No reason to wait here. The boys' basketball program at Toluca High was extremely strong for many years. For over seven decades, the Wildcats consistently had teams vying for IHSA hardware. Even during the one-class system in Illinois, Toluca had to be reckoned with by the "big boys." Were it not for a couple of breaks and an unfortunate match-up, Toluca would have brought home some hardware from the big tournament.

 

Two coaches define the incredible success attained by the Toluca Wildcats on the hardwood. First came Anton J. (Tony) Kresl, who coached the "Cats" from 1932-33 to 1946-47. During his 15-year tenure at Toluca, Kresl's teams had eight 20+ win seasons (including three seasons of 27 wins) and brought home four Regional titles. His overall record of 294-122 rank him second on Toluca's all-time list. His teams also won five consecutive Tri-County Conference titles from 1941 - 1945. He led the boys of 1944-45 to the school's first Sectional Championship game (and a top-32 team finish). Great job Coach Kresl and the boys of the 1930's and 1940's.

 

The next name is known throughout the Illinois High School basketball coaching circles. Coach Chuck Rolinski was one of the premier coaches in northern Illinois during his career. His accomplishments are well-written about by Toluca fan David Gallianetti:

 

"Without question, the school's most well-known coach was state coaching legend Chuck Rolinski, a Toluca native who was named athletic director, basketball coach, and baseball coach in 1956. When he retired folowing the 1987-88 season, his 32-year basketball career ended with a 649-262 record, then good for 7th on the all-time wins list. Coach Rolinski is considered the "father" of the two-class Illinois state basketball tournament, as he was the driving force behind the creation of two classes. 

 

Toluca won 59 major championships under Rolinski. Included were 16 Tri-County Conference titles, 12 Regional titles, and three Sectional titles which resulted in three Sweet 16 appearances. Rolinski, an Illinois State University graduate, and his wife, Anita, still reside in Toluca. Coach Rolinski serves the Illinois Basketball Coach's Association as its secretary-treasurer. He is a member of the ISU, IBCA, and Greater Peoria Area Halls of Fame."

 

The former Toluca High School gymnasium (current Fieldcrest West Grade School gym) is named Chuck Rolinski Gymnasium (see photos below). 

 

Long game - One side-story involving the Toluca High basketball program involves the Freshman/Sophomore team. Playing their arch-rivals Wenona in February of 1930, the "Wildkits" were involved in one of the longest games in high school history. The game went 10 overtimes before Wenona prevailed 26-22.  Some coverage about the game was even received on a national level!  

 

The INCREDIBLE small-town high school successes of the Toluca High School Wildcats basketball program, according to the IHSA web site, are listed below.

 

1920-21            Marshall Co. Tourney Champions       Coach Swanson

 

The Toluca High School boys were a multi-talented bunch and proved this on the baseball diamond. They won two District Titles and two Regional Titles. It was even said they at one point won eight consecutive Tri-County Conference Championships, going an incredible 72-1 during that span. The years of the State winners are listed below. Unfortunately, the team records of these and other great Toluca baseball teams are not available at this time. 

This article appeared in the Toluca Star Herald, Volume 62, No. 41, Thursday, Oct. 10, 1957 -

 

Toluca won the Tri County baseball for the 2^nd straight year. Toluca became the 1^st team in history of the Tri County baseball league to go undefeated for 2 straight seasons. On Monday, Oct. 7 the Hornets of Hopkins forfeited the game to Toluca . Their winning streak in Tri County baseball now stretches to 18 games in a row. The 18 games in a row can be contributed to many different reasons. Hitting & pitching are the 2 main reasons. The hard hitting Wildcats in the 1957 season collected 106 runs & 97 hits while the pitchers allowed 12 runs & only 21 hits. The team batting average is a fantastic .371 as the Wildcats had 7 starters that had batting average of over .350. The scores of the 56 & 57 seasons follow. 1956 – Toluca 14, Hopkins 5 – Toluca 5, Mid County 0 – Toluca 5, Tonica 0 – Toluca 14, Henry 1 – Toluca 14, Lostant 0 – Toluca 15, Wenona 1 – Toluca 17, Sparland 1 – Toluca 3, Washburn 1 – Toluca 4, Swaney 3 – 1957: Toluca 6, Mid County 0 – Toluca 17, Wenona 4 – Toluca 11, Tonica 0 – Toluca 12, Henry 6 – Toluca 13, Sparland 0 – Toluca 11, Washburn 1 – Toluca 13, Swaney 1 – Toluca 9, Hopkins 0 (Forfeit) – Toluca Baseball Batting Averages: Mariotti, Jim .379 – Mariotti,  Jack .467 – Daghe, Joe .367 – Baker, Bill .440 – Burroughs, John .276 – Schubert, Jeff .391 – Fengolia, Chuck .324 – Guderjan, Jerry .091 – Fredericks, Don .565 – Hedrick, Chuck .300 – Rolinski, Jerry .600 – Imm, Ray .111 – Clark, Roger, Hemenway, Jerome & Haig, Terry all .000 & Rankin, Roger .250."