Athletics
Hillsdale High School competed in the old Two Rivers Conference with other member schools of Tampico, Lyndon, Mineral,
Annawan, Atkinson, Prophetstown, Erie, Cordova, and Port Byron. This was a conference with a history of great competition
in the 1950s and 1960s. Baseball, Basketball, 6-Man Football, and Track & Field were offered to the member schools. The
"Purple Pirates" won one District title in Boy's Basketball and had one male athlete excel in Track. We are seeking
information on some of the other great Hillsdale teams, athletes, and coaches.
Boy's Basketball
1940-41 7 - 20
Coach's name unavailable
1949-50 N.R.A. 2-R Tourney 2nd place
Coach's name unavailable
1950-51 N.R.A. District Champions
Coach's name unavailable
Right around the construction of the new high school building in nearby Erie, the Erie Cardinal Basketball team may have
had a temporary home in the Hillsdale High School Gymnasium, this is only something that the writer of this page has heard
about. If it is so, Basketball had it's second wind here in Hillsdale.
Boy's Track & Field
For many years, Hillsdale competed in Track and Field in the Two Rivers Conference. One person was quite a star for the
Pirates in the 1930s. Kenneth Nelson participated in different events while a trackster, but really stood
out in the Long Jump, where he recieved State accolades, including a State Championship!
1935-36 Kenneth Nelson Long Jump
2nd Place!
1936-37 Kenneth Nelson Long Jump
State Champion!
Football
The football program at Hillsdale High football program had a short life with limited success. Many of the games
were probably competed in a 6-man team format.
1950 N.R.A. Two Rivers 3rd place (3-2)
Coach's name unavailable
1954* 4 - 3
Coach Bob Hoese
*Thanks to Tom Sikorski
Hillsdale last fielded a football team in 1955.
Memories
From Jerry L. Hahn:
"I attended first through 11 grades at Hillsdale elementary and high schools in Hillsdale. At the end of my junior year
(55-56) we consolidated into Riverdale and attended grade 12 (1st. graduation class)in Port Byron. Looking at the website
info now available for Hillsdale High School I may be able to add some info of interest. As an athletic manager for my three
years at Hillsdale High School I can vouch for the "6 man football" played during that 3 years. I also traveled to all but
a couple of the football and basketball games played by Hillsdale teams during that three years and remember well visiting
the various Two-Rivers Conference schools, most of which are now extinct."
Seeking More Information
As always we are hopeful a fanatic or history buff of the Hillsdale area will share some information with us regarding
the successes of Hillsdale High School and its students. We especially enjoy photos of the school and better teams.
If you would like to share this information with us please complete a School Submission Form. a Guest Commentary
Form, or you may write us at
ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or via USPS at:
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
