Murphysboro High School Hall of Fame: Class of 2017
Cliff Stein
M.T.H.S. Class of 1977
“In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, it is the life in your years that really matter.” quote by Abraham Lincoln On October 8, 1976, at 18 years of age, Cliff Stein passed away in the main hallway of Murphysboro Township High School. Because of his personality, leadership skills, athletic talent, and love of this community, Cliff became one of the most popular and highly respected young men to ever attend M.T.H.S. In 1971-72, as a Blue Devil at Carruthers Junior High School, Cliff was considered by many as the best all-around young athlete in southern Illinois. However, in the spring of that year, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease that changed his life. His dreams of playing basketball, baseball, and football as a Murphysboro Red Devil were over. At this point, he turned his energy and attention to other activities that expanded his life and legacy. |
During the next four years, Cliff became very active in church and civic organizations, the school newspaper, Letterman’s Club, Key Club and school theater, just to name a few.
Perhaps Cliff is best remembered for founding and developing a group of elementary school youngsters that became known as the Murphysboro Zips. The Zips were taught ball handling and Globetrotter type basketball skills in order to entertain fans in southern Illinois and throughout the Tri-State area. In doing so, Cliff Stein and the Murphysboro Zips became well known ambassadors of basketball from Murphysboro, Illinois and, classic examples of “Murphy Pride.”
Cliff was a true Murphysboro Red Devil and Master Coach of the Zips.
Perhaps Cliff is best remembered for founding and developing a group of elementary school youngsters that became known as the Murphysboro Zips. The Zips were taught ball handling and Globetrotter type basketball skills in order to entertain fans in southern Illinois and throughout the Tri-State area. In doing so, Cliff Stein and the Murphysboro Zips became well known ambassadors of basketball from Murphysboro, Illinois and, classic examples of “Murphy Pride.”
Cliff was a true Murphysboro Red Devil and Master Coach of the Zips.
Jake MillerAthlete 2006-2010
Jake Miller wrestled at MHS from 2006 to 2010. He was the first wrestler from Murphysboro to win an Illinois High School Association State Championship. This feat was accomplished in 2007, his Freshman year, when wrestling was still a two class system. Jake went on to place 3rd at State his Sophomore year, 3rd at State his Junior year and 3rd at State his Senior year. He set a record for the fastest pin in a match at the 2009 State Finals. Jake holds the record for All Time Matches Won at MHS, 157 wins and 9 losses. His performance on the wrestling mat earned him, 4-time Regional Champ, 4-time Sectional Champ, 4-time All South, and the MVP award for all 4 years at MHS. He also was 4-timeAll State, where he was one of only two wrestlers his Senior year to receive that honor in 2010. |
Jake was named Wrestler of The Year by the Southern Illinoisan Newspaper in 2007 as a Freshman. He was Nationally Ranked his Sophomore year, Junior year, and Ranked 25th in the nation his Senior year, by USA Wrestling Magazine. Jakes academic skills were as sharp as his wrestling, achieving High Honors all 4 years at MHS.
Jake took part in MHS wrestling team accomplishments, which included 3-time Conference Champs, Regional Champ and when the team made it to the Elite Eight in 2009.
His Middle School years were also impressive, where he placed at State his 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. Jake started his wrestling career at the age of 5 years old.
Jake took part in MHS wrestling team accomplishments, which included 3-time Conference Champs, Regional Champ and when the team made it to the Elite Eight in 2009.
His Middle School years were also impressive, where he placed at State his 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. Jake started his wrestling career at the age of 5 years old.
Shea BakerAthlete 2005-2009
Shea Baker began his wrestling career at a very young age with the help and encouragement of his dad. Starting around the age of five, Shea always enjoyed the competition, dedication, and skill it took to be a successful wrestler. However, it wasn’t until the start of his high school career that Shea found his true passion and drive for the sport. During Shea’s high school career, he received a varsity letter in wrestling for four years, football for two years, golf and baseball for one year. However, wrestling is where Shea excelled the most. During his wrestling career, Shea had a total of 147 wins. Shea placed three times in the state wrestling tournament during his high school career. |
He placed 4th his sophomore year, 3rd his junior year and 1st in his senior year. During Shea’s senior year he had a record of 38-0. This was the same year the wrestling team made it to team state for the first time in school history. After Shea graduated in 2009, he eventually found himself back at his old stomping ground still wanting to make a difference for the Murphysboro Wrestling program. In 2010, Shea began his coaching career as an assistant coach under his uncle, Dan Baker.
Shea was an assistant coach under Dan Baker for five years. He became the head wrestling coach at the start of the 2015-2016 wrestling season. During his first wrestling season as head coach, he had the privilege to coach the Red Devils to a Conference, Regional, and Sectional Championship. The Red Devils then went on to be the first wresting team to place in state with a third place finish.
Shea looks forward to continuing his coaching career at Murphysboro High School. He will continue to use his experience and knowledge to shape future wrestlers. His goal is to coach a few state champions of his own. Shea credits his father Ted Baker, his uncle Dan Baker, and previous wrestling coaches and teammates on his success and love of wrestling. He hopes to continue to instill his love of the sport in many future wrestlers and make a positive impact on their lives, just as the sport of wrestling did for him.
Shea was an assistant coach under Dan Baker for five years. He became the head wrestling coach at the start of the 2015-2016 wrestling season. During his first wrestling season as head coach, he had the privilege to coach the Red Devils to a Conference, Regional, and Sectional Championship. The Red Devils then went on to be the first wresting team to place in state with a third place finish.
Shea looks forward to continuing his coaching career at Murphysboro High School. He will continue to use his experience and knowledge to shape future wrestlers. His goal is to coach a few state champions of his own. Shea credits his father Ted Baker, his uncle Dan Baker, and previous wrestling coaches and teammates on his success and love of wrestling. He hopes to continue to instill his love of the sport in many future wrestlers and make a positive impact on their lives, just as the sport of wrestling did for him.
Jaelen A. McWilliams Athlete 2009-2010
Jaelen McWilliams has been a resident of Murphysboro, IL since 1999 when he started 2nd grade at Carruthers Elementary School. He also attended Murphysboro Middle School where he participated in band and track & field under Coach Ken Stroud. After leaving Murphysboro, Jaelen went to Sandwich High School in Northern Illinois where he played football and participated in track & field. He earned a varsity letter his freshman and sophomore year in track and earned the All-Academic Award both years as well. He also earned Rookie of the Year as a freshman and the Most Valuable Player Award as a sophomore. Jaelen was also involved in Student Council and Spanish Club. After his sophomore year, he transferred to Southaven High School in Mississippi for a semester before returning to Murphysboro in January 2009 to finish his junior year. |
For the remainder of his time at MHS, Jaelen participated in track and field under Coach Jim West and football under Coach Bob Stilley. In 2009, Jaelen finished 7th in the 100m Dash at the IHSA 1A State Track Meet. He was also part of the 4x100m Relay Team which finished 8th place. To finish off his senior year and track season, Jaelen won first place in the 100m Dash at the 2010 IHSA 1A State Track Meet at Eastern Illinois University. Jaelen graduated in May 2010 with High Honors and as a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Key Club.
In May 2014 Jaelen received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. He continued his education at SIUC and earned his Master of Public Administration Degree in May 2016. He currently works for Wexford Health Sources as a Behavioral Health Technician at Menard Correctional Center in Chester, IL.
In May 2014 Jaelen received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. He continued his education at SIUC and earned his Master of Public Administration Degree in May 2016. He currently works for Wexford Health Sources as a Behavioral Health Technician at Menard Correctional Center in Chester, IL.