Loren Mears, born February 19, 1955, is an SHS graduate of the class of 1973. While attending Sterling High School, he received a total of 13 varsity letters - three in football, four in track, four in baseball, and two in basketball.A member of the varsity football team for three years, Loren had All-Conference Honors his junior and senior year and All-State Honors his senior year. In 1971, the team had a record of 7-2 and was first in the NCIC. In 1973, the team had a record of 8-1 and was second in the NCIC. At the conclusion of his football career, Loren was honored with the Kenneth Tualli Award. While in track, Loren was a standout shot putter for SHS. In 1970, he placed third in the NCIC as a freshman. The next year he captured first place in the NCIC, with the school and meet record of 58'02". In addition, he qualified for the IHSA State Meet for the first time in the shot put. In 1972, he qualified again for state, but did not advance to finals. At the Top Ten Inivite, Loren he did manage to steal the championship crown. His senior year, he set the Twin City Meet record of 57'01.5" and placed second in the NCIC. He also qualified for the state meet, where he placed eighth, and broke his former school shot put record with 59'02". Loren received All-State Honors and was the Top Ten Invite shot put champ at the conclusion of his junior year. He also was named "Most Valuable Player" at the end of the season.In basketball, Loren had 20+ field goals, 16+ free throws, and averaged 2.33+ points per game for 56 total points in 2 years. The basketball teams had a record of 19-10 in 1972 and 14-11 in 1973. While a member of the baseball team, Loren led the team in batting average with .500 and was named the "Most Valuable Player" his senior year. Loren also was the Roscoe Eades Award winner at the end of his high school career.Upon graduation, he attended the University of Illinois. While there, he participated on the football team, until he was injured in the spring of his freshmen year. Since collegiate commencement in 1977, Loren has been employed by Brownfield Sports selling sporting goods and imprinted sportswear. He is also the athletic director for Champaign Saint Matthew Grade School. Aside from his career, he and his wife Yvonne have two children and reside in Champaign, Ill.