Teams

1995-96 (Peoria) Manual Boys’ Team

Year Inducted: 2001

Category: Teams

Schools / Organizations: (Peoria) Manual High School

Biography: The move of the state tournament to Peoria saw Manual make history in its own backyard by joining East St. Louis Lincoln (1987-89) as the only programs to win three consecutive titles. The second-ranked Rams prevailed in a Class AA title-game rematch 57-51 over top-ranked and unbeaten Harvey Thornton as first-team all-tourney picks Frank Williams and Sergio McClain scored 16 and 15 points respectively and Marcus Griffin added 10 points and 11 rebounds. McClain finished second in tournament scoring with 67 points in 4 games.  Griffin and McClain, who would star at Illinois with Williams, were all-state picks as the Rams finished 31-2. A 24-footer by Williams in the final seconds gave Manual a Peoria sectional title as it avenged a loss to fourth-ranked East Peoria. Marshall Dunnigan, who would be tragically murdered as a random shooting victim six weeks after the championship, Tim Caldwell and Kahlil Gayton were also keys for head coach Wayne McClain’s champions.

Team Members in the Picture (not in order):

Players: Khalil Gayton, Marshall Dunnigan, Creston Coleman, Drake Ford, Charles Russell, Felix Abner, Frank Williams, Tim Caldwell, Marlon Brooks, Sergio McClain, Robert Johnson, Seneca Davis, Alex Stevens, Marcus Griffin and Jerral Page.

Coaches: Head coach Wayne McClain; Assistant coaches Chuck Westendorf, Tim Kenny, Fred Lee.

Cheerleaders: Chrissy Putnam, Stephanie Donald, Kizzy Mozeke, Kara Backes, Roni Roos, Angie Dougherty, Amy Gorman, Tracy Carlson, Allison Holloway and Holly Grayson.

Principal: S.D. Farkash.

Athletic Director: Mike Hampton.