1897 - 2024
The Vicksburg Bulldogs football program dates back to 1897 when players performed without uniforms or protective gear and played on the nearest pasture. Much of the history is spread over several forms of media, unfortunately significant gaps exist in the timeline making the collection and documentation of events, personnel and statistics very difficult. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our ancestors the Program has survived two World Wars, The Great Depression and several other significant challenges. In an effort to proudly honor those individuals and motivate future generations, the goal is to gather and organize as much of the historical information as practical, then to create a going forward format and process for collecting and publishing Bulldog football results, statistics and honors. In this Website you will find information/highlights that have been collected to date, if you have additional input or information and/or corrections please make us aware so the information can be updated, your input is welcomed. See Contact Tab to reach us.
A Salute to the undefeated and/or Football Conference Champions of Vicksburg High School
  • 1930 Undefeated Team 8 - 0: 12 Points Given Up All Season
  • 1946 Undefeated KVA Conference Champions 7 - 0
  • 1947 KVA CO-Conference Champions 5 - 0 - 2
  • 1949 KVA Conference Champions 5 - 3
  • 1952 Undefeated Team 8 - 0
  • 1967 Undefeated Wolverine Conference Champion Team 8 - 0
  • 1975 Wolverine Conference Champion Team 7 - 2
  • 1990 Wolverine Conference Champion Team 8 - 2
  • 1992 Wolverine Conference Championship Team 7 - 2
  • 1993 Wolverine Conference Champion Team 8 - 2
  • Ken Fox # 10 Larry Grubka # 82
  • 1965 Junior Varsity Record 7 - 0 Unscored Upon 138 - 0
  • 2025: Legends of '25 made VHS history with first ever District and Regional Championships
Documents confirm Vicksburg football began with an independent team on September 25, 1897 playing a home game against Galesburg, The game was played at Notley Field (Lions Pride now stands on this location) behind Hardings Market. The game was described as a "fiasco" as there were virtually no rules consequently, Galesburg trailing 14 - 6 at half-time left for home giving Vicksburg their first victory. The independent team continued until 1916 when scholastic rules were implimented. The first known Vicksburg coach was Marshall Shearer remaining so until 1917 when hundreds gathered to wish the well liked and highly respected coach farewell as he boarded the Grand Trunk train as he went off to World War I. Mercer Munn and Minty Hath the agriculture teacher followed Shearer as the football coaches until 1923 when Andy Beam (a non-teacher) was hired to coach football. Unfortunately, due to incomplete records no final scores, statistics or team records are available until 1923. For many years games were played on whatever field/pasture were available, during this time there was no equipment, no helments, no bands, no cheerleaders and clipping was allowed. Records and statistics beginning in 1923 that have been located are included in other tabs on this website, The history of the football fields is very interesting, after playing on Notley Field and any other open field in 1925 a new field was established located at the "Old Elementary School". The next roughly 100 years is where the interest grows as depending on who one speaks with the legend took several turns all of which are likely true however, the exact dates and details are open for discussion. In 1953 or 1954 Ted Beddow (a player/coach) inaugurated a new field however, there are memories within the 1925 -1954 period in history that are noteworthy. Charlie Ackerman who played in 1949 - 1952 clearly remembers the "Home Field Advantage" of playing on Elementary Field where nearly half of the field was gravel which according to Acherman gave the Bulldogs a two touchdown home field advantage as the opponents didn't like playing on gravel. There are also memories of playing home games at K-College due to the poor field condition. Charlie quickly points out that in his combined Junior and Senior year their football record was 15 -1 and in basketball they were 37-2 both losses were to Paw Paw. Bulldog POWER! Additionally, can you imagine the current Atheletic Complex (depending on whom one is interviewing) being a swamp, a pond or a lake? The area was certainly a very wet area regardless of how one defines it. The area was eventully dredged with the soil being piled high to make a snow sledding hill. The rehabilited area has developed over the years into the modern multi-sport facility that exists today. Great job Vicksburg! Speaking of wet area, did you know the football practice field area has a river flowing under it? It's a fact, no wonder parts of that field remain soft after a rain fall. Go Bulldogs!
1968 Punt, Pass & Kick 10 Year Old State Champion Rick Vieugel (#52) also was a Member of the 1975 Conference Championship Team
Use this area for additional historical pictures