Where Are They Now -- Leon Gobczynski

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If you've lived around this area for a while then you've heard the name Leon Gobczynski. Gobczynski graduated from Teutopolis High School in 1971 after a stellar basketball career for the Wooden Shoes.

He went on to play college basketball at Millikin University in Decatur and after that went on to play professional ball in Europe.

"From an early age I loved going to games in JH Griffin Gym in Teutopolis," said Gobczynski. "With the great history associated with friends and family, it just seemed natural to continue in that tradition."

Gobczynski went from scoring 14 points during his freshman season to breaking the single-season scoring record with 692 in his senior year.

"One of my best memories playing for T-town was beating St. Anthony in the regional final in 1971," said Gobczynski. "St. Anthony had two losses only that season and they were both to us. I scored 41 points in that game and sat out the entire third quarter in foul trouble."

After his high school career, he went on to Millikin University where he started all four years. He had the highest collegiate average in Illinois at 28 points per game for his career. He was the second-leading scorer in the nation in 1974, NAIA All-American 1974 and Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Most Valuable Player in 1974.

He majored in physical education and had a minor in science and history.

"Athletics changed my life in so many ways. It permitted me to get an education and make a living in Europe for 8 1/2 years. I have met so many great people from the area who have been so kind to me and my family. I will never be able to repay the debt I owe them.

"My professional career in basketball was pretty good. I played for three national professional championships, winning the French Cup in 1982. Lost the Swiss Cup in 1976 and lost in the final or our division in 1979. I averaged 32 points a game as a pro. I had a tryout with the Houston Rockets in 1982."

Gobczynski is married to Rebecca and they live in Teutopolis. They had twins, Stephanie and Andrew, who is deceased. Both twins played basketball for Teutopolis. 

"The last 27 1/2 years I have been a State Farm agent in Effingham," said Gobczynski. "I was approached by State Farm as I was preparing to become a superintendent. After a lot of reflection, I decided to go into insurance because it gave me a chance to return to the area as a businessman and allow my children to attend Teutopolis schools."

When asked about sports now, Gobczynski said, "I like high school and college sports. I dislike professional basketball as it is a show and entertainment more than pure sport."

What advice would he give athletes now?

"Practice. Work hard, stay focused on your goal, believe in yourself before anyone else."