Pirate Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From St. Charles High School

Sports run deep in St. Charles, and St. Charles High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Pirate uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from St. Charles High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

Kristen Brennan – Record-Breaking State Champion Swimmer

A legend in Illinois high school swimming, Kristen Brennan stands as the most decorated female swimmer in state history. During her time at St. Charles High School, she captured 12 state titles (six individual and six relay championships) while helping lead her team to three state championships and a 1999 national team title. Brennan broke one national relay record, two state relay records and an individual state record in the 100 freestyle. Her record-setting performances earned her a full scholarship to the University of Arizona, where she became a two-time All-American and qualified for the 2000 Olympic Trials in three events before an injury ended her career. (Sources: Facebook, Arizona Wildcats)

Dennis Tankersley – MLB Pitcher and Futures Game Selection

Dennis Tankersley, a St. Charles native, reached the Major Leagues as a right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres from 2002 to 2004. Drafted twice by the Boston Red Sox in the 38th round, he signed in 1998 before being traded to the Padres in 2000. Tankersley was named to the All-Star Futures Game in 2001 and had stints with multiple MLB organizations, including the Royals, Tigers and Nationals. He briefly retired in 2008 before attempting a comeback with San Diego in 2012. (Source: SABR)

Connie Price-Smith – Four-Time Olympian and Track & Field Icon

With 25 national titles and four Olympic appearances, Connie Price-Smith is one of the most accomplished throwers in U.S. track and field history. A graduate of St. Charles High School and Southern Illinois University, she competed internationally in both the shot put and discus from 1987 to 2001, earning medals at the Pan American Games and World Indoor Championships. She later coached at her alma mater and was named head coach of the U.S. Olympic women’s track & field team in 2016. She is a member of both the SIU and USA Track & Field Halls of Fame. (Sources: Olympics.com, USATF)

Josh Harrellson – NCAA Tournament Standout and NBA Draft Pick

Josh Harrellson began his basketball journey at St. Charles High School before playing at Southwestern Illinois College and the University of Kentucky. A standout during the 2011 NCAA tournament, he led the SEC in rebounding his senior year and was named to the All-East Region Team. Harrellson was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2011, then played for the Knicks, Heat and Pistons. He later competed professionally overseas in China, Puerto Rico and Japan. (Sources: Facebook, Proballers, UK Athletics)

Curtis Brown – NFL Running Back and College Football Star

An all-state running back at St. Charles High School in the 1970s, Curtis Brown went on to star at the University of Missouri, where he helped lead the Tigers to major upsets over USC and Ohio State in 1976. Brown was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round and played seven seasons in the NFL. Between his time with the Bills and Houston Oilers, he rushed for over 2,100 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Brown passed away in 2015 while being treated for football-related dementia. (Source: WGRZ)

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