Fenwick High School – Old Gym, Oak Park - Illustrious: The Best High School Gyms in Illinois

The “Lawless Gym” or old gym at Fenwick High School has an even older version of the court off to the side. Right as you walk in the original center court with its cross cut 2″x4″s that face grain side up, in Oak Park, June 24, 2022.   Part of the photo series Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois. (Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)

The two gyms of Fenwick

Founded in 1929 it should be no surprise that having two gyms means one is the “old gym” and one is the “new gym.”

Both gyms are on the second floor of the school and probably hold about the same amount of spectators. The older gym, officially known as the “Lawless Gym,” named after Tony Lawless the school’s football coach from 1929-1941, also the athletic director, and all-around Chicago Catholic League legend. It stands out thanks in part to its cement balcony over one of the baselines.

From its inception till August of 1980, the court at Fenwick was a very unique style that’s been all but replaced elsewhere over the decades. Cross-cut wood 2″x4″ wood blocks are placed grain-side up, revealing the tree’s rings. These wood blocks were usually about 4 inches deep and were sanded or planed down to make the floor a level surface. See the photo above.

Fenwick’s old gym is still in use, but typically for JV games or special events. Its balcony and metal rafter are its most defining features.   *Part of the photo series Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois. (Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)*

Basketball players were for a time known as “cagers”, because of the cages or nets that were placed around courts to protect fans from a much rougher game. Also, sometimes to protect players from a much rougher fan base. The entrance to the Lawless Gym at Fenwick has a cage built around it, but more to protect incoming spectators from balls or bodies leaving the court, in Oak Park, June 24, 2022.   *Part of the photo series Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois. (Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)*

The New Gym

Fans in the baseline bleachers during a Fenwick girls basketball against Oak Park-River Forest, at Fenwick on Feb. 8, 2024.  Part of the photo series Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois. (Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)

The new gym doesn’t seem to seat more fans than the older gym, but the proximity of fans to the court definitely makes it safer for players and fans during a fast moving game. The ceiling in the new gym also seems to be roughly as high as the Lawless Gym, but with beveled sides and smaller rafters, the clearing for half-court shots and high balls in volleyball are less likely to be effected by the ceiling.