State Runner-Up

Front Row, L to R.: Don Craig, Dick Burns, Bill Bauder, John Stern, John Pierce, Neal Otten, Les Kenney, Ray Cervontes, Mascot Haselton.

Back Row, L to R: Bill Stindt, Chuck Bennett, Paul Gallentine, Doug Martin, Gary Knabe, Tom Daniels, Arlyn Cain, Eldon Williams, Coach Haselton.

The 1956 cross-country team turned in the most successful season in RFHS history. The team won all 11 of it’s dual meets along with winning invitational titles at Peoria and
Sterling, as well as the NCIC championship. On the state level the team captured the District title before coming up just short to LaGrange Twp to finish 2nd at the state meet.

Don Craig led the Rockets at state with a 12th place finish. He was followed by Gary Knabe in 18th, Les Kenney-19th, Dick Burns-24th and Bill Bauder-40th. John Pierce and John Stern rounded out the team. Dick Haselton was the coach.