Evolution of Cadillac High School Football
Beginnings of CHS Athletic Association & Football
The High School Athletic Association & Club in Cadillac formed in time for the Fall Semester of 1896, and the first football game was against Reed City on October 3rd. However, their version of football would not be recognizable to modern players and fans, as there were no official rules, uniforms, equipment or coaches. The first football coach was Harry Helmer in 1908, and there was no official football field until the games were moved to Lincoln Field in 1927. There was no proper stadium until 1956.
This information is from 100 Seasons: Cadillac High School Football by Stu Starkweather, and if you want to learn more about the history, teams, and games, give it a read!
CHS Team Photos in Museum Collection
We do have gaps in the years available, as everything in our collection has been acquired through donation. Here are the labeled Cadillac High School football team photos we have!
Read 100 Seasons: Cadillac High School Football by Stu Starkweather to see existing photos of varsity and junior varsity teams up to 1995.
1975-1976 Football Team and KISS Visit
Thanks to Assistant Coach Neff’s idea to play rock music in the locker room to encourage the players, the team’s losing streak was broken and turned into an amazing winning streak! When Coach Neff shared this story to a member of KISS’s staff, they were able to arrange for the band to visit Cadillac for the High School Homecoming on October 9th & 10th, 1975.
The entire city got involved in the excitement! Everyone painted their faces with KISS makeup, including the City Council members who presented the band a Key To The City at the press breakfast. KISS took photos all over the city, including when Mitchell Street was temporarily named KISS Boulevard. The high school students built a parade float of Gene Simmons dressed as a Cadillac Viking. KISS played an amazing concert in the high school gym for tickets at $3.50. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
In this ESPN interview, learn more about how Coach Neff arranged for KISS to visit Cadillac for the 1976 Homecoming! Also, follow the Cadillac Area Visitor Bureau KISStory Tour, newly expanded for the 50th Anniversary!