Mike McClure - Baseball Coach (1971-1981)
2000 Inductee
Winningest baseball coach in team history was responsible for establishing a tradition-rich program that produced 25 winning records in the next 27 seasons after his arrival. In 10 seasons, his teams were 312-177, for a winning percentage of .638. The Warriors earned three Southern Illinois College Conference championships during his tenure – 1973, 1974 and Fall 1979 – and ascended to a No. 2 statewide ranking (Region IV) and 20th in the nation in Spring 1974, when they finished 32-6. Following year his players finished 1-2 in statewide stolen base race. His spring record was even better – 225-118 (.656). After finishing one game under-.500 in his first try and 17-13 the next, the unflappable mentor led his charges to records of 32-6, 29-16, 40-18, 38-21, 38-18, 27-24, 41-19 and 37-28. Many former players followed the Mt. Vernon native into the coaching ranks, including Sports Hall of Fame Charter Member Doug Creel. Decided to give up college coaching following automobile accident while recruiting. • Assisted the man he succeeded as baseball coach, Jim Waugh, with men’s basketball from 1971-76. The Warriors won SICC honors in 1972-73 (20-6 overall). Woodlawn Grade School Teacher, Athletic Director and Boys Basketball Coach returned to RLC hardwood several times after that to claim junior high “state” championships.
2009 Induction Ceremonies
February 28, 2009
Rend Lake College Banquet Center
Nominating Process
The Selection Committee has the responsibility of evaluating all nominees to determine those individuals/teams to be inducted annually into the Rend Lake College Sports Hall of Fame.
Nominees may be from several categories – Former Athletes; Former Coaches; Former Teams; Alumni Coaches, and Sports Professionals (officials, writers, photographers and other professionals). Nominations are solicited each year from former players, coaches and students, college personnel and the general public...(more)