SHS Sports: Timelines from the Sidelines Tradition everlasting

Overview of 1908 to 1919:

Students had been receiving an informal education in Staunton since the 1880’s. It wasn’t until the 1894-95 school year that Staunton High School officially offered classes. 13 years later, SHS participated in the Macoupin County Meet, the first time the school sent student-athletes off to competition. In the early part of the century, the event consisted of two portions: oratory and track. While the oratorical portion, which took place in the morning, was the main feature, the majority of the focus will be on the sporting side of the meet.

By the 1911-12 academic year, Staunton fielded its first team sport, as football became the activity of choice in the community. While track has never been considered a major sport at SHS (and in fact was disbanded at one point for more than a decade), football immediately gained a loyal following in the community and to this day is still considered the main athletic attraction in town.

Class of 1914

Track (Boys)

The 1914 Macoupin County Meet was disappointing for coach Bill Eccles, as his team was unable to defend its overall crown. ONly one athlete, Murrell Funderburke, brought home gold for SHS. Blowing away the competition, he set a county record in the 1600 meter.

Class of 1915

Football

The 1914 football team was coached by Bill Eccles and led by seniors John Ackers, Al Davis, and Bill Hyndman. The squad matched the previous season’s win total, finishing 5-2-1 on the year. The season began with a week one victory over Virden (26-7), followed by a shutout of Palmyra (34-0). After losing 20-6 to Alton Western Military Academy, SHS defeated Edwardsville (14-6) the very next weekend.

Unfortunately, there would be no repeat as Macoupin County champions, as the boys in myrtle and maroon were soundly defeated by Carlinville (36-0). A 3-3 tie with Edwardsville was followed up by shutout victories over Palmyra (39-0) and Litchfield (32-0), capping off a very successful season for the program.

Track (Boys)

Though SHS and sponsor Bill Eccles took home the Literary Cup and Literary Banner, no athlete was able to capture a championship at the 1915 Macoupin County Meet.

Class of 1916

Football

The 1915 football team continued the emphasis of the program under coach Bill Eccles. The squad finished 6-1 on the season, breaking the old record for wins in a year. The only loss was to Palmyra (41-18) in week two of the season. A week one shutout victory over Litchfield (38-0) was followed by the Palmyra loss, which prompted a five-game winning streak to close out the campaign.

Victories over Carlinville (51-6), Edwardsville (27-7), and Pawnee (19-17) preceded a second victory over Edwardsville in week six, this time by a score of 40-6. SHS closed out the year with a victory over Mt. Olive on Thanksgiving, sparking what later became a holiday tradition for the two schools.

Track (Boys)

Superintendent Bill Eccles had to be delighted with his orators in 1916, as Staunton once again took home the Literary Cup and Literary Banner from the Macoupin County Meet. In addition, SHS featured one of the premiere athletes at the contest. Murrell Funderburke set county records in both the 400 and 800 meters, easily bringing home championships in both events.

Class of 1917

Football

Little is known about the football team of 1916, as the squad was disbanded after just three games played, most likely due to lack of numbers in the program. After losing to Litchfield (60-0) and Benld (16-6), SHS defeated Edwardsville by a score of 13-7 before canceling its remaining schedule. The 1-2 team was coached by Bill Eccles.

Track (Boys)

Staunton was shut out at the 1917 Macoupin County Meet, as no individual was able to capture gold at the event for the school and sponsor Bill Eccles.