Lena-Winslow Panthers
The Lena-Winslow Panthers enter the 2018 season as the defending state champions. Once again the Panthers are looking for another long playoff run entering this season, and how could one argue with the talent they return off last year's team. The Panthers are looking to become the first team from the NUIC to win back to back state titles, a surprising stat considering the NUIC has won 12 state titles over the last 15 seasons. The stat is so daunting in fact, the last time an NUIC team appeared in back to back state title games was in 1977 and 1978, when the Stockton Blackhawks did it, losing in the 77 game and bringing the 1st title home for the NUIC in 78.
Head Coach Ric Arand was inducted into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame last year, and with 7 more wins in 2018, he will sit in 2nd place all-time in wins in the NUIC. Coach Arand is currently sitting on 179 wins, which puts him exactly 100 wins behind the all-time NUIC wins leader, his former coach at Stockton, the legendary John O'Boyle.
Le-Win is looking for their 25th playoff appearance in school history. In that time, the Panthers have put together a 35-21 record, winning 3 state titles over the past 8 seasons. Since 2009, the Panthers have advanced to the quarterfinals 7 times, to the semifinals 4 times, and made the trip to state 3 times.
Lena-Winslow Playoff History
1987 0-1
1993 1-1
1994 0-1
1995 0-1
1997 0-1
1999 0-1
2000 0-1
2001 1-1
2002 2-1
2003 0-1
2004 0-1
2005 2-1
2006 2-1
2007 0-1
2008 1-1
2009 3-1
2010 5-0 Class 1A State Champion
2011 1-1
2012 2-1
2013 5-0 Class 1A State Champion
2014 2-1
2015 1-1
2016 2-1
2017 5-0 Class 1A State Champion