Legendary longtime Columbia High School head football coach Scott Horner was recently named as a member of the 2024 class of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

The IHSFCA Hall of Fame Banquet will take place March 23 in Champaign. 

Horner, who took over as head coach of the Eagles in 2001, has led his program to the IHSA playoffs several times in his 23-year tenure. 

Prior to being named head coach, he served as offensive coordinator of the Eagles. 

His overall record at CHS is 159-76. His 2007 squad went 12-2 and placed second in the state for Class 3A. His 2008 squad went 12-1. 

“A recognition like this is a result of great players, great parents, a great community, a supportive district administration and many years of a great coaching staff that is committed and loves kids,” Horner said when asked for comment about the Hall of Fame nod. “I am honored to be recognized in a group of elite people, but this truly is an award that isn’t possible without the help of so many wonderful Columbia football supporters.”

In addition to still serving as head football coach, Horner is now the athletic director for the Columbia school district.

He is a graduate of both Carlyle High School and Greenville College, where he played quarterback. In fact, Horner played QB for the 1988 state champion Carlyle football squad.

This is the second Hall of Fame induction for Horner as a coach.

Horner and his longtime defensive coordinator, Scott Germain, were inducted last year into the St. Louis Metropolitan Football Coaches Hall of Fame.