Swimming Hall of Fame

Front row, from left: manager Dave Rahn, John Springer, Bob Garnant, Bob Foss, Shannon Wood, Scott McCaIlen and Gary Frazele

Second row: coach Joe Clement, manager Wendy Rogy, John Houser, Jim Bucher, Herb Myers, Trey Beeson, Gib Leach, Cliff Myers, manager Lisa LeClair and, coach Rich Clopper

When the Richwoods Knights finished second to Hinsdale Central in 1972, they became the southernmost swimming and diving program to win a top-two state trophy. With a combined 112 state finals in the books through February 2009, the 1972 Knights retained that distinction until Peoria Notre Dame finished second in 2015.

What set them apart further is the fact that prior to 1972, Thornwood High, in the Chicago suburb of South Holland, was the second-most "southern" school to place in IHSA's swimming and diving top two. The first state swim finals were held in 1932.

Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame member Rich Clopper, who was in his third season as Richwoods head coach, and his assistant, Joe Clement, did the Knights' driving.

The highest Richwoods placers in the 1972 state meet were senior Gib Leach and sophomore Jim Bucher. Leach regained the 100-yard breaststroke title he won as a sophomore, breaking the 1-minute barrier in the process. Bucher placed second in the 200 individual medley. Junior John Houser and senior Cliff Myers teamed with Bucher and Leach to win the 200 medley relay.

Hinsdale Central swept the other eight swimming events on the way to its sixth of a state-record 12 consecutive team titles under coach Don Watson. Hinsdale Central totaled 213 points. The Knights scored 115, 16 more than co-third-place finishers Evanston and New Trier East.