The 2001 State Champions Return to Terry English Court 25 Years Later

The 2001 State Champions marked a defining chapter in Bishop Miege basketball history, leading a season that forever linked the boys and girls programs in a shared run of success.

Twenty-five years ago, the 2000-2001 Bishop Miege basketball teams did something that made Miege history.

The boys won the 5A State Championship, finishing 22-3 and capturing the first boys basketball State Championship in program history with a 61-48 win over Salina Central. That same school year, the girls claimed their 12th State Championship, defeating Topeka Seaman 63-49.

It also marked the first time Miege doubled up with boys and girls basketball State Championships in the same season — something the programs would later repeat in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022.

On Feb. 13, 2026, they came back to Terry English Court, but this time with families in the stands and kids watching from the bleachers.

“Seeing my teammates, coaches, and friends was special,” Mike Sill said. “It reminded me that the only thing better than winning State was the lifelong friendships I made along the way. I made so many lifelong friends due to Miege basketball, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

What they remember most

For all the banners and trophies, the night wasn’t about statistics but their love for their teammates.

Jamar Howard said the best part of playing basketball at Miege wasn’t the final score.

“I feel like the best part of playing basketball was the family aspect,” he said. “To this day, we still talk to our teammates, and we’ve still got a good relationship with Coach Zych and just being a family is the main part for me.”

Katie (Houlehan) Maher remembers the atmosphere just as clearly.

“Basketball season was always my favorite time at Bishop Miege,” she said. “In my mind, every game was sold out, that’s how it felt. The energy, the rivalries, the packed stands, the cheers from the student section, it made every night unforgettable.”

For Molly (Lindquist) Olivier, she said the basketball program at Miege is something she will never forget and something she often shares stories of with her children. 

“Miege basketball will always stick with me because it revolves around some of my best friends and my most favorite family members,” she said. “Kim and Kyle in particular are still my best friends today, and they took me under their wing as a junior. Miege basketball helped me make the best friends I have to this day, and it all started in that high school and on Terry English court. You walk in that gym and the smells, noises of shoes squeaking on the floor, and friends and family cheering you on. Rivalries, blood, sweat, and tears. I would do it all over again if I could. Moments I will never forget and memories that will last a lifetime. Winning with the boys team was the icing on cake. We were always there for each other and still are, and we wanted it more than anyone!”

“Seeing our 2001 team together again, with families, was incredibly meaningful. Some of us hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years, yet we picked up right where we left off. Having Susie English there, our assistant coaches, and teachers there made it even more special. Coach English would have been very proud. All but three players and one coach made it back for the reunion. After all these years, that says everything about the bond we share.” — Katie (Houlehan) Maher

Remembering Coach Terry English

Before recognizing both teams, the Miege community paused for a moment of silence to remember legendary Coach Terry English, who passed away on October 11, 2022.

His presence was woven throughout the evening — in stories shared, in the court that bears his name, and in the players he coached.

Jeff English remembered a moment after the girls secured their title:

“After the girls won the State Championship, my dad and all the girls players were running off the floor, and he was hyping us up 100%, and the girls were freaking out. It just felt like something we knew we were going to go out with.”

Coach Rick Zych recalled what Coach English told him after the girls secured their State Championship:

“I could just remember when Coach English won it, and he said, ‘You’re going to win it. We’re both going to have our trophies here in about an hour and a half.’ It was the first time we had won it together.”

Molly (Lindquist) Olivier shared how her Uncle Terry is someone she thinks about each day.

“Terry English was the very best coach, dad, husband, son, uncle, and friend,” she said. “He brought the best out of everyone around him, and the Miege community was lucky to have him. We miss and love you. I would see him on the court pushing me and trying to get his very best out of every one of us girls, and then I would see him around the dinner table laughing and giving me trouble. He was and is one of my most favorite people and always will be. He was in my corner even if I wasn’t the best player on the team (because I wasn’t) and he pushed me to be the person I am today.”

“I was so blessed to be a part of Bishop Miege basketball. It was an exciting time for both programs. The boys program was on the rise with the arrival of Coach Zych and several talented players, and Coach English had the girls program rolling. The atmosphere on Friday nights for games was unbelievable, both at Miege and at any gym we played in. It was often standing room only. It culminated with the boys first State Title in 2001, which we won right after the girls won. My wife played on the girls team — what a special day! It was a time I will never forget, and I am so proud to have been a part of the foundation of what would become one of the best boys basketball programs in KC history.” — Mike Sill

Four voices, 25 years later

Four reflections from the reunion capture what that season still means today:

2000–2001 (5A) Boys Basketball State Champions (22–3, EKL Champions)

Head Coach: Rick Zych
Assistant Coaches: Paul Distefano, Steve Koesterer, Brian O’Neill

#10 Mike Sill
#11 Jeff English
#15 Cory Schulte
#20 David Mulvany
#22 Mike Stewart
#25 Chris Spaeth
#31 Mitch Russell
#35 Pat Seago
#41 Frank Masterson
#44 Sam Sutera
#50 Jamar Howard
#51 Jarrad Henry

Thank you to JoJo Aquino, Class of 2029, for several of his photos to document this wonderful evening!