The History of the Winola High School "Jets"
New Windsor (population 720) is situated on Il. Rt. 17 seven and one-half miles east of US. Rt. 67. If you are
unfamiliar with the area, New Windsor is about 23 miles (as the crow flies) south and a little east of the Quad
Cities. New Windsor sits on the far east-central edge of Mercer County. The town hosts an annual rodeo
which draws competitors and spectators from all over the midwest.
Viola (population 956) is located in upper western Illinois on Iliniois Route 17 at the intersection of U.S.
Route 67. The town sits in the eastern portion of Mercer County. Viola is situated about 20 miles south of the Quad Cities.
Winola High School is the result of a consolidation effort of the towns of Viola and New Windsor.
The consolidation of the two high schools took place before the 1952 school year began. The high school students recieved
their education in the HS building in Viola.
Winola School District enjoyed four decades of many successes before being deactivated in
1988. As a result of the deactivation the high school students from New Windsor and Viola now attend Sherrard
High School in Sherrard. The Winola High School building still rises tall and proud in the town of Viola, though now
used for private purposes. To view a web site regarding Winola High School check out http://groups.msn.com/winola .
Winola High School Quick Facts
Year school opened: 1952
Year "new" gym opened: 1968
Year school closed: 1988
Consolidated to: Sherrard
School District
School Nickname: Jets
School Colors:
Maroon and White
School Fight Song: "Go You Winola"
The tune of "Washington and Lee Swing"
Go you WINOLA through that fighting line,
Show that Maroon and White that you are mighty fine,
To trumpet forth your wisdom and your fame,
To fill the air with lots of fight for evermore
We
work and strive through all sincerity
To bring to our fair school a victory.
Fly high, the banners of the Maroon and White,
For we will fight on
To VICTORY!!!!
Athletics
Very limited information is available on the IHSA web site regarding athletics offered at Winola High School.
Successes were only found in boys basketball, and boys and girls track. It is probable that football, girl's
volleyball, and girl's basketball were also offered. Winola spent several years competing in
the old Cornbelt Conference. The IHSA success of the Winola teams is listed below. Assistance is being sought regarding the many great Winola
teams that did not bring home IHSA hardware.
Boy's Basketball
The boys basketball program won a District title in the school's first year of existence. We are in
need of the team's record and coach's name. In fact, we are searching for all of the school's team records, coach's
names, and individual accomplishments.
1952-53 District Champions
1964-65
Coach Battershell
1965-66
Coach Battershell
Boy's Track & Field
Two individuals brought home hardware from the IHSA Boys State Track Meet!
1974-75 Duane Peterson 2 Mile Run
8th Place
1986-87 Mike Goben Triple
Jump 8th Place
Girl's Track & Field
Two ladies also earned medals at the IHSA Girls State Track Meet. Lisa Goben earned a
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the high jump in 1983!! Lisa also won two other medals in the high jump, making her
a three-time medal winner at the meet.
1981-82 Julie Goben High
Jump 5th Place
1982-83 Julie Goben
High Jump STATE CHAMPION!!
1983-84 Julie Goben
High Jump 8th Place
1987-88 Lisa Bisom
Shot Put 7th Place
Boys Football
We know the Jets played football. So far this is the extent of the information we have obtained.
1964-65
Asst. Coach Battershell
1965-66
Asst. Coach Battershell
MEMORIES
"I love the concept of your site and I think I can be of some help. Winola HS opened in 1952
(class of '53 was the first graduating class). The school closed with the graduation of the class of 1988."
Gordy L.
Seeking More Information
We are aware Winola had many more successful seasons than those listed. We are seekng information regaring
the teams, players, and coaches who graced the courts and fields of Winola High School. If you can offer any assistance
in documenting this information please complete a . You can also send items to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net . You may also write to us at:
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
The photos below were sent courtesy of Michael Reick.
