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spoRts

Award given to reporter Drake Skleba

by MaRK gRegoRy editorial director

@Hear_The_Beard mark@buglenewspapers.com As the COVID-19 pandemic caused havoc all over the country, it was routinely stated that those most impacted were the elderly and those with preexisting conditions and that, for the most part, children and teenagers were not at risk.

That would be determined by how you define risk.

Sure, the teenage population was not lying in hospital beds or on ventilators — but they were still impacted.

These teens lost school, prom and graduation.

The artists lost inspiration, the musicians lost performances and the athletes lost competition.

So, after it looked bleak for many months, when the Illinois High School Association finally decided to open the 2021 sports season, however abbreviated, there was excitement.

Coaches were excited to draw up game plans, athletes were excited to see live game action and sports reporters were excited to get out and cover events.

No reporter was excited more than Drake Skleba.

Drake has been attending high school sports on a regular basis since 1987 and covering sports since 2006 when a chance meeting at a baseball game landed him freelance jobs for Prep Baseball Report and the Chicago Tribune.

Not a journalist by trade, Drake took to the profession as a stringer a few years after retiring from a 30-year career with General Motors.

While many reporters become passionate about their job, Drake was lucky enough to turn his passion into his job.

With the 2021 season finally starting, Enterprise Publications — The Bugle, Enterprise and Sentinel — was going through the same problems as many other publications that had managed to survive the pandemic lockdown — how to cover them?

There had been no sports section for months, and freelancer budgets were all but nonexistent as advertising revenue needed time to come back and businesses regained footing from being closed themselves.

Drake had an answer to that.

He would cover the games for no pay — a gesture to get the studentathletes coverage while the newspaper industry regrouped.

And that is what he has done this entire basketball season, covering one

PHOT BY MATT EVANS

drake skleba, right, interviews an athlete after a game in 2020. skleba is honored this week for his dedication to providing coverage to high school athletes, coaches and the programs. or more games in a day since the season tipped off.

“I have always respected the coverage and hard work he has put in for the kids. It doesn’t surprise me that he would take no pay to continue to work,” said Downers Grove North coach Jim Thomas. “When Drake is at a ballgame and he is covering your team, he always brings about a smile to everyone he interacts with — always. He is just about as genuine a guy I’ve interacted with who cares about people and kids. He knows more about the rivalries and big games in the [West Suburban] conference than anyone I have ever interacted with. He can pull information off the top of his head from many years ago and I always love hearing the stories.”

As a matter of fact, even pre-pandemic, Drake worked tirelessly to bring the local student-athletes to the forefront.

If there were a budget at the paper for three stories in a given week, Drake would still cover as many as he could fit into his schedule.

Simply put, Drake cares.

He cares about the student-athletes, the coaches and the administration of the schools in the coverage area so much he is willing to give of himself to benefit them.

And they appreciate it.

“When looking at all of the great players in our area throughout the years, these players and their accomplishments are not spread by word of mouth only. It is spread through hard work and great journalism by wonderful individuals like Drake Skleba,” said Plainfield North baseball coach John Darlington. “Drake has gone out of his way to promote the athletes at Plainfield North each and every season. He has also consistently followed past athletes to see how they have progressed past their high school years. Our school and community are indebted to the hard work that Drake has done for them throughout the years. Thank you, Drake.”

“Drake is a champion for high school athletics in our area,” said Bolingbrook boys basketball coach Rob Brost. “I always love to see him in the gym and at our games. We are forever in his debt because of his service to young people. It does seem like he is everywhere — probably because he is.”

“This is my 48th year of coaching basketball and the media and I have had a great relationship over the years.

However Drake is one of the few who stands out as someone who is truly there for the coaches and players,” said Joe Gura, Joliet Catholic Academy boys basketball coach and Illinois

High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer. “His writings reflect what happened during the game but he goes a step further and always tells the positive and human story of every game I love the man for what he has done for high school sports.”

Drake brings an excitement and a passion to his stories — not only because he is a great storyteller, but because he feels that energy when he is writing the story after a game.

“He really puts his heart into it,” said Benet Academy boys basketball coach Gene Heidkamp. “He brings a passion and excitement to his coverage and the kids enjoy reading his stories. He enjoys putting the spotlight on the kids and the programs and he also develops relationships with the kids and the coaches. I really appreciate him and what he has done for Benet Academy and all of high school athletics.”

“Drake has never failed to come up to me before a contest to say hi and chat a little. He is one of the most personable individuals I have come across,” said Bolingbrook athletic director Rob Rose. “I have observed his love of covering young men and women competing. I’m appreciative of his contributions he has made to advancing our sports and student-athletes into the limelight and look forward to

working with him for years to come.”

When Drake covers the games, he is not only interested in the plays in the game, the stats or a team’s record, he cares as much about the players and coaches as people as he does as athletes.

“Watching Drake walking over to your dugout to grab the lineup, it is impossible for you not to start smiling,” said Joliet Catholic Academy baseball coach Jared Voss. “You know how genuinely thrilled he is to be there, how excited he is to ask you about your family, the team, and the season. We are very lucky to have Drake Skleba promoting our area high school sports. He is as good of a person as he is a reporter and his passion for covering our student athletes is priceless. Thank you Drake —you’re the best.”

“I have known Drake for over 30 years. He is a tireless worker and supporter of all players and coaches,” said Maine South boys basketball coach Tony Lavorato. “Drake understands the game and the emotions.

He knows the correct questions to ask and also the questions to not ask.

Finally, Drake is just a nice person — he is always asking about family and non-sport-related items. He is truly an

see ‘dRaKe’ page 4

pag e 4 | Wednes day, M ARCH 3 , 20 21 | bugl e n e w s pa p e r s .c om ‘DRAKE’ from page 3 old-school reporter and we have been honored and blessed that he has covered Maine South Basketball over the last 18 years.”

It is difficult to cover games like Drake does and not develop a friendship with many of the coaches and administrators along the way.

“Honestly, what can one say? It’s remarkable to think that he is going through this because he simply loves his job so much,” said Downers Grove North girls basketball coach Stephan Bolt. “To be completely honest though, I can’t say that I’m surprised.

He puts so much passion into his coverage and every piece he writes. Drake pours his entire heart and soul into his work and more importantly, these kids. I know how much he cares about prep sports and even more, these student-athletes. I cherish the moments we get to chat before and after games about the season and life in general.

I had no idea at that moment before we played DGS (and got shut down for nearly two weeks) that he was there simply out of the heart and dedication to his work and more importantly to make sure these spectacular studentathletes have the opportunity to feel special by having their name in a newspaper article during such a difficult time for so many of them and

their families.

“You, my friend, are remarkable. I will look forward to seeing you again soon and I look forward to thanking you in person for the amazing sacrifices you’ve made for our athletes.”

“He is someone who I consider my friend,” said Plainfield South baseball coach Phil Bodine. “He has done so much for our kids over the years that I consider him a Cougar at heart, but I’m sure the other coaches feel the same way as far as all the schools he covers. He did this as a hobby when he started a love of high school athletics and he someone who I cherish as a friend and also a Cougar for life. I love his company and friendship. In my 31 years as a head baseball coach he is by far the best scribe I have had the pleasure to work with.”

That hobby Drake had of attending high school sporting events parlayed itself into a job as a writer and curator of the Prep Baseball Report Illinois Daily roundup for several years, where he brought scores and highlights from around Illinois high school baseball to the fans and followers at Prep Baseball Report.

“Drake’s enthusiasm for high school baseball is unmatched,” said Prep Baseball Report Scouting Supervisor Steve Nielsen. “Rain or shine, he’d be covering games.”

While with the PRB, Drake was

awarded the 2009 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Media Relations Man of the Year.

He also did work for the Joliet Herald-News, the premier daily newspaper in the Will County area under now retired sports editor Dick Goss — recipient of the 1999 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Media Relations Man of the Year.

“For any sports editor, as I was for 35 years at the Herald-News, Drake was an ideal stringer. He was willing to go anywhere to cover football, basketball or baseball, and he always researched teams he was covering before he went,” Goss said. “He interviewed multiple players and coaches after games to make sure he was being thorough, and he established a good working relationship with anyone he interviewed. He was an excellent ambassador for the Herald-News.”

Ambassador is exactly the right word to describe Drake.

In fact, at what was supposed to be the 2020 Prep Shootout Senior All-Star Basketball game that was put on annually by Enterprise Publications at the University of St. Francis — Drake was unknowingly going to receive the inaugural Athletic Ambassador Award, which would be given to a fan, staff member, team manager, etc. from one of the schools in the paper’s coverage area.

So, despite of the cancellation of the game in both 2020 and this season and without a chance for a public presentation — the award will still be issued this year and will from here on out be named in his honor as the Drake Skleba Athletic Ambassador Award — an award much earned.

He will be presented with a physical award in the near future as well as have a hand in selecting all future recipients of this award.

“What a well-deserved honor for Drake and very fitting given what he has contributed to high school sports,” Brost said.

“I’d like to thank Drake Skleba for his hard work and dedication over the years. Drake is a consummate professional who took great pride in getting our athletes and teams the recognition they deserved,” said Joliet Catholic Academy football coach Jake Jaworski. “I first met Drake years ago while he was working with Prep Baseball Report. Over the years we’ve developed a great friendship. As much as he loves covering our teams, the first thing Drake does when you would see him at a game or talk to him on the phone is ask how my family and I are doing — a genuine person.”

“Drake Skleba is a living legend,” said Sean Duncan, Prep Baseball Report President and 2005 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association

Media Relations Man of the Year. “I am grateful for all the years he worked at Prep Baseball Report. He’s a tireless worker who absolutely loved covering high school baseball. He spent endless hours tracking records, compiling daily roundups during the season.

“After a while, Drake affectionately was known as the Guru, because he knew all the records, all the results, during a time when results and records weren’t easily found online.

Drake is first-class all the way and he deserves all the accolades for the services he provided to high school athletes across the state.”

Enterprise Publications General Manager Andrew Samaan knows what Drake means to the publication itself, as well as the industry — especially is these difficult times.

“Drake is an amazing individual who’s very passionate about high school sports. His positive can-do attitude is infectious around the office,” Samaan said. “He’s always willing to go the extra mile in everything that he does and he pushes everyone around him to be their very best.

“We can all learn from Drake. He is always so positive and willing to help.

I’m blessed to have employed such a remarkable individual for so many years. He is the epitome of hard work and commitment and someone I truly admire.”

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ColuMn > @HeaR_tHe_beaRd > MaRK@bugleneWspapeRs.CoM

No better honor for my friend, Drake Skleba If there is one thing we have learned in the last year is to take nothing for granted — ever.

That has been stuck in my head ever since the 2020 Prep Shootout Basketball All-Star game was cancelled because of COVID-19.

At that game, we were all set to honor freelance reporter Drake Skleba with an Ambassador Award to recognize his dedication to bringing amazing coverage to high school athletics.

We had it all planned — we were going to surprise Drake with the award in between the girls and boys games.

We had Drake’s cousin, Matt Evans shooting the game for us as a freelance photographer (he is the one that shot the photos you see in the paper today) and he was going to let people close to Drake know so they could attend.

The best thing was — Drake had no idea.

It was a great plan until we were hit by the pandemic lockdown and the whole world stopped.

No problem, we figured, we will just pick back up and do it in 2021.

Well, as we see, that is not going to happen.

But, I was not going to let this idea go.

Like I said, I had that mantra in

my head of take nothing for granted, and Drake is at the top of that list.

P r e pandemic, if I had a budget to pay Drake for three stories a week —he would send me double.

When I told him as we were waiting on advertisers to return from the shutdowns and I had no budget — he covered games anyway.

This was something I would bever ask a reporter to do. It is something that, in the beginning, I was very uncomfortable with — but Drake always insisted.

This isn’t just a job for him, it’s a calling.

Drake obviously doesn’t do this for the money, he doesn’t do it because he likes me that much, he does it for the kids.

Drake does this to get studentathletes, coaches and programs the coverage they deserve, and I will never take that for granted.

Drake is an ambassador for high

school athletics and he deserves that credit just as much as the players, coaches and programs he writes about.

So, Drake is the first recipient of the Enterprise Publications Athletic Ambassador Award — which going forward will be named in his honor.

We will award it annually to anyone that goes the extra mile to champion the high school studentathletes the way Drake has.

I originally met Drake at a soccer game, the first one he ever covered if my memory serves me right.

We were expanding our freelancer staff and we talked about him doing some work for us. I had never met Drake, but his reputation was well known.

I knew he was a thorough reporter that wrote with passion and enthusiasm for the game he was covering.

After a few conversations, Drake came to do work for us and I learned that that excitement he had at the games spilled over into his writing —so much so, that I often have to edit out triple exclamation points after an action-packed sentence.

I don’t mind that at all.

And I will never tell Drake not to put those in his story.

See, I have to edit them out to comply with newspaper AP style

state

Locals go 25 years accident free for UPS Can you imagine going 25 years without an accident? What if you had to do it on busy roads, in all kinds of weather, in a large commercial vehicle?

It happens, and UPS couldn’t be more proud of its safe drivers. That’s why the Atlanta-based company adds to its prestigious “Circle of Honor” each year to recognize employees who have delivered packages for a quarter of a century without an accident.

Four local residents will join that circle.

Wayne Drish Jr, of Lockport, Marion Pyra Jr. of Lockport; James Edwards of Woodridge and Thomas Herron of Joliet are the drivers inducted this year They were lauded by our company for their outstanding driving records.

They are among the 143 drivers from Illinois, and the 1,412 inducted drivers worldwide newly inducted into the company’s elite organiza-

tion.

Globally, 10,779 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor.

The current group of Circle of Honor drivers have collectively achieved more than 315,000 years of safe driving throughout their careers. That’s enough time to drive non-stop from Miami to San Diego – over 65 million times. And they’ve done it while helping to deliver 3 percent of the world’s GDP – more than 20 million packages a day

of writing, but the last thing I ever want to do is edit Drake as a person.

What he lacks in a formal education for newspaper style, he more than makes up for in passion, and it is that passion that makes him great.

Over the years of working together, Drake and I have become friends.

It is honestly really hard not to.

We both share a love of high school sports, a love for the relationships we build with coaches and players and a love of watching those coaches and players rise through the college and professional ranks

after graduation.

Drake and I can start to chat about old games, teams and athletes we covered, and after what seems like minutes hours have flown by.

So, it is with privilege that I can honor my friend with this award, that I hope lives well beyond both our life spans. He is truly an ambassador, a reporter and a friend that deserves this as much as anyone.

Thank you, Drake for all you have done to help put the spotlight away from the negativity and place it on these athletes who play for the love of the game.

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CooK County

Cook County board to bring transparency to TIF spending The Cook County Board of Commissioners has enacted an ordinance that would increase disclosure in an area where it is long overdue — Tax Increment Financing districts, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.

The Board approved an amendment to the Debt Disclosure Ordinance, which allows the Treasurer’s Office to gather vital financial data

for the county’s 547 primary taxing districts and publish it on cookcountytreasurer.com. The amendment would give taxpayers the opportunity to examine how TIF dollars have been spent and to whom. This information also would be posted to cookcountytreasurer.com for taxpayers to view and download.

Pappas suggested the idea to the

board and helped draft the amendment.

“The County Board took groundbreaking action regarding transparency when it passed the Debt Disclosure Ordinance in 2009 at my request,” Pappas said. “I am grateful to the Board for doing the same with TIFs.” Commissioners John P. Daley

(11th) and Larry Suffredin (13th) were lead sponsors of the amendment, which had 13 cosponsors: Alma E. Anaya (7th), Luis Arroyo Jr. (8th), Dennis Deer (2nd), Bridget Degnen (12th), Bridget Gainer (10th), Brandon Johnson (1st), Bill Lowry (3rd), Donna Miller (6th), Stanley Moore (4th), Sean M. Morrison (17th), Kevin B. Morrison (15th),

Peter N. Silvestri (9th), Deborah Sims (5th).

Two commissioners voted no: Frank J. Aguilar (16th) and Scott R. Britton (14th).

In Cook County, 444 TIF Districts across 96 municipalities accounted for more than $1.3 billion in property tax revenue last year — or 8.4% of the entire $15.6 billion billed.

Will County

K9 Citgo retires, while Rood gets body armor The Lockport Police Department officially announces the retirement of Canine Citgo (a.k.a.

Santos). After more than seven years of dedicated service,Citgo will be greatly missed by City staff, elected officials, and the community. Earlier today, the Lockport Police Department held a special celebration in honor of Citgo to with him a very happy retirement.

Photo/Video Share (Google Drive).

Citgo is an 8.5 year old Belgian Malinois. He entered police service as a member of the Lockport Police Department in August 2014.

He is certified in narcotics and human trafficking searches and suspect apprehension.

At the Committee of the Whole (COTW ) Meeting on February 17, 2021, the Police Department informed the City Council about a recent change in Citgo’s medical status. Earlier this year, the Police Department was informed by his veterinarian that Citgo suffers from a degenerative spinal condition causing his vertebrae to fuse together.

Due to the physical nature of police canine duties conventional treatment methods may not be effective in preventing long-term and/or significant injury. In agreement with his veterinarian, the Lockport Police Department recommended that Citgo be retired immediately in the interest of his health and well-being.

The City Council agreed with the LPD, and Citgo’s retirement was made official by approval of Resolution No. 21-033. The City tendered possession of Citgo/ Santos to Officer Ganger to live out his remaining days with the Ganger Family as a “regular family pet”.

• In Romeoville, Police Department’s K9 Rood will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks

loCKpoRt K9 Citgo to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rood’s vest is sponsored by Jay and Carol Brickles of Green Valley, AZ and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective

vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

RoMeoVille K9 Rood The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor

one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a fiveyear warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-8246978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www. vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

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Will County

COVID-19 and construction lead Joliet Public Library and partners to cancel annual Star Wars Day event for 2021 The Joliet Public Library announced the 2021 Star Wars Day event will be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the library’s construction plans.

Star Wars Day, which started in 2010 by Joliet Public Library staff, is an event that brings over 10,000 people to downtown Joliet and features a parade of costumed characters, food and merchandise vendors, games and programs at the Library, Rialto Square Theatre and Joliet Area Historical Museum.

The large crowds that the event draws together coupled with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons that led event organizers to make the difficult decision.

“After careful consideration and conversations with our communi-

ty partners in Joliet and the 501st Legion, we have decided to cancel the event for 2021,” said Executive Director of the Joliet Public Library, Megan Millen. “Not only are the concerns due to COVID-19, the health of the visitors and staff and the impact on our sponsors and partners, but also because the library will be heavily under construction at the time of the event for Project Burnham.”

Project Burnham is the library’s plan to remodel the interior of the Ottawa Street Branch. Construction is expected to begin in March 2021. By June, much of the indoor and outdoor space used for Star Wars Day will be unavailable for public access due to construction.

“We understand this is a disappointing decision for the many fans of Star Wars Day,” Millen said.

“Staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last 10 years to bring a fun and exciting summer event to downtown Joliet.”

The library has been offering virtual programming and pickup services as well as building hours throughout the pandemic. Library

administration plans to remain open to the public throughout construction.

“In 2020, we changed a lot of the ways we offer library services, from virtual programming to online library cards. Our staff and library leadership continues

to monitor our services to best fit the public’s needs during this time,” said Millen. “We hope the fans understand that this decision was not made lightly, but with the health and safety of everyone who attends this great event in mind.”

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We d n es day, M A R C H 3 , 2 0 2 1 | b u g l e n e w spap e r s. c o m | pag e 7 Phone: 815.436.331 >> Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. FAX: 815.439.315 email: classifieds@enterprisepublications.com IN PERSON: Enterprise Publications >> 231556 Andrew Rd. >> Plainfield, IL

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Help Wanted

Shipping & Receiving Assistant: Computer Skills Required (Romeoville) Shipping & receiving assistant works under the direction and reports to our Operations Managers to process Records Storage tasks and duties F/T M-F some OT, benefits/wage commensurate with skill set/ experience.

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Send resume to Mr. Dale Pundsack email at hr@citadelim.com or by fax to 630-323-337. Please type in the subject box: Bugle / RS Dept MARCH 2021 Requirements: • 3-5 years past experience in similar warehouse position • Competent computer skills required: Microsoft Office / Must learn and use industry software • Work skills: Accuracy, efficiency, attention to details • Honest character, positive Attitude, team player, reliable • Strong communication skills verbally, phone, email • Good attendance record, punctual • Adheres to all safety processes • Manage physical boxes, climb stairs, lift up to 70 lbs.

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