Submit YOUR memories here
(not posted to the web without your permission)
Click to read YOUR "Her"story memories
The ICAGWS began in 1977
Girl's athletic leaders organized to lend support and improve
the opportunities for girls in sport pursuant to the advent of Title IX legislation.
The first president was Hall of Famer, Bonnie Beach.
The name was later changed to IGCA - Illinois Girls' Coaches Association
The final chapter will be written by YOU while attending the
Gala State Final Meeting
September 20 and 21, 2009
Please share your memory to help us compile an accurate 'Her'story of
Girl's Athletics in Illinois that YOU made happen! Come back again and enter more than one!
Memories Submitted to Share
Bonnie Beach:
In the early '70's I think New Trier and I were the bane of the IHSA (read Ola Bundy). Nothing moved fast enough. The IHSA (in my young mind) was rooted in GAA and an unsatisfactory past. Over time I came to realize Ola's wisdom. I came to understand her great heart and vision.
I watched her change and bring change to the girls of Illinois. It was forward-thinking Ola Bundy who brought technology to the IHSA office. She brought one of the first copy machines to a state tournament. She had the first computer. She was the one with the ideas and ideals based
on research, courage, and values. It gave me pause when she called and asked if I would testify on behalf of the IHSA as an expert witness. The case? A young man who was suing to play on the girls' volleyball team at Champaign Central. The IHSA won the case and set a precedent--that only girls should be allowed to play on girls' teams. What a blessing she was to the establishment of interscholastic sports for girls in Illinois. I think of her often. Thanks Ola.
Sarah Dugan:
Ola Bundy at the IHSA Girls Gymnastics
20th State Meet. I was a Senior... and to be a part of gymnastics all my life and to be able to participate in the sport in high school was so much more than I ever imagined. I began long lasting friendships, and learned the value of teamwork and leadership more so than any other place/thing I was ever involved in! Girls In Sports!!! Thank you to everyone who helped get "her" going!
Amanda Jackson:
My favorite memory was being able to participate in the state finals. And winning the state basketball title in 2007. Thanks to everyone who made female sports such a great thing.
Brenda Livinggood:
I remember walking through the gym at the end of the day at Macon Grade School. The gym was filled with 5th grade boys shooting baskets and getting ready for the boys bball after school program. Girls were not included. I wished I were a boy so I could play too!!! I graduated from Macon High School and never had the chance to play bball. I am now 46 years old and I am still mad about that!!!!! Fortunately, I was on the front end of pioneering vball and track programs at my school and a love affair with those sports and summer sball was born!! I went on to teach physical education and coach a variety of sports for girls for 25 years!!!! Thankyou to all the women who went before me and paved the way opening up so many opportunities for girls in sports!!!!!
Carol Schramm:
In the spring of 1972, Carroll Lowe, Pana Unit # 8 Superintendent, called and asked if I would be interested in helping to start girls interscholastic competition at Pana High School. At that time I was completing my master's degree at Central Mo. State University. I agreed to meet with Mr. Lowe and the rest is history. During the school year 1973-74, Pana supported girl's teams in tennis, field hockey, volleyball, badminton, and track & field. It was my privilege to coach all five sports. We eventually added basketball, softball, and golf and I continued to coach volleyball and track & field for a total of 31 years. We are forever grateful to Mr. Lowe for his support of this new idea that girls could and should be allowed to compete at the high school level.
Jeff Ryburn (Retired Addison Trail H.S. Varsity Girls\' Softball & Basketball Coach):
My favorite memory is all the wonderful players, coaches, and officials I've had the pleasure of working with over the years. I'd like to thank Steve Cochran, Brenda Whitesell, Dawn Schabacker, Dorothy Gators, Barb Burk and Ron Havelka for the valuable influence on my coaching/teaching career, as well as their leadership, and friendship on the basketball court and softball diamond.
Julie Campbell:
I was on the girls track team at Willowbrook High School from 1974-1978. For the first several years we wore the boys cross-country uniforms and the football team\'s raincoats. We bought track shoes out of a car trunk. Four year athletes received a trophy during the end of the year ceremony, but when it was my year there was an announcement that only the boys would receive the trophies. I implored the athletic director to be fair and award them to the girls also, but he would not change his mind. The girls track coach knew how unfair it was and how the senior year four year athletes felt. Surprisingly, at the end of the year ceremony, the girls also received a trophy. We were shocked. Though our track coach never admitted it, I am sure that she paid for those trophies out of her own pocket. It was a generous gift and I have often thought about it. I keep the trophy in my study as a reminder of her generosity and the great experience I had while on the track team.