With the 100th IHSA boys basketball tournament right
around the corner, the “Century of Memories” celebration
is shifting into high gear. Several events are in the works
for the coming months.
100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament
The 100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament represent some of the greatest names in the rich history of March Madness. Many of the Legends will be on hand in Peoria in 2007 to join in the celebration. From now until the state finals, you may be able to meet one of more of the Legends on the Ball of Fame Tour (see below) .
More information on the 100 Legends
Ball of Fame Tour
Throughout the 2006-07 basketball season, the Ball of Fame Tour will honor members of the 100 Legends at dozens of high school events all across the state. At several tour stops, living Legends will sign the special “Ball of Fame.” Fans who love history will be able to buy a chance to win this priceless souvenir of the first century of IHSA basketball.
The first few stops for the Ball of Fame Tour are:
- Nov. 21: Decatur Thanksgiving Tournament (honorees: Gay Kintner, Jack Lipe, Dale Minick, Bob Doster)
- Dec. 2: Rockford Auburn (honoree: Dolph Stanley)
- Dec. 4: Warrensburg-Latham (honorees: Andy Calmes)
- Dec. 8: Minonk Fieldcrest (honoree: Chuck Rolinski)
- Dec. 9: Mt. Pulaski (honorees: Jeff Clements, Ed Butkovich)
- Dec. 14: Alden-Hebron (honorees: Paul Judson, Phil Judson, Bill Schulz)
- continuing until February 13...
Every centennial needs a coffee-table commemorative, and this brand-new, 320-page retrospective, lavishly illustrated with over 600 photographs, fills the bill perfectly. Written by a team of five authors, 100 Years of Madness is the most comprehensive history of the IHSA boys’ basketball tournament ever published. It’s all here: the outstanding players, coaches, and teams that have made America’s Original March Madness one of the country’s most beloved high school sporting events. 100 Years of Madness will be delivered in January 2007 (softcover) and Feburary 2007 (hardcover), but you can reserve your copy now.
More information on 100 Years of Madness
“Relive the Madness” from the IHSA Video Vault
Quincy’s unbelievable inbounds play in 1981? Anthony Smedley’s steal and jumper to win it all in 1963? Laird Smith’s “Shot Heard ’Round the State” in 1976? Lawrenceville's four Class A titles? Every fan of the IHSA tournament has a favorite moment of Madness. This winter, dozens of those clips will be posted in the special “Relive the Madness” section of the IHSA Web site, where fans will be able to view and vote for their favorite play of all-time.
And there’s more to come … stay tuned to IHSA.org for more details.