Iroquois County Spring Sports
CONTENTS BASEBALL — Central — Cissna Park — Milford — Iroquois West — Watseka
7 10 9 TRACK 8 — Central 6 — Milford — Iroquois — Watseka SOFTBALL — Central 7 — Donovan 10 — Milford 9 — Iroquois West 8 — Watseka 6
3 4 5 2
A special supplement to the Iroquois County’s Times-Republic, March 2016
Page 3 2
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016
The WCHS boys track team includes Daryl Collins, Nathan Conrad, Lucas Lee, Zach Mathes, Michael Hendrickson, Anthony Mathes, Alex Shantz, Keaan Zack, Drew Hagan, Brendan Fletcher, Hunter Lee, Anthony Killy and Cameron Wonch. Photos by Lee Edwards
March 5 WL Individuals B&G Purdue 8 a.m. March 10 Hoosier Relays B&G Purdue 4 p.m. March 19 Last Chance Indoor G IWU 10 a.m. March 25-26PrepTimes IndoorB Bloom. TBA March 29 BPL/Central/Fisher B&G Paxton 4:30 p.m. April 8 STM/PBL/Fisher B&G Paxton 4:30 p.m. April 11 Mom/BH/Be/HA/Mil B&G 4:30 p.m. April 19 Comet Carnival B&G Clifton 4 p.m. April 20 PBL FS Invitational B Paxton 4:30 p.m. April 22 Unity Invitational B Unity 4:30 p.m. April 22 Lady Falcon Invite G Gibson 4:30 p.m. April 26 Watseka FS Invitate B&G Watseka 4:15 p.m. April 29 Herscher InvitationalB&G Herscher 4 p.m. May 2 Girls SVC Meet G Dwight 4 p.m. May 3 Herscher/Manteno B Watseka 4:30 p.m. May 5 PBL Invitational B Paxton 4:30 p.m. May 6 Lady Spartan Class G St. Joe 4:30 p.m. May 7 Irish Relays B&G Kankakee 9:30 a.m. May 9 SVC Meet B Paxton 4 p.m. May 12-13Girls Sectional G Away TBA May 16 Honor Roll Meet B&G UofI 5 p.m. May 19-20Boys Sectionals B Away TBA May 26-28Boys state meet B EIU TBA
Watseka boys, girls track teams are one By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com WCHS’ boys and girls track team do more than just train together, they’re a “family”, according to WCHS’ boys track coach Rich Dickte and girls track coach Troy Simpson. Dickte and Simpson are in agreement that training as one program makes each team better at competitions and a more comprehensive unit. Dickte said both teams’ workouts are identical and that the integrated program allows both sexes to “feed off of each other”. “Some of the top girls are able to compete with some of the boys,” said Dickte. “It helps the girls out and honestly, it helps the boys out, too, those top girls are on their heels.” Simpson believes their holistic program approach particularly helps the development of freshmen track and field athletes. “It’s neat working with boys and girls to watch them as freshman coming in and getting used to the high school track and field ideology,” said Simpson. The Warriors’ track family’s goals are to win the Twin Valley Conference and finish in the top three in the IHSA track sectionals.
The Warriors’ track season begins at the beginning of January with the first of its four phases of competition. The phases are: early prep in January/February; outdoor in March; competitive in April; and peak in May. WCHS’ track teams are comprised of multiple sport athletes which created the need to begin training early. Dickte said the phases have led to great success over the years. He said that the teams keep track of wins and losses and practices at early season meets in preparation for the championship level meets. “During the dual season we want to win but we also realize that everything we do during the non-invite meets is more practice time for us,” said Dickte. Simpson stressed the importance of training and preparing the athletes for the track season especially for the multiple sport athletes. “Really, it’s just prepping physically, mentally and emotionally getting ready for the season, getting used to basic stuff, getting used to getting into the routine,” said Simpson. “A lot of these student athletes have been through sports, we get a week or two off then transition to track and field.”
HAVE A GREAT YEAR RAIDERS
1420 S. Crescent St., Gilman, IL
Ph: 815-265-7204 www.alexlbr.com
The WCHS girls track team includes Shelby Manse, Jena Horchem, Hailee Ketchum, Katie Kidell, McKensie Hagen, Rylie Parson, Beatha Cluver and Katilyn Bell.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS!
HOME OR FARM…IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS! Insulation Types: * Cellulose * Open Cell Foam * Close Cell Foam Illiana Insulation uses high quality cellulose and foam insulation to provide each homeowner/contractor with an unique customized installation experience. We use will use the insulation product that best fits your needs or a combination of the products to give you the highest efficiency possible. Spray-On Cellulose/Foam Insulation Systems provide: * Higher effective R value CONTACT US FOR A * Reduces heating and cooling bills NO-CHARGE INSULATION up to 40%* ASSESMENT! * Fills all voids, minimizing drafts to maximize your comfort * Dense insulation, providing a quieter living area * A natural/environmentally friendly insulation system * Made from recycled material * 100% borate treated cellulose insulation * Natural deterrent against termites and other crawling insects * Contains an EPA registered fungicide that prohibits the growth of mold
P.O. Box 300 - Cissna Park, IL 60924 www.illianainsulation.com CONTACT US:
815-457-3900 SAM STOLLER
sami3@illianainsulation.com *Savings vary. Find out why in the Seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulation power.
Spring 2016
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Page 3
Photo by Lee Edwards The Central girls track team includes (front row) Fallon Gray, Amaya Demick, Linsey Bailey, Hanna Gray, Emery Podowicz, Clare Peters, Andrea Pace, Lauran Ladehoff, Katie Kleinert, (middle row) Madysan Beasley, Caitlin Gerdel, Holly Coulter, Hailey Shreffler, Lindsey Anderson, Cassidy Gerdes, Hannah Davis, Daniele Smith, Mileayla Caspary, (back row) Katie Lisko, Angel Wolford, Abi Jordan, Aubree Whitley, Olzea Smolinski, Kaleigh Ladehoff, Gabrielle Smith and Avanna Lowery. Missing from the photo are Jenna Raines, Lauren James, Morgan James, Alexsis Cantrell, Zoe Bates, Jules Hartman and Haley Rosenboom.
Central’s girl track team races for gold By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Central’s girls track team comes into this track season with clear intentions: repeat as conference and sectional championships and advance far in late season competitions. The Comets return nearly all of last year’s championship team. Central’s head coach Rebecca
Swigert-Fanton knows the road to repeating will not be easy but said after a recent practice that a part of her team’s success is personal accountability amongst the runners. “While we’re a team orientated sport, at the end of the day if you can’t motivate yourself in track it’s a different animal,” said Swigert-Fenton. “You’re the one that’s going to be out on that track.
March 5 GCMS (GIRLS) Away 9:00AM March 15 Reed-Custer (BOYS) Away 4:30PM March 19 Clinton (GIRLS) Away 9:00AM March 19 Comet Classic (BOYS) Away 10:00AM March 25 Indoor State Track Away TBA March 29 WCHS Away 4:30PM March 31 PBL Away 4:30PM
April 5 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 12 April 14 April 18 April 19
These girls all know that and they want to perform at the meets. I’ll get them ready as long as they’re willing to do the work.” Central recently ran well at the state’s indoor championship track meek at Illinois Wesleyan University. Only one third of Central’s team competed in the indoor meet. One of Central’s three senior sprinters, Claire Peters, who has
IWHS Home 4:15 PM STM (BOYS Away 4:30 PM GCMS Invite (BOYS) Away 4:30PM Wound. Warrior (GIRLS) Home10 a.m. Coal City,Bishop Mac Away 4:30 PM Peotone (All B&G JV)) Home 4:30PM Manteno Away 4:15PM Comet Carnival Home 4:00PM
April 20 April 22 April 22 April 25 April 26 April 29 May 2 May 3
been a key cog in the program for more than two year, said practice has made the difference for the team early in the season. “Two weeks ago we had our first meet and it was kind of like we had three practices and then we were at the meet so we were seeing where we started,” said Peters. “Some of our events were crazy high times and then we had two
PBL F/S Boys Invite Away GCMS Invite (GIRLS) Away Manteno Invite (BOYS)Away St. Anne, Momence Home Watseka F/S Invite Away Herscher Invite Away TVC (GIRLS) Away Reed-Custer Away
4:00PM 4:00 PM 4:00PM 4:30PM 4:15 PM 4:00PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM
May 5 May 6 May 7 May 9 May 12 May 16 May 19 May 19
weeks and then another meet and our times really changed a lot.” Fellow senior sprinter Hannah Gray praised her teammates willingness to be coached and learn. “On this team, they all really listen well and are all very coachable and are fun people to be around,” said Gray. PBL Invite (BOYS) Away Lady Spartan(GIRLS)Away Irish Relays Away TVC (BOYS) Away Girls Sectional Away Tony Thorsen Invite Away Girls’ State Final Away Boys’ Sectional Away
4:00PM 4:30PM 9:00AM 4:00 PM 4:00PM 4:00PM TBA 4 p.m.
The Central boys track team is (front row) Wylin Schmidt, Kollin Krumweide, Canyon Burrow, Joey Bernard, Jared Snerjberg, Thomas Konetski, Caleb Kent, Segio Sandoval, Robbie Love, Travis Felchia, (middle row) Jon Panazzo, Michael LeClair, Brendan Brazzo, Dominic Panazzo, Cody Willis, Kyle Grice, Austin Lowery, Jared Meents, Josh Girgel, Madison McKey, Adam Wolf, (back row) coach Mitchell Thompson, Jonny Hendricks, Daryl Harris, Ashton Roach and Tyler James.
Central strives to reach new heights By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Central hopes to take the next step forward a season after their latest crop of stars debuted on the track last year. IW head coach Mitchell Thompson made his expectations crystal clear on what direction he thinks his young runners and field athletes should be heading this season. He said that in some events freshman and sophomores will be called upon to perform as well. “My expectations for this year are to grow from last year,” said Thompson. “We only lost two seniors last year
so we do have a lot of turnover. My freshmen leaders are now sophomore leaders so I do expect to raise the bar from last year.” Thompson acknowledged his charge to his runners won’t be an easy task. He praised Dwight HS and PBL HS for their collective performances at last Saturday’s indoor state track meet at Illinois Wesleyan University and made reference to finding out where his team ranked amongst the best in the conference. “We have got to find our niche and find out where we fall,” said Thompson. “We work all year just to get to sec-
tionals and I’ve been telling them since day one that that’s the most important day of the year and then state [championship] becomes the most important day of the year after sectionals.” This early in the season, several events are still in the air. Thompson said he’s still trying to narrow down what athletes will compete in each event. In the 4x800M relay team. He said four freshmen will compete in that race and learn from rivals schools through competition.
GOOD LUCK CENTRAL COMETS You’re #1 With Us!!
D&D CARPETS 102 S. Front • Ashkum, IL
815-698-2154
Hours: Wed. 9-8, Mon., Tu., Th. & Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-12
Owners: Don & Judy Brinkman
Page 5 4
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016
The MCP boys team includes (front row, from left) Eric Vasquez, Joe Taylor, Jake Mitchell, Dakota Stevens, Zach Tovey, Matt Laubscher, Zack Hummel, Logan Tutewiler, (second row) Shane Deaton, Zane Trumann, Chaz Reetz, Dalton Morgan, Zack Truesdell, Gabriel Davenport, Cameron Garrison, (third row) coach J.D. Jennings, Noah Virklan, Jacob Virklan, Jarod Miller, Gunnar Gray, Dawson Voyles, Lucas McKinley, Mark Marquez and coach Daniel Schall.
Milford track team taking it one day at time By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Milford head coach JD Jennings said it’s “a little too early” to know if his team is ready to compete at for a regional or sectional crown this season but by the looks of things they’re well on their way. Jennings, who coaches both girls and boys, did not offer any prediction for his team will be at competition wise by season’s end. He did, however, reveal his secret to success - stay in peak physical throughout the season with conditioning and stamina building exercises. “We’re just trying to get all the pieces together,” said Jennings. Season long fitness is an issue the Bearcats must contend with due to unpredictable weather upending their practices throughout the season. To combat the track’s untenable schedule, Jennings created the “Milford
Mile”. The Milford Mile is a stretch of pavement near Milford High School with specific distance markers which allows Jennings to simulate a quality practice trail. In light of Milford’s co-op with CIssna Park, Jennings wanted to thank his senior runners and track athletes for helping build a long lasting foundation and track tradition. Students who are unable to participate in track field at CIssna Park HS have been given the opportunity to join Milford’s team. “I give our senior boys and girls credit for coming out for the very first year of a co-op, they’re only going to get to participate for one year so the strength of our team is really our seniors,” said Milford.”I give them a lot of respect.” Jennigs did not single out any member(s) of his team as key contributors but he did share sooner or later their stars will shine brightly.
March 29 Mar 31 April 4 April 5 April 7 April 11 April 14 April 19 Apr 21 April 25 May 5 May 6 May 9 May 13 May 16 May 16 May 1921 May 20 May 26-28
ALL Watseka ALL PBL ALL Hoopeston ALL PBL ALL Catlin ALL Watseka ALL Watseka ALL Central ALL South Newton ALL GCMS Boys Watseka invite Girls SJO invite Conf Girls Catlin Sect Girls GCMS Conf Boys Catlin NG Honor Roll Meet UofI Girls State EIU Sect Boys PBL Boys State EIU
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. TBA 4 p.m. TBA
B s
s s
“ r s t
Photos by Lee Edwards The MCP girls team includes (front row, from left) Hope Longest, Emma Leitz, Emma Morts, Hannah McCalla, Sarah Wellman, Anna Kaeb, (second row) Anna Jennings, Monica Merkle, Autumn Wells, Morgan Kaeb, Karli Boyle, Erica Walder, (third row) Sarah Teig, Paiton McKinney, Coach JD Jennings, Kaylea Woodby, Hannah Hartman, coach Daniel Schall, Sarah Schwartz and Lorin Gregory.
Milford Building & Loan Assn. SB 131 E. Jones Milford, IL 60953 Member FDIC
815-889-4140
Good Luck To All The Teams
Spring 2016
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Page 5
Photo by Lee Edwards The Iroquois West track team consists of Jack Reitz, Dalton Reed, Trysten Massey, Jose Lopez, Thomas MacDonald, Moises Galyan, Jarrett Ritzma, DonTerrance Nixon, Gabe Gomez, Noah Wilwohl, Tony Alvarez, Tyrone Mueller, Anthony Bedwell, Jacob Reitz, (middle row) Kolya Sier, Miguel Hinjosa, Austin Renehan, Dakota Hoffman, Jacob Connor, Jeff McCurry, Sam Andrade, Dominik Khattar, Markese Gayton, Angel Lopez, Jorge Jimenez, Noah Schnurr, (bottom row) Macey Grant, Madyson Shambrook, Kendy, Camarso, Anna Santoyo, Ashley Aguilera, Laura Mischke, Autumn Betourne, Summer Kimbro, Elizabeth Conrad, Tyra Mueller, Hannah Fink, Minji Jeong, Julissa Garcia. Marissa Ward was absent from the photo.
March 29 March 31 April 5 April 7 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 12 April 14 April 18 April 19 April 20 April 25 April 26 April 29 May 2 May 5 May 6 May 9 May 12 May 19
Watseka/PBL/Central/Donovan B/G Varsity PBL B/G JV/Var Central B/G Varsity Fisher Girls JV/Var STM Invite Boys GCMS Invite Boys Varsity Wounded Warrior Invite Girls Dwight B/G Varsity Fisher Boys JV/ Var Manteno B/G Varsity Comet Carnival B/G Varsity PBL Boys Invite Boys F/S Central B/G Varsity Watseka F/S Invite B/G F/S Herscher Invite B/G Varsity SVC Girls Varsity PBL Boys Invite Boys Varsity Lady Spartan Classic Girls Varsity SVC Boys Varsity Girls Sectional Varsity Boys Sectional Varsity
Watseka Paxton Central Fisher Champaign Gibson City Central Dwight Fisher Manteno Central Paxton Central Watseka Herscher Dwight Paxton St. Jo Paxton TBA TBA
4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:15 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:15 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:15 pm 4:15 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
IW boys looks championship ready By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com The Raiders are poised to compete with the conference’s best track teams this season if just enough pieces fall into place. This season, IW returns 12 lettermen from last year’s team who according to IW head coach Bruce Kunsch have competed on the team since their freshman year. Kunsch believes the team is in fine standing in several events in particular the 400M Dash with Marques Gaytan returning after competing in state competitions last year as a sophomore. Yet, Kunsch said the team has real vulnerabilities in meet swinging events. “Our middle distances and our sprints are pretty good but the whole will come down to what happens with the long distance runners and the throwers in some of these field
events,” said Kunsch, Kunsch is counting on Gaytan, Jorge Jimenz in the 800M Dash, his 4x200M relay team, among others to contribute heavily to IW victories. Kunsch said practicing on IW’s track limits their ability to practice longer distance and relay events so, at times, the team travels to Ornarga and practices on their track. Kunsch explained traditionally track athletes do not compete past their junior year at IW, however, this year is an “oddity” with the number of seniors participating on the team. “We have every junior that went out last year, went out this year so the senior leadership is there,” said Kunsch. “We may not be very good early on but I think by the time we go into sectionals we should be pretty good.”
IW girls track will see many faces in many races this season
By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com The Raiders will be limping into this season due to a string of various injuries and ailments that have afflicted several of their key contributors. IW head coach Shirley Reed called the upcoming season “educational” because she will be forced to mix and match runners in different events throughout the season. Reed said four impact runners will be returning to her 14 woman team. Reed plans to keep in close communication with the
team’s athletic trainer and athletes’ parents for the latest updates on her runners. She recognizes that the track season has just started and does not wish to hurry any athlete back into competition before she is ready. She said the remaining ladies on the team have come together despite the early injury bug. She anticipates the team will be near full strength by May. “Well, they’re all sitting together and supporting each other so that’s good,” said Reed. “As long as they still work together as a team at least we’ll be functioning and I hope we’ll be competitive by sectionals.”
Reed said she does not foresee many postseason qualifiers this season. Yet, despite the early challenges she has team leaders like junior sprinter Elizabeth Conrad who believes the team is strong this year even with the limited number of participants and injuries. “I think the girls we have this year have a lot of potential and they love to work,” said Conrad. “I think that’s why we have so many injuries because people work their butts off to do the best they can. We have a little trouble with the injuries with some of our best people being hurt but I think we’re fighting through it pretty well.”
You Are #1 With Us Good Luck to all area teams
Auto Parts
s
701 E. Walnut, Watseka, IL
815-432-2000
kets Comforters Sweaters Blan Handy Drop-offs in Kentland, Brook, Fowler, Goodland & Milford
Coat
s
as well as
211 S. 3rd, Watseka
815-432-4343 M-F 7-6; Sat. 8-3
Good Luck Teams
300 E. Frederick Milford, IL
815-889-4191
www.mowreyauction.com
7am-5:30pm Mon.-Fri. 8am-2pm Saturday
Page 7 6
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016
The Watseka baseball team includes (front row, from left) Gary Bass, Tristan Hann, Ben Lyznicki, Drew LaVoie, Trenton Davis, (middle row) Nick Gabrisko, Tyler LaVoie, Tyler Martell, Jaden Downs, Matthew Hodolitz, Jayden Hemp, Kenzie Crabtree (stats), (back row) coach Drew Watts, Jake Schippert, Kyle Giroux, Matthew Canady, Eric Lattimer, Will Lyznicki, Cole Davenport, Tim Wright and coach Joe Lyznicki. Photos contributed
WCHS baseball trending upward at just right time for new coach By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Lyznicki joins the Warriors’ program possessing well over a decade’s worth of coaching experience in Iroquois County. He inherits a team well stocked with both experience (13 upperclassmen) and depth (28 total players) to pull from to construct a competitive varsity and junior varsity team. WCHS lost three players from last year’s, 15-10, team. Two players started the season on the injury list including a starter in the infield. Lyznicki said one of his freshman will man the infield position. “The future is bright for this season considering much of the team from last year is back again,” said Lyznicki. In a preseason interview, Lyznicki said he prides himself on “defense and heads up base running” but yet likes to have fun whenever possible. He plans to keep the team in top shape, too, through running and a calisthenics regiment. Among his top early season contributors are seniors Kyle Giroux and Eric Lattimer. The versatile Giroux is a reliable hitter in the line-up and is also a quality starting pitcher and
March 14 March 15 March 21 March 24 March 26 March 29 March 31 April 1 April 2 April 5 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 11 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 19
Milford HS Beecher HS Grant Park St. Anne Bismarck-Henning Central HS Central GSW Hoopeston PBL PBL Tri-Point GCMS Grace Christian South Newton Manteno South Newton Dwight
Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Home Home Away Away
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
catcher for the Warriors. After a recent home victory over Milford, Lyznicki said Giroux “has become a real leader” on the team and called him a “dominant force” on the mound.
April 21 April 22 April 26 April 27 April 28 May 3 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 9 May 10 May 12 May 13 May 16-21 May 24-28 May 30 June 3-4
Dwight Home St. Anne Away IWHS Home Herscher Away IWHS Away Cissna Park Away Cissna Park Home Rich South Away Westmont Home St. Thomas More Away Momence Home Momence Away Grant Park Home IHSA Regional IHSA Sectional IHSA Super Sectional IHSA State Finals Joliet
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA
Joining Lyznicki in the dugout will be former WCHS standout Drew Watts and WCHS teacher Sean Curtin. Watts was a member of the 2009 WCHS baseball team that played in the IHSA state tournament.
The Watseka softball team includes (back row, from left) coach Barry Bauer, Kassidy Berry, Madison Bauer, Kennedy Bauer, Blair Hankey, Magan Harris, (middle row) Courtney Thompson, Katelyn Davis, Rachel Billings, Taylor Hotaling, (front row) Amanda Mussleman, Mya LaVoie, Summer Cramer and Katelyn Davis.
Watseka softball is ready to grind on field By LEE EDWARDS, reporter sports@intranix.com WCHS head coach Barry Bauer has preached defense, defense and more defense as the key to victory for the Warriors this season. Despite his preseason message, the Warriors have not been as stout defensively as their leader would like. The Warriors have allowed two of their opponents to score nine runs against them in two games already. Bauer said thus far this season his team’s defense has been “shaky” but anticipates gradual improvement. He identified the infield defense as one of the team’s strengths in post-game remarks early in the season. “Our defense has been a little shaky so far and we will have to improve defensively and limit mental mistakes on the field,” said Bauer. “I think we will be a very good defensive team by the end of the season.” Offensively, WCHS has shown the ability early on this season to out-hit any opponent in any given game. The Warriors have scored 12 and 19 runs, respectively, in winning efforts. Bauer said his team is going to have make plays offensively and play aggressively along the base paths.
March 14 Salt Fork March 15 Donovan March 21 Grant Park March 22 Trinity Aca. March 23 GCMS March 24 St. Anne March 29 Central March 31 Central April 1 GSW April 4 Armstrong-Poto April 5 PBL April 7 PBL April 8 Tri-Point April 11 Grace Christian April 12 South Newton April 14 South Newton April 15 Donovan HS April 18 Geor-Rdgfrm
Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Away
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m(DH) 4:30 p.m(DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m(DH) 4:30 p.m(DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
“I think we’ve got some hitters that as long as we put pressure on their defense I think we can score some runs,” said Bauer. “I think we will be able to score runs this year. We’ll need to be aggressive, take the base when we can. You can’t be too aggressive when you’re behind. I think we have some good base runners, too.”
Have a Great Season! TRI CENTRAL COOP Box 176, 104 N. Michigan, Ashkum, IL 60911
GRAIN • FERTILIZER • CHEMICALS
April 19 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 26 April 27 April 28 May 3 May 5 May 7 May 9 May 10 May 12 May 13 May 16-21 May 24-28 May 30 June 3-4
Dwight Away 4:30 p.m. Dwight Home 4:30 p.m. St. Anne Away 4:30 p.m. Milford HS Away 10 a.m. (DH) IWHS Home 4:30 p.m. Herscher HS Away 4:30 p.m. IWHS Away 4:30 p.m. Oakwood Away 4:30 p.m. Fisher Away 4:30 p.m. Hoopeston Away 10 a.m. (DH) St. Thom More Away 4:30 p.m. Momence Home 4:30 p.m. Momence Away 4:30 p.m. Grant Park Home 4:30 p.m. IHSA Regional Tournament TBA IHSA Sectional Tournament TBA IHSA Super Sectional TBA IHSA State Finals E. Peoria TBA
WCHS lead-off hitters Summer Cramer and Blair Hankey set the tone for the Warriors’ offense by getting on-base at a high rate and challenging the infield defenders. Cramer or Hankey has recorded at least one hit in every game so far this season.
PLAY LI KE A
P M I A ON H C
Congratulations Area Athletes
Storage • Drying • Spraying SITE SPECIFIC SERVICES DAVID PRATT
Ph. (815) 698-2327
GOOD LUCK RAIDERS
Fax (815) 698-2046 Karen Sippel, Adm inistrator
Prairieview Lutheran Home/Faith Place
“Centers for Christian Care”
•SKILLED NURSING CARE • ALZHEIMER UNIT • INDEPENDENT LIVING •SENIOR HOUSING P.O. Box 4 • Danforth, Illinois 60930
815•269•2970
Good Luck to All Iroquois County Teams 1492 E. Walnut, Watseka, IL 815-432-5227
www.timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Page 7
The Central Baseball team consists of (front row) Austin Boudreau, Mathew Balthazor, Luke Vaughn, Nick Calhoun, Jacqueson Harris, Jeff Gifford, (back row) coach Jason Shoven, Dustin Sweet, Blake Willis, Logan Meier, Jared Sands, Dylan MIller and Brian Kohn. Photos by Lee Edwards
Central’s baseball team builds future foundation By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Central HS’ 2016 baseball team may be remembered as the team that established the future winning culture for incoming players down the road. In a recent interview, CP head coach Brian Kohn flatly said his team is not looking toward the postseason yet, instead he’s teaching his troops the fundamentals of the game bit by bit. He said he’s trying to win games with fundamentals. “We’re trying to get better every day, do the routine things in a baseball game,” said Kohn. “If you do your job, if you do the routine things if the other team beats you, the other team beats you. I like our chances at doing the routine
things.” Kohn said outfielders Jared Sands and Blake Sims have been “great” and labeled his defensive infield one of the team’s strengths. “We’re looking at one game at a time and let’s get better every day,” said Kohn. “Our focus from the git-go was make routine plays look routine, work on fundamentals and baseball is a crazy game, we will beat a lot of people doing that.” The Comets’ team, although not brimming over with talent, have shown early on during the season positive growth from game to game, just like their coach wanted.
March 19 Wilmington HS March 22 Milford HS March 23 GCMS HS March 24 Coal City HS March 28 Bishop Mac HS March 29 *WCHS March 31 *WCHS April 2 Reed-Custer HS April 4 Peotone HS April 5 IWHS April 6 Herscher HS April 7 IWHS April 9 G-S-W April 12 Dwight HS April 13 Beecher HS April 14 Dwight HS April 19 Momence HS April 21 Momence HS April 23 Grant Park HS April 25 Kankakee Trinity April 26 Cissna Park HS April 27 Manteno HS April 28 Cissna Park HS April 29 Tri-Point HS May 3 South Newton HS May 5 South Newton HS May 7 St. Anne HS May 9 Grace Baptist Aca. May 10 PBL HS May 12 PBL HS
Home Away Home Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home
10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
The Central softball team includes (back row) Emma Boicken, Alexis-Eighnor-Walters, Abbey Boudreau, Erin Curran, Jenna Offerman, (middle row) McKenna Goldtrap, Erica Cordes, Alexis Walter, Gabriella Griffith, Alexis Perzee, Erika Grider, (front row) Madyson Duby and Leah Lemenager.
Central softball working for year of positive gains By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Development is the name of the game for Central softball in the second year under head coach Gene Kanak. Kanak often referred to his team as “young” and shared that some of the players were still relatively new to the game of softball. He said that in terms of “wins and losses, it’s going to be an uphill battle” but assured there’s been solid progress within the team. He said that himself along with the coaching staff preach “play our best game” to the players. When asked about girls becoming discouraged during the season, Kanak replied saying “we have a good bunch here… they can see the improvement”. “A lot of these girls are still learning the game and are putting things in place,” said Kanak. “They’re a hard working group so we’ll see more success. A lot of these girls hadn’t had formal coaching before and now they know better what
to expect.” Kanak illustrates just how significant the jump from last year’s team is compared to this year’s by saying, “I think we’re starting more at square one where last year we were starting behind the eight ball a little bit so I think we will be a better, more competitive team this year but we’re still young and have a long way to go.” The Comets are still discovering what their identity will be as team heading into the season. Kanak said the pitching will be “solid” with pitchers that will keep the ball in the strike zone. He’s unsure if the defense behind the pitchers will be able to keep runs off the board but he is optimistic. “I think our biggest area of growth is tied between our offense and our defense,” said Kanak. “I think our pitching will be good enough if our pitching can hold up behind them.”
GOOD LUCK TEAMS! Family owned & operated since 1967 1043 S. Crescent St. Gilman, IL 60938
HOMEMADE PIES, BREAD AND COOKIES
815-265-7310
HOME COOKING
Daily Specials!
March 19 Prairie Central HS Away 10 a.m. (DH) March 22 Reed-Custer HS Home 4:30 p.m. March 24 Wilmington HS Home 4:30 p.m. March 26 Donovan HS Away 10 a.m. (DH) March 29 *WCHS Home 4:30 p.m. March 31 *WCHS Away 4:30 p.m. April 4 Peotone HS Home 4:30 p.m. April 5 IWHS Away 4:30 p.m. April 6 Herscher HS Away 4:30 p.m. April 7 IWHS Home 4:30 p.m. April 9 G-S-W Home 11 a.m. (DH) April 11 Kankakee HS Home 4:30 p.m. April 12 Dwight HS Away 4:30 p.m. April 14 Dwight HS Home 4:30 p.m. April 19 Momence HS Home 4:30 p.m. April 21 Momence HS Away 4:30 p.m. April 23 Grant Park HS Away 10 a.m. (DH) April 25 Kankakee Trinity Aca.Away 4:30 p.m. April 27 Manteno HS Home 4:30 p.m. April 29 Tri-Point HS Away 4:30 p.m. May 3 South Newton HS Away 4:30 p.m. May 5 South Newton HS Home 4:30 p.m. May 7 St. Anne HS St. Anne 10 a.m. (Triple header) May 7 GCMS High School St. Anne noon (Triple header) May 10 PBL HS Away 4:30 p.m. May 11 Beecher HS Away 4:30 p.m. May 12 PBL HS Home 4:30 p.m. May 14 Milford HS Home 10 a.m. (DH)
We’re Cheering On Our Local Teams! www.pekininsurance.com
Going Beyond the expected® for all your insurance needs.
Jeff McMillan, LUTCF 815-265-4037
Gilman • Piper City • Chatsworth • Cullom • Bourbonnais www.mcmillanins.com
Auto Home Business Life Health
Page 9 8
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016
The Iroquois West baseball team includes (front row) Will Clark, Austin Miller, Alexis Ramirez, Kameron Wilken, Jacob Clark, Jonah Carney, Jaeden Barney, Austin Saathoff, (back row) Luis Reyes, Tony Gielczewski, Payton Stiers, Justin Kuipers, Colton Coffey, Eli Fink and Clayton Thorne. Photo by Lee Edwards
Iroquois West looks to continue success with hard work March 21 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 1 April 2 April 5 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 16 April 19 April 21 April 22 April 22 April 23 April 25 April 26 April 28 April 29 May 3 May 5 May 9 May 10 May 12 May 18-21 May 23-28
By LEE EDWARDS, reporter sports@intranix.com Iroquois West baseball knows a thing or three about competing for recent regional championships so it should come as no surprise that they’re poised to make another run at a regional championship. Yet, teams don’t win consistently by resting on their laurels. The best teams and players actively pursue ways to improve their skills. Entering into his fifth year at the helm, IW head coach Sam Rhodes said the team has seen improvement particularly on offense but stressed there’s still plenty of room for improvement particularly on defense. He said he intends to use every game to see where the team can improve. “I don’t want to say we’re going to be great in any era because we have so many areas to improve,” said Rhodes. “We have too many areas to improve, we just have to be solid all the way around. You can’t back and assume that things will work, you have to work hard.” Rhodes said this season he wants his to team to be “more well-rounded”. The Raiders return six to seven likely senior starters with experience according to Rhodes. The Raiders will lean on their pitching staff, experience, and talent bats throughout the order to secure victory. “We have to go out there and play the game,” said Rhodes.” Experience isn’t always going to win you games but it might win you some close ones.”
Milford Varsity Milford Momence Varsity Momence Grace Christ. Academy Varsity Gilman Momence Varsity Gilman Trinity Academy Varsity Gilman Grace Christ. Academy JV (DH) Kankakee Central Varsity Gilman Central Varsity Central Prairie Central Varsity Fairbury Manteno Var/JV (DH) Manteno Cissna Park Varsity Gilman PBL JV Paxton Cissna Park Varsity Cissna Park Fisher Varsity (DH) Fisher South Newton Varsity South Newton South Newton Varsity Gilman Ridgeview Varsity Colfax PBL JV Gilman Momence JV (DH) Gilman Tri-Point Varsity Gilman Watseka Varsity Watseka Watseka Varsity Gilman St. Anne Varsity Gilman PBL Varsity Gilman PBL Varsity Paxton Gardner S. Wilmington Varsity Gilman Dwight Varsity Gilman Dwight Varsity Dwight Regional Varsity TBA Sectional Varsity TBA
4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm TBA TBA
IW looks to return to regional championship game By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Home to one of the most diverse rosters in Iroquois County, IW softball is looking to take the next step in the program’s evolution. IW softball head coach Matt Young said his team is a combination of upperclassmen, freshmen, foreign exchange students, and players who have never played softball until this season. That’s quite a kaleidoscope for any high school program especially one looking to return to avenge its defeat in the regional championship last season. Entering into his second year as head coach, Young will have11 experienced upperclassmen at his disposal. The Timberwolves are one of the deepest teams in the conference with 23 players on their roster. Young shared his belief that this season may catapult the Timberwolves into the county’s softball hierarchy. “We’re really trying to turn our program into something great and I think we’re going to take a huge step forward this year,” said Young. “Last year we lost in the regional championship and this year we’re looking to win one.” Young said hitting and defense will be the team’s strengths this season. He added that if his pitchers throw strikes they will be fine. Young will lean on senior pitcher Skylar Small as one of his aces despite an early season elbow injury she’s playing through.
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
#1 Skylar Small - SS/OF/P - Sr. #2 Marissa Pool - 2B/SS/OF - Fr. #3 Alexxis Baker - 2B/SS/OF - So. #5 Maggie Lopez - OF - So. #6 Tayler Fairley -3B/OF - Jr. #7 Tania Pombo - 2B/OF - Jr. #8 Alejandra Cordoba - 2B/OF - Sr. #9 Maddy Trammell - 1B/3B/OF - Fr. #10 Chelsea Williams - 2B/OF - Jr. #11 Andrea Santoyo - 2B/3B/OF - Jr. #12 Ariel Medina - 2B/C - Sr. #13 Taylor McTaggart - 2B/3B/OF/P - Sr. #14 Taylor Robinson - OF - Sr. #15 Alexis Scheiwe - 2B/3B/OF - So. #16 Grace Schroeder - SS/P - Jr. #17 Alexis Regan - 2B/3B/OF - So. #18 Rachel Carney - OF/P - So. #21 Makayla Smith - 2B/OF - So. #23 Savanah Mims - 1B/3B/OF - Sr. #28 Jacey Stiers - 3B/C/OF - Fr. #31 Meara Tilstra - 1B/OF/P - So. #32 Jessica Nephew - 1B/OF - Fr. #33 Brooke Condon - 2B/OF - Fr.
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
Richard L. Smith, Broker/Owner www.rlsmithsells.com email: RLSmithsells@aol.com
815-432-2900 office GO! FIGHT! WIN!
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
IW Softball Roster
There was no photo available for the Iroquois West softball team at presstime.
March 21 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 1 April 5 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 14 April 16 April 19 April 21 April 22 April 25 April 26 April 28 Apri 29 May 3 May 5 May 7 May 7 May 9 May 10 May 12 May 17-21 May 24-28
Milford Varsity Milford Momence Varsity Momence Grace Christ. Academy Varsity Onarga Momence Varsity Onarga Trinity Academy Varsity Onarga Central Varsity Onarga Central Varsity Central Prairie Central Varsity Fairbury Manteno V/JV (DH) Manteno Donovan Varsity Donovan Fisher Varsity (DH) Fisher South Newton Varsity South Newton South Newton Varsity Onarga Ridgeview Varsity Colfax Tri-Point Varsity Onarga Watseka Varsity Watseka Watseka Varsity Onarga St. Anne Varsity Onarga PBL Varsity Onarga PBL Varsity Paxton LeRoy Varsity (DH) LeRoy Schlarman Varsity LeRoy Gardner S. Wilmington Varsity Onarga Dwight Varsity Onarga Dwight Varsity Dwight Regional Varsity TBA Sectional Varsity TBA
4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 11:30 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm TBA TBA
Bob Burd
bob.burd@countryfinancial.com
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
GOOD LUCK TEAMS Rodney E. Yergler, D.D.S. P.C. DENTIST 307A Main Street, P. O. Box 89 Crescent City, Illinois 60928 815-683-2114 Hours by Appointment
B E A W IN N E R ...W E W IS H YO U T H E B E S T, M IL F O R D B E A R C AT S
CITIZENS STATE BANK Your CHAMPION BANK Milford, Illinois
815-889-4131
Spring 2016
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Page 9
The Milford baseball team is (bottom row) Ty Clark, Joe Wheeler, Austin Price, Drew Hartman, Brady Marshino, (top row) coach Greg DeWerff, coach Bj Bushnell, Ben Lights, Jake McKinley, Tyler Buhrmester, Jake Henning, Shayne McNally, Dylan Payne and coach Josh DeBolt. Photo by Lee Edwards
Milford baseball knows strength in numbers By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Milford head coach Greg DeWerff plans to instill one all-encompassing message to his team this season: compete, compete, and compete. DeWerff is keenly aware that his team will need to fight in every facet of every game to pull out victories and said as much in a recent interview. He said himself along with the coaching staff along stressed competing all 21 outs during their preseason. “As long as we keep that competitive edge, we’ll get better every day,” said DeWerff. “If we just continue to have fight in us, day in and day out that’s our definition of success: are we willing to fight? If we are, we’ll have a successful season, if we get soft; things aren’t going to go
well.” The Bearcats are 11 players strong this season. DeWerff explained that all of his players will be counted on to produce. DeWerff challenges his team to be productive batters. So far, so good for MHS’ batters as they have slugged their way to a few recent wins. When asked about any postseason appearance this season, iDeWerff opted not to respond but instread to focus on the next opponent. He said in a recent postgame interview that the team sailing on one direction is important. “As long as everyone is rowing together, making an effort to get in the boat and row your hardest and we’ll sail in the right direction,” said DeWerff.
March 14 March 17 March 21 March 22 March 23 March 25 March 26 Mach 28 March 29 March 31 April 1 April 4 April 5 April 6 April 7 April 9 April 11 April 15 April 18 April 19 April 22 April 25 April 27 April 27 April 29 May 2 May 4 May 5 May 9 May 11 May 13 May 16
@ Watseka @ Dwight Iroquois West Central Tri-Point Winnebago@Jacksonville Newark@Jacksonville PBL @Paxton St. Anne @Kankakee Trinity @Westville Salt Fork@Jamaica South Newton Bismarck Henning Oakwood @Cissna Park @Georgetown0-Ridge Farm @Danville Schlarman Armstrong-Potomac Hoopeston Area Westville Salt Fork @Bismarck Henning @Beecher @Oakwood Georgetown-Ridge Farm Illinois Lutheran Schlarman @Armstrong-Potomac St. Joe @Hoopeston Area IHSA Regional
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 12:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA
The MHS softball teams includes (bottom row) Taya Kissack, Emily Seggebruch, Jordan Fritch, Sierra Fanning, Lilly Habing, Kayla Hasselbring, Chrissy Bedeker, Lyndsey Leitz, Hailey Lucht, (top row) Brittyn Franklyn, Cyandra Bennett, Brooklyn Gray, Melannie Verkler, Jessica Jean, Brittney Bailey, Jenna Muench, Kendall McCalla and Madelyn Garrison. Photo by Wendy Davis
Milford softball prepares to break out By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Milford softball appears to be trending upward this season after winning only three games last year. The Bearcats return several starters and will see an influx of quality young talent from their well-regarded JV softball program. Milford head coach Clint Liefer applauds who prepared and capable the JV players especially the pitchers who were a scarcity in the Milford program recently. After a recent home victory, Liefer said he had four freshmen starters and expects all of his freshmen to play this year. “I can’t say enough about [our
junior varsity program],” said Liefer. “We had difficulty producing pitchers and now we’ve got pitchers coming up the pipeline and they’re only getting better. Softball is a game of pitching, when I first started we didn’t have much of it, now we’ve got options and that’s huge.” Milford has lofty aspirations this year like competing for regional championship, yet, Liefer wants to ensure first his team is playing well by the end of the season and is above .500 in the wins and losses column. “Obviously, a regional title would be one of our goals but we’re realistic about the fact that we only won three games last year,” said Liefer. “We’re
very young so to be playing better at the end of the year than where we started is always a goal of ours. Hopefully, we’ll stay somewhere around .500.” Liefer said this year one of the team’s major philosophies is to: get people on base. He said that once on base the team preaches to its runners to be “aggressive” as base running looks to be one “We preach aggressive, aggressive, aggressive on the bases. Base running is a major part of our practice. Getting people on base is going to be one of our major philosophies this year.”
03/17/16 03/21/16 03/23/16 03/28/16 03/29/16 03/31/16 04/01/16 04/05/16 04/06/16 04/07/16 04/15/16 04/18/16 04/19/16 04/21/16 04/22/16 04/23/16 04/25/16 04/2716 04/29/16 05/02/16 05/06/16 05/09/16 05/13/16 05/14/16
Donovan Iroquois West Tri Point PBL St. Anne Kankakee Westville South Newton Bismark Oakwood Schlarman Armstrong Hoopeston PBL Westville Watseka Salt Fork Bismarck Oakwood Georgetown Schlarman Armstrong Hoopeston Central
Home Home Home Paxton Home Kankakee Westville Home Home Home Schlarman Home Home Paxton Home Home Home Bismarck Oakwood Home Home Armstrong Hoopeston Central
4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:40 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
You can always bank on our support. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL At First Trust & Savings Bank, we don’t just support the athletic teams in our community. We’ve been providing Iroquois County residents with our award-winning service for over 100 years. Hardwork & Teamwork – That’s a winning combination.
TEAMS!
GILMAN AUTO PARTS KRAFT, INC.
512 South Crescent Gilman, Illinois 60938 Phone: 815-265-7737 “We Service & Repair All Makes And Models”
Page 11 10
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016
The Cissna Park Timberwolves baseball team includes coach Darryl Focken, John Nowacyck, Chris Kaeb, Trace Nims, Tristin Kissack, Noah Anderson, Austin Kregel, coach Rich Tarro, (back row) Conner Lober, Jake Tarro, Jake Montgomery, Tanner Benoit, Mario Renteria, Brian Fehr, Bailey Sluis, Dawson Savoree and coach Jeffrey Maurer.
Cissna Park looks toward youth movement By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com CPHS baseball is a program in transition this season as it will feature several underclassmen players making their debut at the varsity level. The Timberwolves will not field a junior varsity baseball this season which will call for production from younger players. CP head coach Darryl Focken said his roster includes five freshmen. In addition to his role as CP’s varsity baseball head coach, Focken coaches CP’s junior varsity team where players as young as fifth grades participate. “Obviously, you would like freshman to be freshman and not in a varsity situation but that’s the hand that’s been dealt us and we will deal with it that way,” said Focken. Focken described the sort of adjustment his freshmen players will face transitioning to the high school level. “The game is faster in high school so what you try to teach those kids is slow your mind down a little,” said
Focken. “You go from the top of the totem pole to the bottom of the totem pole and you’ve got to adjust to that. The mental game is just as much as the physical, although, the physical is the biggest adjustment for a freshman to the varsity level.” Focken said he will look to his senior captains Trace Nims and Jake Montgomery to on a leadership role. He said he would like to see his upperclassmen help teach his younger players what they don’t know about the game of baseball. He said he will rely on the top of his batting order to spark the offense and drive in runs. “Neither one of our [captains are] real vocal, they lead by example, and that’s not a bad thing,” said Focken. “A lot of kids do that and do that really well.” An area the Timberwolves are looking to improve upon from last year’s team is at the plate. “We struggled to hit the ball last year; we want to put the ball in play more this year,” said Focken. “Our on batting percentage was really, really low to go with our on base percentage.”
March 14 Fisher HS Cissna Park March 17 St. Anne HS Cissna Park March 23 St. Anne HS St. Anne March 26 GCMS HS Gibson City March 29 Dwight HS (conf) Dwight March 30 Ridgeview Cissna Park March 31 Dwight HS (conf) Cissna Park April 2 Bismarck-Henning Bismarck April 4 South Newton (conf)Cissna Park April 5 Momence HS (conf) Cissna Park April 7 Momence HS (conf) Momence April 9 Milford HS Cissna Park April 12 IWHS (conf) Gilman April 14 IWHS (conf) Cissna Park April 15 South Newton (conf)Kentland, Ind. April 16 LeRoy HS (conf) Cissna Park April 19 PBL HS (conf) Cissna Park April 21 PBL HS (conf) Paxton April 23 Hoopeston Area HS Hoopeston April 25 Armstrong HS Cissna Park April 26 Central HS (conf) Clifton April 27 Tri-Point HS Cullom April 28 Central HS (conf) Cissna Park April 29 Kankakee Trinity Kankakee May 3 Watseka HS (conf) Cissna Park May 5 Watseka HS (conf) Watseka May 6 Tri-Point HS Cissna Park May 14 Gtown-Ridge Farm Cissna Park
4 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH) 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. (DH)
Donovan softball expects midseason surge after injuries By LEE EDWARDS, Reporter sports@intranix.com Donovan’s softball team will need a fair dose of tenacity to overcome its preseason rash of injuries in order to compete in big games by season’s end. According to Donovan head coach Nathan Lacher, the Wildcats will only have nine of their 14 players on roster available to play for the beginning of their season due to various ailments and injuries. Four of the unavailable players were slated to be starters. He applauded the selfless decision of several of his players who have opted to learn new positions to help the team. “We have a lot of experience and some girls that have put aside where they always play and been willing to learn new positions,” said Lacher. Lacher said the various injuries and ailments had “absolutely” given him the opportunity to develop his younger players. He said they’re starting two freshmen and one sophomore. Lacher said he expects his team to be at full strength by May. In the interim, Lacher said the team can depend upon the pitching of Nicki Schuldt who he said “always give us her best effort”. He expects Casey Arseneau and Bailey Lambrecht will be able to get on base and advance runners as bats in the middle of his line-up. He said getting Tabitha Lareau back from injury will make a definitive impact. “We’re hoping to get Tabitha Lareau back in a couple of weeks,” said Lacher. “She’s a huge table setter for us, tons of speed, defense, we’re hoping to get her back soon and get her slated behind Nicki in the line-up.”
Photos by Lee Edwards The Donovan softball team is (back row) Caylee Langellies, Ashten SMith, Jacalyn Wingerter, Bailey Lambrecht, Annie Clatterbuck, Hannah Askew, Anna Bacon Storm, coach Nathan Lacher (front row) Casey Arseneau, Tabby Lareau, Nicole Schuldt and Morgan Squyres.
Lacher believes this team is “special” and will be able to survive early adversity because of the players’ overall make-up. “This team from the very beginning has binding with our philosophy of being cohesive, playing with confidence and an inner fire,” said Lacher. “All 14 [players] whether healthy or not healthy have really bought into that and they all get along really well; they’re always unselfish and supporting. We’re able to see everyone go out and support everyone else and I think that’s really unique for this team.”
GO TEAMS GO!
March 14 March 15 March 17 March 24 March 28 March 29 March 30 April 5 April 7 April 11 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 18 April 19 April 20 April 25 April 26 April 29 April 30 May 2 May 4 May 9 May 11 May 12 May 16
GCMS Away 4:30 pm WCHS Away 4:30 pm MHS Away 4:30 pm Momence Away 4:30 pm St. Anne (Conf) Away 4:30 pm North Newton Home 4:30 pm St. Anne HS (Conf) Home 4:30 pm Manteno HS Away 4:30 pm South Newton HS Away 4:30 pm Grant Park (Conf) Away 4:30 pm Grant Park (Conf) Home 4:30 pm IWHS Home 4:30 pm WCHS Home 4:30 pm GSW (Conf) Home 4:30 pm Kankakee (Trinity) Away 4:30 pm GSW (Conf) Away 4:30 pm Beecher (Conf) Away 4:30 pm (DH) Central HS Home 4:30 pm Kankakee (Trinity) Home 4:30 pm Hoopeston HS Away 10:00 am (DH) Tri-Point HS (Conf) Home 4:30 pm Tri-Point HS (Conf) Away 4:30 pm Ill. Lutheran (Conf) Home 4:30 pm Ill. Lutheran (Conf) Away 4:30 pm Grace Christian Away 4:30 pm IHSA Regionals TBA
Good Luck To All Area Teams
Gilman Fertilizer Co.
Donovan Farmers Coop Elevator Inc.
815-265-4506
815-486-7325
108 S. Main St., Gilman, IL
P.O. Box 159, Donovan, IL
GOOD LUCK AREA TEAMS!
Good Luck to Area Teams
ALIGNMENT UNLIMITED Car & Truck Alignment
1142 S. Crescent
Gilman, IL
815.265.4222
Iroquois - Main office 111 W. Lincoln Ave., Iroquois, IL (815) 429-3337
Beaverville Branch 612 St. Charles Street, Beaverville, IL (815) 435-2036
Ashkum Branch 101 S. Bank St., Ashkum, IL (815) 698-2346
Gilman Branch 1381 S. Crescent St. Gilman, IL (815) 265-4707
Spring 2016
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Page 11
SPRING INTO SAVINGS
AT DRALLE WATSEKA 2015 Buick Encore
2015 Buick LaCrosse
*Demo # 35009 MSRP $42,965 DRALLE PRICE
36,997*
$
2015 Chevrolet Malibu
# 15047 MSRP $23,305 DRALLE PRICE
19,997*
$
# 35026 MSRP $32,145 DRALLE PRICE
2016 Chevy Equinox LS
# 26032 MSRP $26,105 DRALLE PRICE
2010 Volkswagen Jetta S
8,997 2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT $ Roof, DVD, 4x4....................................................................... 25,997 2010 GMC Sierra Crew Cab 4x4 $ .............................................................................................. 22,879 2015 Chevrolet Trax LT $ ................................................................................................. 18,979 2015 GMC Canyon Crew Cab SLT $ ............................................................................................... 32.997 2013 Lincoln MKX $ Roof, Leather......................................................................... 27,897 2009 GMC Acadia SLE $ .............................................................................................. 14,879 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE $ ............................................................................................. 11,679 2005 GMC Yukon Denali $ .............................................................................................. 11,979 2008 Ford F350 Super Duty $ King Ranch 4x4..................................................................... 26,989 2015 GMC Sierra Crew Cab Denali $ Diesel.................................................................................... 52,799 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 $ ............................................................................................. 13,879 Stock #15063B,
26,845*
$
$
.................................................................................................
Stock #15064A
Stock #24080E, Stock #46028
Stock #26087A
Stock #66026A, Stock #76036B
Stock #36019C, Stock #76002B
Stock #66019B,, Stock #76040A,
Stock #24080D,
23,997*
$
2015 GMC Canyon
# 75167 MSRP $38,330 DRALLE PRICE
34,947*
$
2016 Chevy Silverado
# 26031 MSRP $44,020 DRALLE PRICE
39,794*
$
2014 Honda Accord LX
17,879 2010 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 $ ............................................................................................... 15,279 2014 Chevrolet Equinox LS $ ............................................................................................... 18,988 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Touring $ ................................................................................................. 22,479 2015 GMC Terrain SLT $ ................................................................................................. 24,979 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT $ ................................................................................................. 16,897 2015 GMC Yukon Denali $ ............................................................................................... 56,989 2015 GMC Sierra Crew Cab STL 4x4 $ ............................................................................................... 39,978 2010 Dodge Nitro SXT 4x4 $ ............................................................................................... 13,679 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS $ Only 6000 miles.................................................................... 30,479 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ $ ................................................................................................. 17,879 2014 Ford F150 Platinum 4x4 $ ............................................................................................... 32,997 $
Stock #26027D............................................................................................... Stock #75165A Stock #46030A Stock #46025 Stock #46022 Stock #46023
Stock #76048A Stock #76046A Stock #46003A
Stock #26042A,
Stock #46001
Stock #76033A
39
$
95
5-Quart Oil Change, 4-Tire Rotation and Battery Test Expires 4-30-16
815-432-4948 DralleWatseka.com
Tax, and m ore than 5 quarts of oil extra. M ost V-6 and V-8 engines, and other select vehicles require m ore than 5 quarts of oil. S ee dealer for eligible vehicles and details. O ffer valid through 4-30-16
1090 E. Walnut Street Watseka, IL 60970 * All Rebates Apply
Page 13 12
Iroquois County’s Spring Sports
timesrepublic.info
Spring 2016