50 years ago, in the fall of 1974, twenty Mahomet-Seymour teen-agers made history. They were members of the first competitive volleyball team to represent the Bulldogs. More than that, they were pioneers in another manner. Girls’ sports were in their infancy as the mid-1970s approached due to the result of a federal law that took effect on June 23, 1972. Known as Title IX, it prohibited discrimination at any school that receives funding from the federal government.
More than anything, those who were once pioneer players appreciate how the sporting scene has evolved for girls. In the Fall 1974 season, the Mahomet-Seymour competed in 9 games, compiling a 5-4 Varsity record, while the Junior Varsity squad finished with a 6-3 record. Opponents during the initial season of IHSA competition included Fisher, Bellflower, LeRoy, Homer, Bismarck, Rantoul, PBL, St. Joseph, and Champaign Centennial.
Today Mahomet-Seymour offers 13 sports to girls: basketball, football and basketball cheer, competitive dance, cross-country, swimming and diving, golf, softball, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.
Reflecting on the progress in girls’ sports at MSHS LaDonna (Bull) Kaiser stated, “It was an exciting time for us girl athletes, and at the time it didn’t really sink in how this would shape the future for other girls.” She also has seen this come full circle in her family. “As I’ve watched my daughters and granddaughters participate in sports over the years, it warmed my heart knowing that it all started with us teenagers in the ’70s.”
Members of the team led by head coach Ann Jordan were:
SENIORS – LaDonna Bull, Teya Burnham, Jo Menacher, Evelyn Price, Becky Rayburn
JUNIORS – Cindy Booher, Roby Frank, John Page
SOPHOMORES – Teresa Dinkelman and Hediye Tigrak
FRESHMEN – Crystal Branson, Becky Bull, Vicki Butler, Sue Hurley, Dawn Jeffers, Terri Jones, Julie Meredith, Sue Sparks, Karen Stuaffer, Julie Thomas
Some photos captured during the 50th anniversary ceremony of MSHS volleyball prior to the varsity volleyball match against PBL.
This Week in Bulldog Athletics - Overtime 