HR0146

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to acknowledge the 100th 
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anniversary of Centralia High School boys basketball program; 
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and

 
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    WHEREAS, In 1906 the first basketball game was played in 
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the basement of "B" Building, which had a 12 foot high ceiling 
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and support posts on the court; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Play was moved in 1922 to a new gymnasium, which 
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only provided seating on the west side of the gym; 1936 saw the 
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move to the A.L. Trout Gymnasium, named after Centralia's 
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legendary coach; and

 
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    WHEREAS, A.L. Trout served as coach from 1914 until 1950; 
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"Coach" holds the Illinois High School Boys Basketball record 
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for wins at one school with 809 wins; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Centralia High School is listed 9th among  all-time 
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winning boys basketball teams and the winningest high school 
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basketball team of the 20th century; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Centralia earned the nickname "Orphans" after a 
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Chicago sports writer referred to the team as orphans after 
 


 






HR0146
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seeing their bedraggled suits and button-less warm up jackets; 
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Coach Trout liked the name and it stuck; they are the only 
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sports team with the nickname; and

 
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    WHEREAS, The Centralia High School basketball Orphans, 
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winners of State tournaments in 1918, 1922, and 1942, have been 
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a source of immense pride to the citizens of Centralia; 
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therefore, be it
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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congratulate the many fine athletes who have been a part of the 
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colorful history of Centralia Orphans basketball; we also thank 
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the coaches, managers, athletic directors, boosters, fans, and 
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everyone involved in the basketball program, for making it such 
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a vital part of the Centralia community; and be it further

 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to a representative of the Centralia High School 
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basketball program as a symbol of our esteem.