2025 Hall of Fame Induction

The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2025 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees into the Newark Sports Hall of Fame: The 2019 Volleyball Team, Meggie Scott, Madi Malone, and Coach Jim Hissong. There was a public ceremony in-between games on Friday, December 19, 2025, including a social in the Student Center after the games as well. Congratulations for becoming Hall of Famers at Newark High School!

2019 Volleyball Team
The 2019 volleyball team finished their incredible season with a 41-2 overall record. They went undefeated in conference play with an 8-0 record, captured the Little Ten Conference (LTC) Tournament Championship, and capped off their dominant run by winning the State Championship. Team members include: Coaches: Tonya Grayson - Head Coach, PJ McKinney - Asst. Coach, Sam Anderson - Asst. Coach. Managers: Kailee Borton, Molly Chapman, Dawn Schultz. Players: Cassidy Adams, Kenna Borton, Mattie Chapman, Taylor Christian, Kjersten Friestad, Kaitlyn Hatteberg, Lex Lohrey, Lexi Long, Morgan Long, Madi Malone, Bella Marmo, Meggie Scott, Miraya Smith, Naomi Sweeney, Megan Williams.


Meggie Scott
Meggie Scott ranks fifth all-time in program history with 150 career service aces. On defense, she holds the top two spots for digs in a single season, claiming first place with 543 digs and tying for second with 447 digs. Scott also stands at number one all-time in career digs with a total of 1,634.


Madi Malone
Madi Malone holds the top three spots in program history for kills in a single season, recording 506, 497, and 468 kills respectively. She also ranks first all-time in career kills with a total of 1,635.

In addition to her dominant hitting, Malone leads the program record books in serving, holding the single-season record for service aces with 79 and the career record with 198 aces. Defensively, she ranks fourth all-time in career digs with 923 and fifth all-time in career blocks with 97.


Jim Hissong
Jim Hissong is a former physical education and driver's education teacher at Newark. During his time with the athletic department, he served as the golf coach from 2005 to 2015 and as an assistant baseball coach from 2004 to 2007.

Beyond coaching, Hissong kept the basketball scorebook for 15 years and has provided financial support to the school's programs. He remains one of the biggest Newark fans out there.

2024 Hall of Fame Induction

The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters proudly recognize Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees Jack and Will Clausel. A public ceremony was held between games on Friday, December 6th, 2024, followed by a social gathering in the Student Center after the games. Congratulations to Jack and Will Clausel on achieving this prestigious honor at Newark Community High School!

Bill Lidinsky: A Hall of Fame Legacy Rooted in Passion for the Newark Norsemen

Few figures in sports journalism have left as profound a mark as Bill Lidinsky, whose decades-long career was defined by his deep passion for the Newark Norsemen. For Bill, the Norsemen were more than a team; they were a vital part of the community he cherished. His storytelling brought every game to life, celebrating not just scores but the human spirit and perseverance behind them. Known for his warmth and knack for building lifelong relationships, Bill’s genuine love for sports and people made him a beloved figure in the industry. His legacy is one of passion, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to connecting communities through the stories that matter most. The Newark Norsemen, and the world of sports, are better for having Bill as part of their story.

2024 Hall of Fame Induction

The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2024 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees into the Newark Sports Hall of Fame: The 2012-2013 Girls Basketball Team, The 2018 Volleyball Team, and Coach Tonya Grayson. There was a public ceremony in-between games on Friday, January 26th, 2024, including a social in the Student Center after the games as well. Congratulations for becoming Hall of Famers at Newark High School!

The 2012-2013 Girls Basketball Team
The 2012-13 girls basketball team, coached by Dale Skelton, ended with a team record of 28-2 (both school records for most wins and fewest losses), winning 23 games in a row and scoring 1,517 team points (both school records). They ended up losing in the Sectional Championship game. The team averaged 50.6 points per game while only allowing 30.8 points per game. They won the Somonauk Breakout Tournament as well as the Lisle Christmas Tournament. Team members include: Coaches: Dale Skelton - Head Coach, Brian Holman - Asst. Coach. Players: Abbey Akre, Alicia Cihak, Taylor Krug, Lindsay Larson, Nicole Lawrence, Alexa Myre, Melissa McNanna, Kayla Milakis, Kelsey Patrick, Melissa Schmidt, Lauren Tollefson, Kristine Zitt.


The 2018 Volleyball Team
The 2018 girls volleyball team, coached by Tonya Grayson, ended with a team record of 40-2 and made their second straight trip to the IHSA State Final Four, this time winning the first-ever State Championship in girls volleyball at Newark. The 40 wins marked a school record for wins. Led by four returning seniors, the Lady Norsemen were undefeated Conference Champions and Conference Tournament Champions. The Lady Norsemen only dropped nine sets all season. Team members include: Coaches: Tonya Grayson - Head Coach, PJ McKinney - Asst. Coach, Sam Anderson - Asst. Coach. Managers: Marissa Williams, Kjersten Friestad, Kaitlyn Hatteberg. Players: Cassidy Adams, Kenna Borton, Mattie Chapman, Taylor Christian, Alyssa Gittins, Lex Lohrey, Lexi Long, Madi Malone, Evelyn Martin, Olivia Nelson, Morgan Richards, Meggie Scott, Miraya Smith, Naomi Sweeney, Megan Williams.


Coach Tonya Grayson
Tonya Grayson coached the Newark girls volleyball team from 2001-2021 and ended with an overall record of 555-169 and an overall Little Ten conference record of 163-8. Her teams won 12 regional championships, five sectional championships, and two state championships in 2018 and 2019, along with 18 Little Ten conference tournament titles. She was inducted into the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022 and won the Illinois Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2018. 

Network, S. L. N. (2024, January 9). Newark High School celebrating 2024 Hall of fame class Saturday. Shaw Local. https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2024/01/09/newark-high-school-celebrating-2024-hall-of-fame


2023 Hall of Fame Induction

The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2023 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

The 2017 Girls Volleyball Team
On Sunday, January 22nd, the 2017 Girls Volleyball Team was inducted into the Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2017 Girls Volleyball Team finished with an overall record of 34-5, 8-0 in the Little Ten Conference, and won the conference tournament. Led by head coach Tonya Grayson, the Lady Norsemen finished 4th Place at the IHSA 1A State Tournament, the first for a Newark volleyball team. Team members include: Coaches: Tonya Grayson - Head Coach, PJ McKinney - Asst. Coach, Sam Anderson - Asst. Coach. Players: Riane Tomsa, Cheyane Copeland Batt, Mikayla Williams, Alyssa Gittins, Evelyn Martin, Olivia Nelson, Morgan Richards, Rachel Testin, Mattie Chapman Patrick, Meggie Scott, Naomi Sweeney, Madi Malone. Extras for postseason: Kenna Borton, Cassidy Adams. Manager: Marissa Williams.


The 2016-2017 Boys Basketball Team
The seventeenth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 between the junior varsity and varsity basketball games.

Led by Coaches Rick Tollefson and Rob Scott, the Norsemen included Dylan Patrick, Will Clausel, Corey Davidson, Bretty Myre, Cameron Myre, Connor Swanson, Ryan Rayburn, Jacob Slivka, Steve Young, Steve McGrath, Beau Brown, and Caleb Dierzen. Congratulations to the 4th in State Team in 2017 for becoming Hall of Famers at Newark High School.

2022 Hall of Fame Induction

The 2022 Newark HOF Induction Ceremony took place at Helmar Lutheran Church (11935 Lisbon Rd, Newark, IL) on Sunday, January 16th at 2 p.m. Congratulations to Brett Anderson and the 2006 Varsity Baseball team for being inducted into the Newark Sports Hall of Fame!

Brett Anderson, Athlete
Brett Anderson, class of 2013, was one of the greatest basketball players in Newark's rich history. An outstanding person, on and off the court, Brett embodied what it meant to be a Norseman. He amassed amazing stats during his basketball career.

Athletic Awards/Honors: He earned a varsity letter all 4 years; Little Ten Conference (LTC) All-conference selection - 2011, 2012, and 2013; AP 1st team all-state in 2013; IBCA 2nd team all-state in 2013; The Times Player of the Year in 2013; MVP at the Plano X-mas Classic - 2011 (Tournament record 130 points that still stands); All-Tournament team Plano X-mas Classic in 2012

Major Individual Accomplishments: Scored 2,126 points, 2nd all-time at Newark High School and 3rd all-time in LTC history; Hauled down 1,078 rebounds (believed to be NHS career record); Played in most varsity games in NHS history with 130 played; Never missed a game; Varsity boys team compiled a 100-30 record during his high school career; Hit game winning shot at the buzzer as the LTC defeated the IEC 89-87 at the annual Leland Lions Club All-Start Shootout.

Major Team Accomplishments: State champions Class 1A with a record 33-1 in 2010-11; Sectional champions in 2013; Regional champions in 2012; LTC regular season and tournament champions (back-to-back) in 2010 and 2011.

Sports Outside of Newark: Attended Anderson University in Anderson, IN; 4-year starter in basketball (2013-17); Career totals of 710 points and 319 rebounds

Current Life: Currently in his 4th year in grad school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine and plans to possibly work in the cardiology field; Married with a baby expected in late November, 2021

The 2006 Varsity Boys Baseball Team
The 2006 varsity boys baseball team will be celebrated as one of the best ever to be seen on the field here at Newark High School. Coached by DJ Cocks and assisted by Jim Hissong, this team broke both Newark team and individual records along the way.

Major Team Accomplishments: Out of 25 major categories, this team is either 1st or 2nd all-time in 18 of them (breakdown below); Members of this team hold 22 different career individual records; First NHS baseball team to ever win a regional (2-class system); 25 wins (25-6) is second only to the 2021 3rd place state team (27-2); All-time leader in runs scored, homers, RBI’s, and walks taken

Major Individual Accomplishments: LTC All-conference - Adam Marcley, Mitch Dunlap, and Kyle Janssen; Morris All-area - Kyle Janssen, Adam Marcley, Dale Johnson, Patrick Quantock, Brian McGrath, and Mitch Dunlap; Beacon News All-area - 1st team pitcher = Kyle Janssen, 1st team outfielder = Mitch Dunlap, Honorable mention = Brian McGrath and Adam Marcley; Kyle Janssen represented Newark in the IHSA Sectional Hitting Derby and finished in 3rd place

1st all-time in the following categories: Most regular season wins - 23; 275 runs scored; 20 Home Runs; 225 RBI's; 153 Walks 2nd all-time in the following categories; 25 total wins; 13 wins at home; 12 wins on road; 1090 plate appearances; 284 hits; 207 singles; 77 extra base hits; 410 total bases; 94.4 stolen base percentage; .466 slugging percentage; 207 IP; 671 putouts; 885 chances

Team Members: Kurt Anderson, Zach Hartman, Kyle Janssen, Mitch Dunlap, Ryan Shorkey, Zeke Schmidt, Adam Marcley, Dale Johnson, Brian McGrath, Tyler Anderson, Patrick Quantock, John Mulligan, Ryan Schram, Andrew Monkemeyer, Tyler Vickroy, Nick Verda, Drew Tollefson, Mike Larson, Spencer Compton.

Coaches: Head Coach - DJ Cocks; Assistant Coach - Jim Hissong

2020 Hall of Fame Induction

The fifteenth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Friday, December 13th, 2019. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2020 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductee:

John Avery, #31, Athlete
John graduated in 2011 and was a 2010-2011 All-State Basketball selection. He was a key member of the 2011 IHSA Class 1A Boys Basketball State Champion Team, having scored 1,449 Career Points with over 800 Career Rebounds. John is currently coaching the Newark Community High School JV Boys Basketball Team.

2019 Hall of Fame Induction

Theresa (Larson) Jensen, Athlete
On Friday, January 11, 2019, Theresa (Larson) Jensen was inducted into the Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame for her outstanding high school basketball career. She graduated in 2004 and was a member of the basketball team all 4 years. Some of her stats are as follows: 1,169 career points - 5th all-time in Newark girls’ history, 13.4 points a game, 626 rebounds, 220 steals, 55 blocks, 111 assists, 47.4% field goal shooting, Little Ten All-Conference 2002, 2003, and 2004, IBCA All-State in 2004, and Lisle Cage Classic All-Tournament Team 2002 and 2003.

Theresa helped push the girls' team to its first-ever Sectional Finals in 2004 with a 27-3 record. (Only 2 classes back then!)

She also played basketball at the College of DuPage from 2004-06 and played in the NJCAA National Finals in 2006 where they placed 3rd. Theresa also played ball at Judson College from 2006-08.

Theresa was one of the most talented girls basketball players to ever walk the court. Her intensity and passion for the game were evident from the opening tip, as she never backed down from a challenge and dominated on both ends of the court. She as tenacious, battling for every possession. She was a superb team leader and was an inspiration to all the young girls watching her play. Many of those girls would later become Hall of Famers themselves.

(Photo above) All the individual female Hall of Famers of Newark. They are from left to right: Monica (Anderson) Williams - Class of 1986, Lauren McNanna - Class of 2010, Theresa (Larson) Jensen - Class of 2004, Kelly Friestad - Class of 2004, Laura (Johnson) Anderson - Class of 2009, Sam (Akre) Anderson - Class of 2009

Thank you, Theresa, for all that you have done for Newark!

She is married and is currently working as a nurse.

2018 Hall of Fame Induction

The thirteenth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Friday, January 12th, 2018. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2018 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductee:

Lauren McNanna, Athlete
The Newark Sports Hall of Fame committee would like to congratulate Lauren McNanna, their 2018 Sports Hall of Fame inductee. Lauren is currently fourth on the Newark High School all time girls basketball scoring list with 1,257 points.

Lauren was a key member of the 2008 IHSA Class 1A second place team. She hit one of the biggest shots in Newark High School history as time expired to win the sectional championship game 44-43. In 2010, Lauren was the Ottawa Times area scoring leader, fourth team all-state, and a three-point showdown qualifier.

She played four years of varsity basketball at Beloit College where she ranks 8th all-time in scoring with 1,132 points and first in free throws made with 393.

2017 Hall of Fame Induction

The twelfth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Friday, January 6th, 2017. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2017 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductee:

Sam Akre Anderson, Athlete
Sam graduated in 2009, was a four year starter in volleyball and basketball and earned nine varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, and softball. She is sixth in all time scoring for girls basketball at Newark with 1,163 points. As a junior she was selected as Chicago Sun Times 1A All-State and was a key member of the 2008 basketball team that finished second in state. She holds the school volleyball record with 359 kills in a season and 663 kills in her career. She also holds the volleyball record of 101 blocks in a season when her volleyball team set a school record for wins at 32-3. Her high school teams earned three conference championships and seven regional championships. She continued her volleyball career at Olivet Nazerene University. Sam currently coaches freshmen volleyball and serves as assistant softball coach at Newark High School. (Photo: Sam is accepting the Hall of Fame plaque from Bill Lidinsky who nominated her for the award.)

2016 Hall of Fame Induction

The eleventh annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Friday, February 12th, 2016. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2016 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

Kyle Anderson, Laura Johnson Anderson
Laura graduated in 2009, played softball and was a four year starter in volleyball and basketball. She is the all time leading scorer for girls basketball at Newark with 1,594 points. As a senior she was selected to the 3rd team 1A All-State and was a key member of the 2008 basketball team that finished second in state. She holds the school volleyball record for number of assists in a year and for career assists. She was one of the greatest players in the history of the Bethel College basketball program as she is in their record book in nine categories. She was first team NAIA All- American and her jersey hangs in the lobby of the athletic center at Bethel.

Kyle graduated in 2011 and was a first team 1A All-State Basketball selection as a junior and senior. His basketball teams had an 84-12 record in his final three seasons. He was a unanimous all-conference basketball selection all four years and he set the Newark High School scoring record with 2,279 points. Kyle played for Division 1 college for the University of Delaware, as a top outside shooter where he set the school record in number of three pointers made. He has played pro ball in Germany and currently plays for the Pontiac 66'ers semi-pro basketball team.

Kyle and Laura are married and have a son.

2010-2011 Boys 1A State Champion Basketball Team
The 2010-2011 Boys Basketball Team had a 33-1 record. They were the first Little Ten Boys Basketball team to win a state championship. They were also undefeated conference champs and conference tournament champs, They won the state championship game by a score of 57-35 as they set or tied six state championship game records, including limiting the opposing team to 33% shooting average.. Team members included Coach Rick Tollefson, assistant coach Jason VanPelt, Kyle Anderson, Jeremy Anderson, Brett Anderson, John Avery, Cameron Berg, Paul Hines, Greg Hughes, Taylor Wright, David Hillard, Jake Ramey, Kenny Kratzer, Andrew Lehmann, and manager Nick Bond.

2014 Hall of Fame Induction

The tenth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Friday, January 10th, 2014. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2014 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

Virgil Duvick
Virgil has worked as timekeeper or scoreboard operator at Newark boys basketball games for 29 years. He can also be seen at most away basketball games, no matter what the weather.

2007-2008 Girls Basketball Team
Class 1A second place in state. Regional, Sectional, and Supersectional Champs. First girls team in Kendall County to compete for a state championship.

2013 Hall of Fame Induction

The ninth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on February 8, 2013. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School Sports Boosters would like to congratulate the 2013 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

Rocky Mitchell, Athlete, 1993 graduate
Rocky Mitchell’s basketball honors include Little Ten boy’s basketball all-conference and all area first team selection for 2 years, plus an all-state honorable mention. He compiled 1,303 career points in three years at Newark. In Rocky’s senior year, he averaged 22.5 points and 12 rebounds per game. In 1993 his basketball team won the Little Ten conference, the conference tournament and the Plano Christmas Classic, where Rocky was selected as the tournament MVP. Rocky also excelled as a soccer goalie his senior year. Rocky has been involved with coaching basketball and softball on a volunteer level since his high school graduation. He is also very involved with kid’s ministries at his church.

Jeff Eddy, Athlete, 2001 graduate
Jeff earned Little Ten all-conference honors in soccer and basketball and was selected as honorable mention all-state in basketball his senior year. Jeff holds several all time records as Newark soccer goalie, including most career saves, most shutouts with 10, and fewest goals against. He also had 24 one goal games. Jeff was also an outstanding baseball player, with a .345 career batting average. His junior year he batted .415 and is probably the only baseball player at Newark HS to ever hit for the cycle. Jeff was the first Newark athlete to play on three regional championship basketball teams. He scored over 1000 career points and holds the record of 30 consecutive free throws made. He led the area in scoring his senior year and was on the all-tournament team for the Sandwich Thanksgiving tournament and the Plano Christmas tournament. He was the Ottawa Daily Times player of the year twice and on the Beacon News all-area team twice. Jeff scored over 30 points in 5 games and scored 40 points in a regional game.

If you would like to nominate an athlete, coach, or team for induction to the sports hall of fame, nomination forms may be obtained at Newark High School. Nomination forms and information about the sports hall of fame may also be found on the right side of this web site.

2012 Hall of Fame Induction

The eighth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on January 15, 2012. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2012 Newark Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

The Late Roger Ness, Friend of Sports
Roger Ness, who passed away in 2010, served as official scorekeeper or timer for Newark High School basketball teams for 23 years. The long time barber in Newark and Geneva began working at basketball games in 1972, and was a founding member of the Newark High School Sports Boosters program. During his 20-year tenure as mayor of Newark, he was instrumental in planning the Newark town park, which included three baseball fields and lights for the field. Roger was a 1968 Newark High School grad, served as a summer league coach for many years, and was past president of the Corn Belt League. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2000. Pictured above, Nancy and Tom Ness accept the Hall of Fame plaque.

Scott Anderson
Athlete, 1983 graduate. Scott Anderson’s basketball honors include Little Ten basketball all-conference, first-team selection for three years; fourth all-time in career points scored (1,554 points, 20.9 career average); and a 67-15 three-year varsity basketball team record. During his senior year, Scott led the area in scoring with a 22.9 average, earning him a spot on many all-area teams as well as the Plano Christmas Classic MVP. He also set the Newark High School assist record his senior year and led his team to the conference championship, the conference tournament championship, and a regional title with a 25-4 record on the season. Scott also excelled in baseball with a career .425 batting average and a four-year 48-24 team record.

The inductees were also honored at half-time of the boys basketball game on January 14, 2012.

2011 Hall of Fame Induction

The seventh annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Dec. 18, 2010. The Hall of Fame committee would like to congratulate 2011 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Kelly Friestad.

Kelly Friestad, Athlete
Kelly is only the second player in the history of the Little Ten Conference to be named all-conference in three sports in two consecutive years. She was selected as all conference in volleyball, basketball, and softball as a junior in 2003 and as a senior in 2004. Kelly earned 11 varsity letters while attending Newark High School. In basketball, she holds the career assists record, is a member of the 1000 point club, and earned honorable mention all-state her senior year, with a 27-3 team record. In her senior year of softball she was second team all-state, helping the team to a 25-11 record and the first appearance in a supersectional of any sports team at Newark. She played 4 years of varsity basketball at Judson University where she ranks 8th all time in assists. Kelly is currently a physical education teacher and coaches volleyball and basketball at Harvest Christian Academy in Elgin.

2010 Hall of Fame Induction

The sixth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Jan. 31, 2010. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2010 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:

Bob Glenn, Friend of Sports
Bob served as Newark High School principal and superintendent from 1958-1968. During those 10 years, Bob was very supportive and involved with the sports programs. Many of the most successful teams at NHS competed during his tenure. He was instrumental in Newark High School’s switch from the Fox Valley Conference to the Little Ten Conference and in getting a referendum passed in 1962 to double the size of the school building.

Si Johnson, Athlete
Silas Johnson, who is most noted for being the last pitcher to strike out Babe Ruth, played baseball at Newark High School, 1923-1926, followed by one year of semi-pro action in Marseilles and one year of minor league ball at Rock Island. He played 17 years in the major leagues for Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. He had a pitching record of 101-165, with 108 complete games and 13 shutouts. His best seasons were in 1933 when he threw two one-hitters and in 1937 when he threw 20 complete games with an ERA of 3.32. He served as pitching coach for Boston from 1947-1952. Upon retiring, he worked at the Sheridan Correctional Center and then ran the Norway Store. Many major leaguers, including Dizzy Dean, Si’s roomate, visited him in Norway, Illinois to go hunting.  Si Johnson passed away in 1994.

2002 Volleyball Team
The 2002 Volleyball Team, with a record of 28-4, coached by Tonya Nagel, included team members Amanda Peterson, Morgan Lechowicz, Sarah Eisnaugle, Julie Carlson, Jeannie Keisler, Kelly Friestad, Amy Meier, Kelly Furr, Rachel Pope, Laura Eddy, Amanda Larson, Melissa Mathre, and Elise Tollefson. The 2002 team was the second ever team at Newark to win a regional title, They finished first in conference at 8-0, won the Little Ten Conference tournament, the Plano tournament, and the Seneca tournament. They were a sectional finalist.

2003-2004 Girls Basketball Team
The 2003-2004 Girls Basketball Team, coached by Mike Hall II, had a 27-3 record. They were conference champs, conference tournament champs, regional champs, and sectional finalists, all for the second consecutive year The team averaged an astonishing 34 point differential during their 27 victories. Team members included Kelly Friestad, Theresa Larson (both 1000 point scorers,) Jeannie Keisler, Rebecca Vanjoske, Laura Eddy, Rachel Pope, Crysta Hatteberg, Jacqui Janssen, Elise Tollefson, Stephanie, Warpinski, Emily Holman, Lacey Slatton, and Alison Hoskins.

2009 Hall of Fame Induction

The fifth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Jan. 25, 2009. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2009 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:

Lauren Anderson, Friend of Sports
Lauren was an avid fan of Newark High School sports from the mid 1960's. He was constant example of what a fan should be to a team. He followed all of the sports, especially both girls and boys basketball and the girls volleyball teams. He made everyone around him smile and enjoy themselves and truly cared for the kids, coaches, and other spectators present at the game. Lauren was the greatest example of what a fan is supposed to be.

1984 Girls Volleyball Team
The '84 volleyball posted many accomplishments during this wonderful year: 23-4 overall record, Little Ten Conference regular season and tournament champions (undefeated), first NHS girls team to win a regional title and advance to the sectional championship match. They lost in a 5-game match to Richmond-Burton in the sectional finals. They were coached by Jon Runkle and had all-conference players Tina (Torkelson) Rose and Monica (Anderson) Williams as well as all-conference honorable mention Tami (Slivka) Fuchs on the team. Other team members included: Gina (Duvick) Kurtz, Jodi (Anderson) Wilkinson, Chris (Leveque) Kitner, Cherry (Olson) Gonnam, Patti (Stege) Lear, Sheila (Gray) Dieter, Laurie (Nagel) Belinski, Maymi (Smith) Heaser, Elin (Knutson) Bender.

2004 Girls Softball Team
The '04 softball team, with an overall record of 25-11-1 and 11-1 in the conference, produced many firsts in NHS history, including Newark High School's first ever sectional championship and supersectional appearance. The 25 wins were also a school record. The girls were also ranked #1 in G.P.A. (3.80) in the nation by National Fast Pitch Coaches Association. The team were the Little Ten Conference Champions as well as the Sandwich Regional Champions. The team was coached by Norm Meier and had all-state members Kelly Friestad and Sarah Eisnaugle as well as all conference players Amy Meier and Stacy Steffes. Other team members included: Rachel Pope, Jacqui Janssen, Lindsay Cihak, Amber Steffes, Laura Whitfield, Elise Tollefson, Angela Slack, Rachel Monkemeyer, Emily Holman, Abby Neupert, Kristen Pribyl, Morgan Michaelson, Hannah Olson, assistant coach Tonya Nagel, and assistant coach Staci Spencer.

2008 Hall of Fame Induction

The fourth annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Jan. 27, 2008. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2008 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:

Tracy Clausel
Athlete, 1978 graduate. Tracy Clausel’s honors include Little Ten boys basketball all-conference, first team selection, 3 years; Ottawa Marquette holiday tournament first team selection; Chicago Sun Times All-State, 2nd team; Rockford Morning News All Area team; 3 year All-State honorable mention. He scored 41 points in one game and totaled 485 points and 307 rebounds his senior year. His 3 year varsity basketball team record was 50-31, including winning the regional his senior year.

Norm Meier
Coach, 1974-2011. Coach Meier has over 340 wins at Newark High School, including seven 20+ win seasons, 8 conference titles, 4 regional titles, and the first team in Newark history to appear in a super-sectional. He was selected as Illinois “Coach of the Year” in 2004. He has worked with Waubonsee Community College and Wheaton College softball programs and has coached the Northern Illinois Thunder, 18 & over college softball team in the summer. He has a .592 winning percentage while coaching 27 years of baseball and softball teams at NCHS.

The 1967-68 Basketball Team
The 1967-68 Basketball Team included team members Bernie Moe, Larry Akre, Wayne Johnson, Fred Skelton, Dave Thompson, Dave Carlson, Doug Knudson, John McDowell, Brian Anderson and coach Harold Bennett. The ’68 team was the first Newark team to win the Little Ten tournament (after switching from the Fox Valley conference.) They were district tournament champs (3rd year in a row.) They won a regional the last year the IHSA had a one class system. Their team record was 28-3.

2007 Hall of Fame Induction

The third annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Jan. 28, 2007. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2007 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:

Chuck Nelson - Boys Basketball Coach 1975-1993
Chuck had an overall coaching record of 298-152 with 15 years of winning records compared to only 2 losing seasons. He was named the IBCA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985, 1986). He was responsible for over a dozen Little Ten Conference and Tournament titles as well as 4 Regional Championships and making the Sectional Finals in 1986. That 1986 team ended up having a record of 29-1. Chuck's teams made the Regional Championship game 10 years in a row from 1978-1986.

David S. Olson - Class of 1988
A basketball standout, David scored 2123 career points, had a 62.6% FG%, and averaged 9.1 rebounds a game. Averaged 36 PPG his senior year (1st in state) and was named to the Class A 1st Team All-State by AP, UPI, Sun-Times, Tribune, and IBCA in 1988. Chosen as Little Ten Conference MVP twice and still holds the scoring record for 3 games at the Plano Christmas Tournament. David also had a successful career at EIU and was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006.

David A. Thompson - Class of 1969
Lettering in 4 sports, David excelled in basketball, setting school records for points scored (527) and rebounds (394) in 1967-68. The following year he had 521 points and 391 rebounds. He was awarded with All-Suburban Team and Honorable Mention All-State honors during his junior and senior years. David was also unanimous choice 1st Team All-Conference during his junior and senior seasons. He moved on to letter and start in basketball at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Monica (Anderson) Williams - Class of 1986
In volleyball, Monica started all 4 years and was named to several All-Conference and All-Area teams. She was also a part of the 1st girl's team to win a regional (Volleyball, 1984). Monica was one of the most prolific scorers in Newark's basketball history. Having double-digit scoring averages all 4 years playing varsity, Monica finished her senior year with a 29.0 ppg average (5th in Illinois) and scored 30 or more points nine times. She scored well over 1,000 points in her career and is known as a great rebounder, passer, and defender. Monica also went on to play at Wheaton College where she was voted into their Hall of Fame last fall.

1966 Boys Basketball Team
This team had a winning record of 26-3 and is known for starting the strong basketball tradition at Newark. It was ranked in the Top 20 in Illinois (when Illinois only had a 1-class system) and was the last team to win the original Fox Valley Conference Championship. The team was coached by Harold Bennett.

1986 Boys Basketball Team
One of the most exciting teams to ever come out of Newark, the 1986 boys basketball team went 29-1. They won the LTC Championships and swept through the Plano Christmas Classic. They lost to Ohio in the sectional finals by 1 point. They were coached by Chuck Nelson and assisted by Mike Cessna

2006 Hall of Fame Induction

The second annual Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Jan. 15, 2006. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2006 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:

Harold Bennett
Harold Bennett coached multiple sports in Illinois for 43 years including basketball and football. He taught at Earlville, Morris, Cary-Grove, Carmi, Newark, Bradley-Bourbonnais, and Durand. He compiled more than 500 career basketball wins, and was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1987. He taught and coached at Newark from 1964-74. At Newark, Coach Bennett won four Little 10 Conference tournaments, four district championships, and two regional crowns. He also had a pair of teams which went 26-3 and 28-3. He is remembered for his dedication, organization, and hard work in continuing to make Newark a basketball powerhouse.

Larry J. Hilt Jr.
During three years of varsity basketball at Newark between 1984-86, compiling a record of 58 wins and 13 losses, Larry Hilt Jr. received many accolades and awards. He led his team in scoring and rebounding his junior and senior years as well as received all-conference recognition all three years of his varsity career. He was voted MVP of the Plano Christmas Tournament 2 consecutive years ('84 and '85) in which Newark placed 2nd and 1st, respectively. Larry was named to the All-State 1st team his junior and senior years by six different newspapers.

2005 Hall of Fame Induction

The inaugural Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Jan. 16, 2005. The Hall of Fame committee and the Newark High School sports boosters would like to congratulate the 2005 Newark Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:


Ellen Brook (Furr)- Class of 1999 Career stats: 50-26 pitching record, 2.43 era, 527:125 strikeouts to walks ratio, .195 opponents batting average, .907 fielding %, .329 batting average, 100 hits, 37 strikeouts. Tied for 6th in all-time IHSA strikeout/walk ratio: 175K to 7BB in 152IP. 3rd Team all-state in softball. Part of 3 conf. championships in a row from '97 to '99.


Steve Carlson - Class of 1997 Lettered and all-conference in 3 sports: baseball, basketball and soccer; 1997 MVP in baseball and basketball; holds several baseball high school records; was all-state in baseball in 1996 and 1997; Mizuno All-American baseball player in 1996; played college baseball at U.I.C. and was drafted by New York Yankees.

Wes Christian - Class of 1947 Played on first basketball regional championship team, all-conference baseball player, won 11 varsity letters at Carthage College from 1948 to 1951, has been to every state basketball tournament from 1946 to 2003 without a miss.


Sherwin (Sherm) Gilbertson - Class of 1938
Sherwin graduated in 1938, was a four year starter in baseball. He was also a four year starter for Illinois State Normal University as a pitcher, outfielder, and third basemen. He also played baseball for Columbia University in New York City. He signed a professional baseball contract with the Washington Nationals but he was never able to play for them as he developed a heart problem while serving in the military. Sherwin coached baseball and basketball at Newark High School from 1943 to 1947. He was assistant basketball coach when the Newark HS basketball team won their first regional championship and upset Bradley in the first game of Joliet sectional.

Wayne Gilbertson - Class of 1939
Lettered in three sports: baseball, basketball, and track, played third base and had a batting average of .412, coached basketball and baseball, attended Illinois State University from 1943 to 1947. Wayne coached baseball at Newark from 1947 to 1963. He spent over 30 years at NHS as business teacher, guidance counselor, then finished as principal/superintendent.


Bud Johnson - Class of 1942 Pitched 2 no-hitters in 1942, earned letters from 1940-42, played 4 years of basketball, coached 24 years at Sandburg Jr. High and York High School in Elmhurst.


Spen Knudson - Class of 1939 Lettered in 3 sports: baseball, basketball, and track, batting average in 1938 was .533, part of baseball team that went 22-2 over 3 years, Managed Newark softball team and won 3 championships, won 1st place at 1939 Kendall track meet for "baseball throw" distance of 297 feet.


Sheldon Thompson - Class of 1967 Held 4 high school basketball records at Newark when he graduated: career scoring (1,823), scoring avg. per game (20.1), single game scoring (40), and field goal percentage (.526). Also held two school records at Illinois Wesleyen: career scoring (1,458) and career rebounding (1,008). He also lettered in baseball.


1996 Baseball Team
24-4 overall record, 13-0 Conference record, most wins of any Newark HS baseball team, averaged 7.5 runs per game, .303 team batting average, 2.35 team era, had 4 all-conference players on team and won 3 conference championships in a row. Members: Head Coach Norm Meier, Assistant Coach Jon Helland, Steve Carlson, Tom Ness, Scott Sittler, Ryan Anderson, Kelly Littlejohn, Matt Estensen, Kevin Holman, Dan Cassin, Justin Walker, Brad Scalf, Peter McCanless, Mike Gunier, Ben Christian, Dan Stanford, Jon Toftoy, Brian Johnson, Robert Erickson, Zach Uhrich, Brian Dupont, Matt Hopp, Doug Ness, and Jake Ytterdal.
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