Black Bear Men Through The Years in the State Tournament

A quick look back in the Sun Dial (the SHS student newspaper for many years) found the Black Bears playing in the state tournament five times prior to this year.

1932 at Sterling College

In 1932 Sterling played in the Class B tournament when it traveled to Sterling College and Wilson Gym. There were 11 district winners and five at large schools chosen for the tournament. Sterling was chosen as one of the five. At the state tournament Sterling lost to Erie 32-23 and then to defending champion Buhler.

1942 at Hays

In 1942 The Black Bears returned to the state tournament. Sterling lost 32-31in the Class B Regional Tournament in Great Bend to the 1941 State Champions, Lyons Lions. Because of their performance against Lyons the Bears were awarded one of three at large invitations to the state tournament in Hays. They joined 13 regional winners. Sterling defeated the Turner Bears 31-30 in the opening round of the tournement then lost to Russell in the second round 27-22.

Members of that team were Elbl, Lakey,Bradford, Wyatt, Viles, Brock, Burgert, Dill, Hazlett, and Wagerle.

1958 State Runner-Up at Hutchinson

In 1958 the Bears were back in the Class A Tourney at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Led by head coach Ora Shields the Black Bears defeated Belleville 43-35 in the opening round. In the semi finals Sterling defeated Pratt 74-54. They then faced off against Scott City in the finals where they were defeated 58-42.

Members of that team included Larry Caywood- Co Captain, Jim Unruh Co Captain, Jim Engelland, Ron Stout, Larry Marker, Jim Savage, Fred Stubblefield, Lonny Elliott, Bob McCreery, and John Miller.

1964 at Emporia

In 1964 the Black Bears returned to the State Tournament in Class B this time. Sterling traveled to Emporia where they were defeated in the first round by the Highland Blue Streaks 56-47.

Members of that team were Marlin McFarland, Mark Shields, Mike Forwalder, Bob Buel, Dennis Vincent,Carl Fisher, Phil Partington, Ken Yost, Don Caywood, Denny Schmidt, David Young, and Dennis Asbury

2000 at Manhattan

The Bears finally returned to the 2A state tournament in 2000 where they were defeated by the Meade Buffaloes 65-59 in the first round at Manhattan.

2012 2A State Champions at Manhattan

The Black Bears, 19-4, entered the 2A state tournament as the 6th seed and defeated #3 seed Jeff North in overtime. Day 2 brought the defending state champions Berean Academy to the table. The Bears defeated the Warriors 50-44 . In the final the Black Bears took on the undefeated Meade Buffaloes and claimed the state crown 71-49 for the first state championship for Sterling. The Bears ended the season 22-4.