August 2018
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
Page 1
Page 2
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
August 2018
WATSEKA FOOTBALL - Back row, left to right: Coach John Edwards, Anthony Quinn, Kelton Musgraves, Tim Wright, Dakota Schroeder, Brock Horner, Justin Bunting, Brayden Haines, Nicholas Albright, Drew Wittenborn and coach Drew Parsons; Middle row, left to right: Coach Aaron Hilgendorf, Blake Castonguay, Ethan LaBelle, Cameron Wonch, Clay Dorsey, Shawn Farris, Jameson Cluver, Danie Walker, manager Dylan Todd and coach Sean Wittenborn; Front row, left to right: Coach John Anderson, Erik Raymer, Calden Cotter, Jack Naese, Tylor Durflinger, Justin McTaggart, Dylan Thompson, Rusty Kuhlmann, Conner Curry, Jack Fegan, coach Shane Eades and coach Al Reynolds.
Warriors look to build on successes from past season By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
With eight returning seniors, and four more upperclassmen new to the team this season, the Watseka Warriors football team is looking to dominate their foes on the gridiron thanks to that level of experience, said head coach Aaron Hilgendorf. “This is the third year a lot of them have been in the program,” Hilgendorf said. “I can’t speak highly enough about the seniors and the leadership I think they are going to bring this year. They have developed every year and that is the way a program is supposed to be. We have a few new ones as well that have not played before, so there is a good mix of leadership going into that first week. “Experience is a strength with the six seniors who have been starters … That is exciting for us to have that competition at certain positions. Competition makes everyone better. We are looking to add depth.” The Warriors, who co-opted with St. Anne last season, recorded 7-3 record overall and a 4-2 record in Sangamon Valley conference standings. That record got the No. 2-ranked Warriors to the Illinois Class 3A playoffs where they took a 55-6 loss to eventual state champion IC Catholic Prep. The Warriors will likely compete in the 2A classification during the playoffs. “We played some good football last year and we were able to be 6-0, which put us in a great position to position us in the playoffs,” he said. “We had a rough stretch after that and lost two in a row, which set us back into a seed where we didn’t really want to be. This year, we want to play to the level where we get the seed that will put in the right place to win. That’s our expectation now, we want to play well enough to host this
year in 2A.” While there has been competition this pre-season at quarterback, Anthony Quinn has emerged at the starting position, Hilgendorf said. “We had Drew Wittenborn as a sophomore and a senior, Anthony Quinn, competing all summer long at starter,” he said. “We lost our starter for two years last season, Brendan Fletcher, who was All-State Honorable Mention. It was a big loss, and I’m pleased with both of our young men this preseason.” According to Hilgendorf, the truism of “defense wins championships” is correct — and he is counting on the big stops from his defensive line and backs.. “Defense is where it’s at and if you want to be a good program you have to be consistently good,” he said. “We’re going to make that a priority and be able to be flexible in the way we make stops on our opponents. I think we are in a good position to that this season.” As the nominative starter at QB this season, Quinn said he is hoping for a record as good or better than the one they stamped into history last year. “We definitely want to make another playoff appearance,” Quinn said. “The difference this year is that we want to fight for a home playoff game, if possible. That is our expectation. Last year we got to go, but this year we want to win. We do that by playing our best football in late September and early October, as a team.” Another senior, lineman Tim Wright, echoed his QB’s sentiment on the season. “In order for us to get to that point, in the playoffs, we have to play out top game every week,” Wright said. “My goal, and our team’s goal, is to get that home playoff game and win it.” The Warriors began the season on the road Aug. 24
ROSTER 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 13 15 21 23 24 25 45 50 54 55 56 58 59 62 64 68 72 73 75 88
Justin McTaggart DB/RB 5’11” Blake Castonguay DB/WR 5’8” Brock Horner DL/TE 6’2” Cameron Wonch DB/RB 5’8” Justin Bunting LB/WR 6’2” Drew Wittenborn DB/QB 6’0” Jameson Cluver DB/WR 5’7” Anthony Quinn DB/QB 6’0” Ethan LaBelle DB/WR 5’9” Brayden Haines DB/WR 5’11” Conner Curry DB/RB 5’10” Erik Raymer DL/WR 6’0” Henry Pavlak DB/WR 5’10” Bryce Denoyer LB/RB 5’10” Nicholas Albright LB/TE 6’1” Jack Naese DL/OL 5’10” Jack Fegan LB/OL 6’0” Danie Walker DL/OL 5’8” Tylor Durflinger LB/OL 5’10” Dylan Thompson LB/OL 6’0” Rusty Kuhlmann DL/OL 5’11” Andrew Soucie DL/OL 6’0” Caldan Cotter DL/OL 5’11” Dakota Schroeder DL/OL 6’2” Shawn Farris DL/OL 5’10” Clay Dorsey DL/OL 5’8” Timothy Wright DL/OL 6’1” Kelton Musgraves DB/WR 6’1”
180 145 185 145 175 160 145 170 140 150 150 180 155 200 205 165 205 185 210 200 215 175 170 290 205 230 270 155
SCHEDULE 08/24 08/31 09/07 09/14 09/21 09/28 10/5 10/12 10/19
@ Oakwood @ Salt Fork vs. Momence vs. Oblong (HOMECOMING) @ Dwight vs. Central @ Seneca vs. P-B-L @ Iroquois West
WATSEKA CHEER Back row, left to right: Madison LaBelle, Emma Trumann, Olivia Simons, Kennedy Oster and Alexis Krones; Front row, left to right: Jacqueline McCullough, Izabelle Daniels, Tanikqua Holmes, Owen Heuring, Kirstyn Todd, Jena Horchem and Nicole Gotter.
Bob Burd
bob.burd@countryfinancial.com
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
August 2018
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
Page 3
WATSEKA BOYS’ GOLF - Back row, left to right: Jordan Schroeder, Adam Norder, Ty Berry, Caden Giroux, Cam Bar- WATSEKA GIRLS’ GOLF - Left to right: Carolyn Dickte, Hailey Noel, Jackie Lynch, ragree and Zach Wright; Front row, left to right: Mitchell Galyen, Zakk Clark, Andrew Trumann, Zachary Hick- Holly Wingren, Natalie Schroeder and Allie Hoy. man, Lukas Ball, Dylan Harris, Leevi Bruens, Ethan Shay and Delmar Gillespie.
A bright future on the green for Warriors boys, girls golfers By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com If you ask Watseka head golf coach Darin Hartmann what the biggest factor facing his boys and girls teams in 2018 he will likely tell it one thing: consistency. It’s a point he intends to drive home this year with both teams. Boys Golf The boys team took fifth place in their regional tournament last year. Only the top three teams from region advance to the sectional championship. The duo of Lukas Ball and Cameron Barragree competed for Watseka individually at the sectional meet in Danville. Barragree only missed a trip to the state finals by two strokes, while Ball missed by five. “On the boys’ side we finished fairly strong in 2017 and had our top two golfers, Barragree and Ball, lead the way for us,” Hartman said. “We were hampered a little bit because of an injury to another of our top players, Joe Hebert, who was out for the season with back problems. With him out it was a big loss because he would have been the third player I could pretty much put up against anybody. I was pleasantly surprised how well we did last year though, placing fifth out of twelve teams. We’re looking for big things out of both of those young men, as well as some of the younger players we have coming up.” For Barragree, who is now in his final season with the Warriors, the consistency coach Hartman is seeking is a trait that could take the Warriors deep into the season — and a shot at a state title. “It looks like we have a really good team this year, possibly as good or better than last season,” Barragree said. “It could be situation where we get three regionals out of four
years. That’s a really good goal for this year and it’s one I believe we will work toward. Then, hopefully, we can advance to sectionals as a team and possibly even state.” Hartman reiterated that the level of competition from the boys’ team will span the gamut, from his top-two to the younger, incoming players. “On the boys’ side of the team we’re looking pretty stout,” Hartman said. “One of my freshmen, Jordan Schroeder, has had some low scores coming in, so we’re looking of big things from is play. Dylan Harris is another player that is shooting really well right. If you take them, along with my top two, we can face pretty much anyone on any day. We are going to compete.” Girls Golf Even with the loss of his top two seniors who graduated in 2017, Emma German and Summer Cramer, the Lady Warriors aren’t facing so much a rebuilding year as they are a maintaining year on the green, Hartman said. “Last year we were very strong, and we’re hoping for that again this season,” Hartman said. “We won the county tournament, we took second in the conference tournament and only got beat by Beecher by a couple strokes. We made it to the sectional as a team, which is the first time that has happened since 2009. From that team both Emma and Summer have graduated, so that was a big hit to the program. We have Natalie Schroeder coming back as a sophomore, however, and she shoots a lights-out game and, at sectional, only missed going to state finals by five strokes as a freshman. She is very impressive.” Hartman added that expects to see improvement and lowscoring meets from the duo of Holly Wingren and Hailey Noel this season. “Holly is a player that is just always improving,” Hart-
Warriors look to get farther on the pitch By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
While 2017 was not a banner year for the Warriors soccer team — they finished 7-16 over and-6 in Sangamon Valley conference standings — head coach Jeremy Douglas, who is in his first season as head coach, believes 2018 will be the year his squad turns it around. “This season we are going to start with going over the basics of soccer, the basics of the game,” Douglas said. “Discipline is a big part of this too. Last year we had a great team but had some areas we needed some improvement in. I think this year we will also focus on holding the players responsible to the team, themselves and the coaches. It’s back to the basics for us, essentially.” This season the Warriors will return five seniors — Brennen Spracklin, David Rodriguez, Ana Deharo, Erik Avelar and Alejandro Dominguez — and Douglas said he has faith in the group as leaders on the pitch. One of those seniors, Dominguez, will be an especially important part of a balanced attack for the Warriors, according to Douglas. “I’ve coached Alejandro for probably seven years and he is a great player that is dedicated to the game, is knowledgable about the game, and yet is still willing to learn,” Douglas said. “I believe he, along
with the other four seniors, will be leaders on the team this year.” Dominguez said he believes that back-tobasics approach is one that will help Watseka back into the swing of championship-level soccer. “We need to work as a team this year,” Dominguez said emphatically. “We need to do some work on our passing, our dribbling and other basics of the game. If we can do that we can be great again on the field. We have a few underclassmen that we, as seniors, can help bring along. Not by being hard on them, but by trying to teach them to be better players. The way we learned.” A freshman, Joby Grant, said he, along with other underclassmen, will be paying attention to lessons learned in practice. “I want to give it my all this season,” Grant said. “I think the freshmen on the team have a lot to learn from the sophomores, juniors and seniors. We really need to process what they have to say and work on those things so we can get better as players.” When asked about his coaching philosophy overall, Douglas said he a believer in the “never-quit” methodology. “I teach these kids to work hard and that will out what you put in,” Douglas said. “They have to set high standards for themselves and if they put it all in during practice you will see it all come out in a game.” The Warriors started the season Aug. 20
CHEBANSE GRAIN
! S T E M O GO C 815-697-2392 CHEBANSE
815-428-7367 PAPINEAU
SCHEDULE 08/27 08/28 09/5 09/6 09/10 09/17 09/20 09/22 09/27 10/1 10/2 10/3 10/4 10/9
@ Southland Prep vs. Rich South @ Centennial @ Urbana vs. Pontiac vs. Bishop McNamara vs. GCMS @ LincolnWay Invite vs. St. Thomas More vs. Danville HS @ GCMS @ Kankakee @ Pontiac vs. Kankakee
man said. “And Hailey is a junior this year that has improved so much from her freshman year, we expect to see her play some exciting golf. With all these pieces, we have some big shoes to fill, but I feel like we are going to do very well.” For Schroeder, improving some of her specialty shots is a key to assisting the team on its way toward the state finals. “This year I hope we do as well or better than last season, when went as a team to sectional,” Schroeder said. “Making it to state would be even better. I’m going to do all I can to improve because last year I struggled a little bit with chipping and putting. During the summer that is what I have been working on the most so, hopefully, I will see a turnaround.” The Warriors started the season Aug. 3 at Hoopeston.
at Hoopeston.
WATSEKA SOCCER - Back row, left to right: Manager Paulina Avelar, coach Tina Douglas, Duncan McKenna, Brennen Spracklin, Kade Murray, Nathan Conrad, Andrew Heuring, Jobey Grant, head coach Jeremy Douglas and manager Nate Douglas; Middle row, left to right: Alejandro Dominguez, Preston Shroeder, David Rodriguez, Peter Miller, Matthew Henneike and Ethan Keller; Front row, left to right: Fernando Orellana, Ana DeHaro, Hudson Arseneau and Erick Avelar.
08/20 08/21 08/23 08/27 08/28 08/30 09/04 09/06 09/07-08
SCHEDULE
@ Hoopeston Area @ Oakwood vs. Bismarck-Henning vs. Bishop McNamara vs. Grant Park @ Iroquois West @ Illinois Lutheran @ Momence @ Cornjerker Classic
09/10 09/11 09/13 09/14 09/15 09/20 09/22 09/24
vs. Kankakee @ Central vs. St. Anne vs. Beecher vs. Judah Xian @ Blue Ridge vs. Fisher @ Georgetown
Building Team Spirit Rewarding Achievement Inspiring Sportsmanship 1164 E. Walnut St., Watseka, IL 60970
815.432.5155
Page 4
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
August 2018
Lady Warriors looking for eighth conference championship By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The Watseka Lady Warriors finished the 2017-18 season with a 25-10 overall record and a 5-2 record (which gave the team a regional title) in the Sangamon Valley Conference. This season, head coach Krista Pufahl said she is looking to continue the legacy of excellence and winning that Lady Warrior fans are accustom to. “We want to be very successful,” Pufahl said. “I would like to see us win 25 to 30 matches again. We’ve won seven straight regional titles and we would like to make it eight. We’re going to get there, I believe, if we work hard every day in practice and play consistently. That is something I am trying to preach to this team, consistency, every day in practice.” Pufahl will have three main returners this season — all of them seniors — and she said the lion’s share of the leadership will come from that group, though other upperclassmen and possibly a freshman will add to the offense and defense for Watseka. “We have several, including Kennedy Bauer, Mallory Drake and Taylor Schippert, who have been playing for me since they were sophomores,” Pufahl said. “These three have been very big assets over the past two years, but we have a group of seniors and others that are going to contribute all season long. We are also dressing out a freshman this season, Sydney McTaggart. She does a great job in the back row and is learning a lot. Pufahl added that her team’s big challenges this season — as is true most seasons — will come from nearby conference rivals. “In our conference it is usually Cissna Park and PaxtonBuckley-Loda that give us a lot of competition,” Pufahl said. “Another good area school we will face is Milford. They are usually a pretty good challenge.” For Bauer, one of Pufahl’s returners, the key to the season will hinge on the close bonds her and her teammates have formed in past years.
WATSEKA VOLLEYBALL - Front row, left to right: Sydney McTaggart, Grace Smith, Kaitlyn Bell, Taylor Schippert, Rylie Parsons, Courtney Thompson and Alison Navas; Back row, left to right: Teagan Wuethrich, Haylee Ketchum, Hailey Lazarov, Mallory Drake, Kennedy McTaggart, Kennedy Bauer, Raegann Kochel, Cassie Peters and McCall Schunke. “I’m looking forward to having a good time with my friends on the team because this is the last time we will be playing together,” Bauer said. “Because of that we are trying to make this year the best ever. I’m looking forward to a lot of wins because of our friendships. I’m also looking forward to the bus rides to games.” When asked what was so special about those away-game bus rides, Drake said they help form a bond between the players that brings them together on the court. “We get into a zone because we get to jam out to music together as a team,” Drake said. “I’m hoping all our hard work translates into good games and winning those 25 to 30 games
that coach wants for us.” Schippert, who will play at libero this season, said that while good times on the road and at home are important, taking each victory — on the way to a hopeful playoff berth — is what her season will be all about. “This season is going to be about spending a lot of time with my best friends and making memories with them,” Schippert said. “The biggest part of the season, at least for me, is going to be about winning. I’m definitely ready to win.” The Lady Warriors began their season Aug. 20 against Momence.
SCHEDULE 08/20 08/21-25 08/28 08/30 09/01 09/04 09/10 09/11 09/13 09/17
vs. Momence @ CPA @ Beecher @ PBL @ Manteno Early Bird Classic @ Hoopeston Area @ South Newton @ St. Thomas More vs. Momence @ Prairie Central
-
09/22 09/24 09/27 10/01 10/03 10/04 10/08 10/13 10/15 10
Watseka Invitational vs. Westville vs. Iroquois West @ St. Anne vs. Salt Fork @ Dwight vs. GCMS @ SVC Tournament @ Cissna Park vs. Centra
10/22 10/23 10/24 10/25 10/29 10/30 10/31 11/02 11/09 11/10
@ IHSA Regional Tournament @ IHSA Regional Tournament @ IHSA Regional Tournament @ IHSA Regional Tournament @ IHSA Sectional Tournament @ IHSA Sectional Tournament @ IHSA Sectional Tournament vs. IHSA Super Sectional @ IHSA State Finals @ IHSA State Finals
New year, new coach for the Lady Warriors tennis squad By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com When the Lady Warriors tennis team take to the court this season they will be competing under the tutelage of first-year coach Corie Maulding, who has stepped in for former coach Stephanie Johnson in Watseka. Maulding, who is an avid tennis fan and player, is also the owner and operator of a local landscaping company. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the girls well and having a good season,” Maulding said. “It’s my first year as coach and I’m super excited to have this opportunity with them.” Maulding believes this year will be one of rebuilding, as the Lady Warriors did not make it to the post-season in 2017. This year, she said the team will focus on the basics of tennis and work together in team-building efforts as a group. “We did make the championships last year, so this is definitely a year to rebuild the team, and probably the next two years,” Maulding said. “We have a very young team. It’s going to require a lot of communication and getting to know each other well. The girls on this team
are all fantastic people and, even though they don’t all know each other very well as players, we’ve been having a lot of one-on-one communications in order to build a stronger unit. They are starting to become a family in that way.” A positive attitude in practice and on game day is also a hallmark of what Maulding wants to see this season. “We have to be positive and lift each other up,” Maulding said. “We also have to be hard on each other when it needs to be done. My goal for this season is help the girls fall in love with the game of tennis the way I am. It is so incredibly fun and, if they have fun, they will want to work harder and get better every day. They will win if they put in a lot of effort.” One of the two seniors on the team this season, Kelsie WATSEKA TENNIS - Front row, left to right: Emily Crosswell, Zoey Krueger, Gracie Seabert and Emma Donaldson; Middle row, left to right: Rabideau, said is looking for Alaina Neiman, Brianna Hanners and Bailie Rabideau; Back row, left to right: Emily Zhao, Kelsie Rabideau, Madison Crouch, victories this year, and that Hannah Morales, Ashton Peters and coach Corrie Maulding. she knows exactly what parts of her game need some work. hands as my strong suit, I feel “I am looking forward to like this season I will need to winning more this year,” Rawork on being more aggres08/27 @ Southland Prep 10/01 vs. Danville HS bideau said. “We need to get sive at the net for volley, as 08/28 vs. Rich South 10/02 @ GCMS better and get to know each well as on my forehands.” 09/05 @ Centennial 10/03 @ Kankakee other as a team. It’s my senior Madison Crouch rounds 09/06 @ Urbana 10/04 @ Pontiac season and I want to play out the upperclassmen 09/10 vs. Pontiac 10/09 vs. Kankakee well individually too. I want competing for Watseka this 09/17 vs. Bishop McNamara 10/12 @ IHSA Sectional to go out with a bang. I’m season. 09/20 vs. GCMS 10 @ IHSA State Finals always looking to improve The Warriors started the 09/22 @ LincolnWay Invite 10/19 @ IHSA State Finals my game, and with my back- season Aug.3 at Hoopeston. 09/27 vs. St. Thomas More 10/20 @ IHSA State Finals
SCHEDULE
They Work Hard. They Play Hard.
Good Luck Area Athletes
Let’s Hear It for Our Student Athletes!
Iroquois Cafe
Iroquois, IL
815-429-9098 IROQUOIS - MAIN OFFICE 815.429.3337
ASHKUM 815.698.2346
BEAVERVILLE 815.435.2036
GILMAN 815.265.4707
SHELDON 815.698.2346
WATSEKA 815.432.4198
www.iroqbank.com
MEMBER FDIC
August 2018
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
Page 5
Raiders look to capitalize on youth, returning QB By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
If there was ever a season to be hopeful for bigger and better things for the Iroquois West football team, it could be said that 2018 was that year. The Raiders finished last year in the basement of the Sangamon Valley Conference after posting a-8 record overall and a-5 record in league. Their only win last year came on a decisive 5630 win over South Newton. It was in that game against South Newtown that quarterback Tibaldo Alvarez went 3-5 passing and added a five-yard carry. Tibaldo and his offense amassed 518 yards of offense. Nolan Ahlden led the Raiders with three touchdowns (187 yards rushing), while Cole Stone added two scores off seven carries for 45 yards. Departing senior John Heinrichs added two TDs as well, and Ryan Brenner scored on a 22-yard reception in the second half. This season, Cameron Stone will step into his first year as head coach for the Raiders. He will field a total of 31 players,6 of whom are freshmen. While that might seem like a high number of underclassmen to rely on for a varsity football team, Stone said he has an abundance of faith in his team, regardless of their year in school.
ROSTER
IROQUOIS WEST FOOTBALL - Front row, left to right: Josiah Harkins, Nathan Price, Ryan Brenner, Cole Stone, Tibaldo Alvarez, Devin Kuchel, Michael Hartke, Nolan Ahlden, Nick Vaughn and Connor Price; Second row, left to right: Will Evans, Auston Miller, head coach Cameron Stone, assistant coach Jason Thiele, assistant coach Josh Leonard, volunteer coach Dalton Reed, assistant coach Andy Lindo, Zach Rice and Ty Pankey; Third row, left to right: Kevin Butler, Daltin Austin, Landon Davis, Clayton Leonard, Eric Netzband, David Netzband, Justyn Rodriguez, Gabriel Alvarez and Luke Villagomez; Back row, left to right: Landon Conrad, Hunter Meyer, Collin McGehee, Carson Maisonneuve, Conner Taylor, Evan Rogers, Ryan Fred, Aiden Tilstra and Zach Stone. Photo courtesy Kathryn Northcott “We have a lot of talent with these younger kids coming into the program,” Stone said. “One of those freshmen, Hunter Meyer, is definitely going to be coming into the rotation at wide receiver, so we expect a lot of big things from and our other freshmen.” Alvarez, now a junior, has gotten the nod at quarterback and Stone said fans
should expect to see a more electrifying ground game from his play-caller. Also returning to starting spots will be running backs Cole Stone and Nolan Ahlden, while the receivers corps will see Ryan Brenner as a likely starter. According to coach Stone, Michael Hartke will be the anchor of the defense at the end position.
“Michael is a very good defensive player and our defense will be better because of his experience,” Stone said. “Defense is where we are going to have a lot of fun this year. We’re going to see some different action than we did last year.” The Raiders started the season Aug. 24 at Bismarck-Henning.
08/24 08/31 09/7 09/14 09/21 09/28 10/5 10/12 10/19
Nolan Ahlden Gabriel Alvarez Tibaldo Alvarez Daltin Austin Ryan Brenner Kevin Butler Landon Conrad Landon Davis William Evans Damon Fowler Ryan Fred Josiah Harkins Michael Hartke Vincent Hayes Devin Kuchel Clayton Leonard Carson Maisonneuve Collin McGehee Hunter Meyer Auston Miller Ty Pankey Connor Price Nathan Price Zach Rice Evan Rogers Cole Stone Zachary Stone Conner Taylor Aiden Tilstra Nick Vaughn Luke Villagomez
SCHEDULE
@ BismarckHenning vs. Hoopeston/Schlarman @ P-B-L vs. Momence (Homecoming) @ Oakwood vs. Seneca @ Dwight @ Central vs. Watseka
Pitch perfect? Raiders soccer looks to get farther in 2018 By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
In 2017 the Raiders soccer team came close to a regional championship, only falling to Manteno in the finals 6-1. They ended with an8-6-1 overall record and went 5-2 in the River Valley Conference. This season, head coach Rich Alvarez said that he wants to see a post-season that bests his third place finish last year, despite losing1 seniors to graduation in May. To do this, on the offensive side of the game, Alvarez said he is going to rely heavily on mid-fielder Luis Melgoza, and frontmen Diego Camarena and Omar Camarena. On the defensive side, after losing both Andrew Medina and Santiago Gasca to graduation, the skills of junior Ulysses Aguilera will come to bear at keeper. “We lost quite a few seniors last season, but I feel like our numbers have stabilized and we will field a team that has they key components to win, we’re up to about 28 players right now” Alvarez said. “We want to make it over the hump that we haven’t gotten over in the last few years, which is to not come up short at a regional championship. With Luis, we have a mid-fielder that has started the last three years. He’ll be an anchor for us and control a lot of the tempo of the game. We moved Diego up from mid-field to striker this season because it’s not much of a change for him and, really, he can play that position better.” Alvarez said that the combination of both Camarena players up front will make a big impact on opposing goal tenders. “Those two, together, will make a big difference from last year,” Alvarez said. While Alvarez said he has total faith in the goalkeeping abilities of Aguilera, he added that the defensive set of the team will need some fine tuning in the back-and-forth aspect of the game. “With Aguilera, this is his third year playing and he has been a starter all the way through. It’s going to be his chance to shine after losing the two seniors from last year,” Alvarez said. Altogether our defense is going to need the most work this year. It’s not as deep as in previous years, but I think with some work we can accomplish what we need to do.” The Raiders started the season Aug. 20 at Kankakee Trinity.
IROQUOIS WEST SOCCER - Front row, left to right: Coach Rich Alvarez, Lucas Alvarez, Jonathon Gonzalez, Michael Lockett, Ulises Aguilera, Jonathon Santoyo, Ariana Ramirez and Assistant coach Hector Reyes; Second row, left to right: Ronald Wallace, Diego Camarena, Jose Gonzalez, Max Grant, Jean Meza, Omar Camarena and Cyrus Wooten; Back row, left to right: Alex Arias, Luis Melgoza, Jerod Munoz, Angel Barajas, Boston Bobzien. Photo courtesy Kathryn Northcott
8/20 8/21 8/23 8/25 8/28 8/30 8/31-9/1 9/4
@ Kankakee Trinity vs. Reed Custer vs. Blue Ridge @ GeorgetownWestville @ IL Lutheran vs. Watseka @ Herscher @ Central
SCHEDULE
9/6 9/7-8 9/11 9/13 9/17 9 9/20 9/22
vs. Beecher @ Cornjerker Classic vs. Momence @ Grant Park @ Fisher vs. St. Anne vs. Grace Xian Academy vs. Schlarman
Milford Building & Loan Assn. SB
GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA ATHLETES
815-889-4140
Your Local home for appliances, flooring, furniture, Sealy mattresses, and Schrock cabinets.
131 E. Jones Milford, IL 60953 Member FDIC
234 N. Jefferson, Watseka, IL 815-432-5448 M-F 8:30am - 6pm; Sat. 8:30am - 4pm
Page 6
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
August 2018
IROQUOIS WEST VOLLEYBALL - Front row, left to right: Anahi Munoz, Lili Rodriquez and Jenessa Salazar; Second row, left to right: Ailyah Regan, Vanessa Andrade, Jenny Medina, Lesly Andrade and Alexis Fred; Back row, left to right: Coach Kyli Markely, Ashley Aguilera, Shelby Johnson, Maddie Manning, Maddy Trammell, Merrek Sweeny, Lindsey Songer, Ashley Thomas and head coach Dakota Bohlmann. Photo courtesy Kathryn Northcott
Lady Raiders volleyball aims to play better as a team in 2018 By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
For second-year head coach Dakota Bohlmann, getting her Iroquois West volleyball team ready for competition this season — and and making her sure her squad comes together as a tight-knit group — are key factors. To do this, Bohlmann said she is engaging her players in oneon-one and group settings both on and off the court. “I want to see more teamwork and them playing together as a group this year,” Bohlmann said. “That was a problem last
year, them not working as a team. When that happened we got down on ourselves. This team has the volleyball fundamentals there, they just need to play like a team and not individuals. We’re going to do a lot of group passing and other drills as we head into the season.” One of the new practice drills Bohlmann is incorporating is putting pairs of players together that normally would not volley or pass to each other. “I’m putting them with partners they normally would not be paired with, so that helps them get to know that player better and how they play,” Bohlmann
said. A sophomore on the team, Shelby Johnson, said she sees coach Bohlmann’s tactics paying off so far this year. “I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates and coach has been a big help in this,” Johnson said. “With the way she coaches it is helping me and the other players get better at volleyball and get better as people. I’m also hoping we win more games this year because of that. We need to also make sure we leave everything on the court and try our best. If we can do that, and not get down on ourselves, I think
we will win some games.” Senior setter Jennifer Medina said that the team is proficient in the fundamentals of the game. Now, they have to come together as a solid unit on the court. “We have a set goal to play better as a team and win more games,” Medina said. “Technically we are a good team. We just have to play like together as a team now.” The Lady Raiders went25 during the 2017 season. The team’s sole win came at Hoopeston, 2-0 (25-20, 25-23). The Lady Raiders started the season Aug. 21 against Donovan.
08/21 08/23 08/25 08/28 08/30 09/4 09/6 09/10 09/17 09/20 09/24 09/27 09/29 10/1 10/2 10/3-6 10/9-13 10 10/22-25
SCHEDULE
vs. Donovan vs. Tripoint @ Ridgeview Tournament @ St. Anne @ Central @ Grace Xian Academy @ Momence @ Gcms @ Milford vs. Dwight @ South Newton @ Watseka vs. Hoopeston @ Ridgeview vs. Gardner @ P-B-L Classic @ SVC Tourney vs. Cissna Park vs. TBD Regionals (Host)
IROQUOIS WEST GIRLS GOLF - Left to right: Marissa Pool, McKinley Tilstra, Uliana Curtis, Taylor Talbert; IROQUOIS WEST BOYS GOLF - Back row, left to right: Jack Pree, coach Rob Fink, Jack McMillan, Brock Small, Ryan Tilstra, Klayton Kolosky, Mason Conrad and head coach Grant Meyer; Front row, left to right: Kade Kimmel, Nolan Tammen and Ivan Munoz. Photos courtesy Kathryn Northcott
Iroquois West’s Tilstra, Pool will lead the way for a young team By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The Iroquois West golf teams — led by head coach Grant Meyer — will be led on the boys’ side by sophomore Ryan Tilstra, and on the girls’ side by senior Marissa Pool. According to Meyer, both golfers have been low shooters for the team during their tenure as Warriors and that he expects
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
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!
results in the low 40s and 50s this season in match play. “Both of our teams are young and some have never played before this summer,” Meyer said. “So, for both teams, the key is getting some experience on the courses we play and build the team up for the future. I’m going to rely on Ryan and Marissa this season, but mostly it’s a building year.” The Warriors opened the season Aug.5 against Watseka at Shewami Country Club.
GO! FIGHT! WIN!
08/15 08/20 08/23 08/27 08/28 08/30 08/31 09/12
SCHEDULE
@ Watseka @ Dwight @ Donovan @ Beecher @ Dwight/Watseka @ Indian Scramble @ CissnaPark @ Dwight
09/13 09 09/19 09/20 09/24 09/25 09/26
Good Luck Teams
300 E. Frederick Milford, IL
815-889-4191
www.mowreyauction.com
@ Fisher @ Fisher @ Gcms @ Blue Ridge @ TVC Meet @ Prairie Central A @ County Tourney
August 2018
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
Page 7
Raiders will field girls XC team for first time in 2018 season By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com For the first time in school history the Raiders will field a full team of girls cross-country runners, according to head coach Steve Massey. “This is really awesome becuase, in the past we had individual girls on the team,but now we’ve had a high turnout of five girls and we will be able to field a whole team,” Massey said. In addition to the new team of Lady Raiders being high on his priority list, Massey said he will be
relying on a pair of Raiders on the boys’ side to keep it competitive in the region. “We have a returner who went to sectional, Connor Price, and another runner, and a senior, Max Grant.” Massey said. “We’re expecting big things from them, especially from Max since he decided to try cross country this year in addition to soccer, which he has played for four years. With this group of boys and girls we’re definitely aiming at the sectionals, with a hope to get some of them to the state finals.” The Raiders teams began the season at P-B-L meet in Paxton on Aug. 22.
IROQUOIS WEST CROSS COUNRY - Back row, left to right: Maggie Thorne, Ashton Miller, Chelsea Medina, Autumn Melgoza, Adriana Schroeder, Lucas Alvarez, Imanol Salazar and Andrew Schutte-Jibril; Front row, left to right: Coach Jim Price, Max Grant, Connor Price, Jacob Kuipers, Ty Pankey, Ryan Ritzma, Tony Espinosa, Max McTaggart and coach Steve Massey. Photo courtesy Kathryn Northcott
SCHEDULE 8/22 8/25 8/29 9/1 9/8 9/11 9/13 9 9/22 9/25 9/29 10/4 10/11 10/13 10/15 10/20 10/27 11/03
ROSTER
CENTRAL FOOTBALL - Front row, left to right: Miles Price, Tony Marquez, Dawson Gossett, Cade Alexander, Chandler Burrow, Logan Beherns, Don Raines, Jr., Jacob Michelich, Thomas Konetski and Brock Spooner; Second row, left to right: Garrett Graham, Jay Lemenager, Alex Monuz, Trevor Meier, Dane Thorne, Canyon Burrow, Jacob Shoven, Brendan Arseneau, Brenden Brosseau and Sergio Sandoval; Third row, left to right: Caleb Toberman, Jon Wollever, Caden Perry, Garrett Manny, Jordan Saathoff, Seth McDivitt, Tyler Pelehowski, Cory Hoggins, Kodie Willis and Abel Sanchez; Back row, left to right: Coach David Coggins, Coach Jay Faulkner, coach Brad Perzee, coach Dave Luhrsen, head coach Brian Spooner, coach Matt Sertich, coach Tyler Graham, coach Brandon Schoon and coach DJ Harris.
High expectations:
Central gridders look to continue greatness
By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The Clifton Central High School football team went farther into the post season than any other school in Iroquois County in 2017. The squad, led by head coach Brian Spooner, went undefeated in the Sangamon Valley Conference at 6-0 and recorded an 8-3 overall record. They entered the Illinois High School Association playoffs against Mercer County and defeated them 43-22. In their second round game the Comets only fell to Orion 24-21 after a last second field goal foiled their attempts to continue. “That was a really tough loss … it was a tough pill to swallow in the last seconds,” Mercer said. The key to last season, according to Spooner, was his senior class and the experience they had in two non-conference championship seasons at 5-5 and 4-5 in 2015 and 2016. The Comets made it to the third round of the 2014 playoffs before being eliminated by Fieldcrest. “Last year we had an extremely experienced group, with non two-way starters on the team,” Spooner said. “They were all seniors and multiple year starters. A lot of those players saw a lot of playing time years ago when they were sophomores, so they had experience and played in some big games. It was a year where we had high expectations and some great leadership by the senior class. They had a great season nonetheless.” This season, with the departure of quarterback Andrew Boudreau and a handful of other seniors, Spooner said he is
looking to consistent play at the position from incoming senior Corey Roach and sophomore Jay Lemenager. The duo, he said, both complement each other because of their differing styles of play. “This year we are facing a lot different of a situation, given the loss of all our starters, but with those two we’re going to try to piece together a successful season,” Spooner said. “Our expectation is to make to the playoffs every year and that has not changed. Based on these two coming back it’s going to be a challenging year but a good one. With Roach we have a player who has come a long way in four years. He has played behind Boudreau for a good portion of his career, so he doesn’t have a lot of reps at starter. In that time he a lot of learning though. He brings his 6 foot 4 inch height to the table, and he is not so much of runner but a pocket passer, unlike Boudreau.” Spooner added that his sophomore, Lemenager, will add to the offensive and defensive threat of the Comets due to his flexibility at playing multiple positions. “Jay has come along nicely as a quarterback as well,” Spooner said. “He is a strong-armed kid and has shown potential and growth in the summer. I can very easily see playing them both at different points of the game because of their different skill sets. It might be a situation where we run one at QB and move the other one to different position to get the reps. They both have depth at multiple positions.” The Comets opened the season at home against Georgetown on Aug. 24.
GOOD LUCK CENTRAL COMETS You’re #1 With Us!!
D&D CARPETS 102 S. Front • Ashkum, IL
815-698-2154
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-12, Evenings by appointment only
Owners: Don & Judy Brinkman
Dane Thorne RB, SS Jr. Don Raines WR, FS Sr. Jay Lemenager QB, SS So. Caden Perry WR, SS So. Corey Roach QB Sr. Chandler Burrow WR, CB So. Canyon Burrow WR, CB Sr. Seth Raines WR, SS Jr. Dawson Gossett WR, CB So. Jacob Shoven WR, CB So. Logan Beherns WR, DE So. Cory Hoggins WR, SS Sr. Nate Kuntz RB, DE So. Thom. Konetski WR Sr. Brendan Arseneau FB Sr. Kodie Willis TE, ILB Sr. Brenden Brosseau TE, DT Sr. Gage Edwards TE, DE Jr. Garrett Graham RB, ILB So. Jeff Caspary WR, CB Jr. Cade Alexander OL, ILB So. Tyler Pelehowski OL, DT Sr. Brock Spooner OL, DL So. Abel Sanchez OL, DT Sr. Seth Mcdivitt ILB, OT Jr. Noah Dingler OG, DT Sr. Caleb Toberman DE, OT Jr. Jacob Michelich T Sr. Jon Woolever OL, DT So. Tony Marquez OG, DT So. Jason Trumble T Sr. Garrett Manny OL, ILB So. Jordan Saathoff C, DT Jr. Fred Peters OL, DT Sr. Alex Munoz DT, OG Jr. Connor Fritz T, G Jr. Juliano Avalos WR, DB So. Caleb Mezo WR, DB Sr. Josh Beagle WR, CB Nathan Gray WR Jr.
@ P-B-L @ St. Thomas @ Bishop Mac @ Cow Chip @ P-B-L @ GSW Invite @ Bismarck @ Hoopeston @ Herscher @ Rantoul @ TVC Meet @ All Area @ P-B-L @ Peoria Hgts @ Benton @ Regional @ Sectional @ State Final
5-6 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-5 6-1 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-8 5-7 6-1 5-9 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-9 6-2 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-8 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-3
SCHEDULE 8/24 vs. Georgetown 8/31 @ Herscher 9/7 vs. Westville 9/14 @ Dwight 9/21 @ Seneca 9/28 @ Watseka 10/5 @ P-B-L 10/12 vs. Iroquois West 10/19 @ Momence
You can always bank on our support. 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.
Page 8
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
CENTRAL BOYS XC - Front row, left to right: Christian Ladehoff. Dominick Panozzo, Joe Bernard, Jeremy Snejberg and Hunter Davis; Back row, left to right: Coach Dave Ladehoff, Caleb Kent, Isaiah Ditta, Jerod Snejberg, Caden Chamness and Trevor Swanson. Not pictured: Blake Stua.
August 2018
CENTRAL GIRLS XC - Front row, left to right: Kaitlin Girard, Alexis Waller, Fallon Gray and Alexis Ward; Back row, left to right: Kendall Antons, Kaleigh Ladehoff, Mikayla Caspary and Olzea Smolinski.
Comets cross country is looking for another big season By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The Clifton Central cross country team is coming off a stellar season in 2017 — a year where the boys’ team made it to the state meet as a group for the first time — and one where one of his top girls’ team runners also competed at the championships. Head coach Dave Ladehoff said it was a good showing for his team, though one he wants to improve on. “My front two runners on the boys’ team were in the 40s to 50s range
in finishing last year at state, which was huge for us,” Ladehoff said. “One of my two top boys, Isaiah Ditta, placed 46th (15:49.0), and his teammate, Jeremy Snejberg (15:58.0), finished 58th overall. They were only nine seconds apart, which was pretty awesome.” In 2017, Ditta’s best pre-championships performance was second place at the Illinois High School AssociationA McNamara Regional on a time of5:58.0, while Snejberg’s personal best pre-championship was a fourth place finish at Kankakee AllArea Championships on a time of6:07.0.
The boys’ team finished the season in1th place out of 25 teams inA with 322 points. Elmwood took the boys state title last season. The girls’ team finished eighth overall at the sectional meet. While the girls’ team did not qualify as a group for the state championships, Ladehoff was able to send one runner, Kendall Antons, to the finals. In her final performance as a freshman she finished 64th on a time of9.12. It was also her season-best run. In 2018, Ladehoff said he wants to see both teams work hard this year to achieve some post-
season glory. “The girls had been there three years previous as a team, so last season was the first in a while they didn’t all go together,” Ladehoff said. “The boys missed it by one spot two years ago, but last year we got there. This season it is our goal is to train together as a team and rely on our core group of varsity runners, who put in practice all summer. The state championship is our goal and I think we can get there.” A group of Clifton runners took part in the Big 7 Road Race in Davenport, Iowa in July. The annual event is the largest non-
marathon running event in the world and, according to Ladehoff, featured some of the premiere talent in the world. That event, he said, helped gauge the strengths of his runners against those high-end athletes. “It’s a very hilly race and it’s quite difficult in place,” Ladehoff said. “It’s seven miles and I had four boys and two girls take part. They decided to give it a go and run in an event that includes world champions and a gold medalist. I really think events like this and consistent training will help get us where we want to be.”
CENTRAL SOCCER - Front row, left to right: Tori Hemp, Anna Ritter, Michael Ayres, Chase Clyden, Austin Bender, James Peters, Gina Peters and Tessa Coulter; Back row, left to right: Head coach Drew Granzow, Chris Guthrie, Alex Winkel, Dylan Bailey, Payton Gray, Cole Poyner, Masen Hess, Jules Hartman, Maria Munoz and assistant coach Gunnar Gullquist.
Granzow: Looking forward to a ‘better’ season in 2018 By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com With the 2017 Clifton Central soccer season ending in a game against Watseka — a game the Comets lost 8-0 — head coach Drew Granzow said he is looking forward to a 2018
season that is far better than the 1-20 performance from just a year ago. “We didn’t have a very good season last year, so this year we are hoping for a lot better,” Granzow said. “This year we are bonding a whole lot better as a team and are building chemistry. There is some solid leader-
ship among my upperclassmen too, so this is good.” Granzow will see six seniors — Cole Poyner, Maria Munoz, Alex Winkel, Jules Hartman, Tori Hemp and Michael Ayres — return for the Comets. The squad started the season on Aug. 27 at Kankakee Trinity.
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL TEAMS!
CENTRAL VOLLEYBALL - Front row, left to right: Manager April Klenzak, Hanna Offerman, Madison Kleinert, Kyia Lemenager, Madelyn Meyer and manager Lacy Barnes; Middle row, left to right: Mgr. Faith Sands, Grace Poskin, Emily Gresens, Kamryn Grice, Caitlin Gerdes and Jenna Raines; Back row, left to right: Assistant coach Shannon Meier, Karlie Wilken, Makenna Reick, Hannah Alberts, Riley Thompson, Emily Heideman and head coach Jill Luckenbill.
Luckenbill: Lady Comets will ‘play as a team’ in 2018 By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The Clifton Central Lady Comets volleyball team recorded a 9-23-1 record in 2017. It’s a record that head coach Jill Luckenbill said came about as a result of the team not work-
ing together on the court. “We didn’t play as a team at all last year,” Luckenbill said. “This year we are fixing that. We have talent and this year the girls have learned from last season. They don’t want to go down that road like last year. They have proven this year that they are capable
512 South Crescent Gilman, Illinois 60938 Phone: 815-265-7737 “We Service & Repair All Makes And Models”
8/25 vs. Saber Classic 8/29 @ Irish Conditioner 9/8 @ P-B-L 9/11 @ G-S-W 9/18 @ Hoopeston 9/22 @ Herscher 9/25 @ Gridley 9/29 @ TVC (host) 10/4 @ KCC All-Area 10/11 @ P-B-L 10/15 vs. IW/Kankakee 10/20 @ IHSA Regional
8/20-25 @ CP Tipoff 8/28 @ Peotone 8/30 vs. IWHS 9/1 @ Manteno 9/6 vs. P-B-L 9/10 vs. Herscher 9/13 @ Dwight 9/17 vs. GCMS 9/20 vs. Cissna Park 9/22 @ Reed Custer 9/25 vs. Beecher 9/27 @ Momence 10/1 @ Tri-Point 10/2 vs. South Newton 10/9-13 @ SCV Tourn. 10/15 @ Coal City 10/16 vs. Donovan 10/18 @ Watseka 10/22 IHSA Regional
and working on getting over the hump of hitting walls.” Five seniors — Jenna Raines, Emily Heideman, Caitlin Gerdes, Makenna Reick and Kyia Lemenager — return for the Comets. The team began the season at the Cissna Park Timberwolf Tip-Off.
GOOD LUCK TEAMS! Family owned & operated since 1967 1043 S. Crescent St. Gilman, IL 60938
GILMAN AUTO PARTS KRAFT, INC.
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
8/27 @ KTA 8/28 vs. Momence 8/30 vs. Beecher 8/31 @ Grant Park 9/4 vs. IWHS 9/6 @ St. Anne 9/8 vs. Fisher 9/11 vs. Watseka 9/13 @ ILHS 9/14 @ Hoopeston 9/15 @ Ottawa 9/17 vs. Peotone 9/20 @ Coal City 9/22 vs. KTA 9/24 vs. Manteno 9/25-27 @ TVC/Gilman 10/1 vs. Reed Custer 10/2 @ TVC/Gilman 10/3 @ Streator 10/5 @ IHSA Regional
The Comets season began Aug. 28 at St. Thomas More. Clifton will host the 2018 Twin Valley Conference meet Sept. 29.
815-265-7310 HOMEMADE PIES, BREAD AND COOKIES
HOME COOKING
Daily Specials!
August 2018
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
Page 9
Snyder: No where to go but up for Lady Wildcats volleyball squad By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
Coming off a 3-24 season in 2017 — which head coach Emily Snyder said was in improvement over the past few seasons — the sky is the limit for the Clifton Central volleyball team. “Every year seems to give us a few more wins,” said head coach Emily Snyder. “Lasy year we really started working on the fundamentals of the game and we were working on passing a lot too. That is something we are going to continue to do as the season progresses in 2018. There are a lot of individual parts that are hopefully going to come together this year.” The team returns two seniors this year — Annie Clatterbuck and Jackie Schill — and Snyder has a lot of good to say about them and their leaderfship on the court. “Annie is one of the best hitters we have and is great in both the front and back rows, and is an amazing passer,” Snyder said. “Our other senior, Jackie, has been playing for two years at the high school level and DONOVAN VOLLEYBALL - Back row, left to right: Emma Leady, Mackenzie Stahlschmidt, Autumn Dewing, Katy Ruda and Sarah Skelly; Front row, left to right: Jackie is really an asset on both Schill, Annie Clatterbuck, Kayde Faupel, Karley Davidson and Paige Ortiz. the right and left sides as an outside hitter. We can use her often wherever she is needed, even though it’s really only her second year playing the sport.” A total of eight juniors 8/21 @ Iroquois West 9/11 vs. Beecher 10/01 vs. Momence — Emma Leady, Mack8/23 vs. South Newton 9/13 @ Grace Christian Academy 10/02 @ St. Anne enzie Stahlschmidt, Autumn Dewing, Katy Ruda, 8/25 @ Blue Ridge 9/18 vs. Illinois Lutheran 10/04 @ Beecher Sarah Skelly, Kayde Faupel, 8/28 @ North Newton 9/20 @ Grant Park 10/11 @ Illinois Lutheran Karley Davidson and Paige 9/04 @ Gardner South Wilmington 9/25 @ Tri-Point 10/16 vs. Grant Park Ortiz — are also returning to 9/05 @ Illinois Lutheran 9/27 vs. Gardner South Wilmington 10/17 @ Clifton Central the team this season. The Comets season 9/06 vs. St. Anne 9/29 @ Calvary Lutheran Tournament 10/18 vs. Tri-Point began the season Aug. 21 against Iroquois West.
SCHEDULE
New year, new golf coach at Donovan By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com The new head coach golf coach at Donovan High School, David Miller, is taking over a program that has seen a flurry on coaching staff over the past five seasons — though he said his number on golfer, senior all-around athlete Kohlton Lanoue — will be of great assistance to him during practice and match play. “Kohlton is a great player and usually hits around the mid-40s on game day,” Miller said. “He is a four-year player for the team and is my right hand in terms of helping mentor the team, mostly because of his experience and my newness to the team.” Miller added that another of his seniors, Keegan Wingerter, is also adding a level of mentorship to the team. “Keegan is a great help too because of his maturity and play,” Miller added. “With the two of them we should be
SCHEDULE
8/13 Hoopeston @ Hubbard Trail 8/15 St. Anne/Grant Park @ Shewami 8/16 Momence @ Aspen Ridge 8/23 Milford @ Shewami 8/28 Watseka @ Shewami 9/4 Watseka @ Shewami 9/5 Tri-Point @ Shewami 9/10 Hoopeston @ Hubbard Trail 9/12 Manteno @ Manteno 9/14 RVC @ Oak Springs 9/17 Iroquois West @ Shewami 9/19 Watseka @ Shewami 9/21 Watseka Invitational @ Shewami 9/26 County Tournament @ Shewami 9/28 @ Grant Park Invite okay.” Players Dalton Anderson, Caleb Klecan, Weston Lareau and Andrew Schmidt round out the team this season. The Wildcats began the season Aug. 13 against Hoopeston.
WEBELIE BELIEVE WE VE WE BELIEVE
INOUR OUR COMMUNITY. IN IN OUR COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY.
DONOVAN GOLF - Left to right: Keegan Wingerter, Kohlton Lanoue, Brodi Winge, Caleb Klecan, Weston Lareau, Dalton Anderson and Andrew Schmit.
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
IROQUOISFED.COM IROQUOISFED.COM MEMBER FDIC
Gilman • Piper City • Chatsworth • Cullom • Bourbonnais www.mcmillanins.com
MEMBER FDIC IROQUOISFED.COM
MEMBER FDIC
Auto Home Business Life Health
Page 10
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
August 2018
Lady Timberwolves look for SVC championship redux By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
In 2017 the Cissna Park Lady Timberwolves finished the season with a 29-5 overall record and were the Sangamon Valley Conference champions with a 6-1 league record. The team, buoyed by that fantastic year, began the 2018 season with their annual Cissna Park Timberwolf Tip-Off tournament, a nearly week-long event that drew a dozen teams from around the state. And the good news was that, of the 12 teams in attendance, the Lady Timberwolves finished third behind second-place finisher Watseka and champion Oakwood. For head coach Josh Landon, the coming season will be one where he relies heavily on his
SCHEDULE
CISSNA PARK VOLLEYBALL - Front row, left to right: KayLee McWethy, Anna Jennings, Erica Walder, Audrey Kaeb and Emma Morrical; Back row, left to right: Coach Josh Landon, Kristen Walder, Sloan Boyce, Carly Pence, Gracie Walder, assistant coach Nicole Trumble and assistant coach Hannah Allen. three-deep upperclassmen to teach and lead some younger players. “We have three seniors
this season that are returning and they are going to make a big impact for us ... they are Anna Jen-
nings, Sloan Boyce and Erica Walder,” Landon said. “We have experience coming back, but we also
have some younger players, some sophomores, we have to bring along.” The Lady Timber-
A ‘young’ team competes for Comets By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The Cissna Park golf team, led by head coach Carin Chrastka, is looking to see big results out her No. 1 players in 2018. “We’re a young team, but
we’re looking to have some success from our upperclassmen,” she said. Leading the way for the Timberwolves on the boys’ side will be senior Dawson Savoree, who is in his fourth year as a player. On the girls’ side, sophomore Emily Hylbert and senior Bailey Sluice
8/21-26 @ CP Tip-Off 8/29 @ St. Joseph 8/31 vs. Ridgeview 9/5 vs. Champaign Judah 9/7 @ P-B-L 9/11 @ Bismarck 9/14 vs. Central 9/18 vs. Hoopeston 9/21 vs. Dwight 9/23 @ Reed Custer 9/25 vs. St. Anne 9/28 vs. Momence 10/2 @ Milford 10/5 vs. South Newton 10/7 @ Monmouth 10/10-12 @ SVC Tourn. 10/16 @ Watseka 10/17 @ Tri-Point 10/19 @ IWHS 10/23-26 @ Regional
wolves first regular season game was Aug. 29 on the road at St. Joseph High School.
SCHEDULE
8/22 @ Milford 9/1 @ Beecher 9/6 @ Fisher 9/8 @ Watseka 9/11 @ GCMS 9/12 @ Milford 9/21 @ Hoopeston 9/22 @ Watseka Inv. 9/25 @ TVC 9/27 @ Iroquois Meet 10/3 @ Regional 10/7 @ Sectional 10/13 @ State
will lead the charge. “We’re excited because this is the biggest team we’ve put out there in a long time,” Chrastka said. “We are looking for improvement over last year.” The Timberwolves’ season began Aug. 22 at Shewami against Milford.
CISSNA PARK GOLF - Front row, left to right: Bailey Sluis, Cale Clauss, Devin Hull, Dawson Savoree, Trae Cobb; Back row, left to right: Emily Hylbert, Lauren Kaeb, Breyden Sinn, Gavin Speirs, James Yergler and Megan Long. Not pictured: Hayden Overbey, Will Petry and Bryce Sluis.
A big change: Milford Bearcats begin 8-man football this season By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
When the Milford High School Bearcats take the field this season they will be competing at a new level — as members of the Illinois 8-Man Football Association — and will face competition from seven other teams across the state. The teams that have committed to the league this season are MIlford, Judah Christian, Westminster Christian, Hebron, Illinois School for the Deaf, Lake Forest Academy and Rockford Christian Life. The move, said head coach Clint Schwartz, was spurred by a downward enrollment and the realization that his team might only return 14 players this year. With an enrollment of just under 300, however, the Bearcats will be one of the largest schools competing in 8-man this
season. It’s a move Schwartz said will hopefully reap benefits for the team. “We were looking at the numbers and it wasn’t enough to field a full varsity team,” Schwartz said. “So, we looked at our options and after we decided to go the 8-man route I have seen our kids rejuvenated. Their energy has been really great this summer and, during the first week and a half of practice, they have found a true belief that we can accomplish some things we could not do when we were in 11-man football.” An on opening night, senior Jared Schunke got the nod from Schwartz to run the smaller offense. “Jared is our senior goto guy this year,” Schwartz said. “It’s his third year starting at the position and, as the years have progressed, he has really control of the offense.
The move has been very easy for him because of his comfortability factor overall. He is the real leader for us out there on any given night.” On the other hand, the biggest mystery of the season for the Bearcarts, Schwartz said, might be how they figure out n effective way to execute an 8-man defense. “The shift down to 8-man on defense is truly a mystery because it really depends on what the offense is doing,” Schwartz said. “When you take away three players on each side you still have to defend the same number of vertical threats. You also still haver to defend the run on the inside and outside. Some positions are going to be hybrid, with the corners turning into outside backs.” The Bearcats started the season Sept. 1 against Lake Forest Academy.
ROSTER
MILFORD FOOTBALL - Front row, left to right: Zane Trumann, Penn Stoller, Trey Totheroh, Ryan King, Jared Schunke, Kennedy Kunsch, Cam Garrison, Rudy King, Jacob Nash and Kaiden Clingenpeel; Second row, left to right: Tanner Garrison, Nick McKinley, Nick Warren, Alex Barney, Dragon Miljkovic, Avinash Gu, Kadin Randalls and Micah Sheridan; Back row, left to right: Ashton Sparks, Chasine Walwer, Nick Allen, Angel Salinas, Jordan Raymer, Raven Satkoski and Jarid Woodby.
9/1 9/7 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/26
SCHEDULE
@ Lake Forest Academy vs. ISD @ Judah Christian Open vs. Alden-Hebron vs. N. Shelby (MO) @ Judah vs. Judah Christian
Zane Trumann Penn Stoller Trey Totheroh Ryan King Jared Schunke Kennedy Kunsch Cam Garrison Rudy King Jacob Nash and Kaiden Clingenpeel Tanner Garrison Nick McKinley Nick Warren Alex Barney Dragon Miljkovic Avinash Gu Kadin Randall’s Micah Sheridan Ashton Sparks Chasine Walwer Nick Allen Angel Salinas Jordan Raymer Raven Satkoski Jarid Woodby
August 2018
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
Page 11
Duis looking for further success from 2018 Lady Bearcats By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
The 2017 season saw the Lady Bearcats voleyball team go far as they finished the season at 23-8 overall, defeated Illinois Lutheran 2-0 in the regional senifinal, and almost pulled out a victory aganist FlanaganCornell in the regional final before losing 2-1 (25-11, 17-25, 15-25). Now, in 2018, head coach Christine Duis believes her 12-member squad — which includes seniors Brooke Sobkoviak, Lyndsey Leitz and Hannah Boyer — will be looking to avenge their early departure from the post-season and make it to a regional final for the win. “Losing that final was kind of a heartbreaker in three sets,” Duis said. “But we had a great season and even though we didn’t win
SCHEDULE
MILFORD VOLLEYBALL - Front row, left to right: Emmaleah Marshino, Brooke Sobkoviak, Sam Conley, Scout Voyles, Janae Sparks and Jakki Mowrey; Back row, left to right: Lyndsey Leitz, Caley Mowrey, Maya McEwen, Hannah Boyer, Lexy Puetz and Kaylee Warren. a regional like we wanted to, it turned out well. This year we’ve only lost one senior and our goal is to compete in our conference
like last season. We tied for first in the conference (11-2 in Vermillion Valley standings with Oakwood), so we’re looking to be in
the top-three again. I’m impressed with our offense this year and we have a balanced attacked on defense. Our seniors are a great
group that have played for me for four years, so they will lead the charge for us on the court every night. They know the game and
Milford Bearcats golf play for excellence
are smart players and leaders.” The Lady Bearcats began the season at the Timberwolf Tip-Off.
SCHEDULE
By GREG KNIGHT Sports Editor sports@intranix.com
It’s no surprise to anyone that follows golf in the area that Milford head golf coach Sharon Glasgow instills a strong work ethic and standard of excellence for her players. This season, her Bearcats boys’ team will be led by Brady Marshino, who is one of the more disciplined shooters week in and week out at Shewami and elsewhere. “I expect a lot out of him as a leader and a player,” Glasgow said. “He should do well this year and he had an excellent season in 2017. He can shoot in the high 30s or low 40s on any given day. I’m also hoping to see a lot out of our No. 2, James Birch, a junior. He did well last year too and went to sectionals and was all-conference.” On the girls’ side, Glasgow said she will rely heavily on Bailee Fanning to get the job done for the Bearcats. “Bailee is a junior in her third year playing for us,” Glasgow said. “I’m working on keeping her forcused be-
8/20-25 @ CP Tip-Off 8/30 @. St. Anne 9/4 @ Bismarck 9/6 vs. Armstrong 9/11 vs. Georgetown 9/13 @ Bismarck 9/15 @ Armstrong 9/17 vs. IWHS 9/18 vs. Schlarman 9/20 vs. Hoopeston 9/22 vs. Watseka 9/25 @ Salt Fork 9/27 vs. Oakwood 10/1 @ Cissna Park 10/2 @ Chrisman 10/6 @ P-B-L Tourn. 10/9 vs. Westville 10/16 @ Schlarman 10/18 @ Hoopeston 10/19 @ Tri-Point 10/22-26 @ Regional
MILFORD GOLF - Back row, left to right: Jessica Hines, Bailee Fanning, Tanner Sobkoviak, James Birch, CJ VanHoveln, Brady Marshino, Kaleb Harris, Aaron Banning, Luke McCabe, Kristin Butler and Emma Mann; Front row, left to right: Caleb VanHoveln, Cooper Frerichs, Zach Utke, Seth VanHoveln, Noah Virklin, Evan Shaner and Xander Hill; Not pictured: Baelee Luce. cause she is so involved in everything at school and in life. I have high expectations for her this year, though.” When it comes to expectations for the team as a whole, Glasgow said, “If we can keep our act together we can do
8/16 vs. Watseka 8/21 vs. Salt Fork 8/23 vs. IWHS 8/28 vs. Donovan 8/29 vs. Watseka 9/5 vs. Tri-Point 9/6 @ Schlarman 9/10 @ Hoopeston 9/11 vs. Cissna Park 9/13 vs. Momence 9/18 @ Salt Fork 9/21 @ Watseka Inv. 9/24 @ Bismarck 9/26 @ Iroquois Meet 9/27 @ VVC
better than the 22-7 record our boys posted last year ... for the girls’ team I want steady improvement. The Bearcats teams started the season Aug. 16 at Shewami Country Club.
Page 12
Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports
August 2018
WATSEKA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
We Support our
Proud to support Iroquois County Athletes
Student Athletes
Good Luck to all area teams Berry’s Processing Plant 522 E. Elm, Watseka, IL
815-432-3264
Dick Arie & Andrew Arie
Your local independent agents
CROP - CROP HAIL INSURANCE AUTO - HOME - FARM - COMMERCIAL
108 E. Oak St. Watseka
815-432-4208