In the 1950's & 1960's, the Illinois High School Association, which governs prep sports had a post-season basketball tournament rule that mandated a maximum10-player tournament number. That was always a nasty rule to embrace. Most teams then, as today, carried 15-players, therefore back-in-the-day, the coach had to decide, which 10-of-15 kids get to suit-up for post season tournaments. Just another terrific opportunity to place the mentor between a rock and a hard place as his decision would surely disappoint five players and piss-off a number of moms, dads and grandparents. Of course, those prep basketball decades gone by only saw a head coach and one assistant coach.
Opening night at this year's 47th Annual Team Soy Capital / Decatur Turkey Tournament, which I have directed the past 15 years, we recognized the 1966 Decatur High team that finished 4th in State and the Harvey-Thornton team, which won the Title. A nifty-fifty-year reunion.
A few players from that year have passed and some others were unable to attend. However, former Decatur head coach, Jack Kenny was present along with four of his '66 Tournament ten players whom he introduced. Before the festivities got underway, the old coach was going over his list. One player, DR Roberts, who was a reserve on that 1966 team asked his long ago mentor the following, "Coach, is Hippe here?" Coach said, "No." Roberts asked, "Is Beasley here?" Coach responded, "No." Roberts then inquired, "Is Cook here?" And Coach Kenny again said, "Nope." Roberts then exclaimed, "Coach, I might get into the game tonight!"
During the Decatur Eisenhower vs. Harvey-Thornton game Tuesday night, I looked at both benches and counted 15 players, a head coach and four assistants. Besides more players, each school had18-cheerleaders per squad. Participation Philosophies have, indeed, changed. More s NOT better but it gives the impression that 'your kid' is good enough to be a varsity player or cheerleader.
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