets”

Kane HS team colors: Red & Green

School Fight Song: unavailable

ATHLETICS

We are confident that the Kane High School boys competed with other schools in the area in the sport of basketball. It is likely that baseball and track were offered to the boys as well. Coaches names and team records are items we are interested in. Memories and great players are welcome as well.

Kevin Brown provides the following information on the Kane High School athletic program:

“The high school colors were red and green. I still have my fathers “K” varsity athletic letter. It is green with red trim. The Kane Elementary school cheerleaders sang a song at the games that went something like this:

“We are rough and we tough

And we’re the team thats hard to bluff,

La de da, our Hornets are the best

La de da, our Hornets are the best.”

This is possibly how the high school fight song went as well. My mother also passed along a little snibbit (cheer) about the high school,

“Red and green, red and green, the prettiest colors that you’ve ever seen”

This site brings back great memories. My sister also graduated from Kane about 1969.”

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Kane High School “Hornets” competed in basketball for certain. Several scores from the IHSA State Tourney were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.”

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

1st Rd Beat Hillview 28-12

2nd Rd lost to Modesto 31-19

Jerseyville beat Modesto in title game

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

1st Rd Beat Alsey 37-28

2nd Rd lost to Jerseyville 29-21

Jerseyville beat Murrayville in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Chesterfield 47-16

Jerseyville beat White Hall in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Jerseyville 46-27

Gillespie beat Jerseyville in title game.

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

1st Rd Beat Brighton 41-31

Semi-final lost to Shipman 21-19

Grafton beat Shipman in title game

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

1st Rd Beat Kampsville 28-21

Semi-final lost to Hillview 36-21

Hillview beat Medora in title game

1937-38 Coach’s name & record needed.

1938-39 Coach’s name & record needed.

1939-40 Coach’s name & record needed.

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

1st Rd lost to Alsey 49-28

Eldred beat Kampsville in title game.

1941-42 Coach’s name & record needed.

1942-43 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Grafton 65-18

Eldred beat Grafton in title game.

1943-44 Coach’s name & record needed.

1944-45 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Hillview 33-29

Scottsville beat Kampsville in title game

1945-46 Coach’s name & record needed.

1946-47 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Carrollton St. Johns 41-31

Eldred beat Grafton in title game

1947-48 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Kampsville 44-33

Grafton beat Eldred in title game

1948-49 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Hillview 48-38

Eldred beat Hillview in title game

1949-50 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Eldred 47-24

Carrollton St. Johns beat Kampsville in title game

1950-51 Eldred District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Carrollton St. Johns 48-34

Eldred beat Grafton in title game

1951-52 Grafton District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

*1st Rd lost to Hillview 48-38

Grafton beat Eldred in title game

*Last game ever played by the Kane High School “Hornets” basketball team.

Kane High School Girls Basketball Team – 1924-25

Submitted by Beverly Jones Gover

Girls Basketball

Kane High School competed in girls basketball for a short while in the 1920s. The photo to your right is of the Kane High School lady cagers of 1924-25. The photo was submitted by Beverly Jones Gover. The player standing next to the coach is Fay Holbert Reynolds. The last player in the line is Beverly’s mother, Audrey Davenport Jones. The names of the coach and three players in the middle of the line are being sought. Any information regarding the lady basketball program at Kane High School is welcome.

The following information was sent to us regarding the photo of the girl’s basketball team to the right.

“With regard to the picture of the Kane High School girls’ basketball team of 1925, the coach pictured Thomas G. Roady. He was the assistant principal of the Kane High School at the time and later was the principal. He remained principal until the high school closed in 1952.”

Extra-Curricular Activities

We know sports were not the only activity to help the KHS kids enjoy a well-rounded education. School plays, dances, clubs, intramurals, and many other activities were more than likely an important part of the Kane High School experience. Write to us if you have information on these activities you would like to share.

If You Have ANY Further Information Regarding Kane High School….

…please share it with the readers of this site. You can send photos and information to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also mail items to us at:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

**KANE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PROGRAM 1902 – SUBMITTED BY MARK SUTTON**

Kampsville High School “Kingsfishers”

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Kampsville High School Building – 1939

Submitted by Kerby Suhling

M.L. Kamp – Founder of Kampsville

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The History of Kampsville High School

Kampsville (population 302) is located in lower western Illinois in the upper eastern area of Calhoun County. The town is located about 35 miles northwest of St. Louis. Illinois Routes 100 and 96 intersect in town. Kampsville sits on the banks of the Illinois River and is about 8 miles east of the mighty Mississippi River.

The town was originally settled by Civil War veteran Captain M. L. Kamp, who dubbed it Farrow Town. Kamp was such a popular figure in the area that the name was soon changed to Kampsville in his honor. The town is well-known for its rich history and archaeological significance. A well-written history of the town can be viewed the following web address:

http://www.greatriverroad.com/Cities/Kampsville/kampsvilleCover.htm. What a great little town with a storied past!

The history of Kampsville High School is available on the Roots Web address of http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilcalhou/Education/ruralschools.pdf . This information is copied below:

“Kampsville had a two or three-year high school from 1917 to 1939, when the voters of the community approved a new district and organized a four-year high school. This school, recognized by the state, continued in operation until 1951, when it was closed and the high school pupils were taken to Hardin. The problems at Kampsville were financial, as the district did not have enough taxing power to support a high school.”

Kampsville High School Class of 1939

Courtesy of Kerby Suhling

The original Kampsville High School building as well as the two major additions are all still standing. The Kampsville school was open as a K-8 facility until 1992, converted to a junior high, and it served in that capacity until 2000. Once fully deactivated, it was sold to the Kampsville American Legion, which currently maintains it for community use. (Thank you to Justin Lee for providing this information on the Kampsville school building.)

Kampsville High School Quick Facts

Year opened, 2 or 3-year HS: 1917

Year became 4-year HS: 1939

Year closed: 1951

Consolidated to: Calhoun County School District (Hardin)

Kampsville HS team nickname: the “Kingfishers”

Team colors: Orange, Black, & White?

School FIght Song: unavailable

Athletics

We know very little about Kampsville High School athletics. According to the memories of a site fan, Dick Heitholt, the KHS kids competed in basketball for sure. A yearbook for Kampsville High School of the 1938-39 school year located by Kerby Suhling shows the Kingfishers competed in track as well. Baseball may also have been offered.

Kampsville HS Basketball Team – 1938-39

A group of men posing for a photo

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Courtesy of Kerby Suhling

Boys Basketball

The Kingfishers may not have won any IHSA hardware, but they certainly earned a reputation of hard-nosed competitors in the area. The boys of 1938-39 sported an overall record of 8 – 11. Members of the team pictured to your right included the starters in the back row and team members listed as follows:

back row:

Kinser, Hancock, Totzell (capt.), Vetter, and Draper

front row:

Farnbach, Angel, Armstrong, Angel, K., Leach

According to an article recapping the team’s season, a new gymnasium for the school was completed in the late autumn of 1938 and made available for the boys to play in that year.

Kampsville HS Track Team – 1938-39

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Submitted by Kerby Suhling

Boys Track & Field

The Kingfisher “thinclads” of 1938-39 had a nice season as well. The team won dual meets with Hardin and Pearl. In addition the Kingfishers finished THIRD in the Tri-County League Meet held on Kampsville’s new track! Members of the league that participated in the meet included Hardin, Alsey, Kane, Manchester, Eldred, Woodson, Hillview, Grafton, and Patterson. Sadly all are schools that are now gone, but well remembered on this site.

Members of the track team pictured top your right include:

Back Row:

K. Angel, Roundcount, Vetter, Kinser, Totzell, Hancock, L. Angel, Armstrong.

Front Row:

Schumann, D. Armstrong, Leach, Johns, W. Angel.

*Totzell set a new school record in the discus this year with a toss of 113′ 07″!!

Great Athlete

*Raymond Schuman – played at Kampsville in the early 1940s. Dick Heitholt had this to say about Ray:

“I first heard about Ray when I was in high school at Payson, Illinois in the early 1940s. He once scored in the 50s in basketball in 1943 or 1944. He did not immediately go to college but was a renowned independent player in Western Illinois with the Nebo Blue Devils where I remember his normal scoring was in the 40s. A left hander, he was also an outstanding baseball player.

“In about 1952, Ray was persuaded to go to Hannibal LaGrange Junior College in Hannibal, Mo to play basketball. He made an immediate impact leading Hannibal LaGrange to the final four of the 1953 National Junior College Tournament (I think they got 3rd). Ray scored 34, 47, 37, and 41 points-a total of 159 points, which remains the record to date. One of his teammates was Cotton Fitzsimmons, the Bowling Green, Mo, towhead, of National Basketball Association coaching fame.

“At 79 or 80 years old, Ray continues to be active–dominating many national Senior Olympic events and also plays softball on a national championship team from Michigan. Ray coached at West Pike High School for a number of years, the same school I started a coaching career. I think he is one of the top athletes I have known.

“Incidently, Ray’s Hannibal LaGrange Coach was Howard Dewell, who came to Quincy High School as basketball coach and became an effective Dean of Students when I was Principal at Quincy. Howard also remains active in Senior Olympics.”

Need More Information

If you have ANY further information to offer regarding the many accomplishments and achievements made by the students and townspeople of Kampsville and its High School, please share it with us. School nickname, team colors, fight song, as well as other non-athletic related items are being sought. A photo of the original Kampsville High School building would especially be welcome. These items can be e-mailed to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or real-mailed to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

KHS Yearbook Dedication – 1939

Thank you to Kerby Suhling – (left click to enlarge)

KHS’ First Yearbook – 1938-39 School Year

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Submitted by Kerby Suhling

(Joy) Westmer High School “Warriors”

Posted on March 3, 2022June 15, 2024 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Joy Westmer HS Building – Now Mercer County GS

Photo Taken by Richard Soseman

Westmer HS Building Front

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Courtesy of Richard Soseman

The History of Westmer High School

Joy (population 373) is located in the near northwestern part of the state on Il. Rt. 17 approximately 7.5 miles east of the Mississippi River. The town is located in the middle-western portion of Mercer County, approximately 30 miles (as the crow flies) southwest of the Quad Cities.

Keithsburg (population 714) is located in upper-western Illinois along the banks of the Mississippi River. For further information, Keithsburg is in the southwest corner of Mercer County, about 45 miles southwest of the Quad Cities.

New Boston (population 632) is located on the banks of the Mississippi River along Il. Rt. 17. New Boston is located in the western portion of Mercer County placing it approximately 40 miles due southwest of the Quad Cities.

Eliza (population 20) is a small hamlet located on County Highway 8 at the intersection of 155th Avenue in western Mercer County.

Joy, Keithsburg, and New Boston each supported their own high school from the early 1900s through the 1959-60 school year. It was in the spring of 1960 the decision was made to merge the educational resources of these three towns, and of nearby Eliza, to create a new district. Beginning with the 1960-61 school year the new school district was in effect.

Westmer HS Side View With Sign

A sign in front of a building

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Provided by Richard Soseman

Since all towns involved in this merger were located in the western portion of Mercer County, a unique name emerged for the district. It was appropriately named the Westmer School District. The high school was situated at a location that gave it an address in Joy.

Westmer High School existed through the 2008-09 school year. Consolidation talks with nearby Aledo had been on-going for several years. In the fall of 2008 the voters of Aledo and Westmer agreed to support a consolidation effort between the two schools. The spring of 2009 would be the last for Westmer High School, and for Aledo High School, as the previous 49 years had known them.

The new district has been named the Mercer County School District. The high school will be located in Aledo. Kathy Olson tells us the former Westmer High School facility will now be utilized as the Mercer County Junior High School for 7th and 8th graders.

The enrollment of Westmer High School for the 2008-09 school year was 169, according to www.ihsa.org.

Westmer High School Quick Facts

Year formed: 1960

Year closed: 2009

Consolidated to: Mercer County School District #404 (Aledo)

Westmer HS nickname: the “Warriors”

Westmer HS colors: Columbian Blue & Scarlet

Westmer HS Fight Song: “On Ye Warriors”

Sung to “On Wisconsin”

Courtesy of Kathy Olson

On ye Warriors, on ye Warriors,

March to the Vic-tor-y!

We will win this game tonight

If the West-mer Warr-iors Fight,

Fight, Fight, Fight

Keep on fighting, keep on winning,

Hold your banners high!

Onward now to vic-tor-y

For West-mer High.

ATHLETICS

The Westmer High School Warriors and Lady Warriors had some great seasons during the 49 years the school was open. The best success on a state-competition level came in the sport of Cross Country. Successful seasons were experienced in other sports as well. We are still looking for the Westmer High School fight song. The following records and results were found on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org).

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

The boys cross country harriers had two top-5 finishes in state finals competition. In addition, the program qualified the team for the state finals 7 times, won 7 Regional Championships, and one Sectional Championship. Two boys also placed in the top twenty in different years!

1985-86 12 – 0 IHSA Finalist – FOURTH PLACE!! Coach Doug Crowell

Regional Champions

STATE MEET FINAL STANDINGS

                          1) Elmwood                             69

                           2) Pontiac                              93

                           3) Yorkville                            126

                           4) Joy (Westmer)                  152

                           5) Streator (Woodland)           170

1987-88 Regional Champions! Coach Doug Crowell

1989-90 Regional Champions! Coach Doug Crowell

1991-92 10 – 1 Regional Champions! Coach Doug Crowell

1992-93 12 – 0 IHSA Finalist – FIFTH PLACE!! Coach Doug Crowell

Regional Champions

Individual Medalist

Steve Leathers 19TH Place!!

                           STATE MEET FINAL STANDINGS

                           1) St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden)       101

                           2) Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm)109

                           3) Coal City                            117

                           4) Normal (University)              140

                           5) Joy (Westmer)                   161

1993-94 4 – 2 Team Qualified for State Meet Coach Doug Crowell

1997-98 Regional Champions! Coach Jeff Sedam

1999-00 Regional Champions! Coach Jeff Sedam

1997-98 Regional Champions! Coach Jeff Sedam

1998-99 Individual Medalist Coach Jeff Sedam

Cory Shook 19TH Place!!

1999-00 Regional Champions! Coach Jeff Sedam

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The Lady Warriors also enjoyed some great success in the cross country venue. The girls won a Regional Championship, a Sectional Championship, and qualified the entire tema for the state meet on two other occassions!

1991-92 Team Qualified for State Meet Coach Doug Crowell

1992-93 Team Qualified for State Meet Coach Doug Crowell

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

1993-94    4 – 2                                                           Coach Doug Crowell

1994-95                                                                      Coach Doug Crowell

1995-96    8 – 1                                                           Coach Doug Crowell

1996-97                                                                      Coach Doug Crowell

1997-98    6 – 4                                                           Coach Jeff Sedam

Westmer HS Gymnasium

Courtesy of Richard Soseman

BOYS BASKETBALL

The following seasons were recorded on the IHSA website. As you can see, the boys had some great years on the hardwood court. Unfortunately the last few seasons were not nearly as successful in terms of wins and losses. The program failed to secure a Regional or District title, but it did reside in a true “hotbed” of high school sports.

1973-74   20 – 6      Coach Doug Crowell

1976-77    4 – 19    Coach Neil Alexander

1987-88    3 – 18    Coach Brad Jackson

1988-89   0 – 25    Coach Brad Jackson

1989-90   12 – 16    Coach Jay Bizarri

1990-91    5 – 20    Coach Jay Bizarri

1991-92   17 – 8      Coach Jay Bizarri

1992-93   22 – 7      Coach Jay Bizarri

1993-94   0 – 24    Coach Matt Elder

1994-95    9 – 15    Coach Darren Bizarri

1995-96    9 – 17    Coach Darren Bizarri

1996-97    6 – 19    Coach Darren Bizarri

1997-98   11 – 15    Coach Darren Bizarri

1998-99   12 – 18    Coach Darren Bizarri

1999-00   12 – 14    Coach Ken McCance

2000-01    6 – 19    Coach Carl Carlson

2001-02    1 – 24    Coach Carl Carlson

2002-03    2 – 20    Coach Carl Carlson

2003-04    0 – 24    Coach Carl Carlson

2004-05    0 – 25    Coach Carl Carlson

2005-06    1 – 27    Coach Stephen Bradsaw

2006-07    0 – 26    Coach Stephen Bradsaw

The following are records that Westmer High School holds or was a part of in boys basketball. The records reflect the all-time ranking of the record in the history of boys basketball as recorded by the IHSA (www.ihsa.org).

Most points in one quarter/ two teams combined:

(#1) 81, Joy (Westmer) (45) vs. Kewanee (Wethersfield), (36), 1992-93 (4th quarter)

Most points in one quarter/ one team:

(#13) 45, Joy (Westmer) vs. Kewanee (Wethersfield), 1992-93 (4th quarter)

3-point FG Made, one game, one team:

(#29) 15, Joy (Westmer) vs. Princeville, Jan. 6, 1998

Consecutive 3-point FGs Game/ Individual

(#26) 5, J.R. Brown, Joy (Westmer) vs. Princeville, Jan. 6, 1998

Most Wins Coach, Career

(#50) 546*, Neil Alexander, Joy (Westmer), Monmouth (Yorkwood), Bushnell (B.-Prairie City), Lincoln, 1976-2007 (546-295)

Highest Win %, Coach, Career

(#27) .635, Neil Alexander, Joy (Westmer), Monmouth (Yorkwood), Bushnell (B.-Prairie City), Lincoln, 1976-2007 (546-295)

Westmer HS Press Box

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Courtesy of Richard Soseman

Westmer Football Field Announcers “Crow’s Nest”

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Photo by Richard Soseman

Westmer Warriors Grid Iron Goal Post & Score Board

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Submitted by Richard Soseman

FOOTBALL

The Warriors of the grid iron held their own in a very rough and tumble football area. During the program’s reign, at least what is reported on the IHSA website, the Warriors earned their way into the Class 1A football playoffs on six occasions. Several season records are missing, the ones we do have are listed below.

1968-69    5 – 2 – 1

1969-70    5 – 2 – 1

1984-85    2 – 7                                                         Coach Gary Heard

1985-86    0 – 9                                                         Coach Rick Reading

1986-87    0 – 9                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

1987-88    4 – 5                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

1988-89    4 – 5                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

1989-90    8 – 3    Qualified for IHSA 1A Playoffs      Coach Robert Stockham
                          Beat Cambridge 18 – 7

                          Lost to Alexis      12 -10

1990-91 4 – 5 Coach Robert Stockham

1991-92 4 – 5 Coach Robert Stockham

1992-93 6 – 4 Qualified for IHSA 1A Playoffs Coach Robert Stockham

Lost to Carthage 36 – 26

1993-94 7 – 3 Qualified for IHSA 1A Playoffs Coach Robert Stockham

Lost to Monmouth (Warren) 32 – 16

1994-95 4 – 5 Coach Robert Stockham

1995-96 6 – 4 Qualified for IHSA 1A Playoffs Coach Robert Stockham

Lost to Sterling (Newman) 47 – 6

1996-97    2 – 7                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

1997-98    0 – 9                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

1998-99    3 – 6                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

1999-00 6 – 4 Qualified for IHSA 1A Playoffs Coach Marty Sanders

Lost to Lexington 49 – 8

2000-01 5 – 4 Coach Marty Sanders

2001-02 8 – 2 Qualified for IHSA 1A Playoffs Coach Marty Sanders

Lost to ROWVA 13 – 0

2002-03    3 – 6                                                         Coach Marty Sanders

2003-04    1 – 8                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

2004-05    0 – 9                                                         Coach Robert Stockham

The following are records that Westmer High School holds or was a part of in boys football. The records reflect the all-time ranking of the record in the history of boys basketball as recorded by the IHSA (www.ihsa.org).

Fewest Yards Allowed Passing/Game

(#2) -13, Joy (Westmer) vs.Monmouth (Warren), 1983

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Three Lady Warrior thinclads brought home a total of FIVE medals in IHSA state meet competition. Jill Dennison led the way earning three of those medals. The girls also had some great dual meet records under coach Gary Heard.

1984-85 Individual Medalist – Teresa Dehon Discus 3RD Place!!

1985-86 Individual Medalist – Lisa Carey 400M Dash 4TH Place!!

1989-90 3 – 1 Coach Gary Heard

Individual Medalist – Jill Dennison Discus 2ND Place!!

1990-91 6 – 1 Coach Gary Heard

Individual Medalist – Jill Dennison Discus 2ND Place!!

Jill Dennison Shot Put 7TH Place!!

1991-92    6 – 0          Coach Gary Heard

1992-93    4 – 2          Coach Gary Heard

1993-94    4 – 4          Coach Michelle Aldinger

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Three boys from the track program brought home a total of five medals from the IHSA state meet. One relay team also earned a medal. Brian Dennison led the way with three medals of his own!!

1984-85 Individual Medalist – Brian Dennison Shot Put 4TH Place!!

1985-86 Individual Medalist – Brian Dennison Shot Put 2ND Place!!

Brian Dennison Discus 8TH Place!!

Tim Long 800 M Run 7TH Place!!

1991-92 Relay Team Medalist – 4x800M Relay 4TH Place!!

2004-05 Individual Medalist – Keith Lincoln 110M Hrdls. 9TH Place!!

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Warrior netters had some nice seasons. Though no IHSA hardware was won, the team had a great year, and won many games. THe records as found on the IHSA website are listed below.

1990-91   11 – 12           Coach Jim Campbell

1991-92    9 – 15           Coach Jeannette Neeld

1992-93     9 – 13 – 1      Coach Jeannette Neeld

1993-94   13 – 10 – 1      Coach Jeannette Neeld

1997-98   22 – 4             Coach Jeannette Neeld

2005-06    9 – 20 – 1      Coach Heather Randall

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Warriors of the hardwood court had some great seasons as well. THey also hold some IHSA records that will be tough to beat!

1995-96    5 – 20            Coach Grant Smith

1996-97 14 – 12            Coach Grant Smith

1997-98  19 – 7              Coach Grant Smith

2005-06 6 – 20 Coach Steve Mosley

2006-07 3 – 20 Coach Steve Mosley

The following are records that Westmer High School holds or was a part of in girls basketball. The records reflect the all-time ranking of the record in the history of boys basketball as recorded by the IHSA (www.ihsa.org).

Most Free Throws Attempted/Game/Both Teams

(#4) 97, Joy (Westmer) (50) vs. Rockridge (47), Feb. 10, 1998

(Also listed in the National HS Basketball Record Book!)

Most Fouls Game/Both Teams

(#4) 68, Joy (Westmer) (33) vs. Rockridge (35), Feb. 10, 1998

Most Free Throws/ Both Teams in a Game

(#5) 59, Joy (Westmer) (27) vs. Rockridge (32), Feb. 10, 1998

Most Free Throws Attempted/Game/Team

(#9) 50, Joy (Westmer) vs. Rockridge, Feb. 10, 1998

Most Fouls Game/Team

(#9) 33, Joy (Westmer) vs. Rockridge, Feb. 10, 1998

Most Free Throws/ One Team in a Game

(#36) 27, Joy (Westmer) vs. Rockridge, Feb. 10, 1998

SCHOLASTIC BOWL

The Westmer extra-curricular program was not all about sports. There was a scholastic bowl team, however we do not currently have results from this program.

2000-01 Unknown results or coach’s name.

Do You Have Information on Westmer High School?

If you do, please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. A photo of the original school building and gymnasium are especially being sought. You can also send items to us at:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Jonesboro High School

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

The History of Jonesboro High School

Jonesboro (population 1,838) is located in far southern Illinois in central Union County. Illinois Route 127 is the main roadway leading to and from Jonesboro. The Dutch Creek flows by the southside of town. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad travels alongside Route 127 through Jonesboro. A brief history of the town is found at http://www.shawneeheartland.com/towns.html . According to the Shawnee Heartland website, Jonesboro was originally settled in 1818 and is one of the oldest towns in Illinois.

A school system for Jonesboro students was begun in the early to mid 1800s. A high school was in place by the 1870s. Jonesboro High School served the community until 1918. It was in this early year that the residents could foresee the benefit of consolidating the three school districts within the mile radius of their town. Jonesboro High School consolidated its efforts with Anna High School and Union High School to form the Anna-Jonesboro Community School District. Union High School Campus in Anna provided the original facilities for the high school of the Anna-Jonesboro School District. More on the early history of the Anna-Jonesboro School District can be read at the following website address:

http://www.ajchs.union.k12.il.us/history.HTM

http://www.shawneeheartland.com/history.html

The fate of the original Jonesboro High School building is being sought.

Jonesboro High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s

Year closed: 1918

Consolidated to: Anna-Jonesboro Community High School

Jonesboro HS team nickname: unavailable

JHS team colors: unavailable

JHS School Fight Song: unavailable

Athletics

It is only a guess, but we believe that Jonesboro High School offered baseball, basketball, and track. The school did not win any IHSA hardware, in fact it was barely open long enough to compete in IHSA sports. Other extra-curricular activites were likely offered as well. If you have ANY information regarding the short history of Jonesboro High School, please contact us via the means below.

Need More Information

If you have ANY further information to offer regarding the many accomplishments and achievements made by the students and townspeople of Jonesboro and its original High School, please share it with us. School athletic items as well as other non-athletic related items are being sought. A photo of the original Jonesboro High School building would especially be welcome. These items can be e-mailed to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or “real-mailed” to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Joliet West High School “Tigers”

Posted on March 3, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Joliet West High School

Now the West Campus for Joliet Township HS (courtesy of http://www.jths.org)

Joliet (population 129,519) is located in northeastern Illinois in west-central Will County. In fact, is the county seat of Will County and spills over into Kendall County to the west. Joliet was platted in 1834 and officially incorporated in 1852. After much discussion over the town’s early name (it was known as Juliet from 1834 to 1845), the Joliet was settled upon to honor Louis Joliet, famous explorer who first viewed the area in 1673.

According to MapQuest (www.mapquest.com), Joliet has several major roadways and railways leading to and from it. Interstate Highway 80 is the main thoroughfare leading to Joliet, which is located just east of Interstate Highway 55. The Illinois Routes of 7, 53, and 171 as well as the U.S. Routes of 6, 30, and 52 all lead to Joliet. The Des Plaines River flows through town as it has for thousands of years. Railroad tracks include Amtrak, the Atchison, Topeka & Sante Fe, the Elgin, Joliet, & Eastern, and the Illinois Central Gulf.

Joliet’s excellent location led to its population bursting soon after its incorporation. A high school for the children of the town was certainly in place by the late 1800s. The residents of Joliet were served by one high school (Joliet Township High School) for several years. The student population continued to grow each decade, finally forcing the issue of having more than one high school to appropriately serve the community. In the early 1960s, this initiative was realized. The year was 1964 when two new high schools emerged, Joliet West & Joliet East, were opened to relieve overcrowding at Joliet Township High (which was renamed Joliet Central).

Joliet West served the community tremendously for over three decades until declining enrollment forced the Joliet Township HS Board of Education to make a decision in the mid-1990s. After much discussion, it was decided to keep Joliet West open, but only as the West Campus of Joliet Township High School in 1993. In essence, the building still houses freshmen thru seniors like the former Joliet Central does, but there is only one program for extra-curricular activities that serves both buildings.

UPDATE (1/16/2009): We have been informed that the two schools will resume hosting their own extra-curricular and athletic programs in full force beginning in the fall of 2011.

FACTS ABOUT JOLIET WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Year opened: 1964

Year closed: 1993

Now used as: West Campus for Joliet Township HS

School Nickname: Tigers

School Colors: Black, Gold & White

School Song: “Joliet West Fight Song”.

Composed and lyrics written by choir director Roy Johnson

Lyrics provided by David Musson

Go, West High

Go, Tigers

Fight! Show the foe your might

Victory and glory bring

Every loyal son will sing, RAH! RAH! RAH!

Black, Gold and White

West is best, and that’s our battle cry

Loyalty and honor to the men of Joliet West High!

T-T-T-I-G

E-E-E-R-S

T-I-G

E-R-S

Tigers!

ATHLETICS

As a significantly-sized school (around 1,500 enrollment), Joliet West offered a wide variety of sports. According to the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org), the boys had football, basketball, baseball, track, wrestling, golf, cross-country, and tennis along with swimming and soccer, while the girls had volleyball, cross-country, golf, basketball, swimming, track, softball, tennis, bowling, and possibly soccer. If anyone has information regarding soccer information for both the boys and girls at Joliet West along with boys’ swimming, please contact us at eganann@sbcglobal.net.

Joliet West’s Mascot:

According to Joliet fan Darrell G. Holmquist:

“West’s original mascot was the “Westmen”, a kind of Viking. Because legendary football coach Ray Klootwyk was nicknamed “Tiger” and coached there until his very premature death of leukemia in the late 1970’s. The nickname “Tigers” evolved as West’s mascot.”

Patricia McCann (Class of 1966) tells us her personal experience of the Tiger nickname:

“When I was a junior, the first year that Joliet West opened, we had an election to select our mascot and also the name of the student paper. We voted to approve the “Tiger” as the mascot, and many of us were influenced by Coach Ray Klootwyk’s nickname of “Tiger”. We also named the school paper, “The Tiger Tales”. As a fundraiser that year, they sold yellow and black striped fabric tiger tails to bring to games, and the gym was packed with kids waiving tiger tales. We were “The Tigers” that first year in all athletic events, and we were still Tigers when I graduated on June 9, 1966.”

WRESTLING

No doubt, wrestling was the main sport at Joliet West. The Tigers qualified a number of people for the state finals, with nine of them coming home with state championships. As a team, Joliet West won a state title, had 10 top-10 finishes, and seven of those 10 were in the top four! We are in need of coaches’ names along with win-loss records to teams listed below.

1966 Mike Cookas 145 lbs—2nd Place

1967 District Champions Coach unknown

Ron Brown 103 lbs—4th Place

Mike Cookas 145 lbs—4th Place

1968 District & Sectional Champions Coach unknown

Ron Brown 112 lbs—3rd Place

1969 District Champions Coach unknown

Dave Wright 180 lbs—3rd Place

1970 Eighth in State Finals Coach unknown

Jarrett Hubbard 145 lbs—STATE CHAMPION!!

Joe Crisp HWT——-6th Place

1972 Sectional Champions Coach unknown

Sixth in State Finals

Jack Darin 98 lbs—6th Place

Ellis Betts 112 lbs—6th Place

Marvin Carson 167 lbs—STATE CHAMPION!!

1973 Fourth in State Finals Coach unknown

John Cabrera 98 lbs—2nd Place

Dwayne McCallum 167 lbs—3rd Place

1974 Third in AA State Finals Coach unknown

John Cabrera 105 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

Dwayne McCallum 167 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

1976 District Champions Coach unknown

Greg McCallum 126 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

1977 Second in AA State Finals Coach unknown

Dane Nasenbenny 98 lbs—2nd Place

Greg McCallum 132 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

Curt Phelps 167 lbs—3rd Place

1978 Sectional Champions Coach unknown

Second in AA State Finals

Dane Nasenbenny 98 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

Tim Moore 138 lbs—6th Place

Jeff Dillman 155 lbs—5th Place

Curt Phelps 167 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

1979 District & Sectional Champions Coach unknown

Second in AA State Finals

Todd Sterr 98 lbs—2nd Place

Dane Nasenbenny 105 lbs—2nd Place

Ted Cook 155 lbs—2nd Place

1980 District & Sectional Champions Coach unknown

Todd Sterr 105 lbs—2nd Place

1981 AA STATE CHAMPIONS!!!! Coach Mike Cookas

Phil Daniels 98 lbs—6th Place

Todd Sterr 112 lbs—AA STATE CHAMPION!!

Steve DeJarld 126 lbs—4th Place

Tom Anderson 155 lbs—3rd Place

1982 Tenth at AA State Finals Coach unknown

District & Sectional Champions

Brad Peterson 98 lbs—4th Place

Dean Magro 185 lbs—2nd Place

1983 Regional & Sectional Champions Coach unknown

1984 11-8-1 Fourth in AA State Finals Coach Mike Cookas

Regional & Sectional Champions

Craig Sterr 112 lbs—2nd Place

Mike Moreno 145 lbs—6th Place

1985 Mike Honiotes 145 lbs—4th Place

Keith Reinhard 185 lbs—3rd Place

1987 Booker Hopson 119 lbs—2nd Place

1989 Doug Buell 171 lbs—5th Place

1990 Monte Love 160 lbs—5th Place

1991 Derek Kinder 152 lbs—5th Place

1992 Derek Kinder 189 lbs—3rd Place

GREAT JOB BY THE TIGER TANGLERS!!!!

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

When the Illinois High School Association began offering a state championship in girls’ hoops, Joliet West was one of the first teams to claim the first place trophy. The Lady Tigers made it out of a very competitive hotbed of girls’ basketball (Joliet East, Joliet Central, and St. Francis Academy were also very good) to be members of the “Elite Eight” the first two years, and the school went on to win four more Class AA regionals before 1993.

1976-77 26-2 Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Jo Streit

Beat Harvey Thornton 51-50 in 2 OT @ Supersectional

Elite Eight Finalist

Lost to Centralia 56-47 in quarterfinals

(Cathy Boswell named to all-tournament team)

1977-78 29-2 STATE CHAMPIONS!!! Coach Jo Streit

Regional & Sectional Champions

Supersectional Winners over Harvey Thornton 51-44

Elite Eight Finalist

Beat Chicago Marshall 64-46 in quarterfinals

Downed Moline 60-40 in semifinals

Defeated Lincoln 64-48 in title game

(Cathy Boswell & Elaine Holpuch named to all-tourney team)

1986-87 AA Regional Champs Coach Bob Dwyer

1987-88 AA Regional Champs Coach Bob Dwyer

1988-89 AA Regional Champs Coach Bob Dwyer

1989-90 26-5 AA Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Tracy Djerf

Lost in Supersectional to Aurora West 60-50

Three players wound up receiving All-State honors while representing Joliet West. Cathy Boswell was a three-time all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune in 1977-78-79, and received the same honor from the Champaign News-Gazette in 1979. Alison Arnoldi and Jackie Williams were also honored in 1990 by the Chicago Sun-Times, while Williams was also on the News-Gazette’s all-state list that year. Williams repeated with both papers the next year, and was added to the Tribune‘s all-state team in 1991.

WELL DONE, LADY TIGERS!!

1977-78 State AA Basketball Champs

BOYS’ GOLF

The Tigers were known for honing their game on the Joliet-area courses to the point that they were in the top 10 of the team standings at the state tournament

four times in nine years. Also to be considered is that three players were in contention for state medalist honors in two of those seasons.

1968 10th in State Coach unknown

District Champs & Qualified for State

1969 3rd in State Coach unknown

District Champs & Qualified for State

Team Standings

1-Belleville West 628

2-St. Charles 630

3-Joliet West 633

4-Homewood-Flossmoor 634

5-Galesburg 639

Northfield New Trier W. 639

7-Champaign Central 646

8-Freeport 647

Glen Ellyn Glenbard W. 647

Park Ridge Maine E. 647

Individual Efforts

Ted Meier tied for 7th (153)

John Wilson tied for 13th (155)

1970 Tied for 4th at State Meet Coach unknown

District Champs & Qualfied for State Finals

Team Standings

1-Homewood-Flossmoor 618

2-Belleville West 628

Waukegan 628

4-Galesburg 629

Joliet West 629

Champaign Central 629

7-Northfield New Trier W. 630

Park Ridge Maine E. 630

9-Quincy 632

10-Dixon 634

Individual Effort

Dave Johnson tied for 8th (152)

1974 Sectional Champions Coach unknown

Qualified for State Tournament

1977 7th in AA State Coacn unknown

District & Sectional Champs

1978 District Champs Coach unknown

Qualified for State Tournament

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

The Tiger thinclads of Joliet West High School had some incredible successes over the years. Led by Hall of Fame coach John Harr, the boys won the IHSA State Class AA Championship in 1990!! The team also finished thrid in 1988 and eighth in 1972. Several boys placed in the top 8 including SIX Gold Medalist performances. The record of the Joliet West Boys Track & Field team, as found on www.ihsa.org is listed below.

1966-67 District Champions

1968-69 Individual Medalist

Bob Cipolle 120 Yard Hurdles 3RD Place

1969-70 District Champions

1970-71 District Champions

Individual State Meet Medalists

Gary Woolford 180 Yard Hurdles 3RD Place

Bob Hertel 120 Yard Hurdles 6TH Place

1971-72 Team Placed EIGHTH in IHSA State Meet!!

District Champions

Individual State Meet Medalist

Gary Woolford 120 Yard Hurdles STATE CHAMPION!
180 Yard Hurdles 3RD Place

Final Team Standings

1) Evanston (Twp.) 28

2) Chicago Heights (Bloom Twp.) 20

3) Alton (Sr.) 13

4) Harvey (Thornton) 12

4) Lebanon 12

6) Hillside (Proviso West) 11

7) East St. Louis (Sr.) 10

8) Joliet (West) 9

1972-73 District Champions

1976-77 Individual State Meet Medalist

Dan Reinhardt Discus 4TH Place

1978-79 Individual State Meet Medalist

Terry Matichak Long Jump 8TH Place

1980-81 Individual State Meet Medalist

Brian Phillips Discus 3RD Place

1983-84AA Sectional Champions

Individual State Meet Medalists

Charles Hogue 100 Meter Dash 4TH Place

Derrick Foster High Jump 5TH Place
Relay Team 4×100 Meter Rel. 6TH Place

Felix Adams Triple Jump 8TH Place

1984-85AA Individual State Meet Medalists

                   Paul Jones        Long Jump            4TH Place
Triple Jump           3RD Place
Derrick Foster   High Jump             7TH Place

1985-86AA Individual State Meet Medalist

Paul Jones Long Jump 2ND Place
Triple Jump 4TH Place

1986-87AA Individual State Meet Medalist

Steve Kelly 400 Meter Dash 3RD Place
Relay Team 4×100 Meter Relay 7TH Place

1987-88AA Team Placed THIRD in IHSA State ‘AA’ Meet!!

Individual State Meet Medalists

                   Relay Team   4×100 Meter Relay  STATE CHAMPIONS!!
Steve Kelly      100 Meter Dash       STATE CHAMPION!!
400 Meter Dash       STATE CHAMPION!!

Relay Team 4×400 Meter Relay 6TH Place

Final Team Standings

1) Chicago Heights (Bloom Twp.) 38

2) East St. Louis (Sr.) 37

3) Joliet (West) 33

4) Rock Island (H.S.) 29

5) Aurora (West) 22

1988-89AA Individual State Meet Medalists

                   John Foskett           1989AA pole vault     1
Tony Marion            1989AA high jump      7
Rich Walters           1989AA 400m dash      7

1989-90AA TEAM WON IHSA ‘AA’ CHAMPIONSHIP!! Coach John Harr

Sectional Champions

Individual State Meet Medalists

Relay Team 4×400 Meter Relay STATE CHAMPIONS!!

                   Terry Collins    110 Meter Hurdles   STATE CHAMPION!!
300 Meter Hurdles   3RD Place
Relay Team     4×100 Meter Relay  2ND Place
Tony Marion    High Jump              2ND Place

                   John Foskett    Pole Vault              2ND Place
Relay Team     4×200 Meter Relay  6TH Place
Darnell Jordan 400 Meter Dash       6TH Place

Final Team Standings

1) Joliet (West) 56

2) East St. Louis (Sr.) 61

3) Danville (H.S.) 38

3) Waukegan (West) 38

5) Elmhurst (York) 27

1990-91AA Individual State Meet Medalists

Relay Team 4×100 Meter Relay 2ND Place
Terry Collins 110 Meter Hurdles 2ND Place

Relay Team 4×200 Meter Relay 8TH Place

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

The Lady Tiger track program was among the elite at the state AA finals, placing in the top ten three times within a four-year period, and having a relay along with one individual (Chris Crowther) bring home gold in three events.

1974 Carolyn Davis 6th Place—High Jump

1975 Mickey Barnes 7th Place—Shotput

1977 Mickey Barnes 3rd Place—Shotput

3rd Place—Discus

1978 DISTRICT CHAMPS Coach unknown

Mickey Barnes 4th Place—Shotput

1979 3RD IN AA MEET Coach unknown

TEAM STANDINGS

1-East St. Louis Lincoln 64

2-East St. Louis Senior 54

3-Joliet West 29.5

4-Bensenville Fenton 24

5-Chicago Dunbar 20

Dolton Thornridge 20

Rock Falls 20

8-Chicago Lindblom 19

9-Wheaton North 18

10-Chicago Calumet 17

880 YD Medley Relay STATE CHAMPIONS!!!

(Members: Chris Crowther, Sylvia Freudenthaller, Shirley Hayes, Sheila Stobart)
440 YD Relay 2nd Place

Chris Crowther 5th Place—440 dash

7th Place—220 dash

Darlene Swank 3rd Place—1 mile

1980 4TH IN AA STATE FINALS Coach unknown

TEAM STANDINGS

1-East St. Louis Lincoln 61.5

2-Chicago South Shore 45

3-East St. Louis Senior 35.5

4-Joliet West 29

5-North Chicago 25

6-Evanston 23

7-Chicago Hts. Bloom Trail 22

8-Downers Grove North 18

Wheaton North 18

10-Oak Lawn 15.5

400 meter relay 4th Place

Sheila Stobert 8th Place—Long Jump

Chris Crowther 8th Place—200 Dash

2nd Place—200 Hurdles

2nd Place—400 Dash

Lisa McCollum 3rd Place—Shotput

1981 10th IN AA STATE FINALS Coach unknown

TEAM STANDINGS

1-Chicago South Shore 52

2-East St. Louis Lincoln 48

3-East St. Louis Senior 44

4-Chicago Hts. Bloom Trail 35

5-Blue Island Eisenhower 29

6-Country Club Hills Hillcrest 24

7-Addison Trail 23

8-Park Ridge Maine East 18

9-Harvey Thornton 17

10-Joliet West 16

Moline 16

Glen Ellyn Glenbard West 16

400 Meter Relay 7th Place

Lisa McCollum 7th Place—Discus

Chris Crowther 3rd Place—200 Hurdles

3rd Place—400 Dash

1982 6th IN AA STATE FINALS Coach unknown

Chris Crowther 200 Hurdles—STATE CHAMPION!!!

400 Dash—STATE CHAMPION!!!

1987 Kim Whitener Long Jump—5th Place

1988 Kim Whitener Long Jump—7th Place

1990 Laurie Goolsby 800 Run—5th Place

1991 800 Relay 3rd Place

Lakesha Drains 100 Dash—8th Place

1992 Lakesha Drains 100 Dash—6th Place

200 Dash—6th Place

BASEBALL

The Tigers won seven regionals and qualified for the state tournaments on three occasions before ceasing play as a school. We are in need of win-loss records and coaches’ names from the three regional winners of the late ’60’s, so please contact us if you have that information. One Joliet West player even went onto a Major League career…Jeff Reed (class of 1980) and played for six teams before hanging up his spikes in 2000.

1966 Regional Champions Coach unknown

1969 Regional Champions Coach unknown

1970 Regional Champions Coach unknown

1973 18- 7 Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Frank Miller

Qualified for State Tournament

Lost to Belleville West 3-1 in quarterfinals

1976 20-10 Regional Champs Coach Frank Miller

1978 15- 6 AA Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Frank Miller

Qualified for AA State Tournament

Lost to Mundelein H.S. 2-0 in quarterfinals

1983 28- 4 AA Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Craig Spiers

Qualified for AA State Tournament

Beat Winnetka New Trier 3-0 in quarterfinals

Lost to Collinsville 9-4 in semifinals (Collinsville wound up 2nd)

GIRLS’ CROSS-COUNTRY

Chris Crowther had good reason to be competitive in track for the Lady Tigers…she was also a star for the Joliet West girls’ cross-country team, which was good conditioning for the track standout. Crowther placed in the top 11 of the states’ top AA runners twice, which gathered all-state honors on both occasions. Four other individuals were also all-staters, and the last five teams in school history won AA regionals and qualified for state.

1979 Chris Crowther–4th Place (11:50/11 seconds behind champ) Coach Roger Swank

Darlene Swank–13th Place (12:09)

1981 Chris Crowther–11th Place (11:52) Coach Roger Swank

1983 Barbie Lambert–21st Place Coach Roger Swank

1988 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS