It isn't often that a school will have concurrent championship basketball teams. But the planets aligned for Pioneer in 1988-89.
That's the last time that the girls and boys Panthers basketball teams held simultaneous Section VI titles. This year is the 30th anniversary of that feat and they will both be recognized at Homecoming on Oct. 11.
The girls were coached by Dale Easterly and the boys by Mike Haskell.
Brian Tavernier was a member of the boys team that finished 8-4 in ECIC III Division play. "We exceeded expectations, got hot at the right time, and kept winning those playoff games," he said.
"It seemed like we had a different player step up every game. Rick Hicks had a big game for us early. Jason Fuller came outta nowhere and scored 30 against Seneca, that was a big upset."
Tavernier said playing together as a team made the most difference that winter. "We fully bought into Coach Haskell's system. There was never a 'me first' or 'I need my shots' attitude. Just whatever it took on a given night."
"Tim Owens and Eric Schiener were our best players, but we had six other guys who contributed evenly," Tavernier continued. "Whoever had the hot hand usually got the ball."
In contrast, the Pioneer girls basketball team that season was coming off three straight Section VI titles. How would they react to the departure of center Kris Hanson, who graduated in 1988 having scored 2,042 points?
The team wound up going 12-0 in ECIC Division III.
Amy Schaper was a member of the 1989 team. "I remember our team's passion and dedication. The way our team worked together – everyone put forth effort. There was no single 'superstar' on the team.
"It amazes me the way we persevered. We were often the underdog team, underestimated especially against the city girls. Also, three of us were only sophomores."
Schaper said the season had its teachable moments as well. "Coach Easterly would spray our hands with this sticky spray during practice the next day after a game if we didn’t catch passes from our teammates. We hated it!"