December 12, 2001
Fifty years ago this March, a school with just 98 students played its way into the history books by becoming the first and only "small school" ever to win Illinois’ single-class basketball tournament. Even then Hebron’s state championship was hailed as the tournament’s most memorable moment. Now, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that historic event, the IHSA is publishing Once There Were Giants, a book that chronicles Hebron’s improbable road to victory. The Green Giants’ win over Quincy in the 1952 championship game -- the first to go to overtime, the first to be televised -- still resonates with sports fans everywhere.
"We’ll never see another story quite like it," said Scott Johnson, who co-authored the book with his wife, Julie Kistler. "The Hebron saga shows that it’s possible for any team with enough drive and determination to succeed despite incredible odds. It’s the Illinois version of Hoosiers, except this tale is true."
The book refutes some common misconceptions about Hebron. The Green Giants didn’t "come out of nowhere" to win the title in 1952, and the reasons for the team’s success went beyond having a 6-foot-10½ center and talented identical twins. Instead, Once There Were Giants shows that the roots of Hebron’s championship went back almost 25 years, and included a culture that immersed itself in basketball, a pro-athlete older brother who patiently guided the younger players toward excellence, and a coach who was absolutely focused on one goal: winning the state title.
"What a wonderful book," said Phil Judson, one of the twins, who later coached boys basketball at Zion-Benton High School. "It’s interesting, entertaining, and tells the true basketball story of the Hebron Green Giants. There were many marvelous moments on the way to our state championship. This book puts me back on the floor once again and lets me experience the achievement to its fullest."
Once There Were Giants was conceived as a charity project. The proceeds will benefit the Illinois High School Activities Foundation, which provides scholarships to students who combine a high level of academic achievement with interscholastic sports and activities.
The book, which runs about 250 pages and includes over 100 photos, will be available by February 1 at a price of $15. Persons who are interested in obtaining a copy hot off the press can send a check or credit card information to "Once There Were Giants," IHSA, 2715 McGraw Dr., Bloomington, IL 61702, or call the IHSA Office at 309-663-6377 to make a credit card order. An online form is provided.
No shipping and handling costs will be added to personal orders received before February 15. Books will be shipped as soon as they are available. The IHSA expects Once There Were Giants to sell quickly, so if you want to be sure to obtain a copy, order now.
Merchants or booster groups that are interested in retailing the book should contact the IHSA for arrangements.
Hebron Team to Appear at March Madness
in Peoria and Chicago
Hebron’s 1952 championship team will appear in Peoria during both weekends of 2002 March Madness to talk to fans and autograph copies of Once There Were Giants. The players will appear in the March Madness Experience exhibit hall between sessions each day of the tournament (March 8, 9, 15, and 16) and will be recognized on the floor of Carver Arena before the championship games on both weekends, Class A (March 9) and Class AA (March 16).
Several members of the team will also autograph books at the Class AA super-sectional doubleheader at the United Center in Chicago on March 12.
The March Madness Experience will include a museum-type display of photographs, scrapbooks, and other memorabilia from Hebron and from Huff Gymnasium, where the historic championship game was played.
The surviving members of Hebron’s 1952 tournament squad are Paul Judson, Phil Judson, Bill Schulz, Ken Spooner, Bill Thayer, Jim Wilbrandt, Jim Bergin, and Joe Schmidt. They will be joined by relatives of the deceased players (Don Wilbrandt and Clayton Ihrke) and coaches (Russ Ahearn and Phil Hadley).