Bob Schaible played for the 1961 Mott Lincoln High School Cardinals, who won the Class B state championship, the first of two titles in a row for the school.
The Cardinals enjoyed a long winning streak in the early 1960s, peaking Schaible's interest in basketball history and streaks.
What started as research on his Mott teams turned into a complete list of state winning streaks for Class A, Class B, Class C and Consolidated League in both boys and girls. He also extended into football as he started this project last March.
He also has dug up streaks for futility and other achievements of distinction.
"Sports has always been next to my heart," said Schaible, who resides in Bismarck. "I know a lot of sports fans out there would appreciate my effort. I have enjoyed it."
ADVERTISEMENT
Schaible plans to have his records published in a book for this summer's centennial celebration in Mott. He honed his information scanning through newspaper archives, historical records, yearbooks and numerous personal interviews with players and coaches throughout the state.
Schaible said he completed his list just before Christmas.
The information has been a useful barometer of late as Fargo North's girls and boys basketball teams have both enjoyed long winning streaks. The boys team's streak ended at
30 games in late December, a string that tied the Class A record, according to Schaible's information. Wahpeton also won 30 consecutive games in the early 1940s.
The North girls are currently on a 34-game winning streak. Williston has the Class A record at 57 games in a row in the 1970s, winning state championships in 1975, 1976 and 1977 before losing in 1978.
Other streaks of note: The Class C Alsen Broncos have the all-time boys record, winning 79 games in a row in the late 1950s. The Consolidated League Ayr Rifles have the all-time girls record, winning 109 consecutive games in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Also of interest, Mott holds the Class B boys record with 55 wins in a row in the early 1960s, a streak Schaible helped build.
"I feel good about that fact that some of those old teams will get the recognition they deserve," Schaible said. "I hope this will rekindle some of that spirit as far as small schools go. There is a lot of satisfaction there."
ADVERTISEMENT
Something else
Fargo Shanley has the longest streak in Class A football, according to Schaible. Between 1966-1970 the Deacons won 53 consecutive games before tying Grand Forks Central. Shanley then won five more games in a row after that for a 59-game streak without losing. That is also the longest football winning streak on record. ... Fargo South senior Tyler Larson has been one of the hottest players in Eastern Dakota Conference boys basketball, scoring 58 points in his last two games. He's averaging 23.3 points a game through eight contests.
Readers can reach Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513 or epeterson@forumcomm.com
