Rushville High School "Rockets"

Rushville "Webster" High School Building

Submitted by Dennis Downey

Original Rushville HS Bldg - Burned Down 1893

Courtesy of Dennis Downey

The History of Rushville High School

Rushville (population 3,212) is located in western Illinois about 20 miles south of Macomb and 45 miles northwest of Springfield. U.S. Route 24 intersects with U.S. Route 67 on the west side of Rushville. The A,T, & SF Railroad has a line that reaches into Rushville. The Town Branch of the LaMoine River flows into the south side of town while the Crane Creek flows to the northeast side of town. Rushville is the county seat of Schuyler County and is located in its north-central area. Rushville was platted in 1818 and settlement there came soon after. Rushville was officially incorporated as a town in 1831.

According to the website address of http://www.rushville.org/ , Rushville's history in short is the following:

"The Schuyler County Seat is the town of Rushville, which was incorporated in 1826. Rushville derives its name from a famous Philadelphian surgeon named Dr. Benjamin Rush. Its history tells a story of growth and prosperity. From a tiny wilderness village of 12 families in 1825, Rushville has grown to a prosperous town of more than 3,300 citizens."

Rushville has one of the longest histories of school systems recorded on this site. The webpage of http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilschuyl/OldTimesInSchuyler/OTISfirstschool.html states that the first school in Rushville was established in the 1830s. A high school was established and in place by 1848. This being said we know that Rushville High School has served the town and surrounding area proudly for at least 152 years.

Rushville High School entered into consolidation talks with its neighbor to the north, Industry, in the early 2000s. It was settled in 2005 that the school districts of Rushville and Industry would would consolidate to form the Rushville-Industry School District. Rushville residents have continue to host the high school in their town.

Rushville High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1848

Year consolidated: 2005

Consolidated to: Rushville-Industry School District (Rushville)

Rushville HS team nickname: the "Rockets"

Rushville HS team colors: Purple & Gold

School Fight Song: "We're Loyal to Rushville High"

Sung to "Illinois Loyalty"

We're loyal to you Rushville High

We're purple and gold, Rushville High

We'll back you to stand

'Gainst the best in the land

For we know you can stand, Rushville High!

Rah! Rah!

So crack out the ball, Rushville High

We're backing you all, Rushville High

Our team is our fame protector:

On! Boys for we expect a

Victory from you Rushville High!

ATHLETICS

The Rushville Rockets and Lady Rockets have a great history of success in IHSA sports. For a small school Rushville participated in many sports and enjoyed many memorable perfomances. School colors and school fight song along with several team records and coach's names are being sought.

BOYS BASEBALL

The boys baseball program at Rushville High won a District Championship and a Regional Championship. The team also had a 20 - win season in its final year as a solo school!

1955-56 District Champions

1969-70 Coach Phillip Glosser

1970-71 IHSA Regional Champs Coach Phillip Glosser

Spoon River Conf. Champs

Midwest Conf. Champs

Rushville HS "Rockets Baseball Team 1970-71

IHSA Regional and Conference Champions

1977-78 Regional Champions

2004-05 21 - 11 School's Final Season Coach Brian Schmidt

BOYS BASKETBALL

Thirteen Regionals, two Sectionals, and a District title highlighted the boys basketball success. The Sectional titles were won in the one-class system making this accomplishment even more incredible.

Coach Robert Wixom had the longest tenure at Rushville leading the team from 1937 through the 1955 season. His early teams won the two Sectional titles. Coach Wixom sported an overall record of 321 - 201 for a .619 winning percentage during his 19 seasons at the helm!

1934-35 20 - 9 District Champions
1935-36 21 - 8

1936-37 24 - 7 SWEET 16 Finalist!! Coach Robert Wixom

One-Class System

Regioinal Champions

Sectional Champions

Sweet 16 Finalist

Lost to Pekin 25 - 24

Pekin finished in 4th place

1937-38 15 - 10 Coach Robert Wixom
1938-39 20 - 7 Regional Champions Coach Robert Wixom

1939-40 26 - 7 SWEET 16 Finalist! Coach Robert Wixom

One-Class System

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

Sweet 16 Finalist

Lost to Dundee 72 - 47

1940-41   14 - 12                                                            Coach Robert Wixom
1941-42   13 - 13                                                            Coach Robert Wixom

1942-43   22 - 6         Regional Champions                 Coach Robert Wixom
1943-44   15 - 11                                                            Coach Robert Wixom
1944-45                                                                          Coach Robert Wixom
1945-46   13 - 12                                                            Coach Robert Wixom
1946-47   15 - 10                                                            Coach Robert Wixom
1947-48   18 - 9                                                              Coach Robert Wixom
1948-49   23 - 6         Regional Champions                 Coach Robert Wixom

1949-50 16 - 12 Regional Champions Coach Robert Wixom

1950-51 22 - 8 Regional Champions Coach Robert Wixom
1951-52 20 - 7 Regional Champions Coach Robert Wixom

1952-55 Coach Robert Wixom

1955-56 19 - 8 Regional Champions Coach Gene Hornsbruch

1956-57 Coach Gene Hornsbruch

1957-58                                                                         Coach Virgil Johnson
1958-59   17 - 8                                                            Coach Virgil Johnson
1959-61                                                                         Coach Stan Olson
1961-62   13 - 11                                                           Coach Bob Winstead
1962-63   19 - 7                                                             Coach Bob Winstead
1963-64   22 - 6         Regional Champions                Coach Bob Winstead

1964-65   21 - 7         Regional Champions                Coach Bob Winstead
1965-66   15 - 11                                                           Coach Jack Coil
1966-67   13 - 12                                                           Coach Jack Coil
1967-68   13 - 13                                                           Coach Loris Lambert
1968-69                                                                         Coach Loris Lambert
1969-70                                                                         Coach Phil Conover
1970-71 18 - 8                                                             Coach Phil Conover
1971-72   20 - 5         Regional Champions                Coach Phil Conover
1972-73   18 - 7                                                             Coach Phil Conover
1973-74 18 - 6                                                             Coach Bob Winstead
1974-77                                                                         Coach Bob Winstead
1977-78   15 - 11                                                           Coach Mel Casper
1978-79   17 - 10                                                           Coach Mel Casper
1979-80                                                                         Coach Tom Purvin
1980-86                                                                         Coach Rick Phillips
1986-88                                                                         Coach Chuck Thomas

1988-92                                                                         Coach Greg Reuschel
1992-95                                                                         Chuck Thomas
1995-96                                                                         Coach Craig Curr
1996-97   14 - 16       Regional Champions                Coach Jim Shepherd

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Rockets had some icredilbe success under the leeadership of Coach Vicki Green. Check out this for a resume':

1 - SECOND Place Finish in IHSA Class 1A Tournament!!

1 - THIRD Place Finish in IHSA Class 1A Tournament!!

3 - ELITE 8 Appearances!

4 - SWEET 16 Appearances!

4 - Sectiional Titles!

8 - Seasons of 25+ Wins

13 - Consecutive Regional Titles!

14 - Seasons of 20+ Wins

18 - Total Regional Titles!!!

*Rushville Lady Rockets had an overall 30 season winning percentage of .726 (572 - 216)

*Coach Vicki Green had an overall record of 483 - 163 for a .748 winning percentage!!

*Coach Green's 483 wins places her #17 All-Time in IHSA history in total wins.

*Coach Green ranks #14 All-Time in IHSA history in most wins at one school.

1974-75   10 - 4                                                                Coach Linda Elsea
1975-76   12 - 6                                                                Coach Linda Elsea
1976-77     8 - 6                                                               Coach Linda Elsea
1977-78    9 - 8                                                                Coach Linda Elsea
1978-79   19 - 5                                                                Coach Linda Elsea

1979-80 16 - 10 Coach Linda Elsea
Coach Linda Elsea overall record 74 - 39 .655 winning %

1980-81 27 - 5 THIRD Place in IHSA Class 1A!! Coach Vicki Green

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

Super-Sectional Champions

Beat Brimfield 66 - 53

Elite 8 Finalist

Beat Paxton 58 - 45

Final 4 Finalist

Lost to Quincy Notre Dame 65 - 48

Quincy finished in 2ND place

Third Place Game Winners!

Beat Eldorado 68 - 63

1981-82 23 - 5 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green

1982-83 29 - 3 SECOND Place in IHSA Class 1A!! Coach Vicki Green

Regional Champions

Sectional Champiopns

Super-Sectional Champions

Beat Kewanee Wethersfield 76 - 56

Elite 8 Finalist

Beat Metropolis Masaac County 66 - 48

Final 4 Finalist

Beat Bloomington Central Catholic 65 - 60

Championship Game Finalist

Lost to Quincy Notre Dame 57 - 53

1983-84 22 - 5 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green
1984-85 25 - 3 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green

1985-86 27 - 3 ELITE 8 Finalist!! Coach Vicki Green

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

Super-Sectional Champions

Beat Oneida ROVA 63 - 56

Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to Elgin St. Edwards 62 - 56 (O/T)

St. Edwards finished 3rd

1986-87 16 - 12 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green

1987-88 19 - 10 SWEET 16 Finalist!! Coach Vicki Green

Regional Champions

Sectional Champions

Super-Sectional Finalist

Lost to Kewanee 58 - 50

Kewanee finished 4th

1988-89 25 - 4 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green

1989-90 25 - 4 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green

1990-91 25 - 4 Regional Champions Coach Vicki Green

1991-92   19 - 8     Regional Champions                           Coach Vicki Green
1992-93   20 - 7     Regional Champions                           Coach Vicki Green
1993-94   16 - 10                                                               Coach Vicki Green
1994-95   17 - 11   Regional Champions                           Coach Vicki Green

1995-96   14 - 11                                                               Coach Vicki Green
1996-97   18 - 10                                                               Coach Vicki Green
1997-98                                                                            Coach Vicki Green
1998-99   25 - 4     Regional Champions                           Coach Vicki Green
1999-00   23 - 6     Regional Champions                           Coach Vicki Green
2000-01   20 - 6                                                                 Coach Vicki Green

2001-02   20 - 7                                                                 Coach Vicki Green
2002-03   18 - 10   Regional Champions                           Coach Vicki Green
2003-04   15 - 14   Regional Champions                           Coach Zach Keene

Incredible run by the Rushville Lady Rockets!!

BOYS FOOTBALL

Nineteen trips to the IHSA football playoffs highlight the gridiron successes of the Rushville Rockets! Fourteen of the trips were in consecutive seasons, the last fourteen seasons before Rushville school consolidatd with Industry. A co-op effort between Rushville and Industry may have taken place at some point but we are not sure when.

1947-48 8 - 1 - 1 2nd place Spoon River Valley Conference Coach Ralph Wagner

1951-52 5 - 2 - 1 3rd place Midwest Conference Coach Bob Wixom

1955-56 6 - 2 - 1 3rd place tie Midwest Conference Coach Bob Wixom

From 1959 through 1970 Rushville participated in both the Midwest and Spoon River Valley conferences in football.

1959-60 4 - 2 - 2 Spoon River Co-Champs/2nd Midwest Coach Stan Olson

1961-62 4 - 2 - 2 Midwest Champs Coach Bob Winestead

1962-63 4 - 2 - 2 Midwest Co-Champs Coach Bob Winestead

1963-64 7 - 2 2nd place in both conferences Coach Bob Winestead

1964-65 6 - 2 - 1 Midwest Co-Champs Coach Bob Winestead

1965-66 6 - 2 - 1 Spoon River Co-Champs Coach Jack Coil

1966-67 6 - 3 2nd Spoon River/3rd Midwest Coach Jack Coil

1967-68 8 - 1 Spoon River Champs Coach Wayne Crum

1968-69 5 - 3 - 1 3rd Spoon/4th Midwest Coach Wayne Crum

1969-70 4 - 3 - 2 2nd Midwest/3rd Spoon River Coach Jim Phalen

1970-71 6 - 3 2nd Spoon River/3rd Midwest Coach Don Gustine

1971-72 4 - 3 - 2 3rd place Spoon River Coach Charlie Sides

1972-73 6 - 3 4th place Spoon River Coach Charlie Sides

1973-74 6 - 4 3rd place Spoon River Coach Charlie Sides

1974-75 6 - 3 2nd place Spoon River Coach Charlie Sides

1975-76 6 - 3 2nd place Spoon River Coach Warner McCullum

1977-78 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Warner McCollum

Lost to Monmouth 6 - 0
1985-86 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Don Bigley

Lost to Virden 24 - 7
1986-87 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Don Bigley

Lost to Hamilton 20 - 12 (2 O/T)

1988-89 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Don Bigley

Lost to Petersburg PORTA 37 - 17
1990-91 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Don Bigley

Beat Beardstown 21 - 0

Lost to Wilamsville 25 - 13
1991-92 11 - 2 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Will Bavery

FINAL 4 FINALIST

Beat Williamsville 20 - 19

Beat Bushnell Prairie City 20 - 14

Beat St. Joe Ogden 17 - 0

Lost to Greenfield 12 - 2

(Greenfield finished 2nd)
1992-93 11 - 1 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Will Bavery

ELITE 8 FINALIST

Beat Havana 42 - 18

Beat Petersburg PORTA 44 - 27

Lost to Moweaqua Central 20 - 12

(Moweaqua finished 2nd)
1993-94 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Will Bavery

Lost to Pittsfield 14 - 0

1994-95 9 - 3 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

ELITE 8 FINALIST

Beat Tolono 22 - 14

Beat Lewistown 6 - 0

Lost to Georgetown-Ridge Farm 15 - 14

(Georgetown finished 2nd)
1995-96 7 - 3 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

Lost to Beardstown 43 - 18
1996-97 9 - 2 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

Beat Havana 47 - 12

Lost to LeRoy 54 - 14

(LeRoy State Champs)
1997-98 7 - 4 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

Beat Virden 28 - 14

Lost to Monticello 21 - 20
1998-99 8 - 2 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

Lost to Gibson City 28 - 24

1999-00 6 - 4 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

Lost to Lewistown 46 - 6
2000-01 6 - 4 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Jeff Langner

Lost to Moweaqua 28 - 14
2001-02 7 - 3 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Kendall Taylor

Lost to Forreston 40 - 16

2002-03 6 - 4 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Kendall Taylor

Lost to Beardstown 27 - 8
2003-04 5 - 5 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Kendall Taylor

Lost to White Hall 42 - 6
2004-05 7 - 3 Team Qualified for Class 2A Playoffs Coach Wayne Crum

Lost to Orion 27 - 7

Last season as Rushville High School

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Four Lady Rocket harriers won medals at the IHSA State Meet including Class A State Champion Alana Crisman. In addition four teams qualified for the State Meet wth the team of 1997-98 finishing tenth overall!

1988-89 Team Qualified for State Meet

Individual Medalist - Angie Agans 7TH Place

1992-93 Regional Champions

Individual Medalist - Megan Taylor 8TH Place

1993-94 Team Qualified for State Meet

Individual Medalist - Megan Taylor 11TH Place

1994-95 Individual Medalist - Megan Taylor 9TH Place

1995-96 Individual Medalists - Alana Crisman STATE CHAMPION!!

Corey Boehm 16TH Place

1997-98 Team Finished TENTH in STATE MEET Competition!!

Individual Medalist - Alana Crisman STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

                        1) Petersburg (PORTA)                          72
                       2) Sandwich                                        123
                        3) Herscher                                         149
                        4) Pittsfield                                          173
                        5) Rock Island (Alleman)                       191

6) Woodstock (Marian) 203
7) Delavan 232

                       8) St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden)                    249
                        9) Wheaton (St. Francis)                       263
                      10) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL             269

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Two individual State Champions and Four Top-Ten finishes, including a State Runner-Up Finish, highlight the boys cross country success. Add to this a total of TEN trips to the State Meet, Six Regional Championships, and one District Championship.

*1969-70 Coach Phillip Glosseer

*1970-71 Coach Phillip Glosseer

*Only Regular Season loss from 1969-1971 was to Quincy by 1 point. Teams went 20-1 over 2 seasons!

1977-78 Team Qualified for State Meet - District Champions

Individual Medalist - Dick Tucker 3RD Place

1978-79 Individual Medalist - Dick Tucker 5TH Place

1982-83 Team Qualified for State Meet - Regional Champions

1983-84 Team Qualified for State Meet - Regional Champions

1984-85 Team Finished SECOND in STATE MEET Competition!!

Regional Champions

Individidual Medalist - Mark Couch 11TH Place

Final Team Standings

1) Elmwood 68

                       2) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL         149
                        3) Streator (Woodland)                      174
                        4) Princeton                                      177
                        4) Petersburg (PORTA)                      177

1985-86 Team Finished TENTH in STATE MEET Competition!!

Individual Medalist - Mark Couch 8TH Place

Final Team Standings

                        1) Elmwood                                   69
                       2) Pontiac                                     93
                       3) Yorkville                                  126
                       4) Joy (Westmer)                         152
                        5) Streator (Woodland)                 170
                        6) Athens                                    189
                        7) Petersburg (PORTA)                 209
                        8) Herscher                                  212
                       9) Lebanon                                   236
                      10) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL     268

1986-87 Team Finished TENTH in STATE MEET Competition!!

Regional Champions

Final Team Standings

1) Pontiac 85

                        2) Elmwood                                    139
                       3) Forreston                                    139
                        4) Herscher                                     168
                        5) Breese (Mater Dei)                       177
                       6) Delavan                                       203
                        7) Lansing (Illiana Christian)              209
                       8) Trenton (Wesclin)                         220
                        9) Petersburg (PORTA)                     220
                      10) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL         247

1990-91 Team Qualified for State Meet

1992-93 Team Finished EIGHTH in STATE MEET Competition!!

Regional Champions

Individual Medalist - Christian Natusch STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

                        1) St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden)                       101
                        2) Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm)                109
                        3) Coal City                                             117
                        4) Normal (University)                               140
                        5) Joy (Westmer)                                     161
                        6) Oregon                                                179
                        7) Chicago (Luther North)                          200
                        8) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL                209
                        9) Robinson                                             237
                      10) Maple Park (Kaneland)                          241

1993-94 Individual Medalist - Matt McClelland 23RD Place

1994-95 Team Qualified for State Meet Competition!!

Individual Medalists - Matt McClelland 2ND PLACE
Dody Nielsen 5TH Place

1995-96 Individual Medalists - Matt McClelland STATE CHAMPION!!

Dody Nielson 19TH Place

1997-98 Team Qualified for State Meet - Regional Champions

1998-99 Team Qualified for State Meet Coach Richard Tucker

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

The Lady Rockets won a total of SIX Sectional titles. The ladies brought home a total of 28 medals from the IHSA State Track Meet too. Incredible athletes include State Champions Alana Crisman (1997 - 1600 Meter Run), Kala Hinrichs (2003 - Discus) who also won a total of SEVEN medals, and four-time medalists Amanda Ross and Megan Taylor.

1972-73 Individual Medalists

Relay Team 1 Mile Relay 2ND Place

Carla Settles High Jump 3RD Place

1982-83 Sectional Champions

Individual Medalist

Mary Prather 400 M Dash 7TH Place

1983-84 Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Relay Team 4x400 M Relay 4TH Place

1987-88 Sectional Champions

Individual Medalist

Angie Agans 1600 M Run 5TH Place

1989-90 Sectional Champions

Individual Medalist

Melissa Taylor 100 M Hurdles 6TH Place

1992-93 Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Relay Team 4x100 M Relay 3RD Place

Amanda Ross High Jump 3RD Place

Megan Taylor 300 M Hurdles 6TH Place

1993-94 Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Megan Taylor 300 M Hurdles 5TH Place

Amanda Ross High Jump 7TH Place

Relay Teams 4x100 M Relay 8TH Place

4x400m relay 8TH Place

1994-95 Individual Medalists

Amanda Ross High Jump 2ND Place

Megan Taylor 300 M Hurdles 5TH Place

1995-96 Individual Medalists

Amanda Ross High Jump 3RD Place

Megan Taylor 300 M Hurdles 5TH Place
Relay Team 4x100 M Relay 5TH Place

1996-97 Individual Medalists

Alana Crisman 1600 M Run STATE CHAMPION!!

Relay Team 4x800 M Relay 2ND Place

1997-98 Individual Medalist

Alana Crisman 800 M Run 2ND Place

1999-00 Individual Medalist

Kala Hinrichs Discus 7TH Place

Shot put 7TH Place

2000-01 Individual Medalist

Kala Hinrichs Discus 6TH Place

2001-02 Individual Medalist

Kala Hinrichs Discus 5TH Place
Shot Put 3RD Place

2002-03 Individual Medalist

Kala Hinrichs Discus STATE CHAMPION!!
Shot Put 6TH Place

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

The track & field program at Rushville High lived up to the school's nickname. On the track or in the field, the Rushville thinclads had some incredible success. Check out this rusume':

1 - IHSA State Meet SECOND Place Finish

7 - IHSA State Meet Top-Ten Finishes

4 - IHSA District Championships

11 - IHSA Sectional Championships

11 - GOLD MEDALS won at IHSA State Meets

7 - Second Place Medals won at IHSA State Meets

49 - Total Medals won at IHSA State Meets

1903-04 Team Finshed SEVENTH at IHSA State Meet!!

One-Class System

Individual Medalists

Raymond Quigley 440 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!!
?? Montooth Standing Broad Jump 2ND Place

Final Team Standings

1) Pontiac                                      20
2) Jacksonville (H.S.)                      15
2) Anna                                         15
4) Oak Park (O.P.-River Forest)       13
5) Chicago (North Division)              11
6) Chicago (Hyde Park)                   10
7) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL        8
8) Moline (H.S.)                                5
8) Riverside (R.-Brookfield)               5
10) Chicago (Lake View)                    4
10) Petersburg                                  4

1904-05 Team Finished NINTH at State Meet!!

One-Class System

Individual Medalist

?? Owen Standing Broad Jump STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

1) Chicago (Englewood)           16
2) Chicago (Phillips)                11½
3) Greenfield                           10½
4) Petersburg                            8
5) Chicago (Crane)                    7
6) Chicago (Lake View)              6
6) DuQuoin (H.S.)                      6
6) Carlyle                                  6
9) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL  5
9) Rochelle                               5
9) Chicago (Calumet)                 5

1908-09 Individual Medalist

V. Dunn 440 Yard Dash 2ND Place

1909-10 Team Finished TENTH at State Meet!!

One-Class System

Individual Medalist

V. Dunn 440 Yard Dash STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

1) Chicago (University) 26

2) Milford                                      18
3) Chicago (Hyde Park)                 12
4) Galesburg (H.S.)                       10
4) Oak Park (O.P.-River Forest)      10
6)  Chicago (Phillips)                        9
7) Milwaukee, Wis. (South Divisi      8 1/7
8) Highland Park (Deerfield-Shie       8
9) Beardstown                                5 1/7
10) Chicago (Englewood)                  5
10) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL       5

1924-25B Individual Medalist

John P. Crandall 440 Yard Dash 2ND Place

1940-41 Individual Medalist

Paul Houston 1 Mile Run STATE CHAMPION!!

1941-42 Individual Medalist

J. Churchill High Jump 4TH Place

1944-45 Individual Medalist

Richard Stephens 440 Yard Dash 3RD Place

1946-47 Individual Medalist

Dick Patterson High Jump STATE CHAMPION!!

1948-49 Individual Medalist

Dick Patterson High Jump 3RD Place

1973-74 Team Finished NINTH at State Meet!! Coach Rod Schoonover

District Champions

(One Class system - beat Quincy,

Galesburg, Canton, and Macomb

for the District title!!)

Individual Medalist

Craig Robbins Discus STATE CHAMPION!!

Final Team Standings

1) Chicago (Lane) 27

1) Evanston (Twp.)                                         27
3) LaGrange (Lyons)                                      19¼
4) Chicago Heights (Bloom Twp.)                    19
5) East St. Louis (Sr.)                                    14¼
6) Chicago (Phillips)                                       14
7) Alton (Sr.)                                                 10½
8) Rock Island (H.S.)                                       8
9)  RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL                       6         Coach Rod Schoonover
9) Elmhurst (York)                                         6
9) Rolling Meadows                                         6
9) Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)                          6
9) Chicago (St. Ignatius)                                  6
9) New Lenox (Lincoln-Way)                            6

1974-75A District Champions

Individual Medalist

Tony Stolp Pole Vault 2ND Place

1975-76A District Champions

1976-77A Individual Medalists

Marc Briney Pole Vault STATE CHAMPION!!
Mike Phillips Shot Put 4TH Place

1977-78A Team Finished SIXTH at State Meet!!

Individual Medalist

Marc Briney                Pole Vault                                   STATE CHAMPION!!
Mike Phillips              Shot Put                                       2ND Place
Mitch Redman            Discus                                          6TH Place

Dick Tucker 2 Mile Run 7TH Place

1 Mile Run 8TH Place

Final Team Standings

1) Robinson 35

2) Madison                                 32
3) St. Anne                                 31
4) Gibson City                             28
5) Casey                                     25
6) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL    24
7) Spring Valley (Hall)                18
7) Peru (St. Bede)                       18
7) Riverton                                  18
10) Highland (St. Paul)                  16

1978-79A Individual Medalists

Mitch Redman Discus 4TH Place

Dick Tucker 1 Mile Run 4TH Place

1981-82A District Champions

1982-83A Sectional Champions

Individual Medalist

Dan Cox Discus 2ND Place

Larry Kissinger 800 Meter Run 7TH Place

1983-84A Sectional Champions

1984-85A Sectional Champions

Individual Medalist

Bill Toland Pole Vault 6TH Place

1985-86A Team Finished NINTH at State Meet!!

Sectional Champions

                       Individual Medalists
Bill Toland                   Pole vault                                    3RD Place
Mark Fowler               800m run                                     4TH Place
Mike Grate                   Discus                                          5TH Place
Relay Team                 4x400m relay                               5TH Place

Final Team Standings
1) Chicago (Luther South)           48
2) Geneva                                  27
2) Yorkville                                 27
2) Sullivan                                  27
5) St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden)          26
6) DuQuoin (H.S.)                       23
7( Newton                                  22
7( St. Anne                                22
9) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL   19
10) Riverton                                 18

1991-92A Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Relay Team 4x800 Meter Relay 6TH Place

1992-93A Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Christian Nautsch 3200 Meter Run 2ND Place
Relay Team 4x800 Meter Relay 6TH Place

1993-94A Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Matt McClelland 1600 Meter Run 4TH Place

Jeff Ackman Shot Put 5TH Place

1994-95A Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Matt McClelland 1600 Meter Run STATE CHAMPION!!

Relay Team 4x100 Meter Relay 4TH Place

Jeff Ackman Shot Put 6TH Place

1995-96A Team Finished SECOND at STATE MEET!! Coach Richard Tucker

Sectional Champions

Individual Medalists

Matt McClelland           1600 Meter Run                          STATE CHAMPION!!
Relay Team                  4x100 Meter Relay                     STATE CHAMPIONS!!
Relay Team                  4x200 Meter Relay                     4TH Place
Relay Team                  4x800 Meter Relay                     4TH Place
Dody Nielsen                800 Meter Run                            8TH Place

Final Team Standings

1) Carlinville                                  46
2) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL     31        Coach Richard Tucker
3) Chicago (Luther South)              27½
4) Newton                                     27
5) Maple Park (Kaneland)               25
5) Lisle (Sr.)                                  25
5) Knoxville                                   25
8) Harrisburg                                 23
9) Fulton (H.S.)                             22
10) Monmouth (H.S.)                      21½

1996-97A Individual Medalist

David Reed Discus 8TH Place

1998-99A Individual Medalist

Ryan Billingsley Discus 8TH Place

1999-00A Individual Medalists

Chris Burke 300 Meter Hurdles 7TH Place
Relay Team 4x400 Meter Relay 7TH Place

2000-01A Sectional Champions Coach Richard Tucker

Individual Medalist

Ryan Billingsley Discus 9TH Place

2004-05 Sectional Champions Coach Jim Shepherd

Individual Medalists

Eric Eyler Pole Vault 5TH Place
Andy Ward Shot Put 5TH Place

BOYS GOLF

One individual medalist and two Top-Ten Finishes were the highlights of the Rushville Rocket linksters.

1939-40 Team Finished SIXTH at State Meet!!

District Champions

Individual Medalist

?? Street 4TH Place

Final Team Standings

1) Highland Park (Deerfield-Shie 19 pts. (652)

2) Galesburg (H.S.)                         8 pts. (674)
3) Peoria (H.S.)                               6 pts. (675)
4) Waukegan (H.S.)                         4 pts. (N/A)
4) Urbana (H.S.)                              4 pts. (678)
6) Rockford (H.S.)                             2/3 pt. (N/A)
6) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL          2/3 pt. (N/A)
6) Oregon                                          2/3 pt. (N/A)

1983-84 Team Finished SEVENTH at State Meet!!

Final Team Standings

1) Dunlap                                      644
2) Elgin (St. Edward)                      649
3) Bloomington (Central Catholic      676
4) Quincy (Notre Dame)                  677
5) Peoria (Bergan)                          679
6) Pinckneyville                              689
7) RUSHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL      701
8) Aledo                                        709
9) LaGrange Park (Nazareth Acad.) 735
10) Grant Park                                736

GIRLS BOWLING

The Rushville Lady Rockets' bowling team made waves the first two years the IHSA offered this sport as well. Two District titles and two trips to the State Tournament were the highlights of this program.

1973-74 District Champions - Team Qualified for State Meet!
1974-75 District Champions - Team Qualified for State Meet!

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Three Regional titles put the Lady Rocket Diamond girls in the final round of 32 on three seperate occassions!

1975-76               Regional Champions
1984-85               Regional Champions
1993-94               Regional Champions
2004-05   15 - 19                                        Coach Randy Burnett

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Two more Regional titles and some nice season records made the lady netters program a good one too!

1976-78 Coach Linda Elsea
1978-79 8 - 8 Coach Linda Elsea

1979-80                                                    Coach Mike Lewis
1980-81                                                    Coach Lisa Conover
1981-83                                                    Coach Marjorie Parrish
1983-84                                                    Coach Marilyn Utter
1984-85 13 - 9                                          Coach Carolyn Tucker
1985-86  16 - 9                                          Coach Charles Thomas
1986-87                                                    Coach Linda Taylor
1994-95             Regional Champions
1996-97             Regional Champions

SPEECH SWEEPSTAKES

The English Department even jumped onto the Rocket IHSA bandwagon earning two District titles and an Individual Medal!!

1954-55 District Champions

1956-57 Individual Medalist - Jerry Carson After Dinner 2ND Place

1957-58 District Champions

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION

Please forward any further information to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. What a school system they have in Rushville which is expected to not miss a beat as Rushville-Industry. You can also send information to us via USPS at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631