Karen Niemeier
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| Current team: Winnebago | ||||
| Career record: (1981-2010) | ||||
| Former school(s): none | ||||
| Other leadership: | ||||
| IHSSBCA Hall of Fame (2006) | ||||
Karen Niemeier was the head coach at Winnebago High School in Winnebago, Illinois from 1981 (when she founded the program) until 2010, one of the longest coaching tenures recorded. As of 2008, her teams had won over 900 matches.
Her warm demeanor and modesty, coupled with her obvious experience and accomplishments led her to be considered one of the most revered coaches in the state of Illinois.
Hall of Fame
In 2006, Coach Niemeier was inducted with the second class of the IHSSBCA Hall of Fame; only the third active coach to be so honored. Her citation reads:
- Founder and Coach of Scholastic Bowl at Winnebago High School 1981-_____
- Winner of 878 Matches; Masonic State Champion 1994; 8 Sectional Championships
- IHSA State Champion 1993, 1995; IHSA 3rd. place 1994, 2006
- Helped found and Charter Board Member IHSSBCA; Hosted first Masonic tournament
- Champions, National Scholastic Showdown, St. Louis, 1994
- Hosted Winnebago Invitational for 15 years