Keith Parker

Keith Parker, a 1940 graduate of Gillespie High School, had a stellar athletic career during his time a GHS.  Parker earned 9 varsity letters while being a member of the football, track, and basketball teams.  His 1939 team went 24-8 and advanced to the State Tournament.  In 1940, Parker set the Macoupin County javelin record with a toss of 179 feet.  This record still stands as the state discontinued the javelin as an event following that year.  Keith would attend the University of Missouri for one year and played on the football and track teams.  Parker would serve in the military for two years during WWII. He would be drafted by the Baltimore Colts after returning home.  Parker would teach at granite City and officiated football and basketball for 41 years.  He is a member of numerous Hall of Fames including: The Granite City Hall of Fame, Missouri Hall of Fame, the National Federation of HS Sports Hall of Fame, and the Great St. Louis Athletic Association Hall of Fame.