Coaches

Wayne Hammerton

Year Inducted: 1991

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations:
(Peoria) Richwoods High School
Atwood-Hammond High School
Streator High School

Biography: Wayne Hammertom built Peoria Richwoods into a basketball power recognized throughout the state during his 26 seasons at the helm of the Knights. Hammerton has as ammunition eight all-staters with 34 graduates who played college basketball including 24 who received college scholarships. Of that group, 12 were Division I players. Hammerton’s arsenal produced ten 20 win seasons, six Mid State Nine championships and one Illini Conference title. 13 times Hammerton directed IHSA Regional champions and 4 times his teams won IHSA Sectional championships. The Knights have made 3 Elite EIght state tournament appearances and in 1974-75 they placed fourth in Champaign.  In the 1991-92 season, Richwoods finished in second place.  TheKnighrs and Hammerton have 20 times accepted holiday tournament championship hardware. Hammerton coached four seasons at Atwood-Hammond before moving to the northwest Peoria school. Hammerton’s overall record is 575-234 with his Richwoods record 525-191. All state players who have cavorted for Hammerton include Chris WIlliams, Derek Holcomb, Randy Blair, Mark Smith, Terry Cole, Chris Voegele, Doug Attenberger and Eric Thomas. Hammerton, who competed in basketball and baseball at Illinois State University, was twice named District 12 coach of the year by the IBCA and in 1982 directed the Class AA South in the IBCA All-Star game. Twice he has been Blackhawk Region head coach in the Prairie State games and once served as an assistant.