For over a century, Libertyville High School has built an athletic legacy through perseverance, passion and continuous growth. From its earliest days as Libertyville Township High School, sports have been a key community pillar. Originally, LTHS sports have been defined by maroon and white jerseys on the field and fans rallying to the familiar tune of “On Wisconsin” in the stands. However, as the school evolved over time, so did its identity. It wasn’t until much later that the idea for Willie the Wildcat and the iconic orange and black would become synonymous with Libertyville.
Few know the history better than Coach Dale Eggert, a 1974 LHS graduate and pillar of the athletic community. His book, “Libertyville High School Athletic History: The First 100 Years (1917-2017)” takes a deep dive into the growth of athletics at Libertyville. Eggert has played many different roles in the community, from being an accomplished athlete in his student years to teaching health education and coaching wrestling as a profession at LHS. In 2017, his extensive research into the deep athletic history was used in the creation of his book, which is compiled of both previously written articles and new ones.
Despite several struggles to kickstart the sports programs in the beginning years, Libertyville soon gained traction. By the 1920s and 30s, LTHS had entered an era of dominance, with very little losses.
“In the late 20s and through the rest of the 30s, they just didn’t lose,” Eggert said. “They were really good back then. Good pockets will come and go– but every sport, at some point in time, makes a good extended run for several years in a row.”
When Libertyville Township High School was established in 1917, opportunities were especially scarce for girls. While boys’ sports had quickly developed, girls were limited to intramural class vs. class games, the first of which took place in 1919. Sports continued at this rate until 1972 when Title IX was passed, a law that required schools to provide equal opportunities regardless of sex.
According to Coach Gretchen Hausmann, a physical education teacher and advocate for girls’ athletics at the time, “By the time Title IX was passed LHS was so ready for girls’ athletics. The previous athletic opportunities we had before this put LHS ahead of so many schools around us.” However, change wasn’t immediate.
“Title Nine was passed after my sophomore season, so there were no girls sports until then,” Coach Eggert said. “It wasn’t overnight, it was a slow process of adding teams, equipment and uniforms, but it didn’t take long for Libertyville to be incredibly good in girls athletics.”
Libertyville’s opportunities for an athletic upbringing not only shaped championship teams, but also inspired lifelong careers.
“At Central School [active 1939-1984], my math teacher was a coach, and I thought it was cool that he could be teaching by day and coaching after school,” Eggert said. “I knew right then, I didn’t know what subject I wanted to teach, but I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”
As time passes, Libertyville’s rich athletic legacy will remain a source of pride and inspiration for future generations. From its earliest years at LTHS to the championship-winning school it is now, Libertyville has continually embraced change and pushed forward despite challenges brought on. Thanks to the dedicated coaches, athletes and fans, Libertyville’s sports legacy will continue to thrive.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Coach Dale Eggert for his invaluable knowledge and research which made this feature possible.
![Senior Liam Hanson (1) is escorted by his parents before the game to celebrate senior night. He will miss “hanging out with [his] boys and going out to eat after games and practices.”](https://www.lhsdoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_1389-1200x800.jpg)
