Former IHSA boss Astroth dies

Lavere “Liz” Astroth, a former Illinois High School Association executive director with suburban ties to Glenbard East and Glenbard West, died recently in Kansas City, Kan., at the age of 89.

Astroth served the IHSA as an administrator for 24 years, the final stop on a 45-year year career in education. Astroth joined the IHSA as an assistant executive director in 1967 and ascended to the position of executive director in 1978, a role he remained in until his retirement in 1991.

Before joining the IHSA, Astroth worked at Glenbard West High School in 1953 as a teacher and coach and then went on to become the first athletic director at Glenbard East High School when the school opened in 1958.

During his time at the IHSA, Astroth served as the administrator for the sports of boys baseball, boys basketball, football, boys soccer, boys track & field, wrestling and was also in charge of the Officials Department.

Under Astroth’s leadership, the IHSA saw a great deal of expansion, including the addition of state finals in 12 girls sports, the establishment of the football playoffs and state finals, the addition of a State Series in Scholastic Bowl, the movement to multiple classes in several sports, and the organization of the IHSA’s first TV network.

“Liz was clearly an exceptional leader and helped make the IHSA one of the premier state associations in the country,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “In many ways, he was a visionary whose impact is still felt as we continue to utilize many of programs, policies and procedures that were established during his time at the IHSA.”

Astroth was born in Alton and graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Illinois, where he lettered three times in both baseball and football. The two-time College All Star Football Game participant went on to serve his country in World War II after college.

Astroth started his teaching and coaching career at Hoopeston High School in 1946, serving as the head coach in football, basketball, baseball and track & field. He then moved on to Urbana High School in 1951, where he served as the head basketball coach and assistant football coach before moving to the Glenbard school system in 1953.

Astroth, who died Jan. 23, also was an IHSA official in four sports prior to joining the staff. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1983 and was the recipient of the Ray Elliot Award for service to Illinois high school athletics in 1991.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 20 at 2:00 p.m. at South-Broadland Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Mo.

He is survived by his wife, Jean of Westwood, Kan.; son, Dr. Jeffrey Astroth of Denver, Colo.; daughter, Mrs. Jill Reese of Westwood, Kan.; son, Dr. Jonathan Astroth of Normal, Ill.; brothers Joe and Bob Astroth; sisters Margaret Schultz and Peggy Saale; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to South-Broadland Presbyterian Church at www.southbroadland.org.