Monthly Columns
Back in time: Gillespie’s second undefeated team: The 1964 Miners
Written by the late Andy Easton, Sr. for the Gillespie Area News contributed by the Gillespie Public Library
When Gillespie High School started their football program in 1920, little did they know that it would take eight years before they could field a winning team. The 1927 team won the conference and ended the season with an 8-0-1 record. It would take the orange and black another 36 years before they would be undefeated again.
Coach Bill Parmentier put together a team in 1964 that was loaded in talent in the junior-senior class and they were backed up by some outstanding sophomores. The Miners would finish the season with an 8-0-2 record and tie Staunton for the conference championship.
The Miners opened the season by defeating the Feishans 41-0. Dave Hasquin broke through the line and stole the ball from the quarterback Earl Robley and then sprinted 52 yards for the score. Jim Savant kicked the first of his five extra points and Gillespie was up 7-0. Gillespie recovered a Feitshans’ fumble with 16 seconds remaining in the half. A screen pass from Bob Boston to Frank Harris was good and great blocking by Jocko Rolando, Terry Mor and Tom Hollis allowed him to go 48 yards for the touchdown.
In the second half, Boston scored on a sneak, Harris went 20 yards and Rick Tarro 33 yards to score and Steve Benich ended the scoring in the final quarter with a 12-yard run.
Gillespie defeated Hillsboro 32-0 as Boston passed for two scores and ran for another one. Tarro and Harris also scored to put Gillespie up 32-0 at the half. There was no scoring in the second half but the Miners had three touchdowns called back.
Gillespie went to Pittsfield and beat the Saukees 20-6. This was one of the last home games that Pittsfield lost before going on their state-record 64 consecutive victories.
Bucky Chulick scored three times and Adrian Johnson tallied twice as they beat Mount Olive 48-7. Jim Savant kicked six extra points.
Gillespie tied a very good Southwestern team 13-13. Dave Hasquin scored first as he went in from eight yards out. On the ensuing kick-off, the area’s leading scorer Tom Kahl went 82 yards and kicked the point after for a 7-6 lead. Gillespie took the lead back in the second quarter when Boston hit Savant with a seven-yard strike and Savant also kicked the extra point to send Gillespie up at the half, 13-7.
In the third quarter, Kahl got loose again and sprinted 45-yard to tie the game but his extra point was wide. In 1964, Southwestern played in the W.I.V.C. Conference.
The game of the year was played in Staunton. The Miners were without the services of Dave Hasquin and Bob Cunningham who were not dressed because of a school discipline decision. Both teams scored in the first quarter and then battled the remainder of the game. Adrian Johnson busted up the middle and raced 39 yards for Gillespie’s score but the extra point was blocked. Staunton then marched 64 yards and Jim Arico went in from the two. The first run was stopped by Gillespie but they were offside. Roger Kul then went in for the point after but the Bulldogs were called for holding. On the third try a pass was incomplete.
After playing two consecutive tie games, the Miners beat Jerseyville 19-(unknown). Bob Boston hit 13 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. Adrian Johnson went in from the two and Jim Savant had two touchdown catches.
At Carlinville, Boston hit Harris with a 75-yard bomb and Johnson ran 55 yards to setup a nine yard pass from Boston to Pat Wesley. The Cavies scored in the third quarter to cut the lead to 13-7. Dave Hasquin putt the game on ice as he ran 24 yards for the score in the final quarter.
Gillespie scored five touchdowns in the second half to defeat Nokomis 30-12. After a 6-6 tie at the half, Boston threw for two scores and Tarro ran for two. Harris and Hasquin also scored. Boston’s touchdown passes went to Savant for 16 yards and Fulton for 41 yards.
Gillespie finished the undefeated season with a 44-0 victory over Dupo. The Miners scored 38 points in the first half. Johnson scored twice on runs of 27 and three yards while Hasquin got loose on the 34-yard scamper. Tarro went 31 yards and Boston 52 yards for scores. Bucky Chulick went in from 11 yards out and Hasquin scored the final tally with a nine-yard gallop.
The 1964 team was outstanding. They had it all – speed, offense, defense, kicking, and team depth. Gillespie scored 298 points, rushed for 2,140 yards and completed 64 of 114 passes for 1,118 yards and 13 touchdowns. This team has to rank as one of the top five or six teams to represent Gillespie High School.
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Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
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Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
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