Carthage College Athletics

Lewis Omer, Carthage’s head football coach (1921-35), head men’s basketball coach (1921-29) and athletic director, is credited with originating the Illinois High School Association’s state basketball tournament. Omer organized the first tournament in 1908 in Oak Park, Ill., while serving as the Northwestern University men’s basketball coach.  As Carthage's athletic director, Omer helped design the Carthage Fieldhouse, which opened in 1930.