Colchester High School "Indians"

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Colchester High School
colchesterhsdav.jpg
Original building in use until 1969

Colchester West Prairie Middle School
colchestergradeschool.jpg
Colchester High School 1970 - 2003

Colchester HS Building 1878
colchesterhs1878dav.jpg
From "1878 McDonough County History" Submitted by John Bybee

The History of Colchester High School
 
The city of Colchester (population 1,493) is located in western McDonough County. U.S. Route 136 is the main highway that runs through town and connects Colchester to its neighbor seven miles to the east, Macomb. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad runs through the center of town. The East Fork of the La Moine River touches the outskirts of Colchester.
 
Roberta Van Briesen provided the following information on the history of Colchester and its school system as she gathered it from a book titled 'The Bootlegger" by John E. Hallwas:
 
"COLCHESTER WAS FOUNDED ON OCT. 5, 1855 WHEN THE RAILROAD CAME THRU MCDONOUGH COUNTY.  IN 1854 A SMALL GROUP OF MINERS FROM NEW CASTLE, PA HAD OPENED A FEW DRIFT MINES ALONG THE CROOKED CREEK, AND HAD STARTED HAULING WAGONLODAS OF COAL BY OXEN TO VILLAGES FURTHER SOUTH THAT WERE ON THE RAILROAD.  THREE DAYS AFTER THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVE CAME THRU ON THE NORTHERN CROSS RAILROAD, THE FIRST COAL WAS SHIPPED OUT. (PG. 17-18)

THE NORTH SIDE SCHOOL WAS BUILT IN 1869.  IT WAS A TWO STORY BRICK BUILDING WITH TALL WINDOWS AND A MASSIVE CUPOLA.  THE FRONT YARD HAD A PUMP AND THERE WERE 2 OUTHOUSES IN THE BACK YARD.  INSIDE THE BUILDING WERE 4 CLASSROOMS.  THE LOWER GRADE CLASSES WERE HELD DOWNSTAIRS AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES WERE CONDUCTED UPSTAIRS.  THERE WAS ALSO A WHITE PAINTED FRAME SCHOOLHOUSE ON THE SOUTH SIDE WHICH HELD THE INTERMEDIATE GRADES. (PG. 78-9)

THE FALL OF 1919 WITNESSED A BITTER CLASH OVER EXPANSION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.  FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE TOWNSPEOPLE HAD WANTED TO CREATE A HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT WOULD EXTEND INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE, AND, WITH THE LARGER TAXBASE, BUILD A NEW 4 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL.  OTHERS WERE AFRAID OF THE EXPENSE INVOLVED.  A VOTE ON THE ISSUE IN 1913, HAD RESULTED IN A SOUND DEFEAT OF THE PROPOSITION.  BY 1919, HOWEVER, WOMEN WERE NOW VOTING, AND THEY GENERALLY FAVORED THE PLAN.  AS A RESULT, A VOTE THAT OCTOBER IN WHICH ALMOST EVERY ELGIBLE CITIZEN CAST A VOTE GAVE THE PROPOSAL A STUNNING VICTORY.  A FOLLOWUP VOTE APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF A SITE AND PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION.

BUT THE OPPONENTS REFUSED TO GIVE IN.  THEY CHALLENGED THE DECISION ON THE GROUNDS THAT WOMEN REALLY DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.  DEFEATED IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, THEY APPEALED TO THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT WHICH AT FIRST DECIDED IN THEIR FAVOR.  THEN THE LEGISLATURE PASSED THE "VALIDATING ACT" AFFIRMING THAT THE VOTES BY WOMEN WERE, AND HAD BEEN LEGAL, SO THE SUPREME COURT REVERSED ITSELF.

THE LARGER HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT WAS ESTABLISHED, BUT OPPOSITION TO IT CONTINUED WELL INTO THE 1920'S AS WELL AS OTHER VOTES TAKEN, AND ANIMOSITY RTURNED LIKE A CHRONIC DISEASE.  A NEW BUILDING WAS NOT CONSTRUCTED FOR 50 YEARS. ( PG 153-4)

(KELLY WAS THE BOOTLEGGER)  WHEN COLCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH HAD ONLY 150 STUDENTS, ORGANIZED THEIR FIRST FOOTBALL TEAM IN 1921, THERE WAS NO MONEY IN THE SCHOOL BUDGET FOR UNIFORMS.  LOCAL MERCHANTS FAILED TO CONTRIBUTE, SO KELLY OUTFITTED THE BOYS HIMSLF.  HE ALSO LET THEM PRACTICE ON LAND HE OWNED. 

THE OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON, AGAINST LAHARPE WAS A CLOSE ONE.  DURING THE SECOND HALF A FIGHT BROKE OUT, AND KELLY WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.    COLCHESTER LOST 19-12.

THE TEAM ENDED THE YEAR WITH A WINNING SEASON-7 VICTORIES IN 10 GAMES.  IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR THEY WERE UNDEFEATED, AVERAGING 49 POINTS A GAME.
(PG 183-4)

1925---THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WERE VISITED BY A DELEGATION ON THE KLANSMEN IN UNIFORM, AND A SHORT SERVICE WAS HELD AT EACH BUILDING, AND AN AMERICAN FLAD WAS PRESENTED TO EACH SCHOOL AND A BIBLE WAS GIVEN TO EACH ROOM.
THE KLANSMEN SECURED THE SERVICES OF THE MAYOR, MRS. HATTIE POLK, WHO ACCOMPANIED THE DELEGATION TO THE SCHOOLS, AND MADE A SHORT TALK ON THE BIBLE AND THE FLAG.(FORM THE INDEPENDANT)(PG 209)

THE TOWNSPEOPLE WERE USED TO OVERT RELIGIOUS PROSELYTIZING IN THE SCHOOLS DURING THE POLK ADMINISTRATION.  IN 1923 ALL THE GRADE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A REVIVAL AT THE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE FOLLOWING YEAR AT THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. (PG. 210)

colchesterschoolsdav.jpg

The first graduating class from Colchester High School received their diplomas in 1891 or possibly 1892. The original high school building closed in 1969. The new building graduated its first senior class in 1970. Colchester High School reached enrollments as high as 230 students in the "baby-booming" mid-1970's.  We are told that enrollments in the 200 to 250 range were the norm for the late 1950s and 1960s with Colchester High Schools largest graduating class occurring in 1961.  In the late 1940s the students from nearby Tennessee High School joined the Colchester school system. Colchester built a new grade school building in 1955 and were joined by the kids of Tennessee Grade School in 1956.
 
The school system faired extremely well through the early 2000s. Consolidation talks loomed heavy between Colchester and Sciota Northwestern High School. This became a reality after the 2003 school year with the creation of the West Prairie School District. 
 
The Colchester school building serves the West Prairie system as there are two West Prairie Schools located in Colchester, the Middle and Elementary schools. The West Prairie Middle School served as Colchester High School from 1970 until its closing in 2003 and is pictured above, along with the original high school building. If you can assist us with some more of the facts we have listed, please drop us an e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.
 
Colchester High School Quick Facts 
 
Year opened:              probably late 1800's
First graduating class: 1891
Year closed:               2003
School nickname:       the "Indians"
School colors:            Purple, White, & Yellow 
School Fight Song:     Colchester High School "Indians" Fight Song   
 
                                 On Colchester,
                                 On down that floor,
                                 We're for you as always before,
                                 We expect a victory from you tonight,
                                
                                 You, Rah, RAh, RAH!
                                 
                                 We're for you man to man,
                                 You do the best you can,
                                 Hear us, Hear us call,
                                 For its fight, you fellows, fight,
                                 Fight for Chester High!!
 
                                 CCCHE - EEEST - TTTER ... C H E S T E R!!!!!!
ATHLETICS
 
Go get a sandwich or hit the restroom if you need to, the Colchester High School Indians have a lot of things for you to read about regarding their athletic program.  IHSA success was acheived in Boys Baseball, Boys Basketball, Boys Track, Boys Cross Country, as well as Speech Individual Events and Drama Team Events. But wait until you take a look at the incredible Girls Volleyball success achieved at Colchester High School. Coach Terri Paul built what only can be described as a dynasty at Colchester from 1987 through the final year CHS was open in 2003.  She has continued her success at West Prairie as well. The many successful teams and seasons enjoyed at Colchester High School are listed below.
 
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
 
There is no sense in holding this until last. This is without a doubt one of the most dominating programs any small school has sustained in any sport over such a long period of time that is listed on this site. Coach Terri Paul truly built a program that others should try and mimic if they wish to succeed. Colchester probably rarely had more than 200 students in its high school, maybe much less. However, the "Lady Indian" netters won an incredible 16 straight Regional titles! Take a look at this volleyball resume:
 
From 1988 through 2003, the Colchester Volleyball success included:
 
16 Straight Regional Titles
16 Straight "Twenty Plus" - Match Winning Seasons
9  "Thirty Plus" - Match Winning Seasons (including 5 in a row from 1993-97)
9   Trips to the Sweet Sixteen
7   Trips to the Elite Eight
4   Trips to the Final Four
2   Fourth Place Finishes
1   Third Place Finish
1   Runner-Up Finish
 
The seasons, one by one as listed on the IHSA web site, are listed below.
 
1975-76     N.R.A.  District Champions                            Coach Marilyn Moon
1986-87     19- 6     (good record)                                      Coach Terri Paul
1987-88     25- 5     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul
1988-89     29- 4     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul
1989-90     30- 5     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul
 
1990-91     35- 4     THIRD Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Beat Hoopeston (H.-East Lynn)
                             15-7, 10-15, 15-3
                             Final Four Finalist
                             Lost to Princeton
                             9-15, 3-15 
                             3rd Place Trophy Winners
                             Beat Mendota
                             16-14, 10-15, 15-3                              
 
1991-92     28- 7     Regional Champions                        Coach Terri Paul
 
1992-93     30- 8    Elite 8 - IHSA Class A Tourney           Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Lost to Wheaton St. Francis
                             L  8-15, 15-5, 10-15
                             St. Francis eventual State Champs 
 
 
1993-94     38- 5     SECOND Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Beat Strasburg (Stewardson-S.)
                             15-8, 12-15, 15-6
                             Final Four Finalist
                             Beat Kansas
                             15-12, 15-3
                             2nd Place In Class A!!!!
                             Lost to Breese Mater Dei
                             5-15, 15-12, 13-15
 
1994-95     33- 6     Sweet 16-IHSA Class A Tourney        Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Finalist
                             
1995-96     32- 9    Elite 8 - IHSA Class A Tourney           Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Lost to Strasburg (Stewardson-Stras.)
                             15-6, 15-2
                             Stewardson-Strasburg finished 3rd 
 
1996-97     36- 7     FOURTH Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Beat Shelbyville
                             15-2, 13-15, 15-7
                             Final Four Finalist
                             Lost to Mt. Pulaski
                             5-15, 9-15
                             Mt. Pulaski eventually finished 2nd 
                             4TH Place Trophy Winners
                             Lost to Huntley
                             4-15, 15-8, 6-15
 
1997-98     28-12    Sweet 16-IHSA Class A Tourney            Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Finalist
 
1998-99     29-10    Regional Champions                           Coach Terri Paul
1999-00     28-10    Regional Champions                           Coach Terri Paul
 
2000-01     34-8      FOURTH Place-IHSA Class A Tourney  Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Beat Orion
                             10-15, 15-2, 15-8
                             Final Four Finalist
                             Lost to Normal (University)
                             7-15, 5-15
                             Normal University eventual State Champs 
                             4TH Place Trophy Winners
                             Lost to Breese Mater Dei
                             12-15, 9-15
 
2001-02     N.R.A.   Regional Champions                            Coach Terri Paul
 
2002-03     30-11    Elite 8 - IHSA Class A Tourney               Coach Terri Paul
                             Regional Champs
                             Sectional Champs
                             Super-Sectional Champs
                             Elite 8 Finalist
                             Lost to Mt. Pulaski
                             10-15, 8-15
                             Mt. Pulaski finished 2nd
 
In addition, the following records are recognized among the greatest performances in IHSA history in Girls Volleyball.
 
Coach Terri Paul - The IHSA record book needs updating here. It lists Coach Paul as the 24th all-time winningest coach in girls volleyball history with 478 wins from 1982-2000. This places her #24 in state history.  However, the record for the 2002 season is not listed and Coach Paul added 64 more since in 2001 (34) and 2003 (30). This alone would move her up to #20 all-time. As stated before, Coach Paul adds to her record each year as she is still the head volleyball coach at West Prairie High School, a career spanning 22 years (so far). 
 
In fact Coach Paul is listed in the IHSA record book as having won 761 matches through the 2012 school year. This ranks Coach Paul 12th all-time in state history. Coach Paul continues to coach at West Prairie High School and adding each year to this number. 
 
Team Stats - Most Blocks in a Season
 
1993 Team - #6 all-time with 869 blocks
2000 Team - #12 all-time with 683 blocks
1995 Team - #13 all-time with 662 blocks
 
Team Stats - Most Wins in a Season    
 
1994 Team - #31 all-time with 38 wins in one season
 
Individual Stats - Most Blocks in One Season
 
2000 - Jessica Sears  -  #5 all-time with 276 blocks
1995 - Kim Clayton    -  #18 all-time with 212 blocks
 
Individual Stats - Most Assists in One Season    
 
1998 - Brenna Harper  -  #35 all-time with 862 assists
 
Individual Stats - Most Kills in One Season 
 
2000 - Jessica Sears  -  #35 all-time with 431 kills
 
Truly incredible and amazing for such a small school. If anything was missed or needs correction, please drop us a line at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.
 
BOYS BASKETBALL
 
The boys basketball team at Colchester also had many years of success. Included were three District and five Regional titles. Some of the most intense games played on the hardwood were against Colchester's neighbors from the east, Macomb Senior High School. In spite of large disparity in enrollment, the Colchester kids always "got up" for this game and gave the MHS boys a good run. In the early/mid-1960's, some classic games were played including the 1962 contest in which Colchester came out on top 52-50 in a double-overtime thriller over their highly favored opponents. Though overall Macomb held a decided advantage in victories, this was a classic rivalry for the Colchester kids. The enrollment difference ended the annual contest in the late 1970's. Records and some coaches names for the great teams are being sought.
 
1930-31                IHSA District Champions          Coach Stix Morley
                             District Scores & Record Needed
                             McDonough County Tourney Champs
                             Springfield Sectional Tourney
                             1st Rd lost to Decatur 31-13
                             Decatur beat Springfield in title game
                             Decatur won State Title!

Colchester HS Basketball Team of 1930-31
colchesterhs193031basketballchampsdav.jpg
Submitted by Lee Stelzer

1931-32                IHSA District Champions          Coach Stix Morley
                             District Scores & Record Needed
                             Springfield Sectional Tourney
                             1st Rd lost to Pekin 20 - 18 (O/T)
                             Pekin lost to Canton in semi-final
                             Canton beat Wenona in title game
                             Canton lost in state title game
      
1935-36               Carthage Regional Champs       Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Bardolph 56-25
                            Semi-final Beat Colusa 58-19
                            Title Game Beat Carthage 35-18
                            Peoria Sectional Tourney
                            1st Rd lost to Peoria Central 29-19
                            Central lost to Canton in semi-final
                            Canton lost to Peoria Manual in title game
                            Manual lost in Sweet 16 Rd.
    
1936-37                IHSA District Champions          Coach's name needed
                       District Scores & Record Needed
                             Roseville Regional Tourney
                             1st Rd lost to Kirkwood 34-19
                             Kirkwood lost to Macomb in semi-final
                             Macomb beat Roseville in title game
      
1939-40               IHSA Regional Champs              Coach's name needed
                       Regional Scores & Record Needed
                            Peoria Sectional Tourney
                            1st Rd Beat Biggsville 40-22
                            Semi-final lost to Moline 38-31
                            Moline beat Rock Island in title game
                            Moline placed 3rd in IHSA Tourney! 
      
The following records were provided by former Colchester High School player (Class of 1989) and coach (1998-2003) Scott Sullivan.  If you have information on the great teams that played for Colchester High School prior to the 1944-45 season please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net :

Year         Won / Lost               Head Coach       
1944-45         8 - 19        .296   Spike Webster    
1945-46         8 - 17        .320   Spike Webster                 
1946-47         3 - 22        .120   Spike Webster    
1947-48        (needed)             Spike Webster    
1948-49         7 - 14        .333   Spike Webster    
1949-50       13 - 12        .520   Spike Webster    
1950-51       15 - 9          .625   Spike Webster    
1951-52       10 - 13        .435   Spike Webster    
1952-53       19 - 8          .704   Spike Webster    
1953-54       22 - 5          .815   Spike Webster    
1954-55       19 - 8          .704   Spike Webster    
1955-56       25 - 3          .893   Spike Webster
       
1956-57       24 - 5  Bushnell Regional Champs   .828   Spike Webster
                               1st Rd Beat Roseville 64-57
                               Semi-final Beat VIT 62-46
                               Title Game Beat B-PC 51-46
                               Macomb Sectional Tourney
                               Semi-final lost to Peoria Central 75-45
                               Central lost to Pekin in title game
                               Pekin lost in Sweet 16 Rd.
    
1957-58       24 - 5                                                    .828   Spike Webster 
1958-59       19 - 8                                                    .704   Spike Webster
1959-60       12 - 13                                                  .480   Spike Webster
   
1960-61       19 - 9  LaHarpe Regional Champs    .679   Spike Webster
                               1st Rd Beat Dallas City 76-54
                               Semi-Final Beat Hamilton 55-53
                               Title Game Beat Augusta 69-62
                               Quincy Sectional Tourney
                               Semi-final lost to Beardstown
                               Beardstown lost to Monmouth in title game
                               Monmouth lost in Sweet 16 Rd.
     
1961-62       13 - 13                                                  .500   Spike Webster
1962-63       13 - 10                                                  .565   Spike Webster
1963-64         7 - 16                                                  .304   Spike Webster
1964-65       11 - 13                                                  .458   Spike Webster
1965-66         7 - 14                                                  .333   Spike Webster
1966-67        (information needed)
1967-68        (information needed)
1968-69         1 - 19                                                  .050   Dick Brown
1969-70         5 - 18                                                  .217   Roger Icenogle
1970-71         5 - 16                                                  .238   Roger Icenogle
1971-72       11 - 10                                                  .524   Roger Icenogle
1972-73         4 - 17                                                  ,190   Roger Icenogle
1973-74         7 - 15                                                  .318   Roger Icenogle
1974-75       16 - 8     Conference Champions       .667  Roger Icenogle
    
1975-76       16 - 8     IHSA Regional Champs       .667   Roger Icenogle
                                  Regional Scores Needed
                                  Lewistown Sectional
                                  Semi-final lost to Augusta SE 61-59 (O/T)
                                  Augusta lost to Havana in Title Game
                                  Havana lost in Elite 8 Rd 
     
1976-77       10 - 14                                                  .417   Roger Icenogle
1977-78         0 - 21                                                  .000   Chuck Snow
1978-79         1 - 20                                                  .048   Chuck Snow
1979-80         6 - 18                                                  .250   Chuck Rakers
1980-81       10 - 15                                                  .400   Chuck Rakers
1981-82         8 - 17                                                  .320   Chuck Rakers
1982-83         4 - 20                                                  .024   Jeff Linder
1983-84         0 - 24                                                  .000   Jeff Linder
1984-85         1 - 23                                                  .042   Max Murfin
1985-86         6 - 19                                                  .240   Max Murfin
1986-87       17 - 10                                                  .630   Max Murfin
1987-88       18 - 9                                                    .667   Max Murfin
1988-89       14 - 12                                                  .538   Max Murfin
1989-90         9 - 18                                                  .333   Max Murfin
1990-91         9 - 15                                                  .375   Max Murfin
1991-92         6 - 19                                                  .240   Max Murfin
1992-93         9 - 17                                                  .346   Jeff Thorman
1993-94       14 - 12                                                  .538   Jeff Thorman
1994-95       11 - 15                                                  .423   Jeff Thorman
1995-96         8 - 17                                                  .320   Jeff Thorman
1996-97         4 - 22                                                  .154   Jeff Thorman
1997-98         4 - 24                                                  .143   *Al Lindsey / Scott Sullivan
           *Coach Lindsey coached the first 5 games and had to step down
           due to illness. Coach Sullivan coached the remaining 23 games.
1998-99       13 - 15                                                  .464   Scott Sullivan
1999-00       15 - 14                                                  .517   Scott Sullivan
2000-01       14 - 12                                                  .538   Scott Sullivan
2001-02       22 - 5                                                    .815   Scott Sullivan
2002-03       21 - 7                                                    .750   Scott Sullivan
Overall 1944-45 through 2002-03:  617 - 781       .441
Average wins / losses:  11 - 14

                        Top Ten Teams - Wins
  
       Year          Won / Lost           %           Coach  
#1   1955-56         25 - 3              .893       Webster
#2   1956-57         24 - 5              .828       Webster
#3   1957-58         24 - 5              .828       Webster
#4   1953-54         22 - 5              .815       Webster
#5   2001-02         22 - 5              .815       Sullivan
#6   2002-03         21 - 7              .750       Sullivan
#7   1952-53         19 - 8              .704       Webster
#8   1954-55         19 - 8              .704       Webster
#9   1958-59         19 - 8              .704       Webster
#10 1960-61         19 - 9              .679       Webster
  
            Coaches Listed in Order of Overall Wins

Coach        Won / Lost         Pct.
Webster      298 - 235        0.559
Sullivan         89 - 72          0.553               
Murphin        80 - 125        0.390
Icenogle        74 - 106        0.411
Thorman       46 - 83          0.357
Rakers          24 - 50          0.324
Linder             4 - 44          0.083
Snow               1 - 41          0.024
Brown             1 - 19          0.050
Lindsey           0 - 5            0.000

Colchester High School
Boys Basketball - Team/Individual Record Book

 

Team Records

Most Wins in a Season

Season

Wins

Coach

55-56

25

Webster

56-57

24

Webster

57-58

24

Webster

53-54

22

Webster

01-02

22

Sullivan

02-03

21

Sullivan

60-61

19

Webster

52-53

19

Webster

54-55

19

Webster

58-59

19

Webster

87-88

18

Murfin

86-87

17

Murfin

Most Team Points in a Game

Pts

Opponent

Date

113

Industry

1957

103

Astoria

2-17-77

Individual Records

Most Points Scored - Career

Player

Total

Seasons

Steve Bice

1,583

1972-1975

Tyler Mesick

1,496

1999-2003

Roger Spring

1,295

1977-1981

Justin Haddix

1,166

1991-1995

Mark Booth

1,131

1968-1972

Charlie Brown

1,127

1956-1958

Ryan Phelps

993

1996-1999

Jordan Mesick

982

1998-2002

*Matt Denney

940

2000-2003

Shawn Biswell

937

1985-1988

Jason Sullivan

883

1989-1992

Tim Biswell

783

1983-1987

Scott Sullivan

780

1987-1989

Jonathon Miller

710

1991-1994

Fred Pendleton

695

1985-1988

Brock Thompson

620

1996-1999

Jason Nicholson

614

1997-2000

*Matt scored another 527 as Senior West Prairie after consolidation for a total of 1,467

  

Most Points Scored - Season

Player

Pts.

Season

Steve Bice

676

1974-1975

Charlie Brown

645

1957-1958

Roger Spring

601

1980-1981

Ryan Phelps

543

1998-1999

Steve Bice

518

1973-1974

Mark Booth

499

1971-1972

Tyler Mesick

494

2001-2002

Charlie Brown

482

1956-1957

Justin Haddix

477

1994-1995

Jerry Biswell

465

1960-1961

Matt Denney

453

2002-2003

Dave Willock

442

1976-1977

Fred Pendleton

441

1987-1988

Scott Sullivan

419

1988-1989

Matt Denney

417

2001-2002

Jonathon Miller

408

1992-1993

Shawn Biswell

399

1987-9188

Andy Beck

391

1996-1997

Most Points Scored - Game

Player

Pts.

Opponent

Date

Steve Bice

47

Cardinal Stritch

12-6-74

Steve Bice

45

Cuba

1-14-75

Ryan Phelps

43

Dallas City

2-2-99

Steve Bice

41

Dallas City

1-10-75

Charlie Brown

38

LaHarpe

1-15-57

Steve Bice

38

Hamilton

11-29-74

Mark Booth

38

Nauvoo-Colusa

2-4-72

Charlie Brown

37

Warsaw

2-4-58

Mark Booth

37

Avon

1-4-72

Steve Bice

37

Abingdon

12-19-74

Steve Bice

37

Plymouth

2-11-75

Roger Spring

36

Carthage

11-26-80

Ryan Phelps

36

LaHarpe

12-13-98

Charlie Brown

35

Macomb

12-10-57

Steve Bice

35

Avon

12-17-74

Roger Spring

35

Canton, MO

2-8-80

Roger Spring

35

Plymouth

1-6-81

Steve Bice

34

Green Valley

2-5-74

Joe Haddix

33

Justin Haddix

33

Rockridge

12-16-94

Ryan Phelps

33

Northwestern

2-17-99

Roger Spring

32

Warsaw

11-29-80

Roger Spring

32

Industry

1-20-81

Most Points by Class

Player

Pts

Season

Class

Steve Bice

676

74-75

Senior

Steve Bice

518

73-74

Junior

Matt Denney

417

01-02

Sophomore

Tyler Mesick

311

99-00

Freshman

Highest Scoring Average - Career

Player

Avg

Pts.

GP

Seasons

Steve Bice

23.9

1,583

66

72-75

Charlie Brown

19.4

1,127

59

56-58

Roger Spring

16.6

1,295

78

77-81

Scott Sullivan

15.6

780

50

87-89

Matt Denney

14.5

1,467

101

00-04

Tyler Mesick

14.2

1,496

105

99-03

Justin Haddix

13.3

1,166

88

91-95

Mark Booth

13.1

1,131

79

68-72

Shawn Biswell

12.1

937

77

85-88

Jason Sullivan

11.9

883

74

89-92

Tim Biswell

11.3

783

69

83-87

Jordan Mesick

10.8

982

91

98-02

Fred Pendleton

10.2

695

68

84-88

Highest Scoring Avg. - Season

Player

Avg.

Season

Steve Bice

28.1

1974-1975

Mark Booth

23.8

1971-1972

Steve Bice

23.5

1973-1974

Roger Spring

23.1

1980-1981

Ryan Phelps

20.1

1998-1999

Scott Sullivan

20.0

1988-1989

Steve Bice

19.4

1972-1973

Justin Haddix

19.1

1994-1995

Dave Willock

18.4

1976-1977

Tyler Mesick

18.3

2001-2002

Jerry Biswell

16.6

1960-1961

Fred Pendleton

16.3

1987-1988

Roger Spring

16.2

1978-1979

Matt Denney

16.2

2002-2003

Jason Sullivan

15.8

1991-1992

Andy Beck

15.6

1996-1997

Matt Denney

15.4

2001-2002

Most 3pt FG Made - Career

Player

3pt FG

Seasons

Justin Haddix

215

1991-1995

Tyler Mesick

207

1999-2003

Jason Nicholson

130

1997-2000

Jason Sullivan

129

1989-1992

Jordan Mesick

89

1999-2003

Scott Sullivan

76

1987-1989

Eric Zimmerman

71

1996-1998

Doug Haddix

50

1988-1989

Andy Beck

49

1995-1998

Brooks Bainter

46

1998-2001

Most 3pt FG Made - Season

Player

3pt FG

Season

Justin Haddix

91

94-95

Jason Nicholson

73

99-00

Tyler Mesick

64

01-02

Justin Haddix

63

93-94

Jason Sullivan

55

91-92

Tyler Mesick

52

02-03

Doug Haddix

50

88-89

Scott Sullivan

50

88-89

Jason Nicholson

47

98-99

Jason Sullivan

46

89-90

Tyler Mesick

46

99-00

Tyler Mesick

45

00-01

Justin Haddix

40

92-93

Eric Zimmerman

40

97-98

Andy Beck

37

96-97

Jordan Mesick

34

00-01

Eric Zimmerman

31

96-97

Shawn Biswell

27

87-88

Scott Sullivan

26

87-88

Brooks Bainter

26

00-01

Most 3pt FG Made - Game

Player

3pt FG

Opponent

Date

Jason Nicholson

9

Northwestern

1-4-00

Justin Haddix

8

Union

11-94

Justin Haddix

7

Dallas City

2-93

Justin Haddix

7

Southeastern

2-16-94

Justin Haddix

7

Northwestern

12-20-94

Jason Sullivan

6

Avon

1-14-92

Justin Haddix

6

QND

12-3-94

Justin Haddix

6

Carthage

12-9-94

Justin Haddix

6

Macomb (JV)

1-23-95

Justin Haddix

6

Dallas City

2-14-95

Most Consecutive Games with 2+ 3pt FG  

Player

# of Games

Season

Jason Nicholson

14

99-00

Justin Haddix

13

94-95

Most Rebounds – Career 

Player

Rebounds

Seasons

Don Markey

504

73-76

Ryan Phelps

501

96-99

Ryan Dorethy

426

98-01

Brock Thompson

351

96-99

Most Rebounds – Season

Player

Rebounds

Season

Ryan Phelps

228

98-99

Ryan Dorethy

189

00-01

Ryan Dorethy

180

99-00

Sid Parks

172

76-77

Brock Thompson

166

00-01

Ryan Phelps

148

97-98

**There are a lot of season without rebounding statistics available.

                  

Incredible research by Coach Sullivan!

                 
In a December 13, 1997 game against LaHarpe, the Indians' Jeremy Royer made 21 free-throws, most in school history. He went a perfect 20-for-20 from the "charity stripe" in the fourth quarter.
 
From former Coach Roger Icenogle:
 
"Some top players on those Colchester teams included Mark Booth '72, Steve Bice '75 (averaged 27.2 ppg.), and Don Markey, '76 5'9" center on that Regional Championship team."
 
From Don Markey:
 
"Kudos to Coach Icenogle nonetheless, he was a tremendous coach and role model. It's a shame coaches today don't emulate his patience and poise."
                           
 
BOYS BASEBALL
 
The Cochester hardballers also brought home IHSA hardware. The season records and coaches names are not available.
 
1944-45   N.R.A. District Champions
1948-49   N.R.A. District Champions          Coach William K "Spike" Webster
1949-50              Regional Champions      Coach William K "Spike" Webster
                          Lost to Peoria Central
                          in Sectional play
1950-51              Regional Champions      Coach William K "Spike" Webster
                          Lost to Quincy Notre Dame
                          in Sectional Play 
1956-57   N.R.A. Regional Champions
 
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
 
One Colchester thinclad brought home a 2nd place finish from the IHSA State Track Meet.
 
1927-28   Raymond Stewart    1 Mile Run      2nd Place
 
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
    
The strongest sports program in Colchester, Illinois, from the early-to-mid-1970's, was the cross-country team which, from 1970 to 1974, compiled a record of 55-17 under coach Charlie Schwalm.  The highlight was a 15-0 record in 1971 which included a conference championship...the Indians also won numerous invitational meets during those years. The cross country program at Colchester was started in 1969 by Coach Fred Peterson.

Colchester High School was one of the smallest schools in the state to field a cross-country team yet had tremendous success.  Although at the time there was only one class for cross-country, the Indians advanced teams or individuals from regional to sectional competition each year from 1971 to 1974.

Some of the outstanding runners for Colchester during those years were Rick Beal, George Lewis, Greg Bartlett and Don Markey.  Other top runners included Craig Vawter, Billy Clark, Tim Roberts, Robert Duffy, Sam Moran, Mike Lung and Gordon Switzer.  Also among key runners were Jon Nicholas, Rick Louderman, Randy MacBeth, Rick Wetzel, Scott Clauson, Steve Biswell, Chris Smith, Danny Powell, Ron Porter, Chuck Carlton, Kendall Knowles, Darrell Waller and Scott Parker.

Schwalm went on to build an outstanding distance program at Class AA Canton, IL. after leaving Colchester.  Highlights included a 14-1 record in 1978...the core runners from that team would go on to win the state Junior College championship at Spoon River College in 1980.

"It's hard to believe that it's been forty years since those glory days of Colchester cross-country.  I can still remember walking the course with a measuring wheel that I borrowed from the local power company to get the right distance," said Schwalm.  "Dominating the Southeastern Invitational with a one-two finish by Lewis and Markey and six runners in the top fourteen was probably our best meet."

"In 1974, we were among only eight schools out of the 120 that qualified for sectional who would have fit under the new two-class system, with an enrollment cutoff of 750 students, which started the next year after I left," added Schwalm.  "Those were truly wonderful times that I still vividly remember."

SPEECH & INDIVIDUAL EVENTS   
 
Two Colchester girls won 2nd place finishes in the entire state in speech competition. The Drama team also qualified for the state competition by winning their Sectional one year. Their accomplishments are listed below.
 
1957-58    Vera Bloomfield     "Serious" category    2nd Place
1965-66    Sherry King            "Serious" category    2nd Place
 
DRAMA TEAM
 
1943-44    Qualified for State Finals
                Sectional Champions

THEATRE

The Illinois Theatre Festival is the largest, non-competetive high school theatre festival in the world. It was organized in 1976 by teachers from the Chicago suburbs. This festival is still going strong as they perform at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) and Illinois State University every other January. Colchester High school participated in this festival in 1981 and 1989.

SCHOLASTIC BOWL

Colchester participated in Scholastic Bowl competition for sure in 2001-2002.
 
 
IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION 
 
regarding the many successes of the Colchester High School students please complete a Guest Commentary Form. Photos of some of the great teams can be sent via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:
 
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il.     60631

Colchester West Prairie Elementary School
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Former Colchester Grade School

Colchester Boys Basketball
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Roseville Tourney Champs

Colchester High School Boys Basketball
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Industry Tourney Champs

Colchester HS Boys Basketball
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Bi-County Tourney Champs