Hall of Fame

Induction Year 2018

Carole (O’Connor) Garczynski was a three sport athlete during her years at Carl Sandburg High School. She participated as a varsity athlete in basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Carole is best remembered for her athleticism and dedication to track and field. She unofficially broke the state high jump record after her first track meet sophomore year. She suffered a broken collarbone due to a car crash shortly after that meet. Despite her injury, she managed to come back and participate in Conference and IHSA Regionals later in the season.

Carole’s greatest athletic accomplishment occurred in 1978 when she won the IHSA State Championship in high jump with a mark of 5’8” making her the first female State Champion in the history of Carl Sandburg High School. Her record height also surpassed a mark previously established by legendary athlete Jackie Joyner Kersee.

After high school, Carole continued her track career, winning multiple meets while attending Eastern Illinois University. Following college graduation, she became the 1996 runner of the year in the Fort Myers Track Club and ran in the Chicago Marathon impressively earning a time of 3:29:30 which qualifies for the Boston Marathon. To this day, Carole continues to run in multiple local 5k races. Her personal record of 18:52 for a 5k is a testament to the skill that Carole possesses.

Carole now works as a substitute teacher at Fort Myers High school.