IHSA Announcements

October 20, 1998

Land For High School Hall of Fame Donated

Illinois High School Association PRINCETON — Johnny "Red" Kerr and Princeton Mayor Arnold Clayton announced today (Tuesday, Oct. 20) the contribution of eight acres by Pioneer Hi-Bred, Inc. for the future site of the Illinois High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The announcement was made at a public gathering and cookout attended by more than 250 on the future site of the Hall of Fame.

The $8 million project is to be used for the purpose of honoring female and male athletes and coaches in the rich history of high school sports in the State of Illinois. The Hall of Fame will be a 30,000 square-foot, leading edge facility with interactive displays.

Kerr, the renowned Chicago Bulls broadcaster and former University of Illinois and NBA star, is serving as spokesman and chairman of the Hall of Fame.

Ground breaking is expected to begin in the fall of 1999, with the building completed by the turn of the century, coinciding with the centennial celebration of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

Illinois House Republican Leader Lee Daniels of Elmhurst, along with State Senator Carl Hawkinson (R-Galesburg) and State Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) who both represent the Princeton community in the General Assembly, presented the Hall of Fame with a check for a $250,000 grant from the State of Illinois toward planning and development of the project.

The event was organized by Hall of Fame president Frank Rathje and vice president Jack Scott. Joining them in remarks were IHSA Executive Director Dave Fry, and John Elder, executive director of the Illinois Coaches Association.

Rathje and Scott said it was anticipated that the architectural firm will be announced in the near future. They also introduced other members of the Hall's Board of Directors to the audience.

Following is a listing of the current Illinois High School Athletic Hall of Fame Board of Directors:

Further information regarding the project may be obtained from Frank Rathje or Jack Scott at 815-879-FAME (3263) or Sam Fisher at 815-875-4461.