Moscow High School
The school district (which serves as the high school's attendance boundary) includes Moscow and Viola. On the Palouse in north central Idaho, Moscow is the home of the University of Idaho.
Campus
Less than three blocks east of Main Street on a moderate slope, its current compact campus opened 85 years ago in 1939, with wings added in 1968 and 1991. The previous high school of 1912 is across Third Street to the north; it was used as the junior high until 1959 and is now the "1912 Center." The original high school of 1892 was on the site of the present north wing; it was later Whitworth grade school and was razed in 1939.
Originally a four-year high school, MHS was a senior high school (grades 10–12) for 46 years, beginning in 1966. The school district reconfigured in 2012 and Moscow High returned to a four-year school in August with the addition of the freshman class. A summer asbestos removal project was initiated in 2014 and extended into the school year due to delays.
An attempt to fund a new campus on the northeast edge of the city (east of Mountain View Park; 46°44′38″N 116°58′08″W / 46.744°N 116.969°W) was defeated by voters 19 years ago in 2005. The levy needed a two-thirds majority to pass and was defeated with only 44% in favor. Twenty seven years earlier in 1978, the state education department's supervisor of support services completed a study of the campus and recommended that the site be sold and a new high school built elsewhere.
In the oldest part of Moscow, the MHS campus became the location of an archeological dig by the university's department of sociology and anthropology in autumn 2019.
Athletics
Moscow's athletic teams compete in IHSAA Class 4A, the second-highest in the state, in the Inland Empire League (4A). MHS competed against the largest schools in Idaho in Class A-1 (now 5A) until the fall of 1979. It was dropped a classification level in 1976, but successfully appealed for three years to stay. Moscow opted not to petition in 1979 and went down to A-2 (now 3A), and moved between A-2 and A-1 (Div. II) until the new IHSAA classification system placed them in 4A in 2001.
Baseball
Moscow's most successful run in athletics came in baseball under longtime head coach Gary Johnson. In an eight-season stretch from 1978 through 1985, the Bears were in seven state title games and won five, including three consecutive (1982–84).
Basketball
The early MHS basketball team won four straight Idaho titles (1917–20), and more recently, the girls' basketball team won three consecutive A-2 state championships (1992–94) and another in 1996 for four in five years. The boys team was an A2 state champion in 1980 finishing the season with a losing record. In the 1983–1984 season, the state of Idaho was the "test state" for the 3-point line for the entire nation for high schoolers. That season there was tremendous excitement which attracted large crowds to the games. That same year an unusual requirement from the state was created as there were only two teams in the league at that time; Moscow and Orofino. The state required the two teams to play a "Best of 3" series. Moscow won the Best of 3 district championship after losing both league games during the season. That team then had to play a "regional championship" at a neutral site. The Bears were an A-2 state finalist in 1996 and state champion again in 1997, winning their last twenty games.
Volleyball
The volleyball team was undefeated (29–0) in the fall of 2005 to claim their only state title. In 1999, the boys' soccer team went 16-5-1 (.750) and won the state title, defeating Boise High 1–0 in overtime.
Football
Moscow's football program was strong in Class A-1 in the late 1960s and early 1970s; the 1968 Bears were undefeated at 9–0. The 1968 and 1969 teams both finished second in the state writers' polls to undefeated Borah of Boise. Moscow went 9–1 in 1971 and was fourth in the final poll, 9–0 in 1975 and again polled fourth. After the move down to A-2 in 1979 and the addition of playoffs, the Bears won state titles in 1981 and 1992.
Mascot
Exactly when the bear became the school mascot is not well documented, but the Lewiston Morning Tribune referred to the MHS basketball team as the "Bears" in early 1927. Alumnus and head coach Lyle Smith obtained a live bear cub for a mascot in 1941. The present school colors were noted in 1936.
Facilities
Due to limited space on its 3.9-acre (1.6 ha) campus, the varsity athletic facilities are located approximately a mile (1.6 km) northeast at Bear Field (and Bear Den gym), adjacent to Moscow Middle School and the school district headquarters (46°44′20″N 116°58′55″W / 46.739°N 116.982°W). In 1976 and 1979, Moscow played its home football games across town at the Kibbie Dome on the University of Idaho campus, and again in 1996, when the running track at Bear Field was being replaced. Opened 58 years ago in early 1966, the Bear Den was originally known as the fieldhouse.
State playoff and championship football games in all classifications are regularly held in the Kibbie Dome.
Rivals
Moscow's oldest rivalries are with Pullman, Lewiston, and Coeur d'Alene.
A longtime member of the Inland Empire League of north Idaho, MHS currently competes with Lakeland and Sandpoint in the IEL's 4A division. Lakeland (in Rathdrum) is about 100 miles (160 km) north of Moscow and Sandpoint is even further. (The IEL's 5A division has four teams: Lewiston, Coeur d'Alene, Lake City, and Post Falls.)
State titles
Boys
- Football (2): fall (A-2, now 3A) 1981, 1992 (official with introduction of playoffs, fall 1979 (A-1) 1978 (A-2))
- Soccer (1): fall (A-1, now 5A) 1999
- Basketball (10): (one class) 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1923, 1933, 1934; (A-1, now 5A) 1972, (A-2, now 3A) 1980, 1997
- Baseball (5): (A-1, now 5A) 1978, (A-2, now 3A) 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984 (baseball records not kept by IHSAA, A-1 tourney started in 1971, A-2 in 1980)
- Track (1): (4A) 2008; also four co-titles (north): 1939–42
- Golf (2): (B, now 3A) 1997, (4A) 2009
Girls
- Volleyball (1): fall (4A) 2005
- Basketball (6): (A-2, now 3A) 1981, 1982, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996
- Track (2): (A-2, now 3A) 1992, (4A) 2006
- Golf (2): (4A) 2010, 2011
Club activities
- The Model United Nations Club annually attends the Model United Nations conference in Seattle, Washington.
- Human Rights and International club participates in discussions and events to work for equality and human rights in the community.
- Business Professionals of America at Moscow High School runs the student store and participates in the national BPA competition.
- Environmental Club goes on a yearly "Turtle Trip" to a beach near Tomatlán, Mexico, to assist in the conservation of Olive ridley sea turtles.
- Knowledge Bowl and Science Bowl clubs participate in timed regional competitions in which teams attempt to answer questions before their opponents.
Notable alumni
- Hec Edmundson – college basketball and track head coach at Idaho and Washington, state's first Olympian (track: 800 m, 1912), Class of 1906 (UI Prep)
- Julia Gaines, percussionist, Class of 1987
- Guy Wicks – college basketball and baseball head coach at Idaho, Class of 1920 (circa)
- Lyle Smith – football head coach and athletic director at Boise State, Class of 1934
- Kim Goetz – college basketball player, Class of 1975
- Dan Monson – college basketball head coach, Class of 1980
- Andrea Lloyd-Curry – professional basketball player, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted 2007), won gold at 1988 Olympics, Class of 1983
- Nancy Jackson - American alpinist, Class of 1972
- Doug Riesenberg – NFL lineman, Super Bowl champion, Class of 1983
- Megan Griffiths – filmmaker, Class of 1993
- Josh Ritter – critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Class of 1995
- Samuel D. Hunter – playwright, Class of 2000
- James George – Emmy-award winning artist and entrepreneur, Class of 2004
- Shay Hatten - screenwriter noted for John Wick: Chapter 3, Army of Thieves, and other films Class of 2012
References
- ^ Sullivan, Tim (April 18, 1991). "The 'Pride' of the North?". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1B.
- ^ "Search for Public Schools - Moscow High School (160222000394)". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- ^ "Administrative Staff". Moscow High School. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
- ^ "Idaho High School Activities Association" (PDF). IHSAA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2009-04-29.
- ^ "Moscow school bond vote set". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). September 2, 1937. p. 12.
- ^ Stillinger, Lois (October 6, 1990). "Preserve Moscow's old high school, by whatever name". Idahonian. (Moscow). p. 2C.
- ^ "Moscow High School". Moscow School District. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ "Staff Directory - Moscow School District #281". msd281.org. Archived from the original on 2020-02-25.
- ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Latah County, ID" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
- ^ "Moscow firm files low bid on school job". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). May 27, 1968. p. 5.
- ^ "Board approves new roof at high school". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. May 24, 2006. p. 3A.
- ^ "1912 Center". City of Moscow. Archived from the original on May 1, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
- ^ "1912 Center". Heart of the Arts=1912 Center. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
- ^ "Ott historical photos: High School (of 1892)". University of Idaho Library. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
- ^ Pall, Linda (November 6, 1990). "Meanwhile, back at Whitworth building, signs of progress". Idahonian. (Moscow). p. 4A.
- ^ Beck, Richard J. (April 22, 1993). "Before we demolish, let's examine options". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1B.
- ^ "Junior High division new at Moscow". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). August 19, 1966. p. 15.
- ^ "2012–13 Reconfiguration". Moscow School District. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
- ^ Celebrezze, Bob (March 18, 2005). "Moscow School District's facility needs". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 8A.
- ^ Summers, Leila (April 23, 2005). "School bond vote looms". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1A.
- ^ Summers, Leila (April 26, 2005). "Voters reject bond". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1A.
- ^ Abas, Bryan (July 19, 1978). "Moscow told to sell school". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 12A.
- ^ Jackson, Scott (14 September 2019). "'History is beneath your feet'". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
- ^ "Kellogg High in new loop". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). May 8, 1976. p. 9.
- ^ Roche, Kevin (April 9, 1976). "Moscow leans toward A-1 state classification". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 2B.
- ^ Killen, John (August 30, 1979). "New in A-2: Moscow Bears figure on rough welcome". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 4B.
- ^ Spevak, Jeff (October 25, 1985). "The invisible Inland Empire". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 1B.
- ^ Schulte, Chris (July 23, 1990). "Stepping down". Idahonian. (Moscow). p. 1B.
- ^ Schulte, Chris (July 28, 1990). "It is the end of an era". Idahonian. (Moscow). p. 1D.
- ^ Schulte, Chris (April 9, 1988). "Johnson ready for 20th home opener". Idahonian. (Moscow). p. 1D.
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2012-04-15 at the Wayback Machine – Boys Basketball champions – through 2012
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2012-10-01 at the Wayback Machine – Girls Basketball champions – through 2012
- ^ Staszkow, Craig (March 10, 1997). "A-2: Moscow leaves little doubt". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. p. 1B.
- ^ Staszkow, Craig (March 12, 1997). "Laying the foundation". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1B.
- ^ Wasser, Aaron (October 31, 2005). "Bears complete perfect season". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. p. 1B.
- ^ Wasser, Aaron (November 1, 2005). "Taylor, Dolny share IEL honor". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1B.
- ^ Mordhorst, Todd (November 1, 1999). "Bears celebrate unlikely state title". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. p. 1B.
- ^ "Inland Empire League football standings (final results)". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). November 9, 1968. p. 10.
- ^ "Borah High captures mythical Idaho grid crown; Moscow next". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 14, 1968. p. 17.
- ^ "Borah finishes undefeated and on top football poll". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 14, 1969. p. 17.
- ^ "Borah first; big battles coming up". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. November 11, 1971. p. 16.
- ^ "Borah's top rank on line against Highland". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 13, 1975. p. 3B.
- ^ Katsilometes, George (November 14, 1981). "Moscow hits payday with passing game, captures A-2 crown". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 1C.
- ^ Brezniak, Steve (November 23, 1992). "Bears run wild in championship game". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1C.
- ^ Brezniak, Steve (November 24, 1992). "Bears find state-winning ingredients". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 1B.
- ^ "Bengals and Bears on tomorrow night". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). January 12, 1927. p. 12.
- ^ "Moscow High School gets cub bear for mascot". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). August 31, 1941. p. 2-sports.
- ^ "Moscow names new teachers". Spokane Weekly Chronicle. Washington. August 28, 1941. p. 6.
- ^ "Moscow players to have new suits". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). December 30, 1936. p. 6.
- ^ "Idaho preps to use Dome". Spokesman-Review. September 2, 1976. p. 36.
- ^ "Bengals and Bears". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. October 26, 1979. p. 1C.
- ^ O'Neal, Shawn (March 7, 1996). "Bears to make Kibbie Come their home". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). p. 3D.
- ^ "Moscow beats Orofino 78-37 in first game in new fieldhouse". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). February 2, 1966. p. 10.
- ^ "Bengals, Bears clash tonight". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). February 18, 1966. p. 15.
- ^ Lee, Greg (November 19, 2010). "CdA claims state football crown". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington..
- ^ "Football". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). advertisement. November 19, 1927. p. 14.
- ^ "Play for title". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). November 19, 1927. p. 14.
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2012-04-15 at the Wayback Machine – Idaho high school football – state champions
- ^ "Moscow High School basketball team, champions of state of Idaho". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). March 28, 1933. p. 8.
- ^ "Vikings, Moscow battle for title". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. March 10, 1972. p. 16.
- ^ "Bears earn A-1 crown". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. March 11, 1972. p. 8.
- ^ "Bears battle back to A-2 state title". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). March 9, 1980. p. 3D.
- ^ Emerson, Paul (May 21, 1978). "Moscow bags state title with 8–2 win over LHS". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 1B.
- ^ "Moscow blasts Orofino 14-1 for state crown". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). May 23, 1982. p. 5D.
- ^ "Moscow lays claim to A-2 title". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). May 22, 1983. p. 1C.
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2012-04-15 at the Wayback Machine – Boys Track champions – through 2012
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2014-03-21 at the Wayback Machine – Golf champions – through 2012
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2012-04-15 at the Wayback Machine Soccer & Volleyball champions – through 2011
- ^ idhsaa.org Archived 2012-04-15 at the Wayback Machine – Girls Track champions – through 2012
- ^ "Turtle Trip". Lee Anne Eareckson. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
- ^ "Reader Photo: Moscow JV Knowledge Bowl team goes undefeated". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. 12 March 2019. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
- ^ "SERVICE TODAY FOR NANCY JACKSON, MOSCOW GRAD KILLED IN HIMALAYAS". The Lewiston Tribune. 1990-04-08. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
- ^ "Lisbeth Kaufman, James George". The New York Times. 2019-05-26. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
- ^ "Zack Snyder Shares Army of the Dead Image from Behind the Scenes". Collider. 12 August 2019.
External links
- Official website
- Moscow School District #281
- Max Preps sports Moscow High School
- Postcard of MHS (1892) – 1909 drawing
- Postcard of MHS (1939) – 1943 photograph
- Web-cam – southwest view from MHS, University of Idaho in distance
- Web-cam – MHS athletic facilities at MJHS campus; Palouse Range & Moscow Mountain in distance
- University of Idaho Library – vintage images of Moscow High School