TriCounty Thirteen was far from an unlucky number for Ramsey, whose Illinois Central College Cougars, after missing out on title trophies in 12 previous national tournament appearances - captured the 1991-1992 NJCAA Division II women's championship with an 89-72 victory over Lansing (Mich.) Community College late last March in Bismarck, N.D.
ICC defeated Kankakee 75-74 and Lackawanna (Pa.) 102-73 enroute to the title. The Cougars finished the season with a 29-7 record and a 10-game winning streak.
A member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 1983) and Tri-County Sports Figure of the Year winner in 1979, Ramsey adds the big basketball trophy to a national softball championship. Her teams in 23 seasons at the two-year East Peoria school have recorded more than 500 victories in both sports.
A former Pekin Lettes ( 401-90 career pitching record) star, Ramsey's playing and coaching accomplishments have resulted in her induction into six Halls of Fame. She has coached for the United States in four Pan American Games.
MARK OLSON Mark Olson came to Peoria in 1963, and because of his most successful background in hockey in Michigan, he immediately involved himself in the promotion and development of hockey in the Peoria area. He became player-coach of the Pekin Stars from 1964-68, and then in 1971 he provided a leadership role in cooperation with Pete Bardezbanian, his sons, Mike, Rick and Joe, and other volunteers to form the Peoria Blades hockey team. At the same time, Mark gave liberally of his time and talents to further youth hockey in the Peoria area. | ![]() |