2004 Year in Review

2004 Athletic Hall of Fame

During Friday, September 17th’s football game the Morrison High School held their 5th induction ceremony into the athletics Hall of Fame. For pictures see Photo Album.

The 1987 High School football team and cheerleaders were among those inducted. In 1987 they were the Trac-8 Champions and a part of the “Elite Eight” team. Members of the team were Gus Linke, Peter Kurasz, Ed Ballard, Jamie Schroeder, Bret Helms, Dan McDonnell, Jim Bogle, Brad Blean, Todd Wright, Curt Workman, Jason Mucci, Darrel VanderVinne, Brian Olson, Jerry Ammon, Ted Frederick, Alan Westendorf, Keith Pannier, David Edlund, Mike Nunziato, David Hess, Corey Ottens, Mitch Drolema, Eric Norman, Larry Eads, Scott Schipper, David Green – Manager, and Brad Whistler, Manager. Coaches were: Tom Jobst – Head Coach, Scott Rickels and Tim Duncan – Assistant Coaches. Cheerleaders for the 1987 team were: Michelle Buckwalter, Sara Domdey, Lisa Snodgrass, Gina Velasquez, Martha Manchester and Lisa Deets.

The following individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

1900-1909 – George Hawse: An outstanding athlete. He played mainly offensive end on the first football teams, 1900, 1901, 1902 and captained the 1903 team. One of the highlights of the 1903 season was defeating Geneseo 30-0.

Besides football, George ran track and helped the MHS team capture its first trophy, the Whiteside County Track Championship, held at the Morrison Fairgrounds in 1901. The Morrison Athletic Department is indebted to the work of men like George Hawse, After high school George volunteered his services and coached high school football, and baseball for several years.

1910-1919 - Lyle Ritchie – 1916: Lyle was an outstanding four-sport athlete at MHS. He played football – four years, baseball – four years, and track – two years.

As a footballer, he was a mainstay on the champion, undefeated team of 1915. Lyle, Bernie Ritchie, and Dickie Rick led MHS to all sorts of glory in the World War I era. They were three of the finest all-around athletes to play for MHS. In 1916, Lyle’s shifty, hard charging running style led to several long touchdowns. The 1916 team averaged 33.5 points per game. They defeated Fulton 76-0, Tipton 46-0 and Sterling 63-0.

Lyle was a very good basketballer, playing guard on teams that played better than .500 basketball. Morrison at that time did not belong to a conference, or play for a State Championship.

As a baseballer he was an adept infielder and an outstanding pitcher. Lyle was known for hitting, he captained the 1916 team. Lyle’s MHS teams were considered the best in Whiteside County. Lyle would be classified as a sprinter on the track; he also tried the long jump. Often times there was a track meet after a baseball game.

1920-1929 – Clarence DeWeerd – 1929: Clarence “mino” DeWeerd excelled on the basketball court. Clarence was one of the leading scorers on the MHS, 1929, Rock River and Regional Championship basketball team. Considered a very big man for the era, close to 6’3”, Clarence played guard. He is remembered as one of the best defensive players in the State in 1929.

Clarence was chosen to the first team All-Regional Basketball team in 1929, mainly for his defensive skills and scoring. The Sterling Gazette commented on Clarence’s defensive prowess and stated he was the best defensive player in the Regional tournament. After winning the Regionals, Clarence’s 1929 team lost in the Sectionals to Orion 26-20. They then lost the third place Sectional game to Moline 28-20. Clarence was chosen to the first team All Sectional. In that 1929 season, Clarence helped the “Hubs” defeat, among others, East Moline twice, Rock Falls, Sterling, and Fulton. However, they lost to Chicago Marshall by a basket.

Clarence was one of the few athletes to participate in track during the 1920’s.

1930-1939 – George MacGilvray – 1938: George excelled in football, basketball and participated in track for MHS.

George was a bruising halfback that punished defensive lines for two years. The Mallets, after 14 mediocre seasons, finally put it all together, and won their first ever football conference championship in 1937. After losing their season opener to Newman 19-0, then tying Sterling 7-7, George and the team went on a rampage. They won all their Rock River Conference games, in bruising defensive style.

George played three years of varsity basketball. His Maroon-Mallet teams were .500 in the tough Rock River Conference. George was also involved in one of Morrison’s most memorable basketball games. Playing against Fulton, with five minutes left in the 4th quarter, MHS behind 28-27, and with the basketball, a huge power failure struck. The game was called, it ended as a no contest.

George also took part in track. The track program began to grow during this period. Athletes like George helped pave the way for Morrison’s West End Conference Championship in 1939, Morrison’s first Track Championship since 1901.

Former teammate Loren Olson called George MacGilvray, “One of the finest athletes of the 30’s.”

1940-1949 – Eddie Buell – 1944: Eddie excelled in everything he attempted. He was a success on the field and in the classroom. As a footballer, Buell was a three-year varsity starter. His sophomore season Ed started in the line. However, in 1942 and ’43 he was moved to the backfield to utilize his power and shiftiness. Although, total team stats are very rare, prior to the coming of Bud Cole, Eddie would have been a leader in several categories. His 1942 and 1943 teams finished second to champion Rochelle.

As a basketballer, Eddie was a calm, cool, competitor. His Mallet teams would win 49 games and lose 32 over his three varsity years. Eddie would captain the 1943-44 team that would capture the prestigious Northwest Holiday title and later the Regional tournament. Morrison would lose to Alpha at the Sectional.

Eddie mentioned he was most proud of “playing offensive and defensive football full time for three years.” He also stated, “I just plain enjoyed high school.”

Eddie would go on to Drake University where he would earn his degree. He and his wife Betty Jo now live in Grand Rapids, MI. They had three sons, E. Rick, William and David.

1940-1949 – Gene Weir – 1947: (Gene was inducted in 2003 but was unable to attend.) Gene excelled at everything he attempted, especially athletics. As a footballer, Weir was a shifty runner, but because of his passing skills, Coach Cole moved him to quarterback. An October 1946, Whiteside Sentinel article stated, “Gene Weir the Mallet’s quarterback is the brains behind the Morrison football team’s attack. He is one of the best high school passers in this part of the country, he is calm, cool, and collected at all times” Gene also played linebacker on defense. His Mallet team won the Rock River Conference Championships in 1945 and 1946.

Gene also played on some of Morrison’s finest basketball teams. Gene knew his role-played it very well. His 1945 team won the Regional Championship, while the 1946 team, won the Rock River Conference and Regional title

1950-1959 – Bob Mitchell – 1959: Bob was an outstanding four-sport athlete at Morrison High School. As a football halfback, Bob ran roughshod over Illowa Conference foes his senior year. Bob’s senior year team finished second to Bettendorf in the tough Illowa Conference.

As a basketballer, Bob was a combination of gritty determination and silky smooth movement on the court. His Mustang teams went 31-20 over his two years of play and Bob attained All-Conference honors in 1959. His Mustangs, lost by a basket to powerful Fulton in the 1958 Regional final and the following year, 1959, lost by one point to Shannon in the Regional finals. Bob’s junior and senior year track teams won the Illowa conference championship.

Bob played on the earliest golf teams when golf was still in its fledgling state at MHS. MHS was one of the first in the Illowa to sponsor a golf program.

Bob summed up his memorable moments best stating, “Having the opportunity just to be able to participate in athletics at Morrison High was the highlight of my career. It was a time of sharing and competing with wonderful friends, forming friendships that have lasted a lifetime. The quality of teaching athletes to compete fairly and with character has always been a great part of the many years of the Morrison Mustang program. The biggest accomplishment since leaving Morrison is the ability to fight two major illnesses with the determination to win. This was instilled through many years of sports at Morrison. Morrison High has maintained its athletic competitiveness over many generations of families, which makes all of us to be proud of being part of this program.”

Bob and his wife Barbara live in Vero Beach, FL. They have three children, Steve, Susan and Bill.

1960-1969 – Keith Hensler – 1962: Keith was an outstanding three-sport athlete for Morrison High School. He was one of the finest all around athletes to ever play for Morrison High School. Keith played halfback for the Mustangs in 1960 and 1961. Keith averaged 8.9 yards per carry on the 1960 team that finished 9-0. Many consider the 1960 team Morrison’s best ever. Keith gained All Illowa Conference honors in 1960.

As a basketballer, Keith led the Mustangs in free throw percentage in 1961, and was one of the team’s leaders in scoring and field goal percentage in 1962. Keith excelled in track, as a hurdler on the 1961 team, he and his running mates set several records at MHS in the high and low hurdle relays, and were rarely beaten in the various area meets. The 1962 track team won the Illowa Conference championship. As Keith stated, “With very few firsts, there were lots of seconds and thirds, the team had great depth.”

Although baseball was not a high school sport, Keith participated in American Legion ball for four years.

Keith went on to star in three sports at the University of Dubuque – football, baseball and track. Keith and his wife Mary live in Mukwonago, WI. They have two children, Stacy and Matt. Keith is still head football coach at Mukwonago High School. Since 1976, Keith has led the football team to 11 straight playoff appearances, 174 wins with only 74 losses. He has also won six conference championships. Keith was elected to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001 and to the Mukwonago High School Hall of Fame in 2002.

1970-1979 – Dan Letterman – 1973: Dan was a great three-sport athlete during his playing years at Morrison High School. Current athletic director, Gus Linke calls Dan, “one of the best all around three sport athletes I’ve seen play for Morrison during my 35 years tenure at MHS.” Dan was a two-year starter at quarterback for the Mustangs. His 1455 passing yards over two seasons rank Dan third among Morrison’s all time passers. He was 82 of 192 with 12 TD’s. Dan also ranks second in MHS history in passes completed in one game with 15, and he helped lead his 1972 team to the Illowa conference title.

Dan was one of the best ball handling guards to play basketball at Morrison High. He was selected to the All Illowa teams in 1972 and 1973. Dan finished second in scoring in 1972 and led the Mustangs in scoring during 1973. Assists were not recorded into the MHS record book until the early 80’s, but if they were in the 70’s Dan would be among the school leaders.

As a trackster, Dan set records in the hurdles and helped lead the 1971 Mustang squad to the Illowa conference title.

Although baseball was not a high school sport, Dan participated in American Legion ball for several years. It would be baseball that Dan would play in college for the University of Missouri.

Dan mentioned, “My mom and dad were great Mustang fans and never missed a game,” He also stated, “Certainly winning was memorable, but more than that I remember the fun. Trying your hardest on every play. I remember countless times a coach yelling at us to perform better and being kids finding humor in it. I remember how exciting it was wearing Red and White and playing with all of the wonderful teammates. The most fun time of my life.”

1970-1979 – Jane DeBeer – 1979: Jane combined beauty and grace in representing MHS on the athletic field. Although girls’ sports were in infancy stages during the later 1970’s, Jane helped set a standard of excellence for the Filly teams to follow. Jane excelled in track. She helped the girl’s team win the only District Track Championship in MHS history in 1979.

Jane’s forte was the high jump. In 1978, Jane set the MHS and TRAC-8 high jump record at 5’4”.

Jane won several area Track meets in the high jump, in both 1978 and 1979. Jane would qualify for the State Championships. In 1978, Jane finished 5th at State in her specialty, the high jump. However, she failed to place at the 1979 State meet. Besides excelling in athletics, Jane was an outstanding student and class leader. Jane was elected homecoming Queen in 1979. Today, Jane lives in Arizona.

1980-1989 – Jim Worhley – 1980: Jim excelled in three sports at Morrison High School. In football, he started both ways for three seasons, 1977, 1978 and 1979. Jim would gain TRAC-8 All Conference first team both offense and defense, 1978 and 1979. Jim would also be selected as a first team All State Guard, 1979. Jim combined great quickness and great strength to control the offensive and defensive line of scrimmage. His 232-career tackles rank him 5th in MHS football records. Jim is tied for 13th in career sacks of a QB in a season and his 22 tackles in one game was a MHS record at one time.

Jim continued his playing career at Western Illinois University where he started at inside linebacker for three years.

Jim played two years of varsity basketball. He proved to be a very good shooter, but his strength was rebounding, he was one of the TRAC-8 better rebounders in 1980.

Jim participated in two years of golf. He was a member of the 1978 team that won the TRAC-8 Conference title. As strong as he was, Jim proved to have a very good touch around the greens.

Jim’s junior and senior years he ran track, to prepare himself for football. He took part in both running and field events.

Although baseball was not a high school sport, Jim participated in American Legion ball for several years. In 1980, he tied the Paul Prestos home run mark for a season.

Today, Jim and wife Janelle live in Wentzville, Missouri.

1980-1989 – Brenda (Buikema) Brandt – 1984: Brenda was a two-year starter in both volleyball and girls’ basketball. Brenda relied on great quickness and instincts to lead the Fillies to glory. As a volleyballer, she was voted to the TRAC-8 All Conference first team in 1983. The 1982 volleyball team won the TRAC-8 Conference and became a “Sweet Sixteen” team after they won district, and sectional championships. However, they lost at Super Sectionals.

Although team and individual stats are very rare and difficult to find, Brenda would be a season and career leader in several categories. Brenda played on the 1983 basketball team that finished 19-10 overall. They would go on to an “Elite 8” finish and take a trip to State. They won Regionals, Sectionals and Super Sectionals, but lost to Walter Lutheran 51-40 at State.

Brenda attained TRAC-8 Basketball All Conference honors in both 1983 and 1984. Brenda’s rank tied for 5th in career free throws with 139. She also ranks highly for assists and rebounds in the Fillies record books. Brenda participated two years in track.

Today, Brenda and husband Brian live in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. They have two children, Connor 7 and Anna 4.

1990-1999 – Brock Helms – 1991: “Brock Helms was the finest lefthanded pitcher to don a Morrison uniform,” states Gus Linke, Brock’s former coach and current MHS athletic director. “That opinion comes from watching 35 years of Pony, American Legion, Paul’s Prestos and MHS baseball, Brock was a total package.”

On the diamond Brock had tremendous desire, competitive spirit and a will to win. Blazing speed didn’t hurt either. Brock was one of the fastest athletes to play for Morrison. If, MHS did not have baseball, Brock would have been a track star.

Brock holds many MHS baseball records. Fewest hits allowed in a season, 16 and a four-year career only 58 hits allowed. He has the most relief appearances in a career at 13. Brock also holds the school record for fewest runs allowed over a three-year career, 34. Brock is 3rd on the all time strikeout list with 209, and is 5th in lowest ERA with a 0.98 for the season. Brock was the team’s MVP Pitcher for 3 years, and was also first team All-Conference for 3 years. Brock helped the Mustangs win four consecutive championships and its first Regional title in 1989. The 1989 team won 16 consecutive games at one point.

Brock was a two-way starter in football. He helped the Mustangs win the TRAC-8 championship and make the playoffs in 1990. His 1990 team defeated Newman in double-overtime 14-12. Newman went on to win the 1A State Championship. Brock was a TRAC-8 Football All Conference performer in 1990, and he was chosen All Western Illinois.

Brock took his baseball talents to William Penn University and later Clark College. Brock would throw four no-hitters in college. One was an 11-inning affair, while another took place at the Metrodome in Minnesota. He was also chosen the team’s MVP his senior year. Brock now lives in Morrison with wife Lauri. They have a son Nathan.

1990-1999 – Lisa Schantz – 1993: Lisa starred in two varsity sports at Morrison High School from 1991 through 1993. Lisa was an All-TRAC-8 Conference volleyballer in 1991 and 1992. The 1991 team finished third in the rugged TRAC-8 Conference while the 1992 team finished second and lost in the District finals. Lisa helped lead the Fillies to an overall 28-20 record. Lisa’s play was marked by quickness and determination. Those attributes helped her get to many digs, blocks, and kills on the court. Lisa was also chosen as an All-Area volleyballer in 1992.

On the basketball court Lisa excelled as a ball handler and shooter. Lisa was an excellent three-point shooter and always led the team in assists. The 1992 girls basketball team only went 7-7 in conference play, but Lisa was recognized and chosen to the TRAC-8 All Conference team.

Lisa was recruited by William Penn University to continue her playing career, but she opted for Sauk Valley to gain her degree. Lisa lives in Sterling and works for Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic.

Lisa mentions her most memorable moments as “beating powerful Riverdale both junior and senior years in basketball at home.”

Friend of Morrison High School Athletics – Sally Hayen: Sally began working for the Morrison district in 1962, and no one has been more loyal to the school district and athletic department than Sally. Sally has played a prominent role in maintaining and furthering the excellent athletic reputation of Morrison High School. She has always exhibited a tremendous amount of time and energy supporting all of the teams and programs.

Although burdened with the school business and operations, Sally has always managed time to help the administration, athletic director, coaches, and student athletes. Whether it was making the athletic programs for the evenings events, selling tickets, keeping score, or coordinating MHS tournaments and invitationals, Sally was the person. She works 12 hours the day of the wrestling invitational making sure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Sally has worked the Morrison Wrestling Invitational all 26 years.

Sally especially enjoyed the volunteer work. It’s typical of Sally to put other’s needs first, especially MHS athletic needs. Sally has insured that all aspects connected with high school events are done in a first class manner. Sally is special, a first class lady. The community and Morrison High School are indebted to Sally for making Morrison athletics “the Cadillac” of the TRAC-8 Conference and the Northern Illinois area.

Coaches: Early Modern Era – Robert Wright: The “late” Robert Wright came to Morrison High School in the Fall of 1937. He quickly made an impact on the student body and MHS athletics.

All athletes touched by Coach Wright loved the man and his manner. It’s been almost 65 years since he left MHS, but he is still fondly remembered and respected.

Coach Wright, in his first year led Morrison High School to its first ever Rock River Conference football championship.

Coach Wright would lead his “Mallets” as he called them, to a basketball championship, 1939 and track championships, 1939 and 1940, in the West End Conference.

Coach Wright left MHS to teach and coach at the University of Illinois. At Illinois, Coach Wright led the “Illini” to all sorts of track successes and several Big Ten Conference Championships.

Coaches: Modern Era – Gus Linke: Gus came to Morrison in August of 1970. He began his career at Morrison Junior High working with intramurals and volunteering his time to assist where needed with various sports. Gus was transferred to the High School in 1976 and began his coaching career as MHS’s head golf coach. After four years, as golf coach, he chose to stay with football, and served as an assistant varsity coach for 10 seasons.

Linke, in 1986 helped resurrect the MHS baseball program and served as the head coach for 17 seasons. His 320 wins rank him very high on the IHSA list of winning baseball coaches.

Coach Linke, in 1994, was appointed Morrison High School’s 6th Athletic Director. Gus retired as a teacher and coach in May of 2002, but has retained his Athletic Director’s position. In 2001, he was selected as Illinois Class A outstanding Athletic Director.

Linke believes his major achievements are: The idea and construction of the “Wooden Shoe” that Morrison and Fulton battle for on the football field, resurrection of the baseball program, bringing softball into the MHS athletic department, establishing an Athletic Hall of Fame, taking the lead in bringing a new all-weather track to MHS and the community. Linke mentioned he hoped he helped a few kids along the way.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
September 23, 2004