Apr 4, 2023 | Blog

Museum Madness 2023

Friday, March 24, was truly a night to remember! A resounding THANK YOU to all who attended. The event was a huge success and would not have been possible without your support. If you couldn’t join us, here are a few highlights from the evening.

New Museum Exhibits Unveiled!

Honoring the 1963 Loyola Ramblers

The Game Of Change transcended the boundaries of sport on March 15, 1963. It represented a significant step towards racial equality and integration, and its impact was felt across the country. Thank you to our friends at Loyola University for providing the Museum with materials and collaborating to make this exhibit possible.

Honoring the 1952 Hebron Green Giants

In 1952, a dream came true for all the small high schools in Illinois when Hebron won the IHSA Boys Basketball State Championship. Their accomplishment is not a “come out of nowhere” story. Many basketball fans from the 1930s, ’40s & ’50s from Northern Illinois will tell you that tiny Hebron had a powerful basketball program.

A script writer could not have set the scene any better for the first televised IHSA State Championship game, featuring Hebron versus Quincy. Hebron (35-1) reigned supreme over the state, defeating Quincy 64-59 in overtime.

Honoring Chuck Rolinski

No person has impacted Illinois High School Basketball more than Chuck Rolinski. The highly respected Rolinski is a coaching icon and the “Father of the Two-Class Basketball State Tournament” in Illinois. Chuck was the primary organizer of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and served as its president from 1971-1974. His passion and vision led the IBCA to become a leader in Illinois in serving its basketball coaches, players, teams, and communities.

Oh, What a Night!

To borrow from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, “Oh, What a Night!” would be the best way to describe our “Museum Madness” Event held on Friday night, March 24. Around 100 people attended Museum Madness at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park. Lou Malnati’s donated the salad and pizza to go along with the provided beverages.

The Basketball Museum of Illinois honored Father of the IBCA, Chuck Rolinski, the 1952 Hebron State Championship Team and the 1963 Loyola National Championship Team with new historical wall displays. Phil and Paul Judson were the stars of the night and spoke to the audience about their experiences in winning the 1952 State Title.

Dan Roan, IBCA Hall of Famer was our guest M.C. and shared stories covering the Chicago Bulls, his days at Illinois State University and his career with WCIA (Champaign) and WGN. Dan along with our guests were impressed with the Wintrust Sports Complex and the progress of our museum.

We also had basketball trivia competition, silent auctions, raffles, Pop-A-Shot Basketball, memorabilia displays and a lot of socializing. To celebrate the Hebron Team from 1952 we had a Limited-Edition Hebron T-Shirt (see pictures). There are a few shirts left, but not many if you are interested.

The Judson Twins Show off their shooting form on The Hebron Green Giant Pop-a-Shot.

The Judson Twins, Paul with Phil’s sons Gary (l) Rob (r).

Museum Board Chairman, Bruce Firchau, introducing the Judson twins, 1952 Hebron state champions.

Silent auction items sponsored by AMS Chicago.

Illinois basketball officials enjoy Museum Madness.

New Riders…2023 Museum Madness Illinois Basketball Trivia Champions.

Basketball Museum of Illinois board members, Bob Ward and Paul Pryma announcing the official partnership with the Wintrust Sports Complex at Bedford Park.