| 1922-23 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.
Players included Ray Rakestraw, Robert Rakestraw, Linaweaver,
Emerson, Carrington, Sierens
1923-24 Rock Island District Tourney
Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Annawan 15-8
Players included Roy Rakestraw, Ray Rakestraw, Lester
Linaweaver, Mendenhall, Carlisle Ulrich,
Riley, Stone, Fred Getz
1924-25 “Conference Champions” Coach Cully Rydholm
Players included: Ray Rakestraw, Robert Rakestraw, Roy Rakestraw,
Carlisle Ulrich, Middleton, Fred Getz, Ward Riley
1925-26 Moline District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Alpha 21-19
1926-27 Princeton District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Malden 32-9
1927-28 Princeton District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Bureau Township HS 35-10
1928-29 Geneseo District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to New Windsor 13-11
Players: Riley, F. Moore, Nelson, Sierens
Immesoete, Moore, Lorenson
1929-30 13 – 7 Kewanee District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Altona 24-16
Players: Riley, Nelson, Immesoete,
Moore, Norman (possibly Morman),
Brandt, Croegaert, Matson
1930-31 Kewanee District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd Beat Atkinson 29-27
2nd Rd Beat Lafayette 26-12
Semi-Final lost to Kewanee 30-8
3rd Place Game lost to Geneseo 35-15
Newpaper Article (Moline Dispatch, March 9, 1931) referred to this team in the following manner:
“Mineral’s brave little band of midgets, deserving of much credit for scrappiness against strong teams, put up a stubborn battle for third place against Geneseo for third place honors, but the Maple city lads, smarting from afternoon defeat, didn’t propose to lose again.”
*Team placed in top 4 of the Bureau County Tournament with 15 teams entered. Won Ohio District of the Bureau County Tournament by beating Manlius and Ohio.
Players: L. Brandt, F. Moore, Madsen, C. Croegaert, Morman, V. Croegaert, Bennet, Ulrich.
1931-32 Geneseo District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Annawan 23-9
Annawan lost to Kewanee in Semi-final.
Players: Brandt, Moore, Bennet, Croegaert, Madsen
Kewanee Placed 4th in IHSA State Tourney.
1932-33 Galva District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Neponset 22-19
Players: P. Ulrich, Reider, Clark, Hodgett, Bennett,
Christian, Croegaert.
1933-34 12 – 6 Princeton District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd Beat Malden 25-20
2nd Rd lost to Princeton 36-22
Players: Hodgett, Reider, Carlson, Bennett, Barthelman
1934-35 Princeton District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Malden 29-22
LaSalle Peru beat DePue in title game
1935-36 Sheffield District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd Beat Bureau Junction 53-8
Semi-Final lost to Lamoille 30-21
Lamoille beat Ohio in title game.
1936-37 Princeton District Tournament Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Manlius 29-25
Wyanet beat Sheffield in title game
1937-38 Sheffield District Tournament . Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Buda 52-19
(Buda had won Bureau County Tournament
Mineral had beaten Buda earlier that season)
1938-39 Sheffield District Tournament . Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd forfeited to Lafayette 2-0
Cases of scarlet fever in Sheffield –
Mineral and Hooppole chose not to
participate in Sheffield District Tournament)
1939-40 Cambridge District Tournament . Coach J.C. Forsberg
1st Rd lost to Sheffield 38-18
1940-41 29 – 6 Sheffield District Champs Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 40 students (15 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd Beat Tampico 48-20
Semi-Final Beat Annawan 46-28
Title Game Beat Sheffield 40-26
Kewanee Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Wethersfield 26-21
Semi-Final lost to Geneseo 35-23
Kewanee beat Geneseo in title game.
1941-42 30 – 5 Sheffield District Champs Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 38 students (15 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd Score Needed
Semi-Final Score Needed
Title Game Beat Sheffield 46-22
Kewanee Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Galva 39-32
Kewanee beat Geneseo in title game
1942-43 13 – 3 Atkinson District Tourney Coach C.C. Clapper
Enrollment – 38 students (16 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd lost to Atkinson 35-31
Title Game Manlius Beat Sheffield
1943-44 13 – 10 Atkinson District Runner-Up Coach Cleo “Swede” Carlson
1st Rd Beat Neponset 65-16
Semi-Final Beat Sheffield 32-30
Title Game lost to Atkinson 42-30
1944-45 8 – 10 Atkinson District Tourney Coach Bill Sollit
1st Rd lost to Atkinson 66-28
Sheffield beat Atkinson in title game
1945-46 16 – 11 Atkinson District Tournament Coach Omar Robinson
1st Rd Beat Lyndon 48-32
Semi-Final lost to Atkinson 46-36
Atkinson Beat Sheffield in title game.
1946-47 28 – 4 Atkinson District Champs Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 28 students (14 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd Beat Sheffield 56-30
Semi-Final Beat Annawan 43-31
Title Game Beat Atkinson 32-28
Kewanee Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Bradford 40-30
Semi-Final lost to Galva 38-31
Kewanee beat Galva in title game
1947-48 19 – 5 Atkinson District Runner-Up Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 32 students (18 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd Beat Buda 45-32
Semi-Final Beat Annawan 46-16
Title Game lost to Atkinson 40-28
1948-49 11 – 13 Atkinson District Tournament Coach Oliver Jochums
1st Rd lost to Atkinson 56-28
Atkinson beat Cambridge in title game
1949-50 16 – 13 Atkinson District Champs Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 40 students (15 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd Score Needed.
Semi-Final Beat Buda 36-21
Title Game Beat Atkinson 50-41
Kewanee Regional Tournament
1st Rd Lost to Cambridge 47-40
Kewanee beat Galva in title game
1950 -51 17 – 11 Atkinson District Champs Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 51 students (24 boys)
District Scores
1st Rd Bye
Semi-Final Beat Annawan 51-39
Title Game Beat Sheffield 39-36
Kewanee Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Wethersfield 47-41
Semi-Final lost to Galva 55-33
Kewanee beat Galva in title game
1951-52 26 – 5 Sheffield District Champs Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 52 students (24 boys)
Two-Rivers Conference Regular Season Champs
District Scores
1st Rd Bye
Semi-Final Beat Annawan 47-28
Title Game Beat Atkinson 59-28
Princeville Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Wethersfield 56-27
Semi-Final Beat Bradford 56-40
Title Game lost to Kewanee 64-41
1952-53 20 – 8 Atkinson District Runner-Up Coach Oliver Jochums
Enrollment – 53 students (27 boys)
Two-Rivers Conference Tourney Champs
District Scores
1st Rd Beat Neponset 65-54
Semi-Final Beat Annawan 44-37
Title Game lost to Atkinson 49-45
1953-54 6 – 20 Atkinson District Tournament Coach Oliver Jochums
1st Rd lost – score needed.
Buda beat Atkinson in title game.
1954-55 10 – 16 Atkinson District Tournament Coach Oliver Jochums
1st Rd lost – Score needed.
Buda Beat Atkinson in title game.
1955-56 5 – 19 Atkinson District Tournament Coach Earl Jay
1st Rd lost to Atkinson 77-49.
Buda Beat Atkinson in title game
1956-57 0 – 20 Tampico District Tournament Coach Fred Gore
1st Rd lost to Atkinson 79-39
Tampico beat Atkinson in title game
1957-58 7 – 17 Atkinson District Tournament Coach Don Deterding
1st Rd lost to Buda 63-46
Neponset beat Atkinson in title game
1958-59 15 – 11 Annawan District Tournament Coach Don Dolieslager
1st Rd Beat Neponset 64-57
Semi-Final lost to Atkinson 76-67
Atkinson beat Annawan in title game.
1959-60 15 – 11 Buda District Runner-Up Coach Don Dolieslager
Enrollment – 36 students (19 boys)
Little 6 Conference Champs
District Scores
1st Rd Beat Buda 66-46
Semi-Final Beat Atkinson 48-46
Title Game lost to Annawan 65-44
1960-61 12 – 11 Annawan District Tournament Coach Don Dolieslager
1st Rd Beat Atkinson 58-51
*Semi-Final lost to Tampico 48-44
Annawan beat Tampico in title game
*Final boys basketball game for the Mineral High School “Leopards.”
Mineral Leopard Basketball Quick Facts
Overall Record 1939 – 61 330 wins – 252 losses Winning Percentage – .567
Home Record 1939 – 57 109 wins – 53 losses Winning Percentage – .672
(Games from the 1958 – 61 yearbooks are not listed as “here” or “there”)
Two Great Coaches
Coach Oliver Jochums
The first individual we would like to recognize is Coach Oliver Jochums (1941-42, 1947 – 55). There are several players and MHS alumni of this era still residing around the Mineral area. One thing you can count on is the respect and admiration you receive when they talk about Coach Jochums.
Jochums’ first season at M.H.S. was one of his most successful in terms of wins and losses (29 – 6). This was accomplished with only 38 students (15 boys) in the entire High School. His “First Team” consisted of three seniors, one junior, and one sophomore.. His reserves came from two seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen. This does not appear unusual until you consider that this was the TOTAL number of boys (14) in the entire high school! Well, actually there was one other boy but he chose to serve as the team manager. Coach Jochums was forced to juggle numbers like this throughout his eleven year stay at Mineral.
Coach Jochums’ overall record at Mineral H.S. was a highly respectable 212 wins and 106 losses – a .667 winning percentage. Only one year did he have the luxury of having five seniors on his “first” string (1952). The 1940-41 season also boasted five seniors however only three of them were starters. The remaining nine years had no more than 4 seniors (1953,54,55) and as few as one senior (1949, 1950, and 1951) on his roster. Coach Jochums did not let the numbers game effect his thinking or coaching ability. Coach actually seemed to thrive on the underdog roll he was hired into. In Jochums’ first four seasons at MHS his teams had a combined record of 106 – 20, an average of 26 wins and 5 losses per year! During these first four seasons MHS’s enrollment averaged 33 students of which 15 were boys for the entire high school, grades 9 – 12. Overall Coach Jochums averaged 19.3 wins and 9.6 losses during his eleven year stay. The smallest enrollment during Jochums’ stint was 25 students (1948) with the largest being 53 students (1954) (also the largest in school history). During Coach’s eleven years at Mineral he produced five seasons of 20+ wins.
What really made Jochums a step above other coaches was his ability to prepare for the State Tournament. During Coach’s eleven year stay at Mineral his teams appeared in eight District Championship games. Of the eight games, Mineral won six of them. Six District Championships in eleven years! In Bureau County only Ohio and DePue can boast similar records during that time. Coach Jochums sported an impressive post season record of 25 wins and 11 losses for a .696 winning percentage. Three of the District titles occurred in consecutive seasons from 1950 – 1952. If you speak to coaches and players of the “District Era” you will find a consensus that winning a District Title was very similar to winning a regional today. A District title set your team above those around you – i.e. those you competed against throughout the season.
Coach Jochums was not one to scream and yell at his players in public. Most players remember the steely-eyed stare given by Jochums when they made a mistake. Coach mainly sat on the bench in John Wooden like fashion, addressing the team when he was able and point-blankly addressing the mistakes needing correction. Coach also held a review for his players each Monday. His team would sit on the stage in the gym and Coach would go to each one individually giving them “pointers” on how to improve.
One story of Coach’s is remembered by his sister, Eunice Montgomery, as told to her by Coach. The Leopards were losing during Coach’s first year (1940-41) and were not playing up to their best ability. Coach was upset and entered the locker room at halftime after the team had sat down. Coach simply placed his foot on a bench and stood there, glaring at each player, moving from face to face. This went on for several moments without a word being said. Finally team captain Morris Foes could no longer take it. He simply said “Let’s go out and win one for Coach”. The Leopards ran onto the court and won the game by twenty points.
Coach Jochum’s abilities were respected by his peers as well. After the Leopard’s hard fought loss to Kewanee in the Regional Championship in 1952 Coach was given one of the highest compliments he could receive from the assistant coach to one of the areas most well respected coaches, H.F. Brockman. Coach Landis was quoted in the Kewanee Star Courier as saying that Mineral was the most well coached small school team they had ever played against.
When you have a small school you also have a small budget. Each faculty member had to contribute in as many ways as possible. Coach Jochums was no different. Not only did he coach the first and second teams at the high school level, he also coached the Grade School “Little Leopards” basketball teams. He was also coach of the school’s short lived (three seasons) venture into football. He served as track coach (Coaching several conference and county champions) and baseball coach during all of his eleven years at Mineral. On top of this he was a class sponsor, taught English and History classes, and even served as one of the school’s three bus drivers.
Coach Jochums was a strict disciplinarian on and off the court. Coach had strict rules regarding diet, conditioning, and dating. Mickie DeFauw (‘47) recalls a time when Coach took the team to his mother-in-law’s for dinner. Coach observed Mickie and one of the other guys eating “homemade rolls”. Coach did not say a word about it until they returned to Mineral. He then took the boys into the gym to run laps so it wouldn’t stick! Other rules included no sweets, no pop, and no dating the night before a game. Violation of these rules resulted in disciplinary action.
Palsy Rakestraw and Don Miller (‘52) recalled a time when Coach caught the team’s star player, Bill Baird (‘52), talking to his girlfriend after school instead of shooting baskets in the gym. He suspended Bill for the next nights game against Tampico. Coach showed his human side when he inserted Bill with three minutes left in the game and Mineral trailing. The Leopards still lost the game but the message to Bill was clear. Coach was also very high on conditioning. Rigid calisthenics were a part of every practice.
It is remembered by many of his students that his simply walking into a classroom brought a hush to the students without his speaking a word. Coach also liked to be a good role model and mentor for his students. He was remembered by Robert Studley (‘46 – ‘48) to say that “many things can be taken from you, but a good education stays with you for life”. Bob used this as inspiration for he and those close to him as encouragement to further their educations beyond high school. Several alumni, both men and women alike, felt Mr. Jochum’s was an even better teacher than he was a coach.
Coach’s initial stay at Mineral was interrupted in dramatic fashion. After his first two highly successful seasons at MHS (1940-41, 41-42) coach was called upon to service for his country in World War II. According to Coach’s sister, Eunice Montgomery of Riverside , Ca., Coach Jochums was assigned as a Military Police officer in the army and was within hours of boarding a ship for Japan in 1946 when his orders were recalled. Coach Jochums could have easily moved on to a bigger school with possibly better prospects of winning when his tour of duty finished however he called the superintendent of MHS to ask about the status of his job. There was no big surprise in that Coach was told his job was waiting for him. One alumnus, Sam Hodgett (‘54) said he would never forget the sight of Coach Jochums walking up the sidewalk in uniform to the school in the fall of 1946. Sam was in 5th grade and this was something that sticks in his mind to this day. It is felt by many that had Coach been able to remain at MHS for the four seasons he missed he would have easily improved his and MHS’s winning percentages.
Though he moved on from Mineral Coach always carried a sincere fondness for the people and time he spent at Mineral. Coach Jochums was a humble man and always talked about the great kids he had to work with at Mineral. He did not want the limelight on himself. He made a few treks back to Mineral from his home in Kalamazoo, Mi. Coach’s fondness was sincere when he said wished there were a two class system in Illinois when he was coaching at MHS. He really believed his teams could have advanced through several rounds.
Coach Oliver Jochums Highlights:
* MHS record under Coach Jochums between 1939 – 61 – 212 wins – 106 losses (.667 win %)
MHS record under other Coaches between 1939 – 61 – 118 wins – 146 losses (.484 win %)
MHS record w/out Jochums and Dolieslager 1939 -61 – 77 wins – 113 losses (.427 win %)
* MHS post season with Coach Jochums 1939 – 1961 – 25 wins – 11 losses (.696 win %)
MHS post season without Coach Jochums 1939 – 61 – 6 wins – 10 losses (.375 win %)
MHS post season w/out Jochums and Dolieslager ‘39 – 61 – 3 wins – 7 losses (.300 win %)
* Coach Jochums had five basketball seasons of 20+ games won in his 11 year career at MHS.
* Coach Jochums’ six District titles places him among the top small school coaches in the Quad Cities area during that time period (1941 – 55).
* Coach Jochums’ teams won five conference titles in basketball in his 11 year stay.
* Coach Jochums’ 212 wins at MHS place him among the top 200 coaches in Illinois High School history for number of victories at one school.
* Coach Jochums average basketball season record at MHS was 19 wins and 9 losses.
* Coach Jochums won at least two track & field conference titles during his 11 year stay.
* Coach Jochums was 12-0 in baseball with one conference title (as far as can be researched).
Another Excellent Coach
Coach Donald Dolieslager was also an excellent coach for Mineral High School Coach Dolieslager arrived at MHS with the basketball program in turmoil. During the previous three years, all post Jochums teams, the combined record for MHS was a dismal 12 – 56. Mineral had not had a winning season in the five seasons leading up to Dolieslager’s arrival. Coach Dolieslager had an immediate impact on MHS’s fortunes. In his initial campaign (1958 – 59) Coach brought the Leopards back to respectability with a 15 – 11 record.
Most importantly Coach Dolieslager was an excellent fit for the community of Mineral. The previous three coaches all had tried different approaches to attain success. The coach previous to Dolieslager, Don Deterding, in fact came with impressive credentials. Deterding played his high school basketball at Collinsville and was named to the second team all-state squad. After a successful career in college Deterding landed his first job at Mineral. Though extremely knowledgeable, Coach Deterding lacked the patience needed at a small school to teach and succeed. This set the stage for the arrival of Coach Dolieslager.
It was said by more than one of his former players that they would “have run through a brick wall for Dolieslager”. Coach brought an excellent combination of knowledge and patience to the Leopards and his ability was rewarded immediately. Coach’s knack for gaining his player’s respect and making them believe in themselves resulted in a winning season for the first time in six years. This was also the Leopards last year in the Two Rivers Conference. The team finished with a respectable 6 – 6 conference record including wins over Prophetstown and Riverdale. They also won the Conference’s Tournament Consolation Championship. Dolieslager brought the Leopards their first post season win in six years, too.
His second season was his most successful one at MHS. The 1959 – 60 Leopards also went 15 – 11 but more importantly won their first conference title in seven years. Now in the Little Six Conference Mineral went 4 – 1 for the regular season championship. Coach’s team also placed third in the Tampico holiday tournament. This team returned to near post-season glory by finishing second in the District tournament to Annawan. Coach showed he was developing a program at Mineral as his fresh-soph team finished the season at 15 – 5 with four of their losses by less than six points.
Coach Dolieslager’s final year at Mineral was also MHS’s final year of existence. The Leopards went out on a winning note, finishing with a 12 – 11 record. The most impressive win of the season was a victory over Bureau Township HS. Coached by the legendary Chips Giovanni (who happened to be a good friend of Dolieslager) Bureau entered the Mineral HS gym with a 42 game regular season winning streak. Mineral used its home court to its advantage in soundly defeating Bureau 54 – 38. The win was costly for coach though as he had to “spring” for a chicken dinner for his team to make good on a pre-game promise. The fresh-soph Leopards finished the season at 11- 7. Coach Dolieslager’s three year record at MHS was a very respectable 42 – 33. Most importantly he brought the Leopard basketball program back to the respect and dignity it deserved. Judging by his F/S records at MHS the program was in good shape all the way to the end. Coach Dolieslager stated that his three years at MHS were the most enjoyable in his career as a coach.
The Great Teams
1940-41
29 wins – 6 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
The 1940 – 41 Leopards had a record of 29 wins and 6 losses. The team placed second in the Bureau County tournament losing to a highly favored Spring Valley Hall Township team by 12 in the championship game. The team was led by seniors Morris Foes, Chuck Hasbrook, Frank Foes, Harold “Peewee” Jenkins, and Howard Notschaele . Along with the five seniors were juniors Herb Gingrich, Herb Pierson, sophomore Russell Buysse, and freshman Don Rodgers. This was Coach Jochum’s first year at Mineral. The Leopards were crowned champions of the Little Four Conference. Winning the District Championship and advancing into the Regional, the Leopards made it to the second round before losing to Geneseo High School by 12 points. Geneseo’s enrollment was over 400 students with Mineral’s holding at 39. For this game one of the Leopards team leaders and excellent junior guard Herbert Gingrich was ill and unable to play. With a total of 15 boys in the entire high school what this team accomplished was truly incredible and was so recognized by local newspapers.
Team Members: Russell Buysse, Francis Foes, Morris Foes, Herbert Gingrich, Vernon Hansen, Charlie Hasbrook, Harold Jenkins, Howard Notschaele, Herb Pierson, Don Rodgers, Dean Studley,
Cheerleaders: Eileen Tunney, Arvilla Rakestraw
(Yearbook states “Mineral had a very successful basketball season winning 29 games and losing only 6.” However only 34 total games are listed)
Mineral 33 Hillsdale 10
Mineral 24 Lyndon 13
Mineral 40 Cherry 22
Mineral 22 Malden 20
Mineral 52 Neponset 12
Mineral 40 Manlius 12
Mineral 42 Buda 25
Mineral 22 Wethersfield 23 (revenge comes in the Regional)
Mineral 16 Annawan 13
Mineral 41 Hooppole 12
Mineral 37 Atkinson 15
Mineral 22 LaMoille 18
Mineral 32 Hillsdale 10
Mineral 39 Annawan 17
Geneseo Holiday Tourney
Mineral 20 Alpha 23
Mineral 50 Lyndon 20
Mineral 41 Buda 27
Mineral 26 Moline Sophs 33
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 31 Sheffield 19
Mineral 28 DePue 26
Mineral 30 Walnut 25
Mineral 25 Spring Valley Hall 37
(Championship Game of county tourney, Mineral’s runner-up was their best finish ever in the County Tourney, they were the 2nd smallest high school in the County (39 total students, 19 boys), only Cherry HS, a 3-year HS, was smaller).
Mineral 29 Atkinson 25
Mineral 28 LaMoille 17
Mineral 19 Sheffield 27 (Bet Coach was ticked about this one!)
Mineral 55 Hooppole 15
Mineral 31 Annawan 25
Mineral 35 Andover 16
Mineral 49 Neponset 35
District Tournament
Mineral 48 Tampico 20
Mineral 46 Annawan 28
MIneral 40 Sheffield 26 (Championship Game)
Regional Tournament
Mineral 26 Wethersfield 21
Mineral 25 Geneseo 37
1941-42
30 wins – 5 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
Coach Jochum’s second year was even more remarkable. Mineral’s best by number of wins. A newspaper article said they entered the Regional at 29 – 4. They won the first game of the Regional and lost the second to Geneseo again to finish 30 – 5 under Coach Jochums. The yearbook did not list the game by game scores.The 1941 – 42 Leopard’s ended their season with an incredible 30 wins and 5 losses. After opening the season with 16 sraight victories this team won a District championship but fell to Galva in the first round of the regional. It was reported in the newspaper that their star player, Herbert Gingrich, had sprained his ankle the night before in the District Championship game and was only playing at about half his capabilities. This team finished second in what was described as the biggest holiday tournament in northern Illinois (16 teams), the Geneseo Christmas tournament. Mineral lost to Geneseo HS by three points in the championship game in what was referred to as “a real David versus Goliath game”. Several newspapers picked up on the Leopards successful back to back seasons under Coach Jochums. This team was described by one newspaper as one of the most talked about District teams in the state and possibly one of the most intriguing sports stories in the entire mid-west. One article pointed to Mineral’s enrollment of 39 students which included 15 boys. Of the 15 boys in the school 14 played basketball and the 15th was the team manager. The remainder of the student body (24 girls) served as the cheering section. The regular season included wins over Blackhawk Conference champions Galva and Little Eight Champs Sheffield. Losses included close contests to Geneseo, Eureka, and St. Bede, all considered top teams in their areas.
Team Members: Harry Baird, Russell Buysse, John Christian, Byrl Clark, Herb Gingrich, Chet Goossens, Vern Hansen, Herb Pierson, Don Rodgers, Dean Studley
Cheerleaders: Arvilla Rakestraw, Kathryn Clark
1946-47
28 wins – 4 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
The overall record for this group was 28 wins and 4 losses. The “boys” from this team were District Champions and lost in the second round of the Kewanee Regional. What is most incredible about these accomplishments is the fact that the entire high school enrollment (9th – 12th grades) was only 29 students. The number of boys in the school again totaled 15! This team was champion if the Little Four Conference.
The best offensive player on this team was Robert Studley, a sophomore. The team’s three seniors, Wayne Studley, Donald Moore and Mitch DeFauw greatly contributed to the team. Juniors Wayne Prokup and Dale Gingrich, sophomores Dick Fellows, Gene Tunney and Marshall Lyons along with freshman Richard Nielson completed the roster. This team proved what a great asset Coach Jochums was to Mineral High School. Coach’s team seemed to pick up right where he left off in 1942. This was Jochums’ as well as MHS’ best season as far as winning percentage.
Mineral 40 Bureau Township 17
Mineral 70 Cherry 20
Mineral 37 Sheffield 21
Mineral 31 Hooppole 24
Mineral 32 Peru St. Bede 52
Mineral 46 Neponset 34
Mineral 52 Wyanet 24
Mineral 39 Prophetstown 35
Mineral 58 Annawan 34
Mineral 38 Atkinson 36
Mineral 43 Sheffield 21
Mineral 38 Geneseo 34 (wow!)
Mineral 48 Annawan 26
Mineral 39 DePue 52
Mineral 43 Ohio 31
Mineral 43 Geneseo 34
Mineral 46 Prophetstown 29
Mineral 75 Tampico 23
Mineral 41 Neponset 30
Mineral 55 Hooppole 45
Mineral 54 Manlius 44
Mineral 47 Buda 23
Mineral 33 Atkinson 29
Mineral 52 LaFayette 23
Mineral 69 Tampico 32
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 62 Wyanet 39
Mineral 37 Ohio 46
District Tourney at Atkinson
Mineral 56 Sheffield 30
Mineral 43 Annawan 31
Mineral 32 Atkinson 28 (District Tourney Champs)
Regional Tourney @ Kewanee
Mineral 40 Bradford 30
Mineral 31 Galva 38
1949-50
16 wins – 13 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
The teams from the 1949-50, 1950-51 seasons also claimed District Championship titles. The 1949-50 team was led by lone senior Richard Nielson, junior Benny Morey, and sophomores Bill Baird, Robert Rakestraw, and Duane Rakestraw. The team sported a record of 16 wins and 13 losses with 7 of the losses by less than 10 points.
(Only a partial schedule is currently available)
Sheffield Invitational Tournament
Mineral 43 Tampico 38
Mineral 49 Sheffield 70
Mineral 39 Erie 56
Mineral 43 Tampico 38
Mineral 54 Sheffield 68
Mineral 40 Lyndon 45
Mineral 29 Port Byron 31 (O/T)
Mineral 45 Atkinson 43
Atkinson District Tourney
Mineral 45 Lyndon 37
Mineral 36 Buda 22
Mineral 45 Atkinson 43 (District Tourney Champs)
Kewanee Regional
Mineral 40 Cambridge 47
Fresh/Soph Tournament @ Annawan (played after Regional)
Mineral 63 Tampico 28
Mineral 34 Neponset 33
Mineral 50 Manlius 59
1950-51
17 wins – 11 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
The 1950-51 team was led by lone senior Benny Morey. Juniors Bill Baird (leading scorer), Don Miller, Robert and Duane Rakestraw, and Irvin Flint were keys to a good season. The season record was 17 wins and 11 losses. This team advanced to the second round of the regional.
Mineral 33 Cambridge 47
Mineral 49 Manlius 41
Mineral 56 Atkinson 33
Mineral 49 Sheffield 60
Mineral 33 Prophetstown 46
Mineral 42 Annawan 39
Mineral 40 Hillsdale 53
Mineral 72 Cordova 34
Mineral 41 Manlius 44
Mineral 66 Annawan 62
Mineral 50 Wyanet 53
Mineral 54 Buda 43
Mineral 42 Coal Valley 40
Mineral 42 Erie 58
Mineral 41 Tampico 36
Mineral 36 Sheffield 41
Mineral 56 Lyndon 50
Mineral 52 Neponset 27
Mineral 73 Port Byron 56
Mineral 39 Atkinson 30
Fulton Invitational Tournament
Mineral 35 Fulton 42
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 37 Prophetstown 52
Mineral 41 Atkinson 25
Mineral 67 Port Byron 42 (Consolation Bracket Champs)
District Tournament
Mineral 51 Annawan 39
Mineral 39 Sheffield 36 (District Tourney Champs)
Regional Tournament
Mineral 47 Wethersfield 41
Mineral 33 Galva 55
1951 – 52
26 wins – 5 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
The 1951-52 team is considered by many as the most successful team as far as the state tournament is concerned in MHS’s history. The 1951-52 Leopards ended their season with 26 wins and 5 losses. The team was led by five senior starters. Bill Baird was in his fourth year as a starter and led the team with 462 total points. His classmates included Duane “Palsy” Rakestraw, Robert Rakestraw, Don Miller, and Irvin Flint. Also contributing greatly was juniors Ron Childs, Ron Jensen, and sophomore Eldon Hodgett. This team was champions of the regular season Two Rivers Conference (Prophetstown, Hillsdale, Cordova, Annawan, Erie, Tampico, Lyndon, Port Byron, and Atkinson were listed as conference games). They advanced to the championship of the Kewanee Regional where they faced an excellent Kewanee H.S. team that featured Em Lindbeck and Bob Prusator. Mineral’s enrollment that year was 50 total students with 27 boys. I would guess that Kewanee was in the enrollment range of well over 700 students.
The team could be overlooked due to this being the same year that Hebron won the State Championship and DePue was ranked 14th. However this should not detract from their excellent accomplishments. The only seniors alive today are Palsy Rakestraw and Don Miller. They still reside in the Mineral area.
Mineral 44 Cambridge 40
Mineral 43 Atkinson 27
Mineral 31 Manlius 55
Mineral 61 Sheffield 30
Mineral 52 Prophetstown 49
Mineral 54 Annawan 32
Mineral 66 Hillsdale 41
Mineral 78 Cordova 39
Mineral 46 Annawan 31
Mineral 45 Manlius 40
Mineral 52 Neponset 40
Mineral 73 Tampico 40
Mineral 67 Hillsdale 20
Mineral 60 Erie 58
Mineral 48 Tampico 51
Mineral 54 Sheffield 39
Mineral 51 Lyndon 48
Mineral 53 Port Byron 43
Mineral 54 Atkinson 35
Mineral 77 Coal Valley 44
Fulton Holiday Tournament
Mineral 37 Fulton 25
Mineral 40 Erie 31
Mineral 29 Morrison 52 (Tourney Runner-Up)
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 37 Hillsdale 38
Mineral 58 Tampico 31
Mineral 59 Atkinson 28 (Consolation Bracket Champs)
District Tournament
Mineral 47 Annawan 28
Mineral 59 Atkinson 28 (District Champs)
Regional Tournament
Mineral 56 Wethersfield 27
Mineral 56 Bradford 40
Mineral 41 Kewanee 64 (Regional Runner-Up)
More Great Teams
Three other teams during this period also had excellent records and accomplishments however did not win District Championship titles. They did compete in the District Championship game though.
1943 – 44
13 wins – 10 losses
Coach Cleo “Swede” Carlson
The ‘43-‘44 Leopards finished the season with a record of 13 – 10. Though the record itself was not overly impressive, the team did place second in the District tournament. The most interesting game of the season came in the semi-final of the District tournament. Poly Hagerman canned a last second (literally) half court shot to beat Sheffield and advance to the final. This was later described by one radio sportscaster as one of the most exciting games he had ever seen.
Mineral 56 Neponset 19
Mineral 35 Annawan 37
Mineral 41 LaFayette 29
Mineral 29 Buda 32
Mineral 58 Malden 35
Mineral 46 Annawan 48
Mineral 54 Walnut 43
Mineral 74 Neponset 19
Geneseo Tourney
Mineral 37 Wehtersfield 47
Mineral 31 Mineral Alumni 45
Mineral 27 Atkinson 36
Mineral 46 Walnut 41
Mineral 39 Malden 36
Mineral 47 Atkinson 49
Mineral 46 U.S.O. Traveling Team 23
Bureau County Tournament
Mineral 36 DePue 48
Mineral 25 Sheffield 33
Mineral 35 Buda 34
Mineral 47 Wyanet 38
Mineral 38 Sheffield 55
District Tournament
Mineral 65 Neponset 16
Mineral 32 Sheffield 30
Mineral 30 Atkinson 42
1947 – 48
19 wins – 5 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
This team followed the 28 – 4 team of 1946 – 47. This team ended its season at 19 wins and only 5 losses. They made it to the District Championship game before losing to Atkinson. This team’s winning percentage was among the best of the 21 seasons covered.
Mineral 46 Tampico 21
Mineral 45 Lyndon 20
Mineral 52 Neponset 21
Mineral 42 Prophetstown 43
Mineral 48 Buda 26
Mineral 47 Sheffield 34
Mineral 62 Annawan 26
Mineral 31 Atkinson 22
Mineral 35 Port Byron 32
Mineral 40 Annawan 33
Mineral 43 Bureau Township 33
Mineral 63 Wyanet 30
Mineral 52 Manlius 29
Mineral 36 DePue 57
Mineral 55 Neponset 27
Mineral 62 Tampico 35
Mineral 27 Sheffield 25
Mineral 47 Bradford 34
Mineral 55 Buda 29
Mineral 22 Atkinson 50
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 32 Wyanet 39
District Tournamnet @ Atkinson
Mineral 45 Buda 32
Mineral 46 Annawan 16
Mineral 26 Atkinson 40
1952 – 53
20 wins – 8 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
Mineral’s last twenty game winner had a record of 20 wins and 8 losses. This group had the tough task of following the class of ‘52 and their three straight District titles. They nearly made it a fourth straight but lost in the District Championship game. Most impressive was the first and only Two Rivers Conference Tournament Championship they won for MHS.
Mineral 32 Atkinson 51
Mineral 34 Cambridge 58
Mineral 66 Tiskilwa 35
Mineral 47 Sheffield 62
Mineral 59 Prophetstown 45
Mineral 64 Annawan 42
Mineral 67 Cordova 45
Mineral 65 Manlius 64
Geneseo Holiday Tournament
Mineral 56 Geneseo 71
Mineral 45 LaMoille 65
Mineral 58 Neponset 34
Mineral 61 Buda 60
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 63 Lyndon 44
Mineral 40 Prophetstown 36
Mineral 50 Atkinson 46 (Tournament Champions)
Mineral 43 Erie 57
Mineral 51 Tampico 42
Mineral 61 Sheffield 40
Mineral 66 Lyndon 41
Mineral 49 Manlius 45
Mineral 59 Port Byron 46
Mineral 29 Atkinson 28
Mineral 50 Orion 48
Mineral 53 Annawan 57
District Tournament
Mineral 65 Neponset 54
Mineral 44 Annawan 37
Mineral 45 Atkinson 49 (District Tourney Runner-Up)
1959 – 60
15 wins – 11 losses
Coach Don Dolieslager
After a streak of five straight losing seasons Mineral fans were glad to return to the winning ranks during the 1958 – 59 season under Coach Don Dolieslager. Dolieslager’s second team was even more successful. The 1959 – 60 Leopards ended their season with a record of 15 wins and 11 losses. Most impressively this team was crowned champions of the Little Six Conference. They also continued their success in the post season reaching MHS’s first District Championship game since the 1953 season. The team was led by first team all-conference selection Oris Miller and second team selection Roger Lorenson.
Mineral 58 Lostant 61
Mineral 67 Neponset 63
Mineral 73 Williamsfield 74
Mineral 71 Lyndon 22
Mineral 63 Tampico 61
Mineral 60 Buda 66
Mineral 32 Annawan 74
Mineral 63 Tampico 61
Mineral 45 LaRose 41
Mineral 48 Brimfield 64
Mineral 91 Magnolia-Swaney 45 (Most Points Ever Scored by a MHS Team)
Mineral 79 Lyndon 49
Mineral 63 Sheffield 58
Mineral 47 Bureau Twnshp 53
Mineral 45 Lafayette 77
Mineral 61 Hennepin 58
Mineral 41 Annawan 45
Mineral 72 Wyanet 74
Mineral 69 Buda 58
Mineral 52 Sheffield 47
Tampico Tournament
Mineral 67 Malden 59
Mineral 28 Bureau Twnshp 31
Mineral 44 Sheffield 43 (Third Place In Tourney)
District Tournament
Mineral 66 Buda 46
Mineral 48 Atkinson 46
Mineral 44 Annawan 64 (Tourney Runner-Up)
Other Teams of the Era
1938 – 39
8 wins – 11 losses (and 2 forfeits)
The yearbook said the team sported brand new uniforms this season paid for by the “Mineral Shipping Association, Household Science Club, P.T.A., school carnival, and the selling of magazines.”
Coach Charles Bender
Mineral 19 Buda 16
Mineral 24 Neponset 16
Mineral 27 Hooppole 6
Mineral forfeits to Manlius
Farmers Institute Game
Mineral 17 Annawan 18
Mineral 36 Neponset 20
Mineral 21 Atkinson 23
Mineral 24 Buda 32
Mineral 25 Annawan 27
Geneseo Christmas Tourney
Mineral 14 Cambridge 26
Mineral 20 Ohio 29
Mineral 28 Atkinson 23
Mineral 13 Annawan 31
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 22 Walnut 20
Mineral 17 Malden 25
Mineral 19 Hooppole 24
Mineral 26 Ohio 37
Mineral 31 Manlius 27
District Tourney
Mineral forfeits to LaFayette
Little Four Tourney (played after the District Tourney)
Mineral 53 Hooppole 21
Mineral 23 Atkinson 27
1939-40
7 wins – 13 losses
Coach Charles Bender
Mineral 14 Buda 10
Mineral 23 Neponset 25
Mineral 26 Buda 16
Mineral 28 Manlius 48
Farmer’s Institute Game
Mineral 13 Annawan 16
Mineral 59 Hooppole 12
Mineral 25 Atkinson 16
Mineral 16 Annawan 26
Geneseo Christmas Tourney
Mineral 14 Geneseo 32
Mineral 24 Mineral Alumni 28
Mineral 35 Manlius 32
Mineral 22 Atkinson 27
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 20 Tiskilwa 24
MIneral 32 Annawan 41
Mineral 76 Hooppole 14 (Mineral’s largest margin of victory ever, Hooppole was a 3-year HS though)
Mineral 18 Neponset 30
Mineral 20 Lyndon 24
District Tourney
Mineral 16 Sheffield 36
Little Four Tourney (played after the District Tourney)
MIneral 25 Annawan 27
Mineral 38 Hooppole 12
1942 – 43
13 wins – 3 losses
Coach C.C. Clapper
The “what could have been” team of the era. I know it has been stated previously but it can never be overstated, this was the first year after Coach Jochums went into the armed services. The year before this the Leopards compiled an incredible 30 – 5 record. This team’s record was 13-3. Jochums must have been real excited about the prospects of this team. It returned three starters from the previous year. Two of the starters were the second and third leading scorers from the ‘42 team. This team I am certain was headed for greatness. After Jochums left however the program failed to schedule the appropriate number of games to do it justice. One player I talked to stated the team basically coached itself. There was also the issue of gas rationing which greatly hampered the team’s number of games.
Bob Rogers, the brother of Don Rogers (Mineral’s Star Player) said Don dropped an ice block on his big toe and broke it before the District. Another “who knows” what would have happened had Jochums been there.
Mineral 33 Malden 24
Mineral 47 LaFayette 23
Mineral 39 Manlius 28
Mineral 35 Buda 19
Mineral 34 Atkinson 39
Mineral 61 Annawan 28
Mineral 52 Hooppole 14
Mineral 26 Sheffield 16
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 26 Spring Valley Hall 33
Mineral 30 Buda 25
Mineral 60 Hooppole 25
Mineral 39 Walnut 33
Mineral 49 Annawan 31
Mineral 32 Sheffield 31
Mineral 42 Atkinson 41
District Tournament
Mineral 31 Atkinson 35
1944 – 45
8 wins – 10 losses
Coach BIll Sollitt
With only one senior boy and two junior boys in the entire school this would have been a difficult year no matter who the coach was. Finishing the year at 8 – 10 was actually a very good accomplishment. Some of the underclassmen gained invaluable experience which would prove important in the next three years. This was also the year that the junior high Leopards won the Bureau County Tournament. Great things were on the way.
Mineral 33 Manlius 39
Mineral 17 Sheffield 39
Mineral 35 Neponset 33
Mineral 51 Buda 39
Mineral 41 Hooppole 36
Mineral 45 Annawan 36
Mineral 26 Prophetstown 34
Mineral 31 Neponset 14
Mineral 25 Atkinson 49
Mineral 34 Annawan 42
Mineral 22 DePue 44
Mineral 26 Atkinson 53
Bureau County Tourney
Mineral 37 Tampico 24
Mineral 39 Manlius 42
Mineral 66 Hooppole 23
Mineral 41 DePue 55
Mineral 37 Wyanet 31
Mineral 30 Sheffield 47
Mineral 26 Buda 39
District Tournament
Mineral 28 Atkinson 36
1945 – 46
16 wins – 11 losses
Coach Omar Robinson
This team finished its season at 16 – 11. One interesting fact about this team is that the only two senior boys in the school who were also on the team, Orville Croegart and Jack Jenkins, left with five games remaining in the season to join the Navy. The juniors on this squad would turn in one of the best seasons the next year when Coach Jochums returned.
MIneral 51 Malden 21
Mineral 38 West Bureau 22 (Bureau Township HS, located in the country about 5 miles due north of Wyanet, the gym is still standing!)
Mineral 41 Mineral Alumni 43
Mineral 26 Sheffield 29
Mineral 55 Manlius 22
Mineral 33 Neponset 34
Mineral 42 Malden 27
Mineral 55 Annawan 42
Mineral 22 Prophetstown 43
Mineral 51 Hooppole 24
Mineral 36 Prophetstown 31 (at Mineral, must have been a great home court
advantage)
Mineral 24 Geneseo J.V. 30
Mineral 52 Annawan 56
Mineral 50 Ohio 57
Mineral 30 Atkinson 43
Mineral 34 Sheffield 29
Mineral 40 Buda 30
Bureau County Tournament
Mineral 38 Walnut 40
Mineral 34 Wyanet 32
Mineral 30 Buda 26
Mineral 29 Neponset 25
Mineral 37 Geneseo J.V. 32
Mineral 54 Atkinson 37
Mineral 58 LaFayette 65
Mineral 51 Hooppole 24
District Tournament
Mineral 48 Lyndon 32
Mineral 35 Atkinson 47
1948 – 49
11 wins – 13 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
Finishing the season at 11 – 13 was not bad considering the handicap this team faced at the beginning of the season. The previous two year’s top scorer, Robert Studley, was forced to leave school when his family moved to a farm in the Wyanet school district. Robert would have been the difference of several wins. Luckily the class of ‘52 were freshmen this year. The team also featured junior Richard Nielsen and sophomore Ben Morey. This turned out to be an invaluable year of experience that led to three straight District titles beginning the next season.
Mineral 28 Bureau Township 26
Mineral 24 Wyanet 34
Mineral 35 Tampico 34
Mineral 39 Neponset 27
Mineral 43 Sheffield 37
Mineral 42 Buda 34
Mineral 26 Prophetstown 54
Mineral 32 Annawan 34
Mineral 34 Hillsdale 35
Mineral 39 Port Byron 44
Mineral 43 Annawan 46
Mineral 60 Cordova 27
Two Rivers Conference Tourney @ Erie
Mineral 39 Lyndon 27
Mineral 43 Port Byron 64
Mineral 37 Annawan 28
Mineral 35 Tampico 38 (consolation runner-up)
Bureau County Tourney @ Princeton
Mineral 25 Princeton 59
Mineral 22 Atkinson 62
Mineral 30 Neponset 27
Mineral 30 Tampico 51
Mineral 37 Sheffield 49
Mineral 60 Lyndon 25
District Tourney @ Atkinson
Mineral 36 Buda 27
Mineral 36 Atkinson 60
1953 – 54
6 wins – 20 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
This was a year of Murphy’s Law. It is believed this class only lost one game in grammar school and were champions of the Two Rivers Conference. However two key players left the school in their freshman and sophomore years. The teams tallest player and starter the previous year, Clarence Flint, was stricken with appendicitis. This forced him to miss a great deal of the season. The team was very competitive which was not revealed in their overall record of 6 – 20. They lost 9 games by less than 7 points.
Mineral 40 Cambridge 45
Mineral 44 Tiskilwa 39
Mineral 46 Sheffield 47
Mineral 40 Prophetstown 42
Mineral 32 Annawan 46
Mineral 56 Hillsdale 63
Mineral 47 Erie 58
Mineral 62 Cordova 37
Mineral 45 Manlius 62
Ohio Holiday Tournament
Mineral 41 LaMoille 49
Mineral 37 Tampico 39
Mineral 77 Neponset 42
Mineral 52 Atkinson 48
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 55 Erie 70
Mineral 49 Prophetstown 44
Mineral 37 Tampico 45
Mineral 61 Erie 81
Mineral 41 Tampico 59
Mineral 22 Sheffield 41
Mineral 39 Lyndon 66
Mineral 28 Port Byron 31
Mineral 38 Manlius 65
Mineral 37 Atkinson 40
Mineral 52 Wyanet 49
Mineral 48 Annawan 49
District Tournament
Mineral 29 Atkinson 31
1954 – 55
10 wins – 16 losses
Coach Oliver Jochums
Jochum’s last season at Mineral produced a record of 10 – 16. The players may have lacked the experience on the varsity level due to the great success and number of players that played the previous four years. This was also a time when Mineral’s enrollment starting catching up to them. Being so successful for so many years against schools 5 – 10 times bigger than you will eventually take its toll. This may have been the case this year.
Mineral 31 Cambridge 39
Mineral 54 Tiskilwa 44
Mineral 51 Sheffield 63
Mineral 45 Prophetstown 64
Mineral 64 Annawan 52
Mineral 46 Hillsdale 51
Mineral 33 Erie 49
Mineral 53 Cordova 48
Tiskilwa Holiday Tournament
Mineral 37 Tiskilwa 54
Mineral 49 Neponset 34
Mineral 40 Atkinson 42
Mineral 38 Manlius 52
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 56 Annawan 42
Mineral 67 Tampico 62
Mineral 42 Erie 45
Mineral 42 Port Byron 51 (Mineral Placed 4th)
Mineral 59 Erie 41
Mineral 63 Tampico 68
Mineral 46 Sheffield 49
Mineral 55 Lyndon 69
Mineral 48 Port Byron 47
Mineral 64 Atkinson 54
Mineral 32 Wyanet 76
Mineral 63 Annawan 46
Mineral 39 Manlius 57
District Tournament
Mineral 44 Atkinson 45
1955 – 56
5 wins – 19 losses
Coach Earl Jay
The post-Jochums era began on a down note. This team’s record was an indication that a good coach can make a big difference. Posting a record of 5 – 19 was what it was. The players were not as bad as the record indicated.
Mineral 35 Williamsfield 48
Mineral 36 Cambridge 45
Mineral 45 Tampico 61
Mineral 30 Tiskilwa 84
Mineral 56 Prophetstown 97
Mineral 44 Annawan 58
MIneral 64 Hillsdale 34
Mineral 45 Erie 80
Tiskilwa Holiday Tournament
Mineral 38 Amboy 96
Mineral 37 Neponset 64
Mineral 56 Atkinson 69
Mineral 54 Hillsdale 52
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 59 Port Byron 82
Mineral 47 Hillsdale 52
Mineral 66 Erie 81
Mineral 71 Tampico 76
Mineral 72 Sheffield 82
Mineral 71 Lyndon 47
Mineral 54 Port Byron 80
Mineral 43 Atkinson 89
Mineral 65 Lyndon 49
Mineral 50 Wyanet 55
Mineral 65 Annawan 53
District Tournament
Mineral 49 Atkinson 75
1956 – 57
0 wins – 20 losses
Coach Gore
Mineral’s only winless season at 0-20. The most interesting fact about this team is that they could score very well. In fact seven players finished with more than 100 points scored, this was also a first at MHS.
Mineral 54 Williamsfield 64
Mineral 30 Cambridge 67
Mineral 37 Tiskilwa 74
Mineral 42 Neponset 54
Mineral 39 Lyndon 47
Mineral 38 Tampico 59
Mineral 39 Buda 45
Mineral 41 Annawan 48
Mineral 53 Port Byron 64
Mineral 51 Prophetstown 54
Mineral 49 Erie 98 (most points ever scored against MHS)
Mineral 40 Lyndon 48
Mineral 44 Tampico 68
Mineral 40 Erie 87
Mineral 52 LaFayette 64
Mineral 46 Annawan 71
Mineral 40 Wyanet 64
Mineral 63 Port Byron 83
Mineral 35 Prophetstown 69
District Tournament
Mineral 50 Sheffield 72
1957 – 58
7 wins – 17 losses
Coach Don Deterding
The stage began to be set for brighter days ahead for the Leopards and their fans. The record was 7 – 17 but the games were back to being competitive nearly every time out. The third new coach in as many seasons came with great credentials. Coach Don Deterding had a great high school career at Collinsville and a great college career. He also played semi-pro basketball for New Bedford during his stay at Mineral. Coach Deterding and the boys of this team did bring back respectability to the program. After a 5 – 2 start however, the going got tough.
Mineral 53 Williamsfield 52
Mineral 38 Neponset 40
Mineral 58 Malden 34
Mineral 46 Lyndon 44
Mineral 54 Tampico 52
Mineral 48 Buda 60
Mineral 50 Annawan 46
Mineral 37 Prophestown 72
Mineral 35 Erie 59
Mineral 35 Sheffield 49
Mineral 33 Lyndon 48
Mineral 35 Tampico 41
Mineral 35 Erie 50
Mineral 60 LaFayette 69
Mineral 41 Riverdale 54
Mineral 43 Annawan 50
Mineral 51 Wyanet 50
Mineral 65 Prophetstown 86
Mineral 56 Sheffield 73
Tampico Holiday Tournament
Mineral 36 Sheffield 46
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 36 Tampico 38
Mineral 56 Lyndon 44
District Tournament
Mineral 46 Buda 63
1958 – 59
15 wins – 11 losses
Coach Don Dolieslager
This team marked the return of respectability to the Mineral Leopard program. Coming off of five straight losing seasons, Coach Dolieslager’s boys finished the season with a record of 15 – 11. The team started the season 5 – 0 and at one time was 14 – 5. Focusing on true team work they did not possess great overall height, however they made up for it with excellent athleticism. Coach Dolieslager was a perfect fit for the small town and small enrollment at Mineral. He began working with the underclassmen and began building the program back up. This was also the final year in the Two Rivers Conference, allowing Mineral to move to the Little Six to compete against schools more of its size. The “Second Team” (F/S) finished 9 – 14 this year as well.
Mineral 59 Williamsfield 44
Mineral 73 Neponset 49
Mineral 75 Lyndon 33
Mineral 54 Tampico 47
Mineral 69 Buda 36
Mineral 46 Annawan 57
Mineral 60 Riverdale 64
Mineral 66 Buda 39
Tampico Holiday Tournament
Mineral 45 Manlius 52
Mineral 60 Prophetstown 51
Two Rivers Conference Tournament
Mineral 50 Riverdale 52
Mineral 64 Lyndon 24
Mineral 70 Tampico 57 (Consolation Bracket Champs)
Mineral 74 Sheffield 67
Mineral 61 Tampico 59
Mineral 27 Erie 48
Mineral 63 Lyndon 22
Mineral 61 LaFayette 57
Mineral 67 Riverdale 64
Mineral 44 Annawan 49
Mineral 56 Wyanet 57
Mineral 69 Prophetstown 73
Mineral 48 Erie 82
Mineral 72 Sheffield 76
District Tournament
Mineral 64 Neponset 57
Mineral 67 Atkinson 76
1960 – 61
12 wins – 11 losses
Coach Don Dolieslager
The final year of Mineral High School ended on a very high note. The Leopards finished the year at 12 – 11. Their best accomplishment was beating the Bureau Township team coached by Chips Giovanni. Bureau entered the Leopard gym with a 42 game regular season win streak. They left needing to start a new streak. It must have been an empty feeling for the players knowing each time they wore the green and white brought them closer to the end of history. The freshman/sophomore team ended the season at 11 – 7 showing the Leopards cupboard was not bare all the way to the end. One memorable “junior varsity” game listed in the 1961 yearbook tells of the Mineral HS JV playing with 4 players (“Second Team Heroes” as the article described them) and defeating the Williamsfield “five and all the subs” 47 – 37.
Mineral 60 Williamsfield 53
Mineral 56 Lostant 59
Mineral 73 Lyndon 44
Mineral 53 Neponset 42
Mineral 51 Buda 53
Mineral 53 Brimfield 68
Mineral 42 Tampico 37
Mineral 72 LaRose 42
Mineral 35 Annawan 49
Mineral 60 Sheffield 47
Mineral 37 Annawan 61
Mineral 48 Buda 52
Mineral 41 LaFayette 42
Mineral 47 Sheffield 40
Mineral 92 Magnolia-Swaney 49 (most points ever scored by an MHS team)
Mineral 80 Lyndon 42
Mineral 42 Hennepin 57
Mineral 54 Bureau 38
Mineral 80 Lyndon 42
Mineral 70 Neponset 46
Mineral 60 Buda 67
Mineral 63 Sheffield 71
Mineral 63 Lyndon 34
District Tournament (Mineral High School Leopards’ boys basketball final game)
Mineral 44 Tampico 48 |
