Joliet Central High School - Athletics

Athletics

In sports, the district did have combined teams between Joliet West and Joliet Central, and was collectively known as Joliet Township," however the schools separated and now have two separate schools (and athletics). The program is a member of the Southwest Suburban Conference (SWSC) and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). In this combined form the Steelmen/Steelwomen name which continues to be used by Joliet Central when it competes alone, is used for the combined teams. Joliet Central is the headquarters for the combined athletic program.

The athletic department sponsors interscholastic teams for young men and women in basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. Young men may compete in baseball, football, and wrestling, while young women may compete in badminton, cheerleading, and softball. While not sponsored by the IHSA, the school also sponsors a poms team.

The following teams finished in the top four of their respective IHSA sponsored state championship tournament:

• Baseball: 2nd place (1974–75)
• Basketball (boys): 4th place (1994–95); 3rd place (1969–70); State Champions (1936–37)
• Golf (boys): 2nd place (1951–52)
• Softball: State Champions (1999–2000)
• Track & Field (boys): 4th place (1905–06, 14–15); 2nd place (1931–32); State Champions (1915–16)
• Track & Field (girls): 4th place (1993–94)
• Wrestling: 4th place (1946–47, 47–48); 2nd place (1985–86); State Champions (1984–85)
• Football: State Champions (1961–62) ; (1962–63)

During the 2008 - 2009 school year, Central and West began to separate their football programs, causing the West mascot to become the Tiger once again, leaving Central as the Steelmen. The split began with Joliet's Freshmen football team dividing. By the 2010 - 2011 school year, Joliet Central and Joliet West will have their own football teams. It is still unknown if other sports and activities between both schools will divide.