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IHSSBCA Banquet 2006

IHSSBCA held its first annual banquet on April 22, 2006 at the Circus Room at Illinois State University.

Sister John Baricevic, former coach at Breese Mater Dei, was introduced by Cathy Groesch, former coach at Springfield Southeast. Cathy spoke of the many roles that SIster John has taken on, including coach, host, moderator, writer, editor, and recruiter. Sister John was thanked for her high standards, which have led to more competitions in her part of the state and good questions throughout Illinois.

Sister John Baricevic, SSND Foudner of Scholastic Bowl at Mater Dei High School, 1986-1999 Winner of 337 matches Charter member of IHSSBCA Served on the IHSSBCA board Moderator for IHSA State Series Host of conference, Masonic, and state tournaments IHSA and conference question writer		 Sister John Baricevic receives her plaque from David Reinstein

Karen Niemeier, coach at Winnebago, was introduced by Clark Reamer, who played on her IHSA State Championship teams in 1993 and 1995. In her 42 years of teaching, Karen Niemeier has made a lasting impression on her community and her students, many of whom come back year after year to moderate at her tournaments. Back in the early 1980s, she played a major role in convincing the Masons to start their State Tournament.

Karen Niemeier Founder and coach of Scholastic Bowl at Winnebago High School, 1981 Winner of 878 matches Masonic state champion 1994 8 Sectional championships IHSA State Champion 1993, 1995 IHSA 3rd place 1994, 2006 Helped found and charter board member, IHSSBCA Hosted first Masonic tournament Champions, National Scholastic Showdown, St. Louis, 1994 Hosted Winnebago Invitational for 15 years 		Karen Niemeier receives her plaque from David Reinstein

Roma Reed, who coached at Taylor Ridge Rockridge, was introduced by Moline Coach Nick Pitz. Nick recalled how she introduced him to Scholastic Bowl and gave him many life lessons. He praised the coach who took a team from a town difficult to find on maps and led it to Masonic and IHSA State Championships. In the early 1990s, she convinced the IHSA to have two classes for the state tournament.

Roma Reed Founder and coach of Scholastic Bowl, Rockridge High School 1974-2001 Championship of inaugural Masonic state tournament Championship of inaugural Class A state tournament, 1992 IHSA Advisory Board member, 1990-93		 Roma Reed receives her plaque from David Reinstein

Jerry Vandemark, who coached Streator for 25 years, was introduced by his wife and former Assistant Coach Linda. She poked fun at his moderating abilities but praised the great work he did for his students. Back in the 1970s, when tournaments were few and far between, he took his team out of school an extra day for tournaments so they could visit sites in the surrounding areas. Jerry has had a long association with the Streator Rotary, which is the oldest annual tournament in Illinois.

Jerry Vandemark Scholastic Bowl Coach at Streator High School, 1972-1997 Winner of over 500 matches 2nd place in the Masonic state tournament in 1977 Charter member, IHSSBCA IHSA Advisory Committee Foudned conference tournament		 Jerry Vandemark receives his plaque from David Reinstein
The IHSSBCA Hall of Fame, Class of 2006

The IHSSBCA Rob Grierson Friend of Scholastic Bowl Award is given to a non-coach who, or an organization that, contributes greatly to our activity over a period of years. In 2006, the award was presented to Wendell Walch. He was introduced by Cathy Groesch and handed the plaque by David Reinstein. Cathy spoke of all the hard work involved in running the competition, including finding hosts throughout the state and question sources. One problem after another always presented itself, and it was Wendell’s job to set things straight – he always came through.

Mr. Walch spoke highly of the Masonic tournament site hosts, such as Cathy, who were always willing to help, and the great sportsmanship demonstrated by many coaches and players. He also remembered fondly a team that won its Sectional with the five students on the team being the entire senior class of the high school. The team was given a parade in its honor when it left to attend the state tournament, and again when it returned home.

Rob Grierson Friend of Scholastic Bowl awarded to Wendell E. Walch for his tireless work in running the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl from 1998-2004, increasing the number of regional sites and participating schools, promoting the growth of Scholastic Bowl throughout the state		 Wendell Walch receives his plaque from David Reinstein

Tom Egan then introduced the All-State players, 17 of 40 of whom were present, many accompanied by family members, coaches, and teammates.

The All-State teams

Kevin Palmer, coach of IHSA Class AA and Masonic champions Fremd, and Matt Bardoe, coach of IHSA Class A champions Latin School, spoke about their players and their successful seasons.

 Class AA and Masonic champions Fremd
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