IADA Hall of Fame

Gene served as athletic director at Untied township for sixteen years (1967-1983). The mention of his name in the Quad Cities still brings smiles to the peoples faces. Gene began his high school career as a successful varsity football coach, starting at Rock Island Alleman. He had 25-8- at Alleman from 1954-1958, including one undefeated season. Then from 1959-1965 he coached at Sal Pointe, Arizona, where he was 47-26-1 and was named the "Arizona Football coach of the Year" three time in 1959, 1960, and 1965. His efforts at each of the schools listed have placed him in their respective High School Hall of Fame. United Township in 1989, Rock Island Alleman and Sal Pointe in 1997. Returning to Illinois, and beginning his career at Untied Township, Gene became actively involved in athletic administration and what a difference he made. He was president of the IADA during the 1973-74 school year. He was selected as the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year that very same year. Gene was chosen as the chairman of the original IHSA Football Playoff Committee. Through his leadership and the committee's effort the foundation for the IHSA Football Playoffs were established. Gene was also an active member in National Council for Secondary Schools Athletic Directors. He served on their Board of Directors from 1977-1982. He was inducted into the NCSSAD National Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1992. He was a member of NIAAA from 1967-1984. "Gene McCarter was among the best in Illinois His leadership and integrity are legendary in Western Illinois. Gene always stood on the principle Play hard, but Fair. He we and inspiration to all he had contact with. " states current United Township Athletic Director Jim Unrath. "Gene McCarter was a man of integrity. He was a true gentleman in every way possible. He was a man who lived his life in the truest sense as a Man of God. They come no finer then Gene McCarter," states Reverend Daniel Mirabella of Rock Island Aleman High School. Gen McCarter is truly missed by all who knew him.