It was the fall of 1916, the campus on West Main was just opened and Belleville Township High School students roamed the halls for the first time and Township fielded their first football team. The following is an excerpt from “Mighty Maroon Football 1916-1984 by Bill Nold. “In 1916, the games were played at the old North End Park, which was at North Illinois and the Southern Railroad; Kurt Kueschner returned a fumble 85 yards against Collinsville for the only points scored by the Maroons the entire season… In 1921… Theo. “Knocker” Wilhelms’ (had an) 80 yard touchdown run and his 80 yard kickoff return touchdown in two games against East St. Louis…” 1923 was the first winning season in the school’s history as the Maroons went 7-4 including a 33-13 victory over Edwardsville. George Votava (called the “Red Grange of Belleville”) scored four touchdowns in one quarter on passes from Norman Gundlach in that Edwardsville game. In that year, Belleville finished second in the new conference, which was formed by Belleville, Collinsville, Alton, Edwardsville and Granite City. Assisting us in our celebration this evening is George “Bill” Nold, author of “Mighty Maroon Football 1916-1984”. Bill will serve as the honorary captain for this evenings’ coin toss. Prior to 1923, cheerleaders were basically anyone from the stands who would volunteer for the job. In 1923 the first designated cheerleaders were elected by the student body. They were: Paul Robertson, Helen Towers and “Goof” Ruediger 1929- The first unbeaten team. The Maroons went 9-0 and were conference champions. The team included: Barney Cole at Quarterback, Bob Aufdenspring at fullback, Carl Kane at halfback and Wally Rauth at halfback. Rauth later returned to coach wrestling and football at Township. 1938- Undefeated Conference Champs. One of the team leaders was Virgil Wagner who later went on to play professional football in Canada. He is also a charter member of the Belleville West Wall of Fame 1939- In the first game was played in Township Stadium the Maroons beat Sparta 19-13. The stadium was officially dedicated later that year prior to the game with Cathedral, which ended in a 0-0 tie. 1942- The 8-2 Maroons beat Sparta 108-0. The Maroons were led by running back Dick McKelvey who was one of the most prolific performers of all time. He set school records for touchdowns scored, total points scored and second in career rushing. He amassed 2994 total offensive yards in four years including 12 touchdown passes- 6 passing and 6 receiving. 1946- The Maroons finished 7-4. The squad included future golfing great Bob Goalby and Norm Armstrong who later became a legendary track coach at both Township and Belleville West. The 60’s and 70’s were glorious times for the Mighty Maroons. The following is a summary: 1961 8-2 Conference Co-Champs Coach Bob Frala 1962 10-0 Undefeated Conference Champs Coach Frala 1963 10-1 Conference Champs Coach Frala 1964 9-1 Conference Co-Champs Coach Frala 1965 7-2-1 Conference 2nd Coach Frala 1966 8-2 Conference 2nd Coach Bob Samples 1967 8-1-1 Conference Co-Champs Coach Samples 1968 7-3-1 Conference 3rd Coach Samples 1969 10-1 Conference Champs Coach Samples During the nine year run the overall record was 77-10-2 including six Conference Championships.
The run continued during the 70’s as the Maroons won 19 consecutive regular season games from 1975-1977. During 1975 and 1976 the Maroons qualified for the Playoffs advancing to the semifinals in 1976. The Maroons had 10 consecutive winning seasons (73-26-1 including a record 11-1 in 1976) and winning or sharing three conference championships.From 1961 through 1979 the Maroons were 150-36-3.
All Records were taken from the official Illinois High School Association Web Site. Click 
Chris Cooper
Ross Dosier
Cameron James
