Moscow High School Explained

Moscow High School
Location:402 E. Fifth Street
Zipcode:83843
Country:United States
Motto:Pride of the North[1]
District:Moscow S.D. (#281)
Principal:Erik Perryman (2013–present)[2]
Enrollment:769 (2022-2023)
Teaching Staff:44.25 (FTE)
Ratio:17.38
Mascot:Bear[3]
Colors:Red, Black, & White
Grades:912 (10–12 1966–2012)
Established:1892, 1939 (current)[4] [5]
Conference:Inland Empire League (4A)
Publication:Inner Visions
(art & literary magazine)
Yearbook:Bear Tracks
Free Label:Elevation

Moscow High School (MHS) is a four-year public high school in Moscow, Idaho, United States.[6] The flagship school of the Moscow School District serves grades 9–12. Since 2013, Erik Perryman has served as principal.[7] [2] MHS colors are red, black, and white, and the mascot is a bear.

The school district (which serves as the high school's attendance boundary) includes Moscow and Viola.[8] 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 in 1939, with wings added in 1968[9] [10] 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."[11] [12] 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.[13] [14] [15]

Originally a four-year high school, MHS was a senior high school (grades 10–12) for 46 years, beginning in 1966.[16] The school district reconfigured in 2012 and Moscow High returned to a four-year school in August with the addition of the freshman class.[17] 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;) was defeated by voters in 2005.[18] [19] The levy needed a two-thirds majority to pass and was defeated with only 44% in favor.[20] 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.[21]

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.[22]

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,[23] but successfully appealed for three years to stay.[24] Moscow opted not to petition in 1979 and went down to  A-2 (now 3A),[25] and moved between A-2 and A-1 (Div. II)[26] 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.[27] [28] 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).[29]

Basketball

The early MHS basketball team won four straight Idaho titles (1917–20),[30] 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.[31] 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.[32] [33]

Volleyball

The volleyball team was undefeated (29–0) in the fall of 2005 to claim their only state title.[34] [35] In 1999, the boys' soccer team went 16-5-1 and won the state title, defeating Boise High 1–0 in overtime.[36]

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.[37] The 1968 and 1969 teams both finished second in the state writers' polls to undefeated Borah of Boise.[38] [39] Moscow went 9–1 in 1971 and was fourth in the final poll,[40] 9–0 in 1975 and again polled fourth.[41] After the move down to A-2 in 1979 and the addition of playoffs, the Bears won state titles in 1981[42] and 1992.[43] [44]

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.[45] Alumnus and head coach Lyle Smith obtained a live bear cub for a mascot in 1941.[46] [47] The present school colors were noted in 1936.[48]

Facilities

Due to limited space on its 3.9acres 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 . In 1976[49] and 1979, Moscow played its home football games across town at the Kibbie Dome on the University of Idaho campus,[50] and again in 1996, when the running track at Bear Field was being replaced.[51] Opened in early 1966, the Bear Den was originally known as the fieldhouse.[52] [53]

State playoff and championship football games in all classifications are regularly held in the Kibbie Dome.[54]

Rivals

Moscow's oldest rivalries are with Pullman, Lewiston,[45] [55] and Coeur d'Alene.[56]

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 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

Girls

Club activities

Notable alumni

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: The 'Pride' of the North?. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Sullivan. Tim. April 18, 1991. 1B.
  2. Web site: Administrative Staff. Moscow High School. 25 July 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130723054259/http://msdweb.msd281.org/wordpress/highschool/administration/administrative-staff. 23 July 2013. dead.
  3. Web site: Idaho High School Activities Association. IHSAA. 2009-04-29. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110717034723/http://www.idhsaa.org/directory/08-09FINALDirectory.pdf. 2011-07-17.
  4. News: Moscow school bond vote set. Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). September 2, 1937. 12.
  5. News: Preserve Moscow's old high school, by whatever name . Idahonian. (Moscow). Stillinger. Lois. October 6, 1990. 2C.
  6. Web site: Moscow High School. Moscow School District. 2009-04-30.
  7. Web site: Staff Directory - Moscow School District #281 . msd281.org . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20200225223542/https://msd281.org/parent_resource/staff_directory . 2020-02-25.
  8. Web site: 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Latah County, ID. U.S. Census Bureau. 2023-06-16.
  9. News: Moscow firm files low bid on school job. Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). May 27, 1968. 5.
  10. News: Board approves new roof at high school. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. May 24, 2006. 3A.
  11. Web site: 1912 Center. City of Moscow. October 27, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20100501193949/http://www.moscow.id.us/parks_and_rec/1912_center/index.aspx. May 1, 2010. dead.
  12. Web site: 1912 Center. Heart of the Arts=1912 Center. October 27, 2012.
  13. Web site: Ott historical photos: High School (of 1892). University of Idaho Library. October 27, 2012. https://archive.today/20121212185733/http://contentdm.lib.uidaho.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/ott&CISOPTR=1418&CISOBOX=1&REC=3. December 12, 2012. dead.
  14. News: Meanwhile, back at Whitworth building, signs of progress. Idahonian . (Moscow). Pall. Linda. November 6, 1990. 4A.
  15. News: Before we demolish, let's examine options. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Beck. Richard J. . April 22, 1993. 1B.
  16. News: Junior High division new at Moscow. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). August 19, 1966. 15.
  17. Web site: 2012–13 Reconfiguration. Moscow School District. September 8, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121127160942/http://msdweb.msd281.org/wordpress/about-msd/configuration/. November 27, 2012. dead.
  18. News: Moscow School District's facility needs. Moscow-Pullman Daily News . (Idaho-Washington). Celebrezze. Bob. March 18, 2005. 8A.
  19. News: School bond vote looms. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Summers. Leila. April 23, 2005. 1A.
  20. News: Voters reject bond. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Summers. Leila. April 26, 2005. 1A.
  21. News: Moscow told to sell school . Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho) . Abas . Bryan . July 19, 1978 . 12A.
  22. Web site: Jackson. Scott. 'History is beneath your feet'. 2021-01-23. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. 14 September 2019 . en.
  23. News: Kellogg High in new loop. Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). May 8, 1976. 9 .
  24. News: Moscow leans toward A-1 state classification . Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho) . Roche . Kevin . April 9, 1976 . 2B.
  25. News: New in A-2: Moscow Bears figure on rough welcome . Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho) . Killen . John . August 30, 1979 . 4B.
  26. News: The invisible Inland Empire. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Spevak. Jeff. October 25, 1985. 1B.
  27. News: Stepping down . Idahonian . (Moscow) . Schulte . Chris . July 23, 1990 . 1B.
  28. News: It is the end of an era . Idahonian . (Moscow) . Schulte . Chris . July 28, 1990 . 1D.
  29. News: Johnson ready for 20th home opener. Idahonian. (Moscow). Schulte. Chris. April 9, 1988. 1D.
  30. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/BoysBasketball.pdf idhsaa.org
  31. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/GirlsBasketball.pdf idhsaa.org
  32. News: A-2: Moscow leaves little doubt. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. Staszkow. Craig. March 10, 1997. 1B.
  33. News: Laying the foundation. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Staszkow. Craig. March 12, 1997. 1B.
  34. News: Bears complete perfect season. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Idaho-Washington. Wasser. Aaron. October 31, 2005. 1B.
  35. News: Taylor, Dolny share IEL honor. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Wasser. Aaron. November 1, 2005. 1B.
  36. News: Bears celebrate unlikely state title . Moscow-Pullman Daily News . Idaho-Washington . Mordhorst . Todd . November 1, 1999 . 1B.
  37. News: Inland Empire League football standings (final results). Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). November 9, 1968. 10.
  38. News: Borah High captures mythical Idaho grid crown; Moscow next. Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho). Associated Press. November 14, 1968. 17.
  39. News: Borah finishes undefeated and on top football poll. Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho) . Associated Press. November 14, 1969. 17.
  40. News: Borah first; big battles coming up. Spokesman-Review . (Spokane, Washington) . Associated Press. November 11, 1971. 16.
  41. News: Borah's top rank on line against Highland. Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho) . Associated Press. November 13, 1975 . 3B .
  42. News: Moscow hits payday with passing game, captures A-2 crown. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Katsilometes. George. November 14, 1981. 1C.
  43. News: Bears run wild in championship game. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Brezniak. Steve. November 23, 1992. 1C.
  44. News: Bears find state-winning ingredients. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. (Idaho-Washington). Brezniak. Steve. November 24, 1992. 1B.
  45. News: Bengals and Bears on tomorrow night. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). January 12, 1927. 12.
  46. News: Moscow High School gets cub bear for mascot. Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). August 31, 1941. 2-sports.
  47. News: Moscow names new teachers. Spokane Weekly Chronicle. Washington. August 28, 1941. 6.
  48. News: Moscow players to have new suits . Spokane Daily Chronicle . (Washington) . December 30, 1936 . 6 .
  49. News: Idaho preps to use Dome. Spokesman-Review. September 2, 1976. 36 .
  50. News: Bengals and Bears. Lewiston Morning Tribune . Idaho . October 26, 1979. 1C.
  51. News: Bears to make Kibbie Come their home . Moscow-Pullman Daily News . (Idaho-Washington). O'Neal. Shawn . March 7, 1996. 3D.
  52. News: Moscow beats Orofino 78-37 in first game in new fieldhouse. Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho). February 2, 1966. 10.
  53. News: Bengals, Bears clash tonight. Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho) . February 18, 1966. 15.
  54. News: CdA claims state football crown . Spokesman-Review . Spokane, Washington . Lee . Greg . November 19, 2010. .
  55. News: Football . Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho). advertisement . November 19, 1927 . 14 .
  56. News: Play for title . Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho). November 19, 1927 . 14 .
  57. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/Football.pdf idhsaa.org
  58. News: Moscow High School basketball team, champions of state of Idaho. Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). March 28, 1933. 8.
  59. News: Vikings, Moscow battle for title. Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. March 10, 1972. 16.
  60. News: Bears earn A-1 crown. Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. March 11, 1972. 8.
  61. News: Bears battle back to A-2 state title. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). March 9, 1980. 3D.
  62. News: Moscow bags state title with 8–2 win over LHS . Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Emerson. Paul. May 21, 1978. 1B.
  63. News: Moscow blasts Orofino 14-1 for state crown. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). May 23, 1982. 5D.
  64. News: Moscow lays claim to A-2 title. Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). May 22, 1983. 1C.
  65. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/BoysTrack.pdf idhsaa.org
  66. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/GolfRecords.pdf idhsaa.org
  67. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/SoccerVolleyball.pdf idhsaa.org
  68. http://www.idhsaa.org/Records/1011/GirlsTrack.pdf idhsaa.org
  69. Web site: Turtle Trip. 2021-01-23. Lee Anne Eareckson. en.
  70. Web site: Reader Photo: Moscow JV Knowledge Bowl team goes undefeated. 2021-01-23. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. 12 March 2019 . en.
  71. Web site: 1990-04-08 . SERVICE TODAY FOR NANCY JACKSON, MOSCOW GRAD KILLED IN HIMALAYAS . 2024-06-13 . The Lewiston Tribune . en.
  72. News: 2019-05-26 . Lisbeth Kaufman, James George . en-US . The New York Times . 2022-10-16 . 0362-4331.
  73. Web site: Zack Snyder Shares Army of the Dead Image from Behind the Scenes . . 12 August 2019 .