Teams

1936-37 Joliet High School Boys’ Team

Year Inducted: 1991

Category: Teams

Schools / Organizations: Joliet High School (later known as Joliet Central High School)

Head Coach:  Herm Walser

Team Record:  27-4 (IHSA State Champions)

Biography:

The third time was a charm for the Joliet Township High School basketball team.

The Steelmen reached the Sweet Sixteen of the state tournament in 1935 and 1936, only to lose in the opening round each time. But in 1937, it was a different story, Joliet whipped Athens 31 – 24, Vandalia 43 – 19, Collinsville 28 – 26, and Decatur 40 – 20 to claim the state championship.

Benny Macuk, a 5’7” senior forward who scored 16 points in the state championship game headed the all-tournament team. The Steelmen also had Mike Savich and Charles Winston on the five-player team.

Other members of the Joliet team who played in the title game were LeRoy Hagen, Harold Starr, Harold Aschenbrenner, Louis Ginnetti, Frank Wardley, Don Moore and George Macuk. 

The championship team, which finished 27 – 4 was coaxed by Herm Walser, who also took the ‘36 team to state. The ‘35 team was coached by Doug Mills.

Note:  In later years, Joliet High School was known as Joliet Central High School.

Team Members in the Picture:

Back Row (L to R): Coach Walser, Wardley, Winston and Hagen

Front Row (L to R): Aschenbrenner, G. Macuk, Ginetti, Savich, B. Macuk, Starr, and Moore.