Former athletes inducted into JHS Sports Hall of Fame

By Blake Schnitker

On Saturday, February 13, prior to tip-off of the boys’ varsity basketball game at The Bowl, twelve record-setting athletes were honored in a ceremony for the 13th induction class of the Jacksonville High School Sports Hall of Fame. Spanning four decades of athletic achievements at Jacksonville High School, these twelve inductees included one-sport athletes as well as individuals who earned varsity letters in as many as five different activities. Nominations for induction were submitted by former teammates, coaches, members of the media and the general public.

Among those inducted were:

Brian Anderson, class of 2005, starred as a two-sport athlete in both basketball and football.

Lana (Ecker) Shea, class of 1977, who earned 11 varsity letters in tennis, volleyball, basketball and track and field.

Sam Lee, class of 2008, a 16-time varsity letter winner between cross country, track, wrestling, golf and marching band.

Jacob Jarzen, class of 2009, who captured two state titles in IHSA State Swimming and Diving Championships.

Sara (Long) Stevenson, a member of the class of 2002 and JHS’s former all-time leading scorer in girls’ basketball (which was recently eclipsed by Olivia Kaufmann).

Michelle Lynch-Sjuts, class of 2001, who starred as one of the highest rated volleyball players in JHS history.

Katie (Reuck) McKean, a 2005 graduate whose name appears in the record books of Jacksonville girls’ soccer.

Mike Schildman, class of 1978, started all four years as a catcher for the Crimsons’ baseball team.

Dan Scott, a 2005 graduate and three-sport standout in basketball, baseball and football.

Bobby Sims, class of 1991, still stands as the only golfer in JHS history to qualify for the IHSA Class AA State Finals.

Jay Ross Withee, class of 1998, finished his JHS wrestling career with 110 victories, good for third most in school history.

Bruce Baldwin, class of 1977, who earned 9 varsity letters as a four-sport standout in baseball, basketball, football and track and field.

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About the author

Sports writer with two and a half years as Jacksonville High School's starting quarterback from '06 to '08. Blake currently volunteers his knowledge as a football coach.

View all articles by Blake Schnitker

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