Libertyville High School Boys Athletics History: 1975-1989
• The following is part of an ongoing series of articles in celebration of Libertyville High School's 100th anniversary.
Brett Butler, a 1975 graduate, was a successful three-sport athlete, capturing three wrestling All-Conference honors, starting at center field his senior year in baseball, and captaining the cross-country team. He went on to have a 17-year major league baseball career for the Braves, Indians, Giants, Dodgers and Mets. He spent several years coaching in the MLB for the Diamondbacks and Marlins.
The 1976 baseball team finished second in state in the baseball program's first trip to state. They were led by two pitchers who would get drafted by MLB teams, Brian Schwerman (Pirates) and Mike Lindal (Orioles).
The 1976 wrestling team won LHS's first wrestling regional title. They went on to finish fourth in the state, led by the Gulsvig brothers earning All-State honors: Greg winning the 185 title, Phil taking third at 167.
The 1977 track team finished ninth in the state, their first top 10 finish since 1932. They were led by Jim Lenzini taking second in the shot put, fifth in the discus.
Kreg Yingst won the 1978 Tennis Singles title under the direction of his father, Dale, 16 year LHS tennis head coach. His efforts led LHS to fifth place in the state. It was Kreg's third All-State finish as he took seventh in 1976, fifth in 1977.
Shane Sanders gave LHS its first gymnastics success in winning floor exercise state titles in 1981 and 1982.
The football playoffs began in the fall of 1974. Libertyville first earned their first spot in the playoffs in 1985 with a 9-0 record. Making the playoffs was more challenging in the early years as there were only five classes. Only a handful of 7-2 teams qualified for the playoffs.
Football won its first playoff games in 1987, defeating Fremd and Zion-Benton to reach the quarterfinals.
The boys soccer program began in the fall of 1978 under the direction of Andy Bitta, who went on to a 32-year head soccer coaching career. Nine seasons later in 1986 the soccer team took second in the state. Just a 2-1 overtime loss to Collinsville prevented the state title.
The 1986 wrestling team won its first conference title in 12 years. They also won the sectional title to reach their first Dual Team State Tournament under the direction of 15 year head coach Bob Billberg.