C.H. Hageman

C.H. (Clarence Harold) Hageman served the School District of Belleville for 44 years until his retirement in 1986. He began his career in 1942 as a Mathematics and Physical Education teacher, and THE coach (for boys’ football, basketball, baseball, track, and volleyball). In 1949, he assumed the role of District Administrator. In 1968, Mr. Hageman exchanged jobs with Darrell Fitch, becoming the Belleville High School Principal and the Assistant District Administrator.

As a football coach, he lead Belleville to a 53-14 record in six-man football from 1942-1949. The 1943 team was undefeated in seven games, outscoring opponents 307 to 26 and posting five shutouts. In 1949, Coach Hageman’s volleyball squad finished as the runner-up at the state tournament, with a loss to Madison Central in the finals. C.H. was  instrumental in consolidating the district and drawing school district boundaries, bringing students from area country schools into the School District of Belleville. He also led all of the district’s building construction, with the elementary school and its additions, the high school, and later the middle school. He ushered in the first computer lab as well, finding space in the old locker room. His son Greg stated, “He always found ways to make things work.”

Mr. Hageman developed a reputation of being fair and extremely involved with the school and community, attending almost every event and becoming the face of the school district. Bart Morrick recalls the bus breaking down on the return trip from a football game at Argyle. The coaches walked to a nearby farm and called C.H. who then went to school late at night and drove another bus to pick up the team.

In 1994, the gymnasium at the old high school was named after Mr. Hageman. He had a view of the gym from his backyard. C.H. was also an active member of the Community Club, Belleville Area Cultural Foundation, and a key leader within the State Line League Conference.