Shannon High School "Eagles"

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Eastland Middle School
shannonaddition.jpg
Shannon High School was the building on the right

The History of Shannon High School
 
Shannon is located in northeastern Carroll County along Il. Rt. 72, approximately 30 miles north of Sterling.  With a population of 854, the town straddles Route 72 as well as the CM ST. P Railroad. 
 
The first school built in Shannon was in 1860. Another building was built in 1867 and the current building was built in 1951. It is known that Shannon became inolved in consolidation talks with nearby Lanark in the early 1980s.  The effort became a reality in 1986 with the creation of Lanark-Eastland High School, signifying the closure of Shannon High School. The high school building still operates as Eastland Middle School.  
 
Shannon High School Quick Facts
 
Year opened:          late 1800s / early 1900s
Year closed:           1986
Consolidated to:      Lanark Eastland High School
School nickname:    the "Eagles"
School colors:         Orange and Black
School Fight Song:  "Cheer, Cheer For Ol' Shannon High"
                                        University of Notre Dame Fight Song Tune
 
                              Cheer, Cheer for ol' Shannon High,
                              Wake up the echoes, Cheering her name,
                              Send a loyal cheer on high,
                              Shake out the thunder from the sky.
 
                              What though the odds be great or small,
                              Ol' Shannon High will win over all.
                              While her loyal sons are marching
                              Onward to victory!
 
 
Athletics
 
For what they lacked in numbers, the Shannon kids made up for in ability and heart.  Especially in boy's basketall.  No less than 15 District Titles were won by the Eagle Boy's Basketball teamsShannon HS boys basketball dominated the area in the 1940s winning 7 of the 10 District titles that decade.  The Boy's Baseball team also won a Regional title and one male athlete brought home hardware from the IHSA State Track Meet.  The records and coaches names of these teams is being sought.  There HAS to be a great story there regarding this small town school's success over the years, especially the 1940s.  The best of the Shannon High School Eagles seasons are listed below.
 
Boy's Basketball
 
1940-41      N.R.A.         District Champions          Coaches names unavailable
1941-42      N.R.A.         District Champions
1943-44      N.R.A.         District Champions
1944-45      N.R.A.         District Champions
1945-46      N.R.A.         District Champions
1946-47      N.R.A.         District Champions
1948-49      N.R.A.         District Champions
1952-53      N.R.A.         District Champions
1953-54      N.R.A.         District Champions
1954-55      N.R.A.         District Champions
1958-59      N.R.A.         District Champions
1960-61      N.R.A.         District Champions
1963-64      N.R.A.         District Champions
1964-65      N.R.A.         District Champions
1969-70      N.R.A.         District Champions   
 
One of the best players to run on the hardwood for Shannon High School in the mid-1960s was Randy Buss. In a January 29, 1965 game against conference foes Dakota, Buss had a monster game in scoring 54 points for the Eagles, scoring 24 field goals and pulling down 34 rebounds. His 34 rebounds in the game is the second best performance in state history!
 
Memories:
 
From Michael J. Fox:
 
"We had some very outstanding basketball teams in the late 70's and early 80's but could never win the regional title. We always had a game every year with the nearby town of Forreston for the "Dirty Bird" trophy. The loser had to display the trophy in their trophy case for a full year until we played again. The trophy was a cross between an eagle and a cardinal. I wonder what every happened to that trophy? The school fight song was Cheer Cheer for ol' Shannon High which was to the music of the Notre Dame Fight song. Back in the late 70's I remember one particular game where the new glass backboard was broken on a dunk (I do not remember who did it) but the game was delayed about 1 1/2 hours until they could go get one from nearby Lanark High School."
 
Boy's Track & Field
 

During Shannon’s early days, the number of boys track and field athletes each year could be counted on one hand. In the mid-to-late 1920s, two students, Lloyd Hinders and Lamoine Boyle, formed a team which had plenty of success. Hinders took 3rd place in the pole vault in the IHSA State Meet in 1926. 


In 1928, Hinders and Boyle, competing as a two-man team, won the Sterling Invitational — one which had much larger schools also competing. 


Hinders competed at North Central College and held the school’s discus record at one point. He would later have a successful coaching and administrative career at Rock Falls High School from 1943 to his untimely death in 1963. The RFHS football field is named after Hinders in his memory. 

 
 
Boy's Baseball
 
The baseball team of 1985-86 brought home the school's only IHSA hardware in this sport. In fact this was the only Regional title in the school's long and storied history. Team records of this and other Shannon HS baskeball teams are needed.
 
1985-86      N.R.A.          Regional Champions            Coach Joe Kretz
 
Girl's Volleyball
 
Though not bringing home IHSA hardware the girl's volleyball team faired quite will in mid - 1980s.  In fact their coach, Kristy Pierce, continued her winning tradition at Eastland HS.  Below are the best seasons listed on the IHSA web site for Shannon HS Girl's Volleyball.  
 
1983-84     18 - 6        Coach Kristy Pierce
1884-85     19 - 4        Coach Kristy Pierce
1985-86     20 - 7        Coach Kristy Pierce
 
Extra-Curricular Activities
 
Sports were not the only thing that occupied the time of the kids of Shannon High School. Chorus, FFA, Band, Student Government, Dances, and Plays were all offered at SHS.
 
To view a very brief video clip of the Shannon High School Marching Band in action during the 1980 Northern Illinois University Homecoming parade in DeKalb check out this YouTube video sent to us by "Tom":
   
Seeking More Information
 
As you can see, the Shannon High School Eagles played hard to the bitter end.  Enjoying successful sports teams in their last season as a school (1985-86).  If you have any information you can provide and share with others please complete a Guest Commentary Form. (Thanks Chris Dertz!)  You may also write us at:
  
OR
 
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St. 
Chicago, Il.   60631