In 1868, a two-story public school building was constructed at the corner of West Malone and School Street. In 1884, this building was destroyed by a tornado. In 1885, a four-room building was rebuilt on this site and known as South Grade School. In 1900, another new building was constructed on this site. The Sikeston Public Schools system held its first four-year high school graduation commencement in 1904. In 1924, Sikeston built a segregated school to be used only by African American students until the U.S. Supreme Court delivered the landmark ruling of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 which declared segregation to be unconstitutional. The Lincoln School still stands in western Sikeston. The high school newspaper is known as The Bulldog Barker while the high school yearbook is known as The Growler.
The Sikeston Field House, the school's home gymnasium, was completed in 1969 as a multi-purpose athletic facility with a seating capacity exceeding 3,000 persons. After a bond issue was voted on and passed by the city, the building was updated and remodeled into a more attractive, state-of-the-art sporting arena in 1992. With improved lighting, sound and climate control, the Sikeston Field House has become a popular venue for non-athletic events as well. The Field House distinguishes itself with its large silver dome that is easily recognizable from the air.
The Sikeston R-6 School District serves the educational needs of most of the city's residents and some of the nearby areas including the cities of Morehouse and Miner.
In 1934, Reid Jann started the High School band program. In 1940, Keith Collins (1916-1974) became Director of Bands and Supervisor of Music for Sikeston High School. Collins stayed in this position until 1970 except for time spent in the U.S. Marine Corps including as director of the West Coast Marine Air Corps Band in San Diego. In 1955, the school started an orchestra program under James Butler and hired future Missouri first lady Betty Cooper to take over the high school choir. Collins helped design the band building built for the new high school in 1960. Collins along with LeRoy Mason of Jackson High School formed the Southeast Missouri High School Band Association.
Sikeston High School has had a long history of excellence especially in football, boys' basketball, and baseball, sports in which they are among the state's leaders in playoff appearances.
In 1908, Sikeston High School played their first football game, 12 years before the National Football League was created. This was one of the first football teams west of the Mississippi River. Along with their opponents the Charleston High School Blue Jays, they are believed to be the first two football teams in Southeast Missouri. The team played their game behind the old South Grade School near the intersection of Malone and School streets between Stoddard and Scott streets. The players played their games in heavy sweaters without pads and the occasional soft leather "helmet."In 1911, Sikeston went undefeated with a record of 7-0 record by outscoring their opponents 178-0; the defense did not allow any opposing offense inside the 15-yard line during the entire season.In 1913, the Sikeston High School football team defeated the college of Cape Normal School by a score of 15-0.On November 15, 1915, Sikeston defeated Kennett by a score of 147-0.On October 4, 1919, Sikeston defeated Caruthersville by a score of 148-0, establishing a Southeast Missouri scoring record that still stands. Leading scorer Pleas L. Malcolm, the future city postmaster and son of the former Sikeston mayor, scored 85 points in this single game.In the 1950s, the team had a stellar record of 89 wins, 6 losses, and 3 ties, outscoring opponents 2,604 to 578. Between 1948 and 1953, the team went 46-0-3, 49 games without a loss, one of the longest streaks in state history.In 1967, the football went undefeated against local teams with future NFL and Division I players.In 1967, the team was ranked #1 in the conference after a 6-0 defeat of Poplar Bluff, and Mike Garner was selected as all-state, first team offensive end.In 1968, halfback Dennis Snelling set a record with 1,254 rushing yards, 1286 total yards, and 138 plays while offensive end Jim Denbow set a record with 32 receptions.The 1976 football team was undefeated, 10-0, in the regular season, winning their first conference title in 8 years.In 1982, former Sikeston High School and Arkansas State University offensive lineman Paul Gilbow signed a free-agent contract with the Denver Broncos.In 1982, the team qualified for the state playoffs for the second time in three seasons, but lost 3-0 to Parkway South in the opening round.In 1983, the team won the conference championship and had 12 players chosen for all-conference. Chris Lowe was named lineman of the year and all-state first team while linebacker Steve Batts was named all-state second team.In 1984, Jay Greenwood was named all-state first team offensive tackle while Dennis Bean posted several rushing records.In 1985, the Sikeston High School Bulldogs played their 100th football game against Charleston High School. The Bulldogs defeated the Blue Jays by a score of 20-19.In 1986, quarterback Jimmy Loflin broke a school record by passing for 1392 yards.In 1998, the Sikeston football program dropped from 5A to 4A due to school enrollment statistics.In 1999, Justin Robinson set several school records: 2,030 yards, single-season rushing; 3,124 yards, career rushing (1997-1999); and 28 touchdowns, single-season touchdown record. He also finished second in career points with 170 behind Pleas Malcolm, 1919 graduate.In 2008, the Sikeston High School Bulldogs played their 100th season. They finished with a record of 5-5 and one win out of the state playoffsIn 2009, the Sikeston High School Bulldogs completed their first 10-0 season in 33 years, clinched their first SEMO Conference championship since 1998, and broke their all-time single-season scoring record set in 1960 with 388 points on the season. The Bulldogs went on to finish the season in the playoff semifinals losing 37-8 to Jefferson City Helias. The squad went deeper in the playoffs than any modern Bulldog team, finishing 13-1.In 2010, the Bulldogs football team finished 10-0 for the second straight year, which marked the first time that the school had back-to-back undefeated records since the 1954 and 1955 seasons. One of the season's highlights was a highly anticipated game against heated rival Cape Central, with both teams entering the game with identical 9-0 records. The Bulldogs defeated Cape Central 21-0 at Houck Stadium before an overflow crowd of 11,000 fans. The team broke several more school records, eclipsing some that the previous year's team had set, and even shattered some state records on their way to another semifinal appearance before losing to Warrenton 28-21. Sikeston finished its season with a final record of 13-1 for the second straight year.In 2010, Trey Lewis set the team single-season scoring record with 1546 passing yards.In 2010, Ray Clark (2008-2010) set a team career record with 397 tackles.In 2011, the Sikeston football team became the fifth high school team in Missouri to win 600 games.In 2012, Kyland Gross set a school record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback.Carr Trophy winners, since 1979, presented to the best high school football player in Southeast Missouri:
1980 Undra Lane1991 Raphael "Tiger" Boyd2009 Juqualin Wiggins2010 Trey LewisDerland Moore Award winners, since 2011, presented to the most outstanding defensive player in the conference:
2012 Blake FlanniganThe Sikeston High School Cheerleading Squad has competed at the state level multiple times. The squad has placed in the top three spots in the state in the past 12 years they have competed. They took home the first-place plaque in 1995, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012.The cheerleading squad competed in the 2009 UCA National High School Cheerleading Competition leaving with a top 25 finish in the large varsity division.The school's Red Pepper Organization, which supports school athletics and promotes school spirit, was started in 1928 and is one of the oldest high school organizations in the state of Missouri and west of the Mississippi River. The Red Pepper Organization carries on an 80-year tradition with a week of activities for "Greenies," girls who are not yet full Red Peppers. After several activities and requirements, the Greenies receive an official Red Pepper emblem.In 1950, the Sikeston High School boys' basketball won 18 games in a row.In 1975, the boys' basketball team won the 4-A district championship, led by 1974-1984 head coach Buddy Spears.In 1984, the boys' team advanced to the first round of the state play-offs, making their first trip to state tournament since 1975. Dennis Bean was first-team all-conference and scored over 300 points along with Benny Patterson and Karlos Draper.In 1995, the boys' basketball team secured a fourth-place finish in the 4A state tournament.The Sikeston High School boys' basketball team advanced to the Class 4 State Final Four in the "Show-Me Showdown" Tournament but eventually lost to St. Francis Borgia High School on March 11, 2006, by a score of 77-62. The basketball program has captured 20 district championships, which ranks among the most playoff appearances in state history. The Bulldogs faced the Borgia Knights once again in the state finals in March 2011. This time, the Bulldogs won 74-55 to capture their first ever state title. This was the first undefeated season in school history, as the Bulldogs finished with a record of 30-0.Michael Porter, cousin of NBA player Otto Porter, is the all-time leading scorer in Sikeston High School history with 1,994 points and is one of only three basketball players in Missouri to be named to first team All-State four times.In 2014, Sikeston High School boys' basketball head coach Gregg Holifield was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. As of 2014, he has compiled a record of 398-205, including 291-138 in his 16 years at Sikeston, making him the all-time leader in wins at the Sikeston High School.In 2016, the Lady Bulldogs won the SEMO Conference regular season outright for the first time in school history with Tyeshia Mitchell bringing the Bob Gray Award to Sikeston for the first time also.The school's baseball team has a rich tradition of excellence, reaching the state playoffs 27 times, leaving only two other Missouri schools with more playoff appearances.In 1951, the baseball team took second place in the state competition.In 1958, the baseball team took third place in the state competition.IN 1960 and 1961 the baseball team took third in the state competition.In 1966, the baseball team took third place in the state competition.In 1976, the baseball team took third place in the state competition.In 2001, the baseball team took second place in the state competition.In 2002, the baseball team took fourth place in the state competition.In 2004, the baseball team took third place in the state competition.In 1978, the team won a district championship with a 14-3 record.In 1985, the team compiled a 13-4 record and won the 4-A District 1 title for the first time since 1982.In 1987, the baseball team compiled a 17-4 record and captured the district championship.In 1995, the team were 4A district champions.Coach Kevin Self led Sikeston's baseball teams to a 266-98 record and three state final four appearances.Sikeston High School star players:
Wayne Limbaugh Jr., a 1967 from Sikeston High School graduate, was a left-handed shortstop who was a three-time All-District and All Conference player. In 2002, he joined his grandfather and father in the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.Brian Steven Harper, 30th-round draft pick in 1988 for the Philadelphia PhilliesDerek Tinnin, 35th-round draft pick in 1988 for the Pittsburgh PiratesBlake Ledbetter, 33rd-round draft pick in 1997 for the St. Louis CardinalsKevin Vent, 8th-round draft pick in 1999 for the San Francisco GiantsJamie Puckett, a 2002 graduate of Sikeston High School, was all-state player and manager of the Sikeston BullsBlake DeWitt, 1st-round draft pick in 2004 for the Los Angeles Dodgers DeWitt, between 2001 and 2004, set or tied the following state high school baseball records: most total bases in a career (349); most hits in a career (186); most doubles in a career (50); most RBIs in a career (167); most runs scored in a career (167); most assists in a career (235); and most consecutive wins (27, March 27, 2001 to June 4, 2004).Lance Rhodes, a 2004 graduate, pitching coach for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks and former Saint Louis Billikens player (Soph: 6-1, 1.43 ERA, hit .311; Jr: 5-2, 3.15 ERA, hit .402; Sr: 9-0, 1.95 ERA, hit .392).J. R. Bizzell, cousin of Blake DeWitt, all-state player who ranks third in career hits for Rhodes College In 2005, Bizzell tied the state high school record for the most singles (39) during one season.Billy Puckett, drafted by the Frontier League Gateway Grizzlies in 2005Jacob M. Priday, 11th-round draft pick in 2008 for the Houston AstrosVince Howard, 30th-round draft pick in 2009 for the Atlanta BravesDoug Still, a Sikeston graduate, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 33rd round in 2014. He struck out 70 his senior season.In 1987, cross country and track star Sherry Cox became the first girl to be all-conference, all-district, and all-sectional for three consecutive years.In 2001, Mike Chegwidden and Roger Bannister were inducted into the Sikeston R-6 Hall of Fame for their cross country achievements. Chegwidden, a 1982 graduate and one of Sikeston's few sophomores to become all-state, was a two-time all-state athlete in cross-country; he ran the 1600 meters in 4:35 in the 9th grade. Bannister, a 1987 graduate, was an all-state cross country and track athlete; he ran the 1600 meters in 4:27 and the 3200 meters in 9:31 in the 11th grade.In 1968, the Sikeston team went to the state tournament.In 1969, the Sikeston team took 2nd place in the District meet, finishing the season with a 8-1 record.In 1985, the Sikeston team had a 12-2 record, finishing 10th at state.In 2014, Sikeston golfer Gabe Wheeler finished in third place at the Class 3 state golf tournament.Scott Ellis Droddy holds the Missouri state record for the most career saves as a goalie (1,455 total) as of 2014; Droddy was also a shortstop for Florissant Valley Community College in St. Louis.In 2004, Sikeston High School achieved its first soccer district championship.In 2007, Blake Taylor became the first two-time all-state soccer player in school history. He has held numerous school scoring records.In 2011, the Sikeston soccer team set many records and finished with a record of 20-5, their best season in school history allowing them to reach the state quarterfinals.In 2012, the Sikeston soccer team achieved their first conference title in school history.In 1984, the softball team compiled a record of 11-1, beating Poplar Bluff 9-1 in the Sikeston Invitational Tournament.In 2014, the Sikeston softball team reached their first district final in school history.In 1972, the boys' tennis team had a perfect season with eight wins, no losses and one tie, winning a district team championship.Between 1975 and 1978, the girls' tennis team won four consecutive district championships and had undefeated seasons in 1976 and 1978.In 1985, the boys' tennis team finished 12-2 with only two losses to Cape Central.In 1986, the girls' tennis team finished 10-2 with only two losses to Cape Central.In 1995, the boys' tennis team were district champs, finishing with an undefeated 10-0 record.In 2006 and 2007, Jenni DeWitt, sister of Blake DeWitt, came in fourth-place in the Class 1 state singles tournament. She was undefeated during the regular season in her freshman and senior years and won first place in district singles all four years.Track And Field
George Woods won two Olympic silver medals in the shot put.In 1983, the boys' track team won the school's first-ever conference title while the girls' track team set a record for the 1600-meter relay.In 1984, Karlos Draper set a state record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 47.70 seconds.In 1986, the boys' track team finished third at state in the 800 meter relay.In 1987, the Jimmy Williams broke his school record in the triple jump, Sherry Cox set a record in the 3200 meters, Malynda Turk set a record in high jump, and Allison Simmons set records in the 100 and 300 hurdles.In 1990, Bryon Howard had a long jump length of 24-3.0, 5th best ever in the state.Marshaun West, long jump state champion in 1995, became a track All-American broke the Notre Dame Fighting Irish long jump record at 25'8".Tina Collins, high jump state champion in 1991.Michael Colon, triple jump state champion in 2003.Sikeston won four straight district track titles from 2001 through 2004.In 2005, Tyler Woodson captured first place in the 110 meter high hurdles at the Class 3 MSHSAA Track and Field Championships.Cal Lane set three Sikeston High School track records: 24 foot 9 1/2 inches in the long jump, 49 feet and 9 inches in the triple jump, and 6 feet 11 inches in the high jump, placing first in long jump and triple jump in state competition. He led the Bulldogs' 2009 track team to a Class 3 state title by scoring 26 of the team's 43 points.The Sikeston High School boys' track and field team tied for 1st place with St. Clair High School at the 2009 Class 3 track and field state meet, to win its first athletic state championship in school history.Betsy Borgsmiller, high jump state champion in 2011.In 2012, for the first time in school history, the Sikeston Bulldogs won a state relay championship with Steven Baker, Kyland Gross, Spenser Clark, and Nick Nichols winning the 4x200-meter relay event during the Class 3 State Championship Meet.In 2013, Steven Baker, Kyland Gross, Spenser Clark, and Nick Nichols won the 4x200-meter relay and the 4x100-meter relay events during the Class 3 State Championship Meet.The Sikeston High School Lady Bulldogs received first place in the Silver Bracket of the B.A. Sports/SEMO Classic Volleyball Tournament during the 2001-2002 season. They defeated the Zalma High School Lady Bulldogs in the tournament championship match.In 1983, the wrestling team won the conference title, and five wrestlers qualified for the state tournament, taking 8th place as a team.On February 24, 1983, Tim Thomure captured the first-ever individual wrestling championship for Sikeston High School at a Missouri 4A tournament held in Columbia, Missouri.In 1984, the wrestling team sent six wrestlers to the state tournament.In 1985, the wrestling team sent five wrestlers to the state tournament with Billy Ruby finishing 4th at state.Brandon Barnes, a former NFL playerNeal E. Boyd, opera singerKenneth Dement, a College Football Hall of Fame football player and attorneyBlake DeWitt, plays second base and third base for the Chicago CubsGeorge A. Russell, 1938, president of the University of Missouri SystemTerry Teachout, authorRobert Vaughan, authorJames Wilder, a former NFL playerMorgan Strebler, Mentalist/Illusionist who received the 2011 Merlin award