The Origins of the GAC

 

The Daily Banner-News, October 14, 1970

 

In this corner…

 

By Michael Gothberg

 

As mentioned here last week, discussion upon the possible formation of a St. Charles County conference has once again begun among several local athletic directors.

In a letter sent to eleven local high schools, the Banner-News sought to obtain the feelings of the different school sports administrators.

As of today, three have replied and all have welcomed the idea – some, though, with reservations.  Francis Howell’s Frank Davis, Fort Zumwalt’s Ted Molitor and Marquette’s John Rogers have stated their interest in such a conference.

Davis stated, “Francis Howell would most definitely be interested in the formation of an eight-team conference.”

The Viking sports director implied, though, that such an undertaking would be quite difficult.

Davis indicated that scheduling and recognition would be tremendous factors favoring a conference formation but pointed out that scheduling must be done several years in advance.

Director John Rogers of Marquette also indicated that his Alton, Illinois, school would be interested in forming a conference.

He said, however, “A conference should be made up of schools holding the same educational philosophies, numbering similar enrollment figures and fairly localized.”

He also listed the scheduling advantage to a league and added, “A conference would be a stronger encouragement for the athletes.”

Ted Molitor, Fort Zumwalt’s athletic director, said, “We would be interested in joining if we can see that the schools participating in a new conference would offer us greater advantages than our current independent schedule.”

Molitor pointed out that ease of scheduling and basic economic reasons would fit into the advantages of conference participation.

Molitor added, “A conference would guarantee games and place a keener competitive edge to the sports included.”

The Panther sports leader also mentioned the fact that that players would receive increased opportunities for athletic scholarships if they belonged to a conference.

Pat Lacey, athletic director of Duchesne High School, said this morning that he would be willing to act as co-chairman of a group attempting to form an eight team conference.

All responding coaches agreed to meet with one another in the hope of forming such a conference.

Readers who wish to voice their opinions, either pro or con toward the formation of a league are urged to write the Banner-News sports department.

I strongly support a league for the simple fact that through competition governed under one heading, the athletes have something with which to identify.  As a member of five high school conference winning teams I welcomed the recognition of being a member of the best time in the league.

There also comes, through winning a conference, respect from other schools not only for that certain team but for the school as well.

Action must be taken now in the formation.

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The Daily Banner-News, Date unknown, 1970

 

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FIRST GAC FOOTBALL GAME

Francis Howell Vikings at Wentzville Indians

Wentzville's Homecoming

October 1, 1971

Francis Howell 27, Wentzville 22

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The Daily Banner-News, October 08, 1971

First GAC Battle Drew 3,000 Spectators

The first ever Gateway Athletic Conference game drew 3,000 fans Wentzville School officials estimated today.

The game, which pitted Wentzville against Francis Howell, was played at Wentzville's Sower [SOBY] field.

It was also Wentzville's homecoming event, but Howell spoiled the event for Wentzville fans by winning 27-22.

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FIRST GAC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

Francis Howell Vikings-1971

Undefeated, 3-0

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