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The Gridley High School Redskins and Lady Redskins have an extensive history of competitive teams and athletes. IHSA hardware was won in boys’ basketball along with track & field, while the football team also made five trips to the IHSA Class 1A Playoffs. The Lady Redskin volleyball team also excelled with several solid seasons and one District title. It is believed the Ladies also competed in basketball and track & field, however, no mention of their success is listed on the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org). It is known that the school had a baseball team as early as 1910 (there is a picture from the 1956 Gridley Centennial Book that identifies a team from that year).

Gridley HS Gymnasium Interior 2014

Boys Basketball

The Gridley HS boys basketball team history is listed on the IHSA web site back to the 1933-34 school year. No less than 7 Regional and 4 District titles were won by the Redskin basketball boys. One great game in Gridley basketball history occurred during the 1948-49 season when the Gridley boys upset then powerhouse (and rival) Chenoa, who had one of the best teams in the state that year. Chenoa went on later that season to the sectional championship game where they lost to Pekin in a close game.

Gridley’s best season record-wise was the 1975-76 Resdskins, pictured above to the right. This team finished its regular season undefeated, winning the conference title. The team went on to win the Regional before bowing out in the Sectional.

Billy Hayes – B-ball 1978-82

Gridley’s All-Time Leading Scorer

The Redskins’ all-time leading scorer, Billy Hayes, is pictured to the right.  Hayes played at Gridley High from 1978-79 through 1981-82. As you can see the teams faired quite well. Hayes started at Gridley from the third game of his freshman year through his senior year. Bill scored a total of 1,914 points for GHS.

The best seasons, as far as overall records and IHSA hardware won, are listed below. If you have more information, please write to us via e-mail.

1921-22             Fairbury District Tournament                  Coach’s name

2nd Rd lost to Forrest 29-25                   & record needed

1922-23             McLean Co. Jr. Div. Tourney Champs   Coach Harry Hill

                          Postseason scores and record needed.

1923-24             McLean Co. Jr. Div. Tourney Champs   Coach Harry Hill

                          Postseason scores and record needed.

1924-25             Postseason scores and record needed. Coach Harry Hill

1925-26             Postseason scores and record needed. Coach Harry Hill

1926-27             McLean Co. Jr. Div. Tourney Champs   Coach Harry Hill

                          Postseason scores and record needed.

1927-28             Postseason scores and record needed. Coach Harry Hill

1928-29             Postseason scores and record needed. Coach Harry Hill

1929-30             Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1930-31             Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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

1932-33             Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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

 1st Rd Beat Danvers 28-16

2nd Rd lost to Lexington 18-14

Lexington lost to Normal U-High in semi-final

Normal U-High beat Bloomington in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Normal U-High 33-17

Normal U-High lost in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Chenoa 25-22

Chenoa beat Cooksville in title game

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

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

1938-39              IHSA District Champions                  Coach’s name & record needed

District scores needed

                           Chenoa Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Fairbury 19-13

Fairbury lost to Bloomington in semi-final

Bloomington beat Normal U-High in title game

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

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

1941-42  15-  8   Postseason scores needed                  Coach Lynn Siron

1942-43              Lexington Regional Runner-Up        Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Arrowsmith 53-25

                           Semi-final Beat Normal U-High 42-41 (O/T)

                           Title Game lost to Normal HS 46-20

1943-44  23-  6  IHSA District Champions                   Coach E.W. Towner

                          District scores needed

                          IHSA Regional Qualifier

                          Regional scores needed

                          *McLean Co. Tourney Champs

1944-45  25-  6  Lexington Regional Runner-Up         Coach E.W. Towner

1st Rd Beat Lexington 59-39

                          Semi-final Beat Fairbury 38-37

Title Game lost to Normal U-High 38-37

1945-46  22-  5  McLean Co. Tourney Champs            Coach L.D. Lang

                          Chenoa Regional Tourney

                          1st Rd Beat Anchor 46-42

                          Semi-final lost to Normal U-High 42-34

Normal U-High beat Normal HS in title game

1946-47  24-  5  McLean Co. Tourney Champs            Coach L.D. Lang

Chenoa Regional Tourney

                           1st Rd Beat Lexington 55-35

                           Semi-final lost to Chenoa 36-35

Chenoa beat Normal U-High in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Normal U-High 45-40

Normal U-High lost to Chenoa in semi-final

Chenoa lost to Normal HS in title game

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

Semi-final Beat Ellsworth 64-58

                           Title Game lost to Anchor 56-45

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

1st Rd Beat Arrowsmith 45-34

Semi-final lost to Saybrook 59-39

Saybrook beat Bellflower in title game

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

1951-52  23-  5   Benson District Champions               Coach Clarence Kyger

                           1st Rd Beat Flanagan 64-43

                           Semi-final Beat Washburn 64-59

                           Title Game Beat Benson 73-41

                           East Peoria Regional Tourney

                           1st Rd Beat Washington 52-50

                           Semi-final lost to East Peoria 82-63

East Peoria beat Peoria Woodruff in title game

                           **Mid-State Conf. Runner-up

Gidley Basketball Team 1951-52

Courtesy of 1956 “Gridley Centennial Book”

1952-53  23  -7  IHSA District Champions                 Coach Clarence Kyger

                           Mid-State Conf. Runner-up

                           McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                           District Scores Needed

                           Peoria Regional Tournament

                           1st Rd lost to Peoria Woodruff 67-55

                           Woodruff lost to Peoria Manual in semi-final

                           Manual lost to Peoria Central in title game

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

1954-55  16-11   Mid-State Conf. Runner-up             Coach Clarence Kyger

                            Postseason scores needed

1955-56  15-10   Postseason scores needed               Coach Vic Durcholz

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

1957-58              Gridley District Runner-Up              Coach’s name & record needed

Early Rd scores needed

Title Game lost to Roanoke 80-64

1958-59              Flanagan District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

Semi-final lost to Flanagan 30-22

Flanagan beat Low-Point-Washburn in title game

1959-60              Flanagan District Tournament            Coach’s name & record needed

Semi-final lost to Roanoke-Benson 74-55

Roanoke-Benson beat Flanagan in title game

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

1961-62              Roanoke District Tournament             Coach’s name & record needed

Semi-final lost to Roanoke-Benson 64-52

Roanoke-Benson beat Flanagan in title game

1962-63  17-  8   Roanoke District Runner-Up            Coach Ken Hearn

                           Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs           

                           Mid-State Conf. Tourney Champs

                           District Scores

                           Semi-final Beat Low Point-Washburn 62-56

                           Title Game lost to Roanoke-Benson 63-45

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

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

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

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

1967-68  13-10  Heyworth District Tournament             Coach Dave Darnall

1st Rd lost to Wapella 60-54

Wapella lost to Lexington in semi-final

Lexington lost to Cofax Octavia in title game

1968-69  17-  7  Colfax Octavia District Tourney           Coach Dave Darnall

                           Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs

                           District Tourney Scores

                           1st Rd Beat Downs Tri-Valley

                           Semi-final lost to Colfax Octavia 63-58

Octavia beat Wapella in title game

Gridley HS Conference Co-Champs 1968-69

Submitted by Michael Morin

1969-70             Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1970-71  16-  8  Leroy District Tournament                  Coach Pete Meiss

1st Rd lost to Chenoa 64-62

Chenoa lost to Wapella in semi-final

Wapella lost to Colfax Octavia in title game

1971-72              Fairbury Class ‘A’ Regional                Coach Pete Meiss

                           (Season record needed)

                           1st Rd Beat Fairbury-Cropsey

                           Semi-final lost to Colfax-Octavia 76-67

Octavia lost to Normal U-High in title game

1972-73  18-  8  Postseason scores needed                 Coach Pete Meiss

1973-74  16-10  Postseason scores needed                 Coach Pete Meiss

1974-75  23-  3  Mid-State Conf. Champs                   Coach Pete Meiss

                          McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                          Woodford Co. Tourney Champs

                          Postseason scores needed

1975-76  27-  1  IHSA Regional Champions               Coach Pete Meiss

                          Mid-State Conf. Champs (14-0)

                          McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                          Woodford Co. Tourney Champs 

                          Undefeated Regular Season

Regional Scores

Semi-final Beat Colfax Octavia 73-57

                          Title Game Beat Lexington 77-62

                          Normal Sectional Runner-Up

                          Semi-final Beat Mason City 90-47

                          Title Game lost to Bloomington CC 68-63

BCC lost in Elite 8 Round

Gridley HS 1975-76 Regional Champs

Undefeated Regular Season – 27 – 1 Overall

1976-77  19-  6   Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs          Coach Pete Meiss

                            McLean Co. Tourney Champs 

                            IHSA Regional Score

1st Rd lost to Fairbury-Cropsey 46-44

1977-78  25-  3   IHSA Regional Champions            Coach Pete Meiss

                            Mid-State Conf. Champs

                            Regional Scores Needed

                            Normal Sectional Tournament

                            Semi-final lost to Deland-Weldon 63-57

Deland-Weldon lost to Mason City in title game

DELAND-WELDON (63): Gregory 17, S. Pearl 14, Rich 10, Worthey 10, Rudisill 7, D. Pearl 5.

GRIDLEY (57): Gundy 16, Roth 14, Jenkins 12, Kuerth 10, Meiss 2, Umland 2, Moulton 1.

1978-79  21-  8   IHSA Regional Champions            Coach Pete Meiss

                           Regional Scores Needed

                           Normal Sectional Runner-Up

                           Semi-final Beat Saybrook-Arrowsmith 66-54

                           Title Game lost to Bloomington CC

BCC lost in Elite 8 Round

1979-80  17-  8   Mid-State Conf. Runner-up            Coach Pete Meiss

                            McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                            Postseason scores needed

1980-81           Postseason scores & record needed   Coach Pete Meiss

1981-82  23-  4   Mid-State Conf. Runner-up            Coach Pete Meiss

                            McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                            Postseason scores needed

1982-83  20-  7   Postseason scores needed              Coach Pete Meiss

1983-84  18-10   IHSA Regional Champions            Coach Pete Meiss

                            McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                            Regional Scores Needed

                            Pontiac Sectional Tournament

                            Semi-final lost to Bloomington CC 53-49

BCC lost to Toluca in title game

Toluca lost in Sweet 16 Round

1984-85  24-  5   IHSA Regional Champions            Coach Pete Meiss

                            Mid-State Conf. Champs

                            Regional Scores Needed

                            Pontiac Sectional Tournament

                            Semi-final Beat Leroy 49-42

                            Title Game lost to Mason City 74-63

Mason City lost in Sweet 16 Round

1985-86  17-  9   McLean Co. Tourney Champs       Coach Pete Meiss

                            Postseason scores needed

1986-87          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1987-88          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1988-89          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1989-90  14-14   IHSA Regional Champions            Coach Tim Fairchild

                           Regional Scores Needed

                           IHSA Sectional Qualifier

                           Sectional Scores Needed

1990-91  19-  6   Mid-State Conf. Runner-up            Coach Tim Fairchild

                            Postseason scores needed

1991-92  22-  5   McLean Co. Tourney Champs       Coach Tim Fairchild

                            Postseason scores needed

1992-93  25-  4   IHSA Regional Champions            Coach Tim Fairchild

                           Mid-State Conf. Champs

                           McLean Co. Tourney Champs

                           Regional Scores Needed

                           IHSA Sectional Qualifier

                           Sectional Scores Needed

1993-94  15-10   Postseason scores needed              Coach Tim Fairchild

1994-95          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1995-96          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1996-97  16-  9   Postseason scores needed              Coach John Stella

1997-98          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1998-99          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1999-00          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

2000-01          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

2001-02          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

2002-03          Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

2003-04          Postseason scores & record needed    Coach Tim Fairchild

*2003-04 was the final basketball season for the Gridley High School “Redskins.”

Three-time All-Conference Basketball Players:

*Wilbur Haney – 1953, ’54, ’55

*Rob Tipsord – 1969, ’70, ’71

*Greg Umland – 1975, ’76, ’77

*Mike Jenkins – 1977, ’78, ’79

*Billy Hayes – 1980, ’81, ’82

*Phil Meiss – 1980, ’81, ’82

*Matt Jenkins – 1991, ’92, ’93

Overall School Record from 1933 to 2004:

944 – 778    .548 Winning %

*Coach Dave Darnall – after gaining his coaching start at Gridley, went on to become the head coach of Eureka College men’s basketball.

**Successes attained at the Bloomington-Normal State Farm Holiday Classic as researched by Mark Jurenga:

1992 – Grand Championship – Gridley 62 Chilicothe (IVC) 57
All-Tournament – Matt Jenkins, Benjie Zeller

Boys Football

The Gridley High School gridiron was not exactly willing to take a back seat to the basketball program. This was true, especially in the early 1980’s and early 1990’s. Consecutive trips in the early parts of both decades were the highlights of those seasons listed. The best seasons of the Gridley Redskins with the pigskin are listed below.

Gridley High School

Football Field

1920-21    7-0                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

The 1920 Redskin Football Team (the school’s second season under Harry Hill) scored 650 points that season. Some of the the scores included 84-3 over Leroy, 105-0 against Fairbury, and 169-0 (this is not a misprint) over Chenoa. According to the 1956 Gridley Centennial book, this team averaged 92.85 points per game!

Gridley HS Football Team of 1920

Undefeated at 7 – 0 (Courtesy of 1956 “Gridley Centennial Book”

Members of the 1920 Redskin Football Team Pictured Above-Right:

Front Row, L to R : Fred Kent, Lyle Kehr, Harold Brown, Dale King, Virgil Blumershine, Ernest Blessman, Don Fenton

Back Row, L to R: Raymond Simpson, Roy Coyle, Clayton Ellis, Earl Lynch, Ralph Frey, Eugene McNaught, Coach Harry Hill

1921-22    4-1                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

1922-23    7-1                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

1923-24    7-0                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

1924-25    7-1                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

1925-26    8-0                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

1926-27    6-0                                                                  Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill

In 1926, the Redskin football squad stretched an unbeaten string to 21 games (after losing the opening game of the 1924 season and winning the rest of the games that year along with going undefeated in 1925 & 1926), defeating the likes of Chenoa (34-6), McLean (107-0) and

Lexington (116-0).

Gridley Redskin Football Team of 1926

Winners of 21 Straight Games! (Courtesy of 1956 “Gridley Centennial Book”

Members of the 1926 Football Squad Pictured Above-Right:

Front Row, L to R: Loren Vandegraft, Bill Klopfenstein, Lynn Gibbs

Middle Row, L to R: Leon Fruin, Jim Andrews, LaVerne Frey, Frank Fruin, Clifford Schram, Leslie Kirkton, Lowell Andrews

Back Row, L to R:  Manager William Coe, Robert Kirkton, Duke Kiefer, Harold Frey, William Hanifin, Coach Harry Hill

Coach’s names and season records are listed below for the Gridley High School Football Program.

1927-28    3-4-1                                                                    Coach W.H. (Harry) Hill

1928-29    (record needed)                                                   Coach W.H. (Harry) Hill

1929-30                                                                                 Coach W.H. (Harry) Hill

1930-31    1-4-2                                                                     Coach Krughoff

1931-32    0-6-1                                                                     Coach Claggett

1932-33    1-5-2                                                                     Coach Claggett

1933-34    2-5-1                                                                     Coach W.H. (Lynn) Gibbs

1934-35    2-4-2                                                                     Coach W.H. (Lynn) Gibbs

1935-36    0-6                                                                        Coach Frank Leach

1936-37    0-1                                                                        Coach Frank Leach

1937-38    2-3-1                                                                     Coach Frank Leach

1938-39    5-3                                                                        Coach Frank Leach

1939-40    3-4                                                                        Coach W.H. (Harry) Hill

1940-41    1-7                                                                        Coach W.H. (Harry) Hill

1941-42 through 1944-45  Records & coaches’ names needed.

1945-46    1-7                                                                        Coach L.D. Lange

1946-47    5-3-1                                                                     Coach L.D. Lange

1947-48    1-7                                                                        Coach Jesse Durham

1948-49    8-0-1   Prairie Conference Champions             Coach Jesse Durham

1949-50    4-4-1                                                                     Coach Jesse Durham

1950-51    8-1    Mid-State Conf. Champions (6-0)            Coach Jesse Durham

1951-52    5-3                                                                        Coach Clarence Kyger

1952-53    4-5                                                                        Coach Clarence Kyger

1953-54    5-2-1 Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (5-2)              Coach Clarence Kyger

1954-55    5-1-2 Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (4-1-2)           Coach Clarence Kyger

1955-56    3-3-2                                                                      Coach Vic Durchholz

1956-57    1-7                                                                         Coach Vic Durchholz

1957-58    5-2    Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (5-1)              Coach Martin Moon

1958-59    4-3-1 Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (4-2)              Coach Martin Moon

1959-60    3-5                                                                         Coach Martin Moon

1960-61    0-8                                                                         Coach Frank Edmonds

1961-62    3-4-1                                                                      Coach Frank Edmonds

1962-63    7-0-1 Mid-State Conf. Champions (6-0-1)          Coach Frank Edmonds

1963-64    5-2-1 Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (4-1-1)           Coach John Hacker

1964-65    4-3-1                                                                     Coach John Hacker

1965-66    5-3    Mid-State Conf. Sportsmanship Award   Coach John Hacker

1966-67    2-6                                                                        Coach John Hacker

1967-68    6-2    Mid-State Conf. Runner-up                       Coach John Hacker

                   Michael Morin – All-Conference Tight End (Unanimous)

Fred Finck – All-Conference Guard

Byron Stoller – All-Conference Halfback

Brent Ehresman – All Conference D-Back

1967 Gridley HS Football Team Offense

Submitted by Michael Morin

Gridley HS Football Offense 1967

Submitted by Michael Morin

1968-69    4-4                                                                        Coach Gene Cwick

Gridley HS “Redskins” Football 1968-69

Submitted by Michael Morrin

1969-70    6-1-1 Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (5-1-1)          Coach Gene Cwick

1970-71    3-4-1                                                                     Coach Gene Cwick

1971-72    1-6                                                                        Coach Gene Cwick

1972-73    2-4-2                                                                     Coach Gene Cwick

1973-74    4-4-1                                                                     Coach Gene Cwick

1974-75    7-2    Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (5-2)              Coach Gene Cwick

1975-76    7-2    Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (5-2)              Coach Gene Cwick

1976-77    3-6                                                                        Coach Ron Ervin

1977-78    3-6                                                                        Coach Ron Ervin

1978-79    1-8                                                                        Coach Ron Ervin

1979-80    2-7                                                                        Coach Ron Ervin

1980-81    5-4                                                                        Coach Ken Leonard

1981-82  10-2    Class 1A Playoff Qualifier                        Coach Ken Leonard

                           Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (6-1)

                           Elite 8 FInalist

                           Beat Bradford 20-7

                           Beat Tiskilwa 14-12

                           Lost to Freeport Aquin 43-0

1982-83  10-1     Class 1A Playoff Qualifier                       Coach Ken Leonard

                           Undefeated Regualar Season (9-0)

                           Mid-State Conference Champs (7-0)

                           Sweet 16 Finalist 

                           Beat Monmouth Yorkwood 12-10

                           Lost to Kewanee Wethersfield   16-12

1983-84    7-2   Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs (6-1)            Coach Ken Leonard

1984-85    Record & coach’s name needed.

1985-86    Record & coach’s name needed.

1986-87    2-7                                                                        Coach Denny Kapper

1987-88    3-6                                                                        Coach Denny Kapper

1988-89    2-7                                                                        Coach Rod Wertz

1989-90    1-8                                                                        Coach Rod Wertz

1990-91    4-5                                                                        Coach Rod Wertz

1991-92  10-2   Class 1A Playoff Qualifier                         Coach Rod Wertz

                         Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs (6-1) 

                         Elite 8 Finalist

                         Beat Chenoa 8-0

                         Beat Deer Creek-Mackinaw 15-0

                         Lost to El Paso 3-0

1992-93  10-1   Class 1A Playoff Qualifier                         Coach Rod Wertz

                         Mid-State Conference Champs (7-0)

                         Sweet 16 Finalist

                         Beat Cerro Gordo 10-6

                         Lost to Deer Creek-Mackinaw 34-28

1993-94   7-3    Class 1A Playoff Qualifier                          Coach Rod Wertz

                         Mid-State Conference Champs (6-1) 

                         Lost to Heyworth 29-6

1994-95   4-5                                                                          Coach Rod Wertz

1995-96   1-8                                                                          Coach Thad Olson

1996-97   3-6                                                                          Coach Thad Olson

1997-98   2-7                                                                          Coach Thad Olson

1998-99   0-9                                                                          Coach Ron Tomczak

1999-00   1-8                                                                          Coach Troy Kaupp

2000-01   1-8                                                                          Coach Troy Kaupp

2001-02   2-7                                                                          Coach Troy Kaupp

2002-03   4-5                                                                          Coach Troy Kaupp

2003-04   4-5     Final Season                                                Coach Troy Kaupp

Girls Volleyball

The Lady Redskin netters had just two long-standing head coaches during their 30-year existence. Coach Barbara Ringger led the Gridley High School volleyball program for their first 14 years from 1974-75 through 1987-88. Coach Penny Grusy took over the reigns from 1991-92 through the school’s last season of 2003-04. Both coaches had their share of great seasons. Coach Ringger’s teams in fact sported a 14 year record of 174-87- 6 at Gridley High School and brought home the District title in 1982. The best seasons are listed below.

1974-75     5-  1                                                                       Coach Barbara Ringger

1976-77   10-  5    Mid-State Conf. Tourn. Champs             Coach Barbara Ringger

1977-78   17-  3    Mid-State Conf. Tourn. Champs             Coach Barbara Ringger

1978-79   17-  3    Mid-State Conf. Tourn. Champs             Coach Barbara Ringger

1979-80   20-  3    Mid-State Conf. Champions (5-1)           Coach Barbara Ringger

1980-81   16-  4    Mid-State Conf. Champions (6-1)           Coach Barbara Ringger

1981-82   20-  5    IHSA District Champions                                 Coach Barbara Ringger

                              Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs (6-1)

1982-83   14-  7                                                                       Coach Barbara Ringger

1987-88   16-  7    Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (6-1)             Coach Barbara Ringger

1993-94   19-  9                                                                       Coach Penny Grusy

2002-03   23-  7                                                                       Coach Penny Grusy

2003-04   20-10     Last Season                                              Coach Penny Grusy

*Three-time All-Conference Players:

Elizabeth Grusy – 1989, ’90, ’91

Danielle Stoller – 1991, ’92, ’93

*Named to the all-time girl’s volleyball team for McLean County by the 1994 book titled “Another Sentimental Journey“:

Suzy Jenkins McKinsey (Class of 1983)   

Great Job Lady Redskins!!

Gridley High School

Gibbs Athletic Field

Boys Track & Field

The greatest acheivement as far as IHSA success goes was attained by the boys track & field team of 1923-24. The boys of this season brought home a fifth place finish from the Illinois State “B” Track Meet. In all, 11 medals were won by male athletes of Gridley High School. Their accomplishments are listed below.

1921-22B   Merle Ririe           220 Yard Dash          4TH Place

1922-23B   Merle Ririe           220 Yard Dash          STATE CHAMPION!!

1923-24B   TEAM FINISHED 5TH IN STATE “B” TRACK MEET

                 Individual Medalists

                 Merle Ririe         220 Yard Dash            STATE CHAMPION!!

                 Merle Ririe         100 Yard Dash            3RD Place

                 880 Yard Relay Team                           STATE CHAMPIONS!!

880 Yard Relay – State ‘B’ Meet Champions – 1924

Courtesy of 1965 “Gridley Centennial Book”

State Championship 880 Yard Relay Team members pictured above are (from left to right) Coach Harry Hill, Merle Ririe, Perry Burroughs, Virgil Andrews, and Levi “Duke” Kiefer. The alternate was Lowell Andrews. Also pictured is the team’s trainer, Earl Lynch. This combination clicked as a winner 10 consectutive times that school year, setting records on seven occasions….including a time of 1:35.2, on a cinder track!                     

                 Final Team Standings    

                 1)  Girard  HS                          20

2)  Chesterfield HS                  16

White Hall HS                    16

4)  Carlinville  HS                     15

5)  GRIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL    13

                      Hinsdale HS                       13

7)  Wheaton HS                      12

7)  Bridgeport HS                    12

9)  Hoopeston HS                     9

10)  Chicago Pullman HS            8

10)  Abingdon HS                       8

1924-25B    880 Yard Relay Team                                5TH Place

1926-27      Leon Fruin                    880 Yard Run     5TH Place

1926-27      Levi Kiefer                    440 Yard Run     5TH Place

1950-51      Team was Mid-State Conference Runner-up

1968-69      McLean County Track Meet Champions

Curt Fleming was the individual Champion of the 200 Meters (23.8)

Michael Morin was the Individual Champion of the 400 Meters (56.2)

The 880 Relay Team of Curt Fleming, Pat Kinsella, Bob Fleming and Rob Tipsord set a new McLean County Record in that Event

Gridley HS McLean County Track Meet Champs 1969

Gridley HS 880 Yard Relay Champs 1969

Left Click on Photo for Larger View

Gridley HS Mile Relay Champs 1969

Left Click on Photo for Larger View

Gridley HS 1969 Conference Meet Results

Submitted by Michael Morin

1983-84A    Brian Radke                 100 Meter Dash  6TH Place

                    Brian Radke                 200 Meter Dash  5TH Place

1984-85A    Brian Radke                 Long Jump        STATE CHAMPION!!

Individual Conf. Multiple (3-Time Minimum) Event Winners – Track & Field:

*Dave Burke-1950-120 Yard High Hurdles, 200 Yard Low Hurdles, High Jump

*Dave Burke-1951-120 Yard High Hurdles, 180 Yard Low Hurdles, High Jump

*Ricky Finck-100 Yard Dash Champion – 1959, ’61, ’62

*Ricky Finck-1962-100 Yard Dash, 220 Yard Dash, 440 Yard Dash

*Dave Roth-1963-Pole Vault, Long Jump, 220 Yard Dash

*Marty Lomelino-Shot Put Champion – 1981, ’82, ’83

*Brian Radke-1984-100 Meter Dash, 200 Meter Dash, Pole Vault

Boys Baseball

The Gridley High School boys had some real nice seasons on the baseball diamond. below is a photo of the Gridley “Redskins” of 1910 followed by some of the more successful seasons in GHS history.

Gridley High School Baskeball Team of 1910

Courtesy of 1956 “Gridley Centennial Book”

Baseball Team Members of 1910 Pictured Above include:

Top Row, From L to R: George Kent, Les Mool, C.B. Anthony, Don Coyle, Russell Young, Jack Ehresman, Everett Kent

Bottom Row, L to R: Edwin Nuehauser, Henry Andrews, Drew Castle, Claude Steele, George Young 

Conference success was found on the diamond as well for the Gridley Redskins.

1952-53    6-1   Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs (5-1)       Coach Ken DeYoung

1959-60            Mid-State Conf. Champs (5-1)            Coach Don Holler

1961-62            Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (4-2)

1968-69    6-3   Mid-State Conf. Tourney Runner-up

1974-75           Mid-State Conf. Tourney Runner-up

1991-92   13-5  Mid-State Conf. Co-Champs (11-3)      Coach Rod Wertz

1992-93    9-6   Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (6-1)         Coach Rod Wertz

A good fan of the IHSGD website, Mark Jurenga, provided the following information on Gridley alum Perry Roth:

“Gridley alumnus Perry Roth is currently an NCAA Division I assistant baseball coach. He just finished his 8th year in D1 and his 10th in college coaching.

School                       Tenure

UAB                          1 year

Birmingham Southern  3 years

Bradley                      1 year

Illinois State               3 years

Greenville (D3)            2 years

Girls Basketball

One Gridley Lady Redskin team faired well overall and in conference play. The school did not offer girl’s basketball from 1986-93. The school co-oped with Flanagan from 1994 until the consolidation with El Paso in 2004.

1979-80    11- 5    Mid-State Conf. Runner-up (7-3)

Girls Softball

One Lady Redskin softball player had a great career in the sport. Heather Stella was a three-time All-Conference selection as a catcher (1993, ’94, ’95). Heather earned a scholarship for softball to Illinois State University where she became a four-year starter at third base. She is currently playing professional softball for Poneke Kilbirnie, a Premier One Women’s Major Fastpitch Softball Team in New Zealand.

Scholastic Bowl

Chalk up some serious success for the “brainiacs” of Gridley High. The Redskins won no less than nine Mid-State Conference Scholastic Bowl Championships for Coach Suzanne McGroarty. The Mid-State Conference title years are listed below.

1978, 1979, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 

Speech – Individual Events

Strike one up for the English Department. One Gridley Redskin claimed a State Medal in speech competition.

1951   Roger Calhoon     Oratory Declamation    5TH Place

Great Coaches

*Coach W.H. “Harry” Hill – Boys’ Football – 1919-20 through 1929-30, then again 1939-40

                                          12 Total Seasons (no football 1928-29 season)

                                          58-26 overall record

                                            4 – undefeated/untied seasons

                                            3 – one-loss seasons

Coach Hill was described by Coach Pete Meiss in this manner:

                   “Harry Hill was the greatest coach Gridley ever had. His name

                     is a legend as a coach and a teacher.”

*Coach Pete Meiss – Boys’ Basketball – 1969-70 through 1985-86

                                318-128  (.713 winning %)

                                17 – seasons as head coach

                                14 – seasons with winning records

                                  7 – seasons of 20 or more wins

                                  5 – Regional Championships

*Coach Barbara Ringger – Girls’ Volleyball – 1974-75 through 1987-88

                                        174-87  (.663 winning %)

                                          14 – seasons as head coach

                                            7 – Conference Championships

                                            2 – seasons of 20 or more wins

                                            1 – District Championship

*Coach Ken Leonard – Boys’ Football – 1980-81 through 1983-84

                                    32- 9 Overall Record

                                      4 – seasons as head coach

                                      2 – trips to the State Playoffs

                                      1 – undefeated regular season

*Coach Tim Fairchild – Boys’ Basketball – 1987-88 through 1994-95, 2002-03 through 2003-04

                              141-122 Overall Record

                               10 – seasons as head coach

                                 2 – Regional Titles

                                 2 – seasons of 20 or more wins

*Coach Penny Grusy – Girls’ Volleyball – 1991-92 through 2003-04

                              181 wins 

                                13 – seasons as head coach

                                  4 – consecutive winning seasons to close out the school’s program

                                  2 – seasons of 20 or more wins including final two of school’s existence

*Coach Rod Wertz – Boys’ Football – 1992-94 through 1995-96

                                  3 – consecutive seasons of qualifying for the IHSA playoffs

*Coach E.W. “Duke” Towner – Boys’ Basketball – 1943-44 and 1944-45

                                 48-12 (.800 winning %)

                                   2 – seasons coached at Gridley

                                   2 – seasons of 20 or more wins

                                   1 – District Title

*Coach Suzanne McGroarty      Scholastic Bowl Coach

                                                  Nine-Time Conference Champions

*Coach Gene Cwick – Boys’ Football Coach

                             34-27-5 overall record in eight seasons

                             2 – second place finishes in Mid-State Conference play

                             1-  third place in Mid-State Conference standings

Great Athletes

1920s – Merle Ririe, Leon Fruin, Levi Kiefer

1940s – Wilber Haas, Rogers Kaufman, Ty Kaufman

1950s – Dave Burke, Wilbur Hany

1960s – Mark Dalton, Larry Gilmore, Pat Kinsella, Ricky Finck, Dave Roth, Michael Morin, Byron Stoller

1970s – Ted Roth, Rob Tipsord, Greg Umland, Mike Jenkins, Dan McKey

1980s – Bill Hayes, Brad Radke, Marty Lomelino, Phil Meiss, Suzy Jenkins  

1990s – Heather Stella, Elizabeth Grusy, Danielle Stoller, Matt Jenkins

A Song in Tribute

One alumnus of Gridley High honored his alma mater with a song. Jerry Meiss’ “Good-By Gridley High” receives local air play each spring near graduation time.  The lyrics are as follows:

                                               “Good-by Gridley High”

                              Let’s take a look back at the years gone by,

                              You know I graduated from Gridley High.

                              Guess you could say I’m an alumni,

                              Got my diploma from Gridley High School.

                              I remember the good times,

                              Back in those Redskin days.

                              But nobody wanted the cane that I raised.

                              All of my teachers thought my mind was decayed,

                              But I got educated at Gridley High School

                              Good-bye, Gridley High,

                              My memories will never die.

                              I couldn’t forget you if I tried,

                              So long Gridley High School

                              All of my friends thought I was really cool

                              With my hair slicked down and pennies in my shoes.

                              And when I made headlines in the Gridlite News,

                              I was a big hit (doo wap a doo) at Gridley High School.

                              When I got a little older I got married you see,

                              And my wife even fell right in love with me.

                              When a couple of kids enlarged our family,

                              We sent ’em right on to Gridley High School.

                                                        (chorus)

SPECIAL THANK YOU!

Special thank you goes out to Pete Meiss and Merlin Haas for providing a great deal of information and time to make this page informative and interesting!

Seeking Your Assistance   

If you would like to add, delete, or correct ANY information on this page regarding the Gridley Redskins and Gridley High School in general, please contact us via e-mail. Additional photos are also welcome. You can e-mail items to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.    60631

Gridley High School Building Cornerstone

Gridley HS Gymnaskum Bleachers 2014

Gridley High School

Gridley, Illinois

Gridley HS Football Preview 1967

Submitted by Michael Morin

Gridley HS Football Preview 1967

Submitted by Michael Morin

Gridley Football Staff 1967

Submitted by Michael Morin

Gridley HS Football Schedule 1967

Submitted by Michael Morin

Gridley Track Champs 1969

Submitted by Michael Morin

Gridley HS Football 1967 All-Conference

Submitted by Mike Morin

Green Valley Gymnasium Entrance

Athletics

IHSA hardware was won in boys basketball, boys baseball, and girls softball (www.ihsa.org).  It is thought that GVHS also offered track for the boys as well as basketball and track for the girls.  Very limited information is available regarding the many great accomplishments of Green Valley High.  The ones we are able to research are listed below.

  —————————————————————————————–

Boys Basketball

The Green Valley High School Hornets won a total of FIVE District titles. The first title came in 1938 and the last in 1968.  We are sure Green Valley had many other great seasons on the hardwood court.  The years of the District titles are listed below. Unfortunately the records are not yet available.

1914-15      Undefeated Season!   14-0

  —–  

1915-16 through 1918-19  Postseason scores, record, and coaches’ names needed.

  —–  

1919-20       Peoria District Tournament                     Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Armington 37-14

Peoria Manual beat Peoria Central in title game. 

  —–  

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

1st Rd lost to Minonk 24-20

Peoria Central beat Peoria Manual in title game. 

  —–  

1921-22       Mason City District Runner-Up              Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Manito 32-7

2nd Rd Beat Minier 23-10

Semi-Final Beat New Holland 20-17

Title game lost to Athens 32-31

Athens lost in Sectional Semi-Final 

  —–  

1922-23 through 1929-30  Postseason scores, record, and coaches’ names needed.

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Mackinaw 30-10

All other postseason scores for this season are needed.

  —–  

1931-32       Pekin  District Runner-Up                     Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Minier 17-16

Semi-Final Beat Delavan 27-22

Title game lost to Pekin 20-19

Pekin lost in Sectional Semi-Final 

  —–  

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

1st Rd lost to Delavan 28-23

Peoria Kingman beat Pekin in title game.

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Farmington 26-16

2nd Rd lost to Pekin 49-12

Pekin beat Peoria Kingman in title game.

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Armington 29-23

Seni-Final lost to Pekin 44-16

Pekin beat Peoria Manual in title game.

  —–  

1935-36      Delavan District Runner-Up                    Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Tremont 28-21

Semi-Final Beat Manito 32-24

Title Game lost to Delavan 21-20

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Forest City 38-8

2nd Rd lost to San Jose 27-26

Petersburg beat Kilbourne in title game.

  —–  

1937-38      San Jose District Champions                  Coach  J.A. Jones

1st Rd Beat Easton 41-22

Semi-Final Beat Tallula 37-26

Title Game Beat Bath 36-34

Regional Scores Needed

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Carlock 25-16

Semi-Final lost to Stanford 41-26

Stanford beat Deer Creek in title game.

  —–  

1939-40       Mackinaw District Runner-Up                  Coach’s name & record needed.

Early Round Scores Needed.

Title game lost to Stanford 33-31

  —–

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

1st Rd lost to Minier 37-18

Minier beat Mackinaw in title game.

  —–  

1941-42       Postseason scores, record, and coaches’ names needed.

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Congerville 59-15

Semi-Final lost to Minier 47-28

Minier beat Deer Creek in title game.

  —–  

1943-44       Postseason scores, record, and coaches’ names needed.

  —–  

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

1st Rd lost to Stanford 46-37

Minier beat Stanford in title game.

  —–  

1945-46        Minier District Runner-Up                          Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Stanford 62-16

Semi-Final Beat Deer Creek 47-34

Title Game lost to Minier 53-39

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Carlock 72-35

Semi-Final lost to Minier 44-35

Minier beat Hopedale in title game.

  —–  

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

1st Rd Beat Carlock 62-36

Semi-Final lost to Minier 53-38

Minier beat Manito in title game.

  —–  

1948-49      San Jose District Champions                       Coach Harry Koch

1st Rd Beat Armington 55-28

Semi-Final Beat McLean 57-41

Title Game Beat Hopedale 44-33

Lincoln Regional Tournament

1st Rd Beat Elkhart 47-35

Semi-Final lost to Mt. Pulaski 42-36

Mt. Pulaski beat Lincoln in title game.

  —–  

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

1st Rd lost to Armington 66-33

McLean beat New Holland in title game.

  —–  

1950-51        Green Valley District Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Hopedale 49-47

San Jose beat Minier in title game.

  —–  

1951-52        Green Valley District Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Hopedale (score needed)

Semi-Final lost to Danvers 41-31

Minier beat Danvers in title game.

  —–  

1952-53        Green Valley District Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to San Jose 60-40

San Jose beat Danvers in title game.

  —–  

1953-54        Green Valley District Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed.

Green Valley Scores Needed

Minier beat San Jose in title game.

  —–  

1954-55       Postseason scores, record, and coaches’ names needed.

  —–  

1955-56        Green Valley District Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to San Jose 85-44

Minier beat San Jose in title game.

  —–  

1956-57        Tremont District Tournament                       Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to San Jose 72-62

Minier beat Danvers in title game.

  —–  

1957-58        Stanford District Tournament                       Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Armington 63-40

Minier beat Danvers in title game.

  —–  

1958-59        Green Valley District Runner-Up                   Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Tremont 53-45

Semi-Final Beat Hopedale 63-61 (O/T)

Title Game lost to Danvers 60-57

  —–  

1959-60      Tremont District Champions                            Coach Myers

1st Rd Beat Minier 63-47

Semi-Final Beat Danvers 78-66

Title Game Beat Delavan 67-56

Bartonville Limestone Regional Tournament

1st Rd Beat Morton 69-62

Semi-Final lost to Pekin 68-57

Pekin beat East Peoria in title game. 

  —–  

1960-61        Green Valley District Tournament                   Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Stanford 82-68

Semi-Final lost to Tremont 76-51

Tremont beat Danvers in title game.

  —–  

1961-62        Tremont District Tournament                          Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Danvers 66-50

Semi-Final lost to Delavan 54-48

Tremont beat Delavan in title game.

  —–  

1962-63      Green Valley District Champions                      Coach Don Lowe

1st Rd Beat Stanford 74-48

Semi-Final Beat Minier 65-52

Title Game Beat Tremont 61-45

Bartonville Limestone Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Washington 55-43

East Peoria beat Limestone in title game. 

  —–  

1963-64       Postseason scores, record, and coaches’ names needed.

  —–  

1964-65        Green Valley District Tournament                   Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Tremont 55-49

Semi-Final lost to Delavan 73-64

Minier beat Delavan in title game.

  —–  

1965-66        Tremont District Tournament                       Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to San Jose 93-57

San Jose beat Delavan in title game.

  —–  

1966-67        Delavan District Runner-Up                         Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Minier 79-59

Semi-Final Beat Tremont 67-64

Title Game lost to Delavan 69-63

  —–  

1967-68      Green Valley District Champions                   Coach Richard Streitberger

1st Rd Beat Delavan 61-44

Semi-Final Beat Hopedale 57-51

Title Game Beat San Jose 53-52

East Peoria Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to East Peoria 49-42

Pekin beat Limestone in title game. 

  —–  

1968-69        Tremont District Tournament                      Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Danvers 58-56

Semi-Final lost to San Jose 80-58

San Jose beat Stanford-Minier in title game.

  —–  

1969-70        Tremont District Tournament                      Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Tremont 64-59

Semi-Final lost to Stanford 63-59

Hopedale beat Stanford-Minier in title game.

  —–  

1970-71        Green Valley District Runner-Up                  Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat San Jose 87-46

Semi-Final Beat Delavan 72-56

Title Game lost to Hopedale 79-70

  —–  

1971-72        Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney         Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat San Jose 45-42

Semi-Final lost to Illini Bluffs 41-38

Illini Bluffs beat Easton in title game.

  —–  

1972-73        Manito Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Manito Forman 65-56

Mason City beat Manito Forman in title game.

  —–  

1973-74        Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney         Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Easton 74-51

Mason City beat Illini Bluffs in title game.

  —–  

1974-75        Manito Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to San Jose 63-52

Manito Forman beat Illini Bluffs in title game.

  —–  

1975-76        Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney         Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to New Holland-Middletown 70-67

Mason City beat Manito Forman in title game.

  —–  

1976-77        Manito Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Manito Forman 62-60

Mason City beat Manito Forman in title game.

  —–  

1977-78        Manito Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Manito Forman 57-51

Mason City beat Manito Forman in title game.

  —–  

1978-79        Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional Tourney         Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Mason City 73-60

Semi-Final lost to Manito Forman 69-66

Manito Forman beat Illini Bluffs in title game.

  —–  

1979-80       Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional              Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Mason City 64-62

Mason City beat New Holland-Middletown in title game.

**One of the best players to grace the hardwood of Green Valley High School was Brice “Skipp” Reining. In a December 7, 1979 game against Greenview, he scored an incredible 59 points in the game. He went 23-for-46 from the field.

  —–  

1980-81        Hartsburg Class ‘A’ Regional                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Mason City 69-66

Manito Forman beat Delavan in title game.

  —–  

1981-82        Delavan Class ‘A’ Regional                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Hartsburg-Emden 65-60

Manito Forman beat Delavan in title game.

  —–  

1982-83        Glasford Class ‘A’ Regional                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Tremont 36-33

Delavan beat Tremont in title game.

  —–  

1983-84        Manito Class ‘A’ Regional                    Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Manito Forman 39-33

Manito Forman beat Mason City in title game.

  —–  

1984-85        Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional                Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Delavan 66-60

Mason City beat Stanford Olympia in title game.

  —–  

1985-86        Tremont Class ‘A’ Regional                     Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Illini Bluffs 54-45

Stanford Olympia beat Mason City in title game.

  —–  

1986-87        Delavan Class ‘A’ Regional                       Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Illini Bluffs 70-58

Stanford Olympia beat Illini Bluffs in title game.

  —–  

1987-88        Glasford Class ‘A’ Regional                       Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to San Jose 50-49

Stanford Olympia beat Illini Bluffs in title game.

  —–  

1988-89        Manito Class ‘A’ Regional                         Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Illini Bluffs 78-65

Stanford Olympia beat Tremont in title game.

  —–  

1989-90        Mason City Class ‘A’ Regional                   Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Tremont 85-59

Stanford Olympia beat Illini Central in title game.

  —–  

1990-91     Tremont Class ‘A’ Regional                      Coach’s name & record needed.

**1st Rd lost to Tremont 69-62

Olympia beat Illini Central in title game. 

**Final varsity boys basketball game for Green Valley High School. 

  —————————————————————————————————-

Boys Baseball

The diamond men of Green Valley High School also won a District title. It was during the 1940-41 season when the Hornets were the best of the little schools in their area.  Again, the coach’s name and team record is not available.

1936-37   Tazewell County Champions                     Coach Harry Mount  (SEE TEAM PHOTO BELOW)
1940-41   District Champions

1944-45   Corn Belt Conference Champions              Coach Ewell Lindsey
1970-71   Mackinaw Valley Conference Champions  Coach Norm English
1976-77   Tomahawk &

               Lincolnland Conference Champions          Coach Don Harris
1981-82   Lincolnland Conference Champions           Coach Steve McAdams
1983-84   Lincolnland Conference Champions           Coach Steve McAdams

  ——————————————————————————————————

Girls Softball

The Green Valley Lady Hornets softball team won the school’s last IHSA title during the 1988-89 school year.  The girls won the Regional title just two years before the school closed.  The year is available but the team’s record is not.

1988-89     Regional Champions        Coach Jack Olson

As of 2005 Jack Olson still coaches Midwest Central Girls Softball

  —————————————————————————————————–

Girls Track

1985-86 Lincolnland Conference Champions  Coach unknown

  —————————————————————————————————–

Extra-Curricular Activities

Below are photos of the “Women’s Club” taken in 1915 and the Junior/Senior Banquet taken in 1950.  “Left click” on the photos to view an enlarged version.

GVHS Jr.-Sr. Banquet – 1950

GVHS Women’s Club – 1915

Looking for More Information…

…regarding the many successes and accomplishments of Green Valley High School.  There were many other great seasons in GVHS history besides those listed on the IHSA web site.

Thanks to Clark Oltman, a 1977 Green Valley graduate, for having supplied much of the information included and some of the photos.  Clark’s father was a school administrator for many years in Green Valley.  Their family attends Princeville Public Schools and St. Mary of the Woods Church.

Thanks also to Jon Wheat for providing the photos on this page.

  ——————————————————————————————————-

We are always looking for more information on the athletic and other  accomplishments  as well as a photo of the old school building. You can e-mail information to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net 

We know that the Greenville High School boys competed in football, basketball, track, and golf. We believe the boys may have competed in baseball as well.  We are in need of information on several season records and coach’s names in these sports.  We are also looking for the school fight song of the Greenville Flyers.

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Flyers were a force to be reckoned with during the 1920s.  The highlight of the program even today was a FOURTH PLACE finish in the IHSA State Tournament in 1923!!  This was accomplished during the state’s one-class system which was quite a feat in the day.  All totaled, the Flyers won a total of SIX Regional Campionships, FOUR District Titles, and one Sectional Championship!! These seasons, as listed on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org), are in turn listed below.

1919-20    9-9                                                                Coach ?????
NOTE: GHS’ 24-8 win over Odin in the Centralia Sectional was the first time a GHS team won a game in state tournament series competition.

1920-21    11-5-1                                                            Coach L. G. Baker
NOTE:GHS tied Highland that year.

*According to the Greenville High School yearbook:

“December 17 we journeyed to Highland to play them in their chicken-coop. With a tied score and a minute left to play, the Highland rooters, displaying their unsportsmanship, rushed onto the floor. The referee failing to control the mob, called off the game. The score was 14-14.”

**On January 7, 1921, Highland played at Greenville. GHS won 51-11.

1921-22    `10-8   District Champs                                  Coach L.G. Baker

                          Hillsboro District (Champs)

vs. Gillespie W 18-12

vs. Nokomis W 32-4

vs. Mt. Olive W 16-13

vs. Witt      W 34-14

Centralia Sectional

vs. Centralia   L 43-22

NOTE: Centralia went on to win the State Championship that year.

1922-23   20 – 6    IHSA TOURNEY – FOURTH PLACE     Coach L.G. Baker

Greenville District (Champs)

vs. Highland   W 31-6

vs. Hillsboro   W 23-6

vs. Trenton    W 13-12

vs. Ramsey     W 15-8

Centralia Sectional (Champs)

vs. Chesterfield   W 23-18

vs. Flora            W 18-14

vs. Marion          W 33-29

                          Final Four Finalist

                          Lost to Rockford 36 – 23

(Rockford would finish 2nd)

Consolation Game Finalist

Lost to Canton 12 – 10

1923-24     13-8                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

1924-25     13-6                                                            Coach L.G. Baker
1925-26     15-6   District Champs                                 Coach L.G. Baker

                          Greenville District (Champs)

vs. St. Elmo       W 40-10

vs. Sorento        W 41-12

vs. Trenton        W 31-15

Salem Sectional

vs. Marion          L 33-15

1926-27    11-9    District Champs                                 Coach L.G. Baker

                          Greenville District (Champs)

vs. St. Elmo     W 25-13

vs. Sorento      W 42-6

vs. Trenton      W 21-20 (2 OT)

NOTE: C. Bimes and L. Watson were named to the “First all-star team.” I. Hawley was named to the “Second all-star team.”

1927-28    12-7    District Tournament (2nd Place)            Coach L.G. Baker

                         vs. Highland            W 42-23

vs. Mulberry Grove   W 48-2 (correct score)

vs. Patoka              W 31-16

vs. Carlyle              L 24-13

1928-29    13-7                                                               Coach L.G. Baker

1929-30     3-15                                                              Coach L.G. Baker

1930-31   12 – 11                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

1931-32   12 – 9                                                              Coach L.G. Baker

1932-33   11 – 11  District Champions                             Coach L.G. Baker

                           vs. Ramsey W 36-15

vs. St. James W 39-23

vs. Brownstown W 38-33

vs. Vandalia W 32-29

Salem Sectional

vs. Gillespie L 48-34

Gillespie went on to finish Fourth at the State Tournament in Champaign.

1933-34   12 – 11                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

1934-35   12 – 12                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

1935-36     8 – 17                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

                           Greenville was a member of the Black

Diamond Conference along with Ashley,

Carlyle, Highland, Nashville, and Sandoval.

GHS went 6-4 in the conference

regular season.

Black Diamond Conference Tournament (At Greenville)

vs. Sandoval L 34-32

vs. Highland W 24-21

1936-37     7 – 17  2nd Place Regional Tourney                 Coach L.G. Baker

Greenville Regional

vs. Highland  W 31-15

vs. Pocahontas  W 28-16

vs. Vandalia   L 42-19

Belleville Sectional

vs. Collinsville  L 51-23

Collinsville would go on to a 3rd place finish at the Sate Tournament in Champaign.

1937-38   16 – 7    Regional Champions                         Coach L.G. Baker

                           Greenville Regional (Champs)

vs. Ramsey W 45-21

vs. Brownstown  W 33-29

vs. Mulberry Grove W 26-22

Centralia Sectional

vs. Kinmundy   L 41-19

1938-39     8 – 14                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

1939-40   10 – 14  2nd Place Regional Tourney                  Coach Harlan van Horn

Greenville Regional

vs. Highland  W 49-33

vs. Pocahontas W 41-31

vs. Livingston  L 32-27

Belleville Sectional

vs. O’Fallon  L 50-43

1940-41   20 – 7    Regional Champions                         Coach Harlan van Horn

Vandalia Regional (Champs)

vs. Cowden W 37-35

vs. Vandalia W 44-30

vs. Coffeen W 41-23

Effingham Sectional

vs. Greenup L 35-30

1941-42   22 – 8                                                              Coach Harlan van Horn

                           Greenville (Regular Season) Tournament Champions

vs. Pocahontas  W 23-17

vs. Mulberry Grove W 32-26

1942-43   22 – 4    Regional Champions                         Coach L.G. Baker

                           Greenville Regional (Champions)

vs. Carlyle  W 59-29

vs. Highland (St. Paul)  W 56-13

vs. Staunton W 39-27

Highland Sectional

vs. Hillsboro W 43-25

vs. Wood River L 40-35

Wood River would lose to Elgin in the State Quarterfinals in Champaign.

1943-44     5 – 17   Highland Regional (2nd Place)             Coach L.G. Baker

vs. Collinsville L 48-23

1944-45     5 – 22                                                            Coach L.G. Baker

Greenville became a charter member of the Mid-State conference with Hillsboro, Kincaid, Litchfield, Nokomis, Pana, Shelbyville and Vandalia. GHS finished 3-9 in the inaugural conference standings.

1945-46   10 – 18   Regional Champions                        Coach Wesley G. Bovinet

                            Highland Regional (Champions)

vs. Mulberry Grove 61-28

vs. Highland  W 44-27

vs. Pocahontas W 59-27

Collinsville Sectional

vs. Collinsville L 40-38 OT

Collinsville lost to Rockford (East) in the State Quarterfinals in Champaign.

1946-47   14 – 17

1947-48     4 – 17                                                            Coach Edward Krusiec

1948-49     3 – 19                                                            Coach Paul J. Shea

1949-50     5 – 17                                                            Coach Paul J. Shea

1950-51   16 – 8                                                              Coach Paul J. Shea

1951-52     6 – 16                                                            Coach Paul J. Shea

1952-53   16 – 9                                                              Coach Paul J. Shea

Greenville joins the Midwest Conference (along with concurrently being in the Mid-State). Teams are Bethalto, Cahokia, Highland, Madison, and Roxana. GHS goes 6-4 in the Mid-State and 6-4 in the Midwest.

1953-54   12 – 13   Regional Champions                        Coach Paul J. Shea

Highland Regional (Champs)

vs. Mulberry Grove W 68-38

vs. Worden  W 56-30

vs. Carlyle W 58-31

Wood River Sectional

vs. Edwardsville L 66-45

Edwardsville would go on to finish 4th at the State Tournament in Champaign.

1954-55   19 – 9     Regional Champions                        Coach Gordon Rogers

                            Paris Christmas Tournament (4th Place)

vs. Normal (University High) W 60-56

vs. Mt. Pulaski W 61-47

vs. Paris L 69-59

vs. Clinton L 62-45

Greenville Regional (Champs)

vs. Highland (St. Paul) W 80-44

vs. Aviston W 78-55

vs. Highland W 70-54

East St. Louis Sectional

vs. Dupo L 42-41

Greenville versus Collinsville as recorded by Mark Jurenga:

The Series:

42 meetings

Collinsville won series 29-13.

At Collinsville: Collinsville led 16-3

At Greenville: Collinsville led 11-10

Neutral Site: Collinsville led 2-0

First meeting: November 28, 1908

At Collinsville:  Collinsville 26 Greenville 14

First Greenville win: December 11, 1908

At Greenville:  Greenville 24 Collinsville 11

Last Meeting (as Greenville Comm.):  January 28, 1947

At Greenville:  Collinsville 81 Greenville 42

BOYS GOLF

Greenville linksters had two seasons recorded on the IHSA website.  The program won District Championships in 1943 and 1948.  This allowed the teams to move on to the State Finals which was a great accomplishment.

1943     District Champions

            Qualified for State Finals

1948     District Champions

            Qualified for State Finals 

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

The Greenville High School “thinclads” had a real nice season in the 1920-21 school year.  The Flyers finished the IHSA Class ‘B’ State Track Meet in a tie for third place!  In addition, two boys from Greenville brought home individual medals from the IHSA Track Meet during other years of competition.  These accomplishments are listed below.

1901-02          Individual Medalist – ?? Eixon     440y dash      3RD PLACE

1919-20(B)      Individual Medalist – ?? Weeks   Discus            4TH PLACE

1920-21(B)     THIRD PLACE – IHSA CLASS ‘B’ STATE TRACK MEET

FINAL STANDINGS

1)  Forrest                 19   C.C. Merrill

2)  Carlinville              11

3)  Greenfield             10.5

3)  GREENVILLE       10.5

4)  Wheaton (H.S.)     10

5)  Carrollton               9

BOYS FOOTBALL

Our good friend, and southwestern Illinois high school history buff, Mark Jurenga, provided the following information on the Flyer’s brief football program prior to becoming Bond County High School in 1955:

First game on record:  1899 — Greenville 10 Hillsboro 5

Season Records

1926  2-3

1927  2-6

* In 1927 GHS joined the South Central Illinois Athletic Conference in football. Schools in the loop were: Carlyle, Centralia, Greenville, Mt. Vernon, Salem, Sparta. GHS finished 4th in the league with a 2-3 mark.

1928 2-7-1

**According to copies of the Greenville High School yearbook. Greenville High and Salem met in an annual Thanksgiving Day game in the late 1920’s. The results of two of these games are as follows:

1927- Greenville 7 Salem 0

1928- Salem 20 Greenville 0

NOTE: In 1926, GHS and Salem played the final game of the year, just like in 1927 and 1928, but it is not known if that was on Thanksgiving Day.

GHS dropped football after the 1928-29 school year until the new Bond County Unit #2 High School restarted the program in the late 1950s.

BOYS TENNIS

Two boys proved that the Flyers were good on more than one court.  In the 1928 State Tennis Finals a couple of athletes with last names of Combe and Mauser won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the “doubles” competition!

1928    State Doubles Champions    Combe and Mauser

Notable Alumni

**From Patrick Bailey:

“Esther Snyder (formerly Johnson, and co-founder of In-N-Out Burger) attending Sorento High School for 3 years, then graduating from Greenville High School in 1937.  The information is in the book “In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-The-Counter Look At The Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All The Rules” by Stacy Perman (ISBN: 978-0-06-134671-2).  It has some really interesting information about Ms. Snyder’s time at those schools.”

**From Mark Jurenga:

Here are two WWII veterans assocated with Greenville High:

Eldon W. Smith

Graduate of GHS 1942

U.S. Army

Was Bond County’s last surviving P.O.W.

Purple Heart recipient and won several other medals.

Paul J. Shea

Former Principal, Asst. Principal, Teacher and coach at Greenville High.

Coached basketball, baseball, track and was also Athletic Director.

Served in the U.S. Army 1942-46 in Europe. Earned Purple Heart. Also served in the Battle of the Bulge.

IF YOU CAN PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION

So far, this is the extent of the information we have on Greenville High School before it became Bond County Community High School in 1956.  Though it is still today most commonly known as Greenville High School, it truly was only Greenville High though 1956. If you have any information to provide on the Greenville High School “Flyers” prior to 1956, please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  You can also write to us via the US Postal service at the following address:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631   

Hopkins Athletic Letter

Athletics

Granville Hopkins High offered boys’ basketball and track as well as, quite likely, baseball as a member of the Tri-County Conference. The Hornet boys excelled in the 1940’s. If you have any further information regarding the athletic program at GHHS, please send us an e-mail.

Boys’ Basketball

The Hopkins High School boys’ basketball team was on fire in the 1940’s! Overall, the team produced five Regional titles and two District titles. Between the years of 1940 and 1947, the boys were IHSA title winners in 6 of the 8 seasons they competed.  The years and titles won are listed below.

In addition, the Hornets also won seven Tri-County Conference Tournament titles and took second on three other occasions. Unfortunately, the team records and coaches’ names for these and other great Granville Hopkins High School teams are not available.

Hopkins HS Basketball Team of 1929

Left click on photo for enlarged view

One game in particular for Granville Hopkins High School will forever be recorded in the record books. On November 20, 1929, the Granville Hopkins boys basketball team lost a real squeaker to their rivals from Magnolia by a score of, are you ready for this, 1 – 0 !! This game is recognized by the IHSA (www.ihsa.org) as well as in the National Federation of State High School Associations Record Book as tied for the lowest scoring high school basketball game of all-time!!  A newspaper article regarding this historic game can be viewed below.

The photo to the right is of the team that played the school year of 1928-29.  Dino Paganelli, is seated in the front row, second from the left. Can you name any of the others?

1932-33         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1933-34         District Champions

                      Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1934-35         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1935-36         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1936-37         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1937-38         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1939-40         Regional Champions        Coach Charles Diehr

                      Tri-County Conf. Tourney Runner-Ups

1940-41         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Champs

1941-42         Regional Champions

1942-43         Regional Champions

1943-44         District Champions

1944-45         Tri-County Conf. Tourney Runner-Ups

1945-46         Regional Champions

                      Tri-County Conf. Tourney Runner-Ups

1946-47         Regional Champions

The all-time scorer in Hornet history is Fran Aimone, who played from 1955-59. In four seasons, the 5’11” sharpshooter scored 1,473 points, 509 came in his final season (good for a 24.2 scoring average), and he set the single-game record with 51. Aimone also scored 30 or more points on seven occasions in his prep career, and started in 73 consecutive games for Hopkins. This information was found in a book titled “March Sadness: Broken Dreams and Unrewarded Talents” by Walter A. (Sonny) Ziel (published in 2003).

Boys Track & Field

“Field” was the key word for two Granville Hopkins HS boys. In consecutive years, Hopkins High was represented at the IHSA State Meet, with two individuals bringing home medals. Their great accomplishments are listed below.

1924-25    H. Fielder      Discus               “B” Meet STATE CHAMPION!!!!!

1925-26    ?  Strack       Long Jump        3RD PLACE

If You Have ANY Information….

…you would like to share regarding the many successful accompishments of Granville Hopkins High School please forward to us an e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.    60631

Hopkins High Yearbook

Granville Hopkins vs. Magnolia

1929 Historic Game

Granville Hopkins Gymnasium

Tornado Damage

Granville Hopkins High School in Background

Now Putnam County Hopkins Grade School

Grantsburg High School definitely competed in boys basketball.  It is possible that other sports such as baseball and track were offered as well.  The school’s team nickname, uniform colors, fight song, coach’s names, and season records are all items we are hoping to share on this page.

BASKETBALL

Jamie Driskill provided the following information on the Grantsburg High School basketball exploits:

“In 1947, at the Metropolis Regional, Grantsburg H. S. lost to Rosiclare by a score of 64 to 26.  Also, evidently Grantsburg and New Columbia had an early co-op boys baskerball team that played in the Metropolis Regional in 1946.  The co-op team lost that one too In 1946, to Golconda, by a score of 97 to 13.”

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION TO SHARE

Please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  You can also write to us via the U.S. Postal Service tothe following address:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Av.

Chicago, Il.  60631

Below you will find the accomplishments of the many great Granite City High School teams, athletes and scholars as found on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org).   We are in need of information such as coach’s names and team records.  As you will see, for only being technically open for 10 years, the Granite City South High School kids were talented and very successful on many levels.

BOYS SOCCER

Granite City South High School was the place where State Championship Soccer was a regular occurrence.  During the ten years that Granite City South High School was open, the boys soccer team won an incredible SIX State titles in boys soccer.  In addition, one GCSHS team finished THIRD at the State Tournament Finals. 

Boys soccer was king in Granite City South.  Coach Gene Baker was the leader of this dominate program. Coach Baker went on to coach several seasons at Granite City finishing his career with a record of 462 – 100 – 40 from 1973 through 1996.  This places Coach Baker second All-Time in Illinois HS Soccer history and among the elite high school coaches in the nation.

Among individual accomplishments Mark Goldschmidt’s  102  goals from 1975-77 made him the 32nd all-time leading scorer in IHSA boys soccer history.

1973-74   19 – 2 – 1    IHSA State Finals – THIRD Place    Coach Gene Baker
District Champions

                                   Sectional Champions

Final Four Finalist 

                                   Lost to Morton East 2 – 1 (Penalty Kick)

Third Place Game

                                   Beat Lake Forest 1 – 0 

1974-75                                                                                Coach Gene Baker

1975-76   19 – 3 – 2    Sectional Champions                      Coach Gene Baker

1976-77   26 – 1 – 1    IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!            Coach Gene Baker
Sectional Champions

                                   Elite 8 Finalist

                                   Beat Lake Forest   1 – 0

                                   Final Four Finalist

                                    Beat Highland Park   2 – 0

                                   State Championship Game

                                   Beat Wheaton Central  4 – 0

1977-78   22 – 1 – 4    IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!            Coach Gene Baker
Sectional Champions

                                Elite 8 Finalist

                                Beat New Trier East    2 – 1

                                Final Four Finalist

                                Beat Wheaton Central  2 – 1

                                State Championship Game

                                Beat Chicago Shurz  6 – 1

1978-79   25 – 4 – 1    IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!            Coach Gene Baker
Sectional Champions

                                Elite 8 Finalist

                                Beat Deerfield   1 – 0

                                Final Four Finalist

                                Beat Brother Rice   2 – 1

                                State Championship Game

                                Beat Evanston  2 – 0

1979-80   24 – 5 – 4    IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!            Coach Gene Baker
Sectional Champions

                                Elite 8 Finalist

                                Beat Wheaton Central   7 – 0

                                Final Four Finalist

                                Beat Hinckley-Big Rock    2 – 0

                                State Championship Game

                                Beat New Trier East   3 – 1

1980-81   26 – 2 – 1    IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!            Coach Gene Baker
Sectional Champions

                                Elite 8 Finalist

                                Beat Wheaton Academy   4 – 0

                                Final Four Finalist

                                Beat Chicago Bowen 2 – 1 (4 O/T – P.K.)

                                State Championship Game

                                Beat Hinsdale South    5 – 1 

1981-82                                                                                 Coach Gene Baker 

1982-83   30 – 2         IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!             Coach Gene Baker
Regional Champions

                                   Sectional Champions

                             Elite 8 Finalist

                             Beat Downers Grove South  2 – 0

                             Final Four Finalist

                             Beat Chicago Senn   1 – 0

                             State Championship Game

                             Beat New Trier  2 – 1

BOYS BASKETBALL

The boys basketball program had a couple nice seasons under the leadership of Coach Don Deterding. However only two seasons were recorded with a winning record.  The East St. Louis area  is a hotbed for basketball action and GCSHS held its own most seasons.

1973-76                                                                    Coach Bryan Wilkinson

1976-77                                                                    Coach Don Deterding

1977-78   13 – 12                                                      Coach Don Deterding

1978-79   18 – 8     2nd Place in Regional                Coach Don Deterding

1979-80                                                                    Coach Don Deterding

1980-81                East Alton-Wood River Tourn.    Coach Don Deterding

(Champs) Beat Piasa (SW) 52-50

1981-82                                                                    Coach Don Deterding

1982-83                2nd Place in Regional                  Coach Don Deterding

**From our good fan Mark Jurenga:

All-time series vs. Collinsville: 1-12

*Collinsville is #2 in IHSA history in wins with 1,939 after the 2006-2007 season.

South victory:

1/16/1982– Granite City (South) 59 Collinsville 57

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The girls basketball program won a Regional title, however the coach’s name and team record of this and other great teams are not currently available.

1980-81           Regional Champions

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The lady harriers made one trip as a team to the IHSA State Finals meet.

1981-82            Team Qualified for State Finals

BOYS TENNIS

The tennis program won two District titles, however this is currently the extent of the information we have available.

1973-74            District Champions
1979-80            District Champions

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Two medals were earned in Granite City South High School’s history.  Tom Schooley accomplished this in the 330 Yard Hurdles in 1974 and 1975.

1973-74     Individual Medalist – Tom Schooley   330 Yd. Hurdles   3RD Place
1974-75     Individual Medalist – Tom Schooley   330 Yd. Hurdles   8TH Place

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The girls enjoyed their best success in the sport of volleyball.  FIVE District titles, TWO Sectional titles, and a trip to the Elite 8 round highlighted the success of the program. 

1974-75               Team Won District & Sectional Championships  

1975-76   14 – 4    IHSA ELITE 8 FINALIST!                                       Coach Wilma Schulze

                             District Champions

                             Sectional Champions

                             Super-Sectional Champions

                             Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to LaGrange Lyons  (2 – 0)

LaGrange Won State Championship

1976-77                Team Won District Championship
1979-80                Team Won District Championship
1980-81                Team Won District Championship

BOYS WRESTLING

Granite City is a great town for high school wrestling.  GCSHS had two TOP TEN finishes as a team in the 10 years the school competed in the sport.  Several grapplers also brought home individual medals from IHSA State Match competition.

1973-74   19 – 2       IHSA State Finals – SEVENTH Place  Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

                              Individual Medalists

                              Brian Wilson            155 lbs. Weight Class       4TH Place
John Niebur             119 lbs. Weight Class       5TH Place

                              Russ Halbrook            98 lbs. Weight Class       6TH Place

1974-75   19 – 1 – 1  District Champions                            Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

                              Individual Medalists

                              Kevin Page              119 lbs. Weight Class       5TH Place

1975-76   20 – 2       District Champions                            Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

1976-77   22 – 2                                                                 Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

                              Individual Medalists

                              Kevin Wilson            185 lbs Weight Class       5TH Place

1977-78   21 – 1       IHSA State Finals – SEVENTH Place  Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

                              Sectional Champions

                              Individual Medalists
Sam Perkins            138 lbs Weight Class        2ND Place
Darrell Hasty            145 lbs Weight Class        3RD Place

1978-79   22 – 1        District / Sectional Champions         Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

                              Individual Medalists

                              Dean Perkins           145 lbs Weight Class        3RD Place
Barry Forshee          126 lbs Weight Class        6TH Place

1979-80   23 – 1        District Champions                           Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

                              Individual Medalists

                              Dean Perkins           145 lbs Weight Class        3RD Place

1980-81   21 – 1                                                                 Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

Individual Medalists

                              Dean Perkins           155 lbs Weight Class        2ND Place

                              Greg Garland          119 lbs Weight Class         5TH Place

1981-82   16 – 7                                                                 Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

1982-83   15 – 10                                                               Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt

ACADEMICS

Granite City South High School had some team successes in IHSA Academic competition as well.  Below you will see the championships won by these teams.  If you have any further information on any event, please send us an e-mail.

DEBATE

1974-75         Team Won Sectional Championship

SPEECH SWEEPSTAKES

1973-83         Coaches Richard King & Ron Pennell

DRAMA

1981-82         Team Won District Championship   

GROUP INTERPRETATION

1981-82         Team Won District Championship

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION YOU WISH TO SHARE…

…regarding the above mentioned items or any other activities that are not mentioned please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. A photo of the Granite City South High School building is also being sought. You can mail items to us at the following address:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631 

The boys and girls of Granite City North High School worked hard during the short 10 years the school was open.  Several Regional and Sectional titles were won at the school in both boys and girls athletics.  In addition several individuals were able earn medals in State Finals competition.  Several team records and coach’s names are missing.  Please contact us to help us “fill in the blanks”.

BOYS BASEBALL

The boys baseball team of 1978-79 made it all the way to the Elite 8 of the State Baseball tournament.

1978-79   20 – 7   Team Qualified for State Finals       Coach Bob Stegemeier
Regional Champions

                          Sectional Champions

                          Elite 8 Finalist

                          Lost to Oak Forest   5 – 4

1979-80   24 – 8   (Lost 5 games of its games to eventual

Class AA Champ Collinsville and

eventual 4th Place finisher Edwardsville,

Beat Collinsville once!)

1980-81   16 – 12  Regional Champions

Lost in Sectional to Collinsville 8-4

BOYS BASKETBALL

The only season listed on the IHSA website regarding Granite City North HS boys basketball is their Regional Championship season of 1974-75.  Team record and coach’s name of this and other great GCNHS teams are needed.

1974-75                   Regional Champions                    Coach Bill Ohlendorf

1979-80                   Breese Mater Dei Christmas            Coach Bill Ohlendorf

Tourney Champs

Regarding the 1979-80 team and its Breese Mater Dei HS Christmas Tournament Championship as submitted by Mark Jurenga — Source: 2005 Breese (Mater Dei) Christmas Classic program, pg. 1,

“One of the strangest tournaments took place in 1979 as Granite City North came into the Tournament with no wins (0-5). Granite then swept the Championship with four straight victories, upsetting Springfield-Griffin, East St. Louis (Assumption), Breese (Mater Dei) and Chatham-Glenwood. The North team did not win another game in the regular season but did upset a strong Highland team in Regional play.”

Breese (Mater Dei) Tourney Facts:

All-Time Record: 8 wins 7 losses

Championships- 1979

4th Place- 1981

All Tournament Team Selections:

1979- Mike Robertson
Dennis Paige

**Also from our good friend Mark Jurenga:

All-Time series vs. Collinsville: 1-12

*Collinsville is #2 in IHSA history in wins with 1,939 after the 2006-2007 season.

North victory:

3/7/1975– Collinsville Class AA Regional Semifinal.

Granite City (North) 49 Collinsville 48

*Collinsville had defeated North 65-42 in Branite City earlier that season. Collinsville finished 1974-75 with a 20-6 record.

From GCNHS alum Richard Takmajian (Class of 1981):

“Bill Ohlendorf was the coach at North for all 10 years of its existence I believe. He won his 300th game during the 80-81′ season and ended up with well over 300 career IHSA wins as a coach.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The ladies were able to double the boy’s Regional Title success by taking home two crowns.  Team records and coach’s names are needed.

1976-77                   Regional Champions
1982-83                   Regional Champions

GIRLS BOWLING

The lady boulders of Granite City North High had some very successful seasons on the State Tourney level.  Five District titles meant five trips to the State Finals.  In 1978-79 the girls even placed in the top-ten with a SEVENTH place finish!!

1974-75                   Team Qualified for State Finals

                               Team Won District Championship 

1975-76                   Team Qualified for State Finals

                               Team Won District Championship

1976-77                   Team Qualified for State Finals

                               Team Won District Championship

1978-79                   Team Finished SEVENTH at State Finals!

                               Team Won District Championship                    

1979-80                   Team Qualified for State Finals

                               Team Won District Championship

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Granite City North harrier teams qualified for the State Finals on two occasions.  One individual, Mike Baker, even placed in the top-15 for Class AA in 1976-77!

1975-76             Team Qualified for State Finals Meet

                         Sectional Champions

1976-77             Team Qualified for State Finals Meet

                         Individual Medalist

                         Mike Baker                14TH Place

BOYS FOOTBALL

Coach Tom Wyrostek led the grid iron warriors to two trips to the IHSA State Playoffs. Team records and coach’s names are being sought for the other great GCNHS teams as well.

1974-75             Team Qualified for State Playoffs       Coach Tom Wyrostek

                         Class 4A Sweet 16 Finalist

                         Lost to Peoria Central 54 – 21

1981-82             Team Qualified for State Playoffs       Coach Tom Wyrostek

                         Class 4A Sweet 16 Finalist

Lost to Springfield Griffith 14 – 7                       

BOYS SOCCER

The boys soccer team of 1974-75 reached the Elite 8 round of the IHSA tourney before bowing to eventual state champ New Trier West.

1974-75   20 – 4   Team Qualified for State Tourney Finals  Coach Bob Kehoe

                          Sectional Champions

                          Elite 8 Finalist

                          Lost to New Trier West 2 – 0

New Trier West Won State Championship

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The lady netters added to the Granite City North trophy case by winning a Regional Championship in 1982-83.  Team record and coach’s name ofthis and other GCNHS teams are being sought.

1982-83               Regional Championship

BOYS WRESTLING

Coach Walt Whitaker appears to have been Granite City North’s ONLY head coach in varsity boys wrestling.  By the looks of his overall record, this was a very good thing!  The boys sported a 170 – 23 – 4 record in dual meets under Coach Whitaker during the ten years the school was open! Included were some IHSA tourney hardware and some excellent individual performances.

In 1976-77 Khris Whelan won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the individual 98 lbs weight class!

1973-74   11 – 3                                                                   Coach Walt Whitaker

1974-75   16 – 3                                                                   Coach Walt Whitaker

                             Individual Medalists

                             Khris Whelan     98 lbs Wgt Class   4TH Place

                             Keith Whelan     98 lbs Wgt Class   6TH Place

1975-76   17 – 4                                                                   Coach Walt Whitaker

                             Individual Medalist

                             Keith Whelan   105 lbs Wgt Class   5TH Place

1976-77   18 – 1      Team Finished NINTH at State Finals!  Coach Walt Whitaker

                              Individual Medalist

                              Khris Whelan   98 lbs Wgt Class   STATE CHAMPION!!

1977-78   14 – 5 – 1                                                               Coach Walt Whitaker

                              Individual Medalist 

                              Khris Whelan  112 lbs Wgt Class   2ND Place

1978-79   14 – 4                                                                    Coach Walt Whitaker

1979-80   16 – 2 – 1                                                               Coach Walt Whitaker

1980-81   17 – 1 – 2                                                               Coach Walt Whitaker

1981-82   23 – 0       Team Won District Championship        Coach Walt Whitaker

                              Individual Medalist

                              Steve Smith    119 lbs Wgt Class    3RD Place

1982-83   24 – 0       Team Won Regional Championship     Coach Walt Whitaker

                              Team Won Sectional Championship

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO SHARE

Please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net . A photo of the former HS building would be a great addtion to this page.  You can also e-mail items to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.  60631