Friends of Basketball

John & Mary Raymond

Year Inducted: 1991

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
Rock Island High School

Biography:  John and Mary Raymond became Rock Island High School basketball fans and season ticket holders in 1947.  John was on the original committee which founded the Rock Island/Milan Booster Club.  Through his induction, John Raymond had been on the club’s board since it was founded and had served as its president. Under his direction the club helped raise the $184,000 for the school’s all-weather track, and bought the basketball scoreboard.  John Raymond purchased supplies for the football and basketball concession stands since they were placed under booster club control. Mary Raymond served as recording secretary for the booster club and for many years helped in the concession stand. John Raymond spearheaded a campaign to purchase and hang banners for all Rock Island state tournament appearances as well as regional and sectional championships for the fieldhouse. 

John Raymond died on July 1, 2010 at the age of 80.