Ed Bingham

Ed Bingham graduated from THS in 1953 and earned three varsity letters as a fullback and linebacker on the football team and 3 varsity letters on the basketball team. As a member of the football team he was the leading rusher on Coach Don Johnson’s 1952 Tornadoes football team.  A bruising runner, and tough linebacker, Bingham was also selected team captain in both his junior and senior years.  Following the Pana game in which Taylorville upset the previously unbeaten Panthers, Bingham proved he was the best fullback in the conference and was awarded All-Mid-State Conference honors and then awarded the honor of being selected to the All-State Football Team.  On the basketball court, Bingham played three years for the Tornadoes.   He became a starter his junior season, and with teammates Bill Ridley, Bill Campbell, George Hayes and Ron Vizkozki became the last Tornadoes basketball team to advance to quarter finals at the State Tournament.  As a senior, Bingham and his Tornado teammates won the Mid-state Conference, but were beaten by Shelbyville in the Regional finals.  During his three year career, Ed Bingham scored 451 career points and the Tornadoes compiled a 67 and 17 won/loss record and won two regionals and three conference championships.