Coaches

James Hlafka

Year Inducted: 1983

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: Bunker Hill High School

Biography: James Hlafka never drew the statewide attention that many of his Illinois high school coaching peers drew but he was certainly deserving of being mentioned in the same high esteem.  For 43 seasons, the Bunker Hill High School coach built a small dynasty from 1959 through 2002.  Hlafka’s teams compiled an enviable record with PMS and MSM Conference championships along with Macoupin County and Carlinville Holiday Tournament titles.  Overall, his teams constructed a 747-361 record.  In those 43 seasons, Bunker Hill won 6 IHSA Regional championships against only 7 losing seasons.  Opposing coaches feared his devastating 1-2-2 zone press.  His 1-3-1 offense was extremely effective against either zone or man defenses.  James served as an assistant coach for the 1981 Class A South team in the IBCA All-Star Classic.  Bunker Hill has named its gym “James Hlafka Hall” in honor of its former coach.