14 minute read
Sports Church News........................... 14--15
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Fulton cou nt ing on sen ior lea dership, strong passi ng game t o keep program rol li ng
By DAN WUSSOW dwussow@shawmedia.com
With high school sports practices officially open across Illinois as of Monday, Aug. 8, teams are back to their normal operations and the process of piecing together the puzzle of starting lineups and depth charts.
With football season just around the corner, excitement is in the air at practice fields all around the state. For the Fulton Steamers, it’s no different.
“Very excited. When you have as good of a postseason run as we had last year, it makes you pretty eager to get back the next season,” Fulton coach Patrick Lower said. “We’re just excited to get going teaching these kids the game of football.”
“We’re really excited. Everyone’s been working really hard. It’s been fun,” senior QB/DB Brayden Dykstra said. “Since we already had team camp, we’re ready to go. Everyone’s ready. We know what we’re doing.”
Coming off a 9-3 record and Class 1A state quarterfinal appearance in 2021, the Steamers have high hopes entering the new season.
After squeaking by Galena, 14-13, in Week 1 of last season, they’re hoping for a better start to 2022.
“It was a rough game for us offensively,” Lower said. “I know Galena had a lot to do with it with their defense; we won the game, but we were disappointed in the way we played, and we want to get off to a much better start Aug. 26 at our place.”
Although Fulton has 19 seniors on the roster this year, many of them lack extensive playing experience. Getting the new senior starters up to speed quickly will be essential as the Steamers try to navigate a challenging NUIC schedule.
Weeks 3 through 5, in particular, look like a gauntlet, as Fulton travels an hour-and-a-half northeast to face reigning conference champion Durand-Pecatonica, then hosts Michigan powerhouse Muskegon Catholic Central, before hitting the road again to battle two-time defending Class 1A state champion Lena-Winslow. Forreston also awaits in Week 7, coming off an 8-3 season and second-place finish in the NUIC.
“We’ve got a few guys, we have some juniors that are going to step up. We have quite a few seniors that are going to get a lot of playing time, and they’re going to be able to do things they need to do to make us better,” Lower said. “We are a veteran group with a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of seniors that haven’t had a lot of playing time. I think our guys getting ready and getting used to the speed of varsity football [will be our biggest challenge this year].”
Although the Steamers are somewhat lacking in varsity game experience on both sides of the line, senior OL/DL Zane Pannell has faith that his teammates will step up and fill those roles admirably.
“We’re less experienced on the line, but we’ll definitely be good there because Logan [Rathburn] is new,” Pannell said. “We have some juniors that have to step up.”
The backfield will look a little different without 2021 IHSFCA All-State First Team RB Keegan VanKampen, who graduated this spring, but senior RB Ryan Eads is ready to take some of those snaps and fill the void along with a handful of newcomers. Seniors Lukas Schroeder and Ben Fosdick, and junior Jimmy Crimmins add to the backfield rotation this year.
Returning starters from last year’s playoff run include Eads, Pannell, senior OL/DL Braiden Damhoff, senior TE Ethan Price, junior WR/LB Baylen Damhoff, senior DB Conner Sheridan and senior K Endi Qunaj.
After partaking in summer camp 7-on-7s and two regular practices this summer, Dykstra and Pannell agreed the passing game will be a strength this year.
Dykstra identified one possible breakout candidate on offense.
“ [ W R / D B ] T r e v o r T i e s m a n ’ s g o i n g t o b e a junior. I think he’ll step up and take a big role on defense and offense this year,” he said.
Pannell sees another potential difference-maker in the trenches.
“[Senior OL/DL] Logan Rathburn, he’s coming back from home school, and I think he’s gonna do good for our line,” he said.
Fulton will host Galena on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. for its season opener.
Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media Fulton’s Baylen Damhoff heads to the end zone after catching a pass against Chicago Raby during the Steamers’ first-round playoff game last season. Damhoff is one of seven returning starters from last year’s team that finished 9-3.
Photo by Katy Arnold Fulton’s Zane Pannell works against an Ottawa Marquette blocker in their second-round playoff game last season. Pannell is back to anchor the lines for the Steamers this fall.
Erie-Prophetstown High School announced its basketball cheerleaders will perform at the VRBO Citrus Bowl Pre-Game Performance on Dec. 30 through Jan. 3 at the Universal Orlando Resort.
The team will represent Varsity Spirit, the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions and a division of Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition.
Cheerleaders, dancers and mascots who are invited to perform in the VRBO Citrus Bowl Pre-Game Performance are part of a select group of trophy-winning squads and teams and All-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country.
Trophy-winning teams and All-Americans are based on superior cheerleading or dance skills, as well as leadership skills at camps operated by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Univ e r s a l D a n c e A s s o c i a t i o n ( U D A ), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), National Dance Alliance (NDA), United Spirit Association (USA) or Urban Cheerleading Experience (UCE).
T h e E P P a n t h e r s c h e e r l e a d e rs attended the NCA camp at Iowa State University in June where they were selected for the experience.
“We are thrilled that these excellent athletes will have the chance to perform and experience our special events in Orlando, Florida,” said Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit. “We are honored to provide them a one-of-a-kind opportunity where they will meet and connect with cheerleaders, dancers and mascots from across the country.”
The EP cheerleaders will perform with the Varsity Spirit trophy winners and All-Americans in a one-of-a-kind pregame performance, according to a news release.
“I am so proud of this group of athletes for all they accomplished at camp,” EP Panthers cheerleading coach Shauna DeBlieck said. “Over half of them were nominated for All-American, they all received a ‘Superior’ ribbon during cheer evaluations, which is the best of three ribbons that they could earn, and they received the ultimate reward on the last day – Top Team Cheer, which was the trophy that earned them this trip. They put in a lot of hard work and they deserve this trip to Florida!”
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading’s dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts, according to the release. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year, according to the release. Focused on safety, entertainment and leadership, Varsity Spirit’s employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, visit varsity. com or varsitybrands.com.
Photo provided The Erie-Prophetstown cheerleading team will perform at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando later this year. Front row, from left, are Brianna Goodhart and Charleigh Misfeldt; second row, Kinzie Orr, Izzy Gabriel, Molly Wisley, Chloee Lukehart and Madison Hill; third row, Kassady Elder, Cassie Fleener, Skylar Mendoza and Skyler Paarmann; back row, Kayleigh Neill, Kate McConnell, Carin Bowser, Jaylee Slater and Brooklynn Neill.
We Support Our Local Schools!
GO STEAMERS AND KNIGHTS!
Albany United Methodist Church 502 N. 1st Avenue, 309-887-4781 Pastor Toni Lucas Faith Center Church 511 3rd Ave. North, Albany Senior Pastor Ray Gimenez Pastor Arlen VanZee Church Phone: 563-212-4032 St. Patrick Catholic Church Albany, Illinois Fr. Matthew Camainoi, Parochial Vicar
CORDOVA
Cordova Baptist 602 Third Ave. South, Cordova Pastor Carmen Jordan 309-654-2501 - www.cordovafbc.com
EAST MOLINE
Sycamore Baptist Church 5323 180th Street North, East Moline 309-200-2505 www.sycamorebaptistchurch.com Wildwood Baptist Church 18717 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-9397 office@ wildwoodchurch.com Pastors Brian Smith, Andrew Robinson, Andy Thomaston and Matt Winquist Zion Lutheran Church 17628 Hubbard Road, East Moline Rev. Gary A. Wright - 309-496-3592
ERIE
Erie Baptist Church 8th Ave. and 11th Street, Erie Call Ron Kimball for info: 309-230-3584 Erie Christian Church 715 6th Ave., Erie, 309-659-2561 Minister: Nathan Bright Youth Minister: Aaron Sweeney www.eriechristianchurch.com Erie Evangelical Free Church 1409 16th Ave., Erie, 309-659-7125 Website: erieefree.org Pastor Ron Eckberg Pastor Jonathan Eckberg
421 Lincolnway East Morrison
Erie United Methodist Church 811 8th Street, Erie Pastor Tiffany Garcea - 309-659-2541 www.erieumc.org Newton Zion Reformed Church 10465 Frog Pond Road, Erie Pastor Shannon Parrish - 309-659-2464 newtonzion@frontier.com St. Ambrose Catholic Church Corner of 5th and Main Father Toni Kretowicz Rectory Phone: 815-537-2077 Church Phone: 309-659-2781
FENTON
Fenton United Methodist Church 10019 Main Street, Fenton Pastor Peter Kicheon Ahn - 224-580-5074 pastor.kitcheon@gmail.com
FULTON
Bethel Christian Reformed Church 1208 3rd Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2501 www.bethelfulton.com bethelcrchurch@gmail.com Pastor Kevin Vanhoeven
First Reformed Church 510 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-2203 Pastor Charles Huckaby Fulton Presbyterian Church 311 N. 9th St., Fulton, 815-589-3580 Pastor Rev. Catherine Martin www.fultonpreschurch.org email: fultonpres@mchsi.com. Garden Plain Presbyterian Church 14915 Sands Road, Fulton Gateway Faith Fellowship Church 701 11th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-4283 Pastor Wayne Wiersema Immaculate Conception Church 703 12th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3542 Father Matthew Camaioni secretaryfulton@gmail.com Newton Zion Reformed Church 10645 Frog Pond Road, Erie, 309-659-2464
Farmers Elevator
815-772-4029 - Morrison, IL Rock River Lumber & Grain
815-537-5131 - Prophetstown Frary’s Lumber & Supply
815-537-5151 - Prophetstown
Morrison Veterinary Clinic
Jentry Fane, DVM, DVM, R.R. Zinkem, DVM, S.E. Blair, DVM, SJ. Lawfer, DVM Phone 815-772-4047
newtonzion@frontier.com Pastor Shannon Parrish CrossView Church 703 14th Ave., Fulton, 815-589-3425 www.wearecrossview.com secretary@wearecrossview.com Spring Valley Reformed Church 10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton Pastor Joe Crum 815-772-3554
First Christian Reformed Church 801 15th Avenue, Fulton, 815-589-3790 www.fultonfirstcrc.com firstcrcfulton@live.com Pastor Michael Hooker
HILLSDALE
Hillsdale United Methodist Church 124 Butzer St., Hillsdale Church 309-658-2340 - Cell 309-373-5316 Pastor Connor Morrison youthpast56@gmail.com
HOOPPOLE
Calvary Evangelical Congregational Church Rev. Eugene Baker, Pastor 815-948-2181 or 309-507-3283 Hooppole Zion Methodist Church Pastor Dan Wright - Church 815-948-7591 Parsonage 309-658-2145
LYNDON
Dominion Christian Fellowship Center 104 4th St. W., Lyndon, 815-590-6971 Rev. Barbi E. Momolu Sr.
Trinity Baptist Church 403 6th Ave North, Lyndon Pastor Alan Jahn - 563-242-0307 www.trinitybaptistchapel.com
MORRISON
Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church 301 W. South St., Morrison Pastor Tammy Anderson 815-414-1758 - Office: 772-4896
RUTLEDGE ELECTRIC
822 Main, Erie Serving the Area Since 1980 Farm • Residential • Commercial Wiring & Contracting 309-659-2195
Allure of Prophetstown Senior Living Apartments
Skilled Nursing Services Hospice
Inpatient Outpatient Therapy Service 310 Mosher Drive, Prophetstown 815-537-5175
Brethren In Christ Church 207 E. Knox Street, Morrison Pastor Craig Sipes - 815-772-4871 Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. Church Of St. Anne Episcopal 401 N Cherry St., Morrison, 815-772-2818 stannemorrison@frontiernet.net www.churchofstannemorrison.org Crossroads Community Church 201 W. Market, Morrison Pastor Jon Eastlick - 815-956-0090 morrison@crossroadscn.com Ebenezer Reformed Church 309 E. Park St., Morrison Pastor J. T. Bean 815-772-2472 - www.ercmorrison.com Emmanuel Reformed Church 202 E. Morris St., Morrison, 815-772-3890 www.emmanuelreformedchurch. org Rev. Luke Schouten, Senior Pastor Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator First Baptist Church 406 E. Maple Ave. Morrison Pastor Dick Adams - Phone 772-2696
First Presbyterian Church Rev. Michael Selburg - 815-772-3510 100 East Lincolnway, Morrison Facebook live services Sundays 10:15 a.m. YouTube Channel: First Presbyterian Church firstpresmorrison@gmail.com www.firstpresmorrison.org Kingdom Life Community Church 11429 Ward Road, Morrison, 815-772-4098 www.kingdomlife.global Pastor Stephen Harmon Morrison Christian Church 201 S. Genesee, Morrison Larry Kidwell, Minister - 970-488-9651 lkidwell51@gmail.com Google YouTube Larry Kidwell for sermons. Morrison United Methodist Church 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison Pastor Sun-Ah Kang - 815-772-4030 St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rev. Slawomir Zimodro 13320 Garden Plain Road, Morrison 815-772-3095
WISDOM
Heating and Air
Erie, Illinois
“For your wisest climate solutions”
Fulton Dental Associates
Dr. Scott Kunau
Dr. Tina Kao-Reasoner 1130 17th Street, Fulton, IL 815-589-4007
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 601 N. Jackson St., Morrison www.stpetersmorrison.com Pastor Anthony Appel
Morrison Christian Reformed Church www.morrisoncrc.org 815-772-4657 300 W. South St. Pastor Kevin Verhoeven bethelrevkev@gmail.com
PORT BYRON
Bethel Baptist 27308 108th Ave. N., Port Byron Church Phone: 309-523-3352 Pastor Josh Matthews
Church of the Cross United Methodist Church 22621 IL 2 and 92, Port Byron Pastor Mark Graham Parish Office: 309-523-2201 Countryside Christian Church 3817 230th St. N., Port Byron Pastor Steve Allison Church Phone: 309-523-2834
Fairfield United Methodist Church 235th St. at 115th Ave. North, Port Byron Pastor Larry Misfeldt - 309-523-3767 Messiah Lutheran Church 302 11th St., Port Byron - 309-523-2421 Pastor David Efflandt
Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 20828 Friedens Road, Port Byron Interim Pastor: Nancy Jaster www.peacelutheranil.org - 309-523-2295 Port Byron Congregational Church 200 N. High Street, Port Byron Rev. Michael Rubino - 309-523-2318
Port Byron First United Methodist Church 9412 228th Street North, Port Byron Church Office: 309-523-2396 Email: portbumc@frontiernet.net Jim Crozier, Pastor
Dykstra & Law
Insurance Agency, Inc. Brent Dykstra, Agent
Becky Butterfield Youth and Family Life Pastor Kathy Crozier - Spiritual Director
PROPHETSTOWN Advent Christian Church 200 Elm St., Prophetstown 815-537-5646 - ptownac.org First Lutheran Church Pastor Chelsey Weech Office: 815-537-2758 www.firstlutheran-ptown.org
Leon United Methodist Church 17173 Lomax Road, Prophetstown Pastor Kicheon Peter Ahn - 224-580-5074 pastor.kicheon@gmail.com Prophetstown United Methodist Church 200 W. 2nd St., Prophetstown Pastor Joey Garcea - 815-537-2496
River Church 218 E. 3rd St., Prophetstown 815-876-6226 - www.riverchurchag.com
RAPIDS CITY St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 1416 Third Ave., Rapids City Fr. Glenn H. Harris Phone 309-496-2414
TAMPICO
St. Mary Catholic Church 105 Benton St., Tampico Fr. Richard M. Russo, Pastor Phone 815-438-5425
Tampico Baptist Church 209 W. 3rd St., Tampico Pastor Ethan Horton
Tampico First United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-438-2530 Church phone - 815-438-6105
DENNIS ELECTRIC
Tampico, Illinois 815-438-4402
Photo provided Members of Adam’s Voice are (from left) Anna, Luke, David, Emma, Johnny and Charlene.
Spring Valley Reformed Church, 10960 Spring Valley Road, Fulton, welcomes Adam’s Voice to the outdoor stage at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21.
Please join us in the valley for an evening of music and ministry.
The concert will be moved indoors if there is a threat of bad weather. A freewill offering will be taken.
Ministering as a team since 1997, Adam’s Voice knows that leading people to a personal encounter with a loving Savior is the soul purpose of their call. The focus of their ministry is attesting to the power of God through worship, inviting Him in to change lives.
Woven into their repertoire of the familiar are original songs resonating with scripture, written from personal testimony inspired by real-life circumstances. Their music spans a wide range of styles, as they endeavor to reach all age groups.
CHURCH BRIEFS
United Methodist Praise and Picnic at Rockwood Aug. 28
United Methodist Church of Morrison will hold worship services at Rockwood State Park at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. The congregations of Fenton Methodist and Leon Methodist will attend as our guests.
The service will be led by Pastor Sun-ah of Morrison United Methodist and her husband, Pastor Peter, of the Fenton and Leon Methodist churches. There will be a combined choir of congregants from the three churches, along with hymn singing and communion.
Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and a picnic lunch for everyone attending. Table service and drinks will be provided. Bring your own lawn chair for the service.
Come for a time of joy through worship in nature as we praise and picnic together.
First Reformed Church’s worship and activities
Join us for worship at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at First Reformed Church, located at 510 15th Ave. in Fulton. Pastor Chuck Huckaby will bring the message and he and Renee will bring special music. Coffee and refreshments are served in the library during the social time after the service.
Senior Meals are at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at the church.
On Wednesday, Aug. 17, the Fancy Feet Foot Clinic will be open at 8 a.m. and the Aging & Disabled Resource Center opens at 9 a.m.
Wednesday night Bible Study will meet at 6:30 p.m.
The annual Back-to-School Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show will be held on the church parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Creative Crew meets at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Services are livestreamed on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/groups/ firstfulton to join the group and see the services. The previous Sunday’s service is broadcast on WCCI 100.3-FM at 6 p.m. Sunday night. For more information, go to the church’s website at www.firstrcafulton.org.
