1961-62                                        Return to Year-by-Year               HOME                        UPDATE July 27, 2007

STATE CHAMPIONS  CLASS AA: Wichita East  CLASS A: Immaculata-Leavenworth  CLASS B: Melvern  CLASS BB: Winona

                The 1962 Hayden Yearbook described Mike Unrein as "the greatest basketball player Hayden has ever had." He lettered all 4 years in basketball and was the career scoring leader in 1962. This season Washburn Rural was clearly the best team in Topeka - Hayden was hammered in the opener by Ron Paradis, Delvy Lewis and the Jr. Blues (72-44). Later in the year,  Hayden lost a 46-44 thriller at Topeka High that featured a  memorable show down between Paradis and Unrein. Even though Gary Sterling, Bob Lee and talented Juniors competed at a high level - the Wildcats were unable to advance past the AA Regional.

                  This was Hayden's last year as an Independent. The following year they would compete in the newly formed Centennial League. 1962 was also the last year with all four classes under the same roof  at the old Hayden East building at 8th and Van Buren. In the fall of 1962 Junior and Seniors moved to the new Hayden West at 401 Gage and Freshmen and Sophomores were housed at the old school.

Mike Unrein: Hayden's first All-State selection