Springfield High School (Illinois)

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Springfield High School is the oldest high school in Springfield, Illinois. The school draws mainly from the west side of Springfield.

1 History
2 Underground Tunnels
3 Famous Alumni
4 Athletics

[edit] History

The first Springfield High School opened in 1857 on Market Street, now known as Capitol. The next year it was moved to what is now the Lincoln Building. Between 1859 and 1864, Springfield High School was located on South Fifth Street by Monroe Street. In 1917, a different high school was built until it became uninhabitable in 1915. In 1916, the current Springfield High School was built in Forrest Park, which included a cemetery.

[edit] Underground Tunnels

There are tunnels underneath Springfield High School that link up with the tunnels around Springfield. They lead all the way to the Illinois State Capitol and a former Governor's Mansion. There are many warning signs in these tunnels such as "Warning: Absbetos." It is believed that there really is no danger of absbestos but those in charge do not want people snooping around in the tunnels.

[edit] Famous Alumni

Many prestigious individuals have attended Springfield High School. The famous poet Vachel Lindsay graduated in 1897. Many of his poems relate to growing up in Springfield, Illinois. His muse, Susan Wilcox, attended Springfield High School as well.

Samuel Skinner graduated from Springfield High School in 1956. He went on to be Chief of Staff for President George H. W. Bush. Skinner also served as Secretary of Tranportation.

Bob Trumpy graduated from Springfield High School in 1963. Trumpy played tight end for the University of Utah and went on to a Pro Bowl career in the American Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals. After his playing career ended, Trumpy began a broadcasting career that is still going strong today.

Justin Knoedler graduated from Springfield High School in 1998. He went on to play baseball at Lincoln Land Community College. In 2000, along with his twin brother Jason and pitcher Ryan O'Malley, Knoedler helped Lincoln Land win the NJCAA II National Championship and was named NJCAA II Player of the Year. Jason and Justin went on the play one season for the University of Miami (Ohio). Justin was drafted by the San Francisco Giants while Jason was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. Justin is now a member of the Giants. He is a talented catcher that can throw up to 95 miles per hour.

[edit] Athletics

Springfield High School has produced many college athletes, as well as many professional athletes. Springfield High School baseball ranks ninth in baseball wins all-time in the state of Illinois. Springfield High School's boy's soccer team won the State Championship in 1997 and are in the top ten all-time for wins as well. The boys' basketball team has over 1,000 wins. The girls' soccer team ranks sixth in Illinois for wins.