Longtime Scott City football coach Wilthong dies

William Wilthong elevated the Scott City High School football program to statewide prominence during his long tenure at the helm of the Rams.

"He put Scott City football on the map," said current Scott City football coach Jim May, who played for Wilthong.

Wilthong, who coached football at Scott City High School from 1969 through 1995, died Tuesday morning at his home in Scott City. Wilthong, who had been in poor health for several months, was 70.

"He was just a great coach who everybody admired," May said. "It's a sad day. We're all going to miss him."

There was a moment of silence observed in Wilthong's honor before Tuesday's evening session at the Southeast Missourian Christmas tournament, and Scott City players wore an armband that honored the longtime coach.

May is pleased that the Scott City community was able to publicly recognize Wilthong twice before his passing. Wilthong attended both events.

The Scott City football field was named after Wilthong this fall during a ceremony. A fish fry/banquet was held in Wilthong's honor in conjunction with that event.

"It was great coach Wil had those two nights while he was still with us," May said. "So many of the players he coached were there."

Wilthong, who was inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005, compiled a record of 193-71 at Scott City, a .731 winning percentage that ranks among the best for Missouri high school coaches.

Wilthong led the Rams to 13 conference titles and five district championships during his 27 seasons. From 1972 to 1975, the Rams went 34-2 with back-to-back 9-0 seasons in 1972 and 1973. They made state quarterfinal appearances in 1989, 1990 and 1993.

"Once the kids got a taste of winning, got used to me and knew what I expected, we took off," Wilthong said in a 2002 Southeast Missourian interview. "We started a weight program, the players got stronger, started believing in themselves and bought into my philosophy."

Wilthong also coached baseball and served as athletic director for the final 15 years of his tenure at Scott City. He led the baseball team to the state final four.

Wilthong served on the Scott City School Board for 12 years after retiring in 1995.

"He just did so much for the school and the community," May said.