| Membership level: Hall of Fame F. Eugene Strode Inductee Year 2004 |  |
| Gene Strode spent 28 years working with the staff, students, and parents of District 86. First as a physical education teacher and finally as Athletic Director. As Athletic Director for 15 years (1978-1993) his teams won 23 state championships and 42 state trophies. He was instrumental in expanding the athletic programs for both boys and girls at Central. His impact extended beyond just the winning of trophies as he mentored many coaches in the sports programs. His impact is still seen at Central as its sports teams continue to dominate in local and state competition. As Central s head football coach (1968-1988), Gene s teams won five conference championships. He was elected to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of fame in 1989. Gene is a graduate of Western Illinois University. He was captain of the 1958 Leatherneck team and an all conference selection. He was inducted into Western Illinois University s Hall of Fame in 1991. Gene and his wife Sue currently reside in Frederick, Illinois and are the parents of 4 children, Stacy, Jill Strode Huskisson, Phillip, and Michael. |
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