Foster McCarthy

Class of 2010

Champaign High School

A native of St. Joseph, IL, Foster McCarthy’s first season at Champaign High School was the 1939-40 school year. During that season, the Maroons won 10 of 11 dual meets and won the Big 12 Tournament, the Champaign Sectional and placed 7th in the state meet.

Over the next three years, Foster’s teams started a dynasty in the central portion of the state that would carry on for years. His second season at Champaign saw CHS win the state championship and they placed 3rd in 1942. During his first three years at the helm, Coach McCarthy’s teams lost only one dual meet and tied one. Foster coached twelve state place-winners, including one State Champion.

Two days prior to the start of the 1942-43 wrestling season, Foster McCarthy was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Roy Swindell replaced Foster McCarthy and the Champaign team finished second behind Proviso, claiming three champions.