Coaches

James Vopicka

Year Inducted: 1977

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: (Cicero) Morton High School
The University of Illinois
Redmon High School

Biography: James Vopicka was a player on the 1932 Morton HS (of Cicero) basketball team coached by Norm Ziebell which defeated Canton, 30-16 for the state title. That team also won the old Stag Tournament in Chicago where he was an all tournament selection. Vopicka attended the University of Illinois playing on the championship team of 1937. He began his coaching career at Redmon before returning to Cicero to become an assistant to Coach Ziebell. During the 1944-45 season Jim stepped in as head coach due to an illness. He became the head coach for good from 1948-1961. His teams compiled a 221-81 record during that time. During his final season, Vopicka’s team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. In 1975, Jim retired after 37 dedicated years in the field of education.  In 1975, Jim was inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame as a player. This was followed by induction as a coach in 1977. Jim passed away on November 11, 1990 at the age of 77.