Mike McDonald To Enter IHSFCA Hall of Fame

Former Effingham High School football coach Mike McDonald was named a member of the 2019 Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association Hall of Fame class.

McDonald coached the Hearts from the 1992-93 season to 2014-15. He finished with a 125-100 record and took teams to the playoffs in Class 4A eight times and in Class 5A five times. He finished with 35 years of coaching.

 The IHSFCA, in conjunction with its Annual Spring Clinic, will induct the group of high school football coaches into the Hall of Fame Saturday, March 30. The list of active, retired, career and assistant coaches include some truly great individuals. They were selected for their contributions to the profession and impact on the school and community where they coached.

The coaches will be honored at a luncheon to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign at noon March 30. The luncheon speaker will be Lovie Smith, head football coach for the University of Illinois. Price per ticket is $25 and may be obtained from Phil Salzer, secretary-treasurer, at 3101 N. Old Trail Road, Peoria, IL 61604. The emcee for the event is Jim Sheppard of Urbana.

Also entering from the area is Brian Spooner who coached at Martinsville, Greenville and Clifton Central. He had a 161-92 record in 27 years and nine championships.