Quarter century of memories: Wallace’s return from suspension starts run to regional title

April 23, 2023 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor

Former Quincy High School coach Loren Wallace served a 15-game suspension during the 2002-03 season, but led led the Blue Devils to a 7-2 record upon his return. | Photo courtesy QHS Basketball

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment:

February 1, 2003 — Quincy 81, Normal West 49

QUINCY — It felt like a season opener even though it was the first day of February.

Nerves. Anticipation. Curiosity.

The Quincy High School boys basketball players’ emotions ran the gamut as they prepared to play Normal West on a Saturday night in Blue Devil Gym. They were 18 games into their season and had spent the previous 15 games without head coach Loren Wallace on the sideline.

An Illinois High School Association-imposed suspension for a bylaw violation put the Hall of Fame coach on the sideline, but a ruling the previous week shortened the suspension from one year to 15 games. So on Feb. 1, 2003, Wallace rejoined his team.

That morning’s shootaround was the first contact the Blue Devils had with their coach the entire suspension.

“At first, you didn’t know what to say,” Bryce Bushmeyer, a senior guard, told the Quincy Herald-Whig that night. “It’s like, ‘Whoa, Coach Wallace is back.’”

The Blue Devils played like he never left.

They shot 59.6 percent from the field, played ball-hawking defense and cruised to an 81-49 victory at Blue Devil Gym with an appreciative crowd welcoming the coach back with open arms. Students held up “Welcome back” signs, and fans hugged him as he came out of the locker room for the pregame warmups.

“I’ve never gotten so many hugs in my whole life,” he said.

The IHSA ruled Wallace in violation of recruiting bylaws in regards to the enrollment of Brooks Allen, a senior guard who moved with his family from Pittsfield to Quincy. On Dec. 4, 2002, after the Blue Devils won the QHS Thanksgiving Tournament and were 3-0, the IHSA imposed a one-year suspension.

An appeal heard by the IHSA on January 13, 2003, revealed Wallace exerted no undue influence over Allen or his family. Allen, who also had been suspended, was reinstated immediately and the IHSA Board of Directors agreed to review Wallace’s suspension.

On January 24, 2003, the IHSA changed course, reduced Wallace’s suspension to 15 games and cleared the path for his return.

The Blue Devils went 10-5 in his absence with Jose Quintero and Tom Lepper guiding the team.

“Those two guys made it easy coming back because they kept the system going and the program floating,” Wallace said.

The Blue Devils won seven of the nine games played following Wallace’s return, captured a Class AA regional title and finished 21-7.

To check out previous stories in this series, click on the links below:

Blue Devils dismantle Redbirds to end regional title drought

Return of QHS-QND series comes with sophomore guard Shoot-ing down rival

Summers buries Maroons’ title hopes with last-second shot

Kvitle’s career-best scoring effort carries QHS to regional title

Dade’s half-court heave banks in for Thanksgiving tourney title

Summers puts hip pain aside to leave Alleman hurting

Riled up Blue Devils run former assistant coach’s team out of gym