Sports NewsSports TalkWorld/National Sports News

Sports News

High school boys track

Olympia, Mahomet-Seymour, Prairie Central meet

[MARCH 31, 2001]  Olympia traveled to Mahomet to compete with Mahomet-Seymour and Prairie Central.  The Olympia Spartans led the meet with 83 points to Mahomet-Seymour’s 74 and Prairie Central’s 29 points.

Winners for Olympia:

800 run –  Sean Brand 2:04.4

1,600 run – Seline 5:06.0

High hurdles – Brandon Sholty 16.5

Intermediate hurdles – Sholty 44.7

High jump – Raes 5-10

Triple jump –  Brooks 35-6

Pole vault – Brian DeLoriea 13-0

Discus –  Jimmy Schultz 133-0

1600 Relay –  Olympia 3:41.2

3,200 Relay – Olympia 9:13.0

[LDN]


Area high school boys baseball

[MARCH 31, 2001]

Olympia vs. Metamora

At Metamora the game was called at the bottom of the 6th inning because of the 10 run rule.  Olympia ruled over Metamora 18 – 5.

Pitching for Olympia were Jeff Darnall, Steve Raleigh (2,W, 1-0), and Rush Olson.  Olympia’s pitcher Raleigh, was recognized as best pitcher for the game (5 innings, 2 earned runs, 3 strikeouts, 1 walk).

Pitching for Metamora were, Buddy Robison (L, 0-2), Dan Lueders (3), Jon Schlemmer (6) and John Sizemore.

Olympia’s Steve Raleigh had a grand slam in the 6th.

Outstanding hitters for Olympia: Chris Frank (4 hits, 3 RBI), Ben Lee (3 hits, 3 RBI), Raleigh (3 hits, 5 RBI), Cullen Hayes (2 hits).

Mount Pulaski vs. Lexington

Lexington won 6 – 2 in the game played on their home turf.

Pitching for the Hilltoppers were Justin Anderson (L,0-2), Zach Cyrulik (6), Colton McClellan (6), and Cam McClellan.    Lexington pitchers were Andy Schneider (W, 1-0) and Adam Miller.

Outstanding hitter for Mt. Pulaski was Chris Wilson (2 hits).

Mount Pulaski is 2 – 4.  Lexington is 2 – 0.

 

[LDN]


Lincoln varsity baseball at Bloomington

[MARCH 30, 2001]  Lincoln High School’s varsity baseball team is giving early notice that it will demand respect this year. After sweeping a doubleheader from Bradley-Bourbonnais this past weekend, Lincoln fought its way to a 3-2 victory over Bloomington on Thursday and pushed its record to 4-1.

The one-run win required timely hits, aggressive base running and great pitching. Lincoln faced Eric Haberer, a hard-throwing senior left-hander headed for SIU at Carbondale. Haberer struck out five of Lincoln’s first six hitters — something he is accustomed to doing, with 105 strikeouts recorded last season. But Lincoln players may have had the words of Jimmy Valvano echoing in their minds: "Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up."

Lincoln had its own ace on the mound: senior Chris Phillips. In the seven-inning complete game, Phillips allowed only five hits and gave up three walks. One hit was a leadoff home run in the fourth inning to Haberer that gave Bloomington a 2-1 lead and its only earned run.

In the third inning Phillips was forced to take a seat — on the mound! With one runner on, senior Pete Stone smashed a shot directly back toward Phillips’ chest. Fortunately, and remarkably, the ball found and stayed in Phillips’ glove as he dropped to his posterior. Perhaps Phillips had some revenge in mind in the bottom of the seventh. With a slim one-run lead, and having walked two that inning, Phillips faced Stone again with two outs. This time it took three pitches, and Stone was forced to take his own seat after looking at the final game pitch, a called third strike.

 

Lincoln’s offense produced just five hits against Bloomington’s best, but they got enough at the right time. In the top of the fourth inning, Justin Dedman scored Lincoln’s first run. After reaching base on an infield error, he moved all the way to third on a passed ball. Danny Schick’s ground ball to the right side scored Dedman on a close play at the plate, and Schick took first on the fielder’s choice. Andy Knopp then whacked a double to the right-center-field fence, prompting coach Hake to send Schick on home on the play. A good relay, however, cut down Schick, and Dedman had Lincoln’s only score until the seventh inning.

 

[to top of second column in this article]


[Chris Phillips delivers one of his 70 strikes in 96 pitches.]


[Ryan Williams take an inside ball before being hit by the following pitch. Williams scored the winning run.]


[Blake Schoonover gets his second hit of the game.]

Trailing by one, the seventh inning began with an infield hit by Schick. This time, Knopp was called on to move Schick forward with a sacrifice bunt, which he did successfully on the first pitch. Ryan Williams’ plate-hugging pinch-hitting responsibility resulted in his being hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second. Although Jamison Sheley struck out swinging for the second out, both runners moved into scoring position on a double steal. Senior catcher Andrew Bartman then had his big opportunity. With one strike, Bartman guided a single into short left-center field that scored both Schick and Williams and put Lincoln on top 3-2. Blake Schoonover got his second game hit in the seventh, but he and Bartman were left stranded at second and third.

Reflecting on the game and the quality of the pitching Lincoln faced, first-year head coach Pat Hake said the game "really helped us get more prepared for the regionals." Hake used 14 different players to get the job done. The way things look, Lincoln should get the job done quite a few times this season. This Saturday, Lincoln will travel to Decatur Eisenhower to get the job done again.

[Rich Knopp]


Area high school baseball and softball games

[MARCH 30, 2001] 

Mount Pulaski vs. Midwest Central

Mount Pulaski’s baseball and softball teams traveled to Manito yesterday afternoon for two games against Midwest Central.

Mount Pulaski’s baseball team hit one ball and scored a run against Midwest in the third inning. Clements pitched his first game for Mount Pulaski. Midwest Central hit five balls and made four runs. The final score of the game was 4-1. The Hilltopper baseball team’s record is now 2-3.

Mount Pulaski’s softball team was not able to score any runs against their opponent, and the game was called due to the 10-run rule. Tobias pitched for the Hilltoppers, and Lewis pitched for Midwest Central. The final score of the game was 16-0.

Olympia vs. Canton (baseball)

Olympia played baseball yesterday in Canton and earned a decisive victory. Both teams earned one run in the first inning, and Olympia earned one in the second inning. In the fifth inning Olympia made five runs and Canton made only two. Olympia continued to plate runs: one in the sixth inning and two in the seventh. The final score was 10-3.

Cam Cheek pitched the winning game, to bring his personal record to two wins and no losses. Ryne Sherman, Lance Leesman and Rush Olson caught for the Spartans.

Ben Lee, Steve Raleigh and Rush Olson each hit two balls for Olympia. The Spartans had nine hits and made only one error. Canton had four hits and three errors.

Olympia now has four wins and no losses.

Olympia vs. Bloomington (softball)

Olympia’s and Bloomington’s softball teams met in Stanford yesterday. Olympia made an early run in the first inning, but Bloomington made three runs in the third inning. Neither team scored until the last inning. Three of the Spartans ran home to make the final score 4-3, Olympia.

Jessie Shay pitched for Olympia, with Al Flessner’s help. Of the three games Shay has pitched, this is her second win. She pitched seven innings and struck out four players. Shay allowed Bloomington seven hits, one run and walked three of its players.

Becky Hieser hit one double for Olympia and was herself batted in. Nichole Prager, Jessie Shay and Amber Lessen were also batted in. Lessen made two hits as well.

Olympia had eight hits and two errors. Bloomington had seven hits. Olympia’s new record is two wins, one loss and one tie.

[LDN]

 

 

 

It's Tax Time

Come see the tax professionals at

Meier Accounting

and Tax Service

Dale Meier, Enrolled Agent

519 Pulaski, Lincoln

217-735-2030

The

Mustard Moon

1314 Fifth Street

Gifts ~ Dolls
Infant Clothes

Mention ad for 2 FREE votives

Blue Dog Inn
111 S. Sangamon
217-735-1743

Open for Lunch  Mon.-Sat.
Open for Dinner  Tues.-Sat.

Click here to view our
menu and gift items


High school girls track

Olympia, Mahomet-Seymour, Prairie Central meet

[MARCH 30, 2001]  Three teams gathered in Mahomet for a high school girls track and field meet: Mahomet-Seymour, Prairie Central and Olympia. Mahomet-Seymour won the match easily with 112½ points. Prairie Central earned 36½ points, and Olympia made 30 points.

The first-place results were as follows:

100-meter dash—Mahomet-Seymour: Tiffany Pavesic, 13.5

200—Olympia: Prater, 28.7

400—Olympia: Gena Rawlins, 1:00.0

800—Mahomet-Seymour: Maureen Scott, 2:32

1,600—Mahomet-Seymour: Maureen Scott, 5:12

3,200—Mahomet-Seymour: Courtney Philbrook, 13:23

100-meter hurdles—Mahomet-Seymour: Schroeder, 17.9

300 hurdles—Mahomet-Seymour: Breanne Huddleston, 51.0

High jump—Mahomet-Seymour: Eileen Scott, 4'10"

Long jump—Mahomet-Seymour: Lydia Morris, 15'5"

Triple jump—Mahomet-Seymour: Morris, 35'5½"

Shot put—Mahomet-Seymour: Carrie Lohmeyer, 32'2"

Discus—Mahomet-Seymour: Katie Eden, 105'4"

400-meter relay—Mahomet-Seymour, 54.4

800 relay—Prairie Central, 1:58.4

800 medley relay—Olympia, 1:57.8

1,600 relay—Olympia, 4:23.0

3,200 relay—Mahomet-Seymour, 10:43.0

 

[LDN]


College baseball

Lincoln College vs. Danville

[MARCH 30, 2001]  Lincoln College split a baseball doubleheader with Danville at Galen Shirley Field in Lincoln Thursday afternoon. The Lynx were beaten 20-0 in a five-inning opener but rebounded to win the nightcap 10-6. The split leaves coach Tony Thomas' team with a 6-12 mark for the season.

Lincoln managed only two hits against Danville's ace pitcher in the first game. Gray raised his individual record to 6-0 with the victory. Jack VanDyke and Robert Sherren had the only hits for Lincoln. Matt Whetstone took the pitching loss for Lincoln. Whetstone was followed to the mound by Mark Stoltzenburg, Scott Onken, Brian Langworth, Brent Barker and Matt Carnahan.

In the second game Lincoln's Jeff King gave up three runs in the top of the third inning, but the Lynx bounced back with a four spot in the bottom half of the inning. The Lynx added three more runs in the fourth and two in the fifth. Danville had the bases loaded, with no one out and one run already across the plate, before Charlie Deakin finally shut down the visitors. Deakin got the first out with a strikeout, the second on a tap to the mound, and the final out came on a ground out.

Robert Sherren had three hits and a pair of RBIs, while Charlie Hulett had three hits, including a triple. Chris Ackman, Chad Blackburn and Brad Bone all had two hits for the Lynx. Bone's hits were a double and triple, with a run batted in. Blackburn had a pair of RBIs and Ackman, one.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

First game

Danville        074 09  -  20-12-0

Lincoln         000 00  -  0-2-3

Grant (W) & Reeder; Matt Whetstone, Mark Stoltzenburg (2), Scott Onken (3), Brian Langworthy (5), Brent Barker (5), Matt Carnahan (5) & Robert Sherren.

Second game

Danville       003 101 1  -  6-10-4

Lincoln        014 320 x  -  10-15-1

Rizzi (L), Calvert (4) & York; Jeff King (W), Matt Knepper (6), Jason Rockhold (7), Charlie Deakin (7) & Robert Sherren.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]


Reminder

Sign up at Rec Center for summer baseball and softball

[MARCH 29, 2001]  Sign-ups for summer baseball and softball are going on now until this Saturday, March 31, at the Rec Center. A baseball representative will be available there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday to answer any questions. Time's running short to get signed up for a summer of recreational baseball and softball !!  For more details, click here.


High school baseball

[MARCH 29, 2001] 

Mount Pulaski vs. Niantic-Harristown

Niantic-Harristown competed against Mount Pulaski High School’s baseball team yesterday afternoon in Mount Pulaski. Niantic-Harristown grabbed an early lead with six runs in the first inning and two in the second inning. Mount Pulaski finally scored some runs in the fourth inning—five to be exact. Niantic-Harristown also made two runs during that inning. The final score of the game was 10-5.

Nat Tierney pitched for Mount Pulaski, and Cory Rogers pitched for Niantic-Harristown. The Hilltoppers had two hitting stars: Damien Schlitt and Matt Fuller. Schlitt made two hits. Fuller also made hits, plus he batted in two runners.

Mount Pulaski hit a total of six balls and had three outfield errors. Niantic-Harristown hit six balls also and had four errors. Mount Pulaski’s record is now two wins and two losses.

[LDN]

 


High school baseball

[MARCH 28, 2001] 

Illini Central vs. Mount Pulaski

Playing on the Mount Pulaski turf, the Hilltoppers beat IC 10-4. With seven hits and four errors, Mount Pulaski scored in all but the first inning. The Cougars had all four of their runs in the third inning.

Pitching for IC: Fletcher, Cunningham (4,L), and Bohm; for Mount Pulaski: Korey Davis (W) and Cam McClellan.

Mount Pulaski’s Matt Fuller had a home run in the fifth. Zach Cyrulik and Damien Schlitt each had two RBIs.

IC’s Travis Scott brought in two runs in addition to his homer in the third.

Mount Pulaski is 2-1. Illini Central is 4-2.

Olympia vs. Morton

Olympia swept Morton at home 6-1. Both teams had seven hits. Morton made four errors to Olympia’s one.

Pitching for Olympia: Brandon Gale (W, 1-0), Ryne Sherman (7), and Rush Olson.

The Spartans’ Ben Lee (2-for-3, one RBI), Steve Raleigh (double), Jeff Darnall (triple), and Ryan Dendrick (RBI) were the top hitters.

Olympia is 3-0. Morton is 0-2.

[LDN]


High school softball

[MARCH 28, 2001]  

Olympia vs. Tremont

At Tremont, Olympia topped Tremont by 1 in a 1-nothing game. Olympia had four hits and Tremont had two.

Jessie Shay (W, 1-1) and Al Flessner pitched for the Lady Spartans, and Amanda Wilson (L, 1-2) and Meagan Schroeder pitched for Tremont.

For Olympia, Tricia Gaither had two hits and a double, and Tiffany Prager brought in the winning run.

Olympia is 1-1-1. Tremont is 1-2.

[LDN]


High school girls track

[MARCH 28, 2001]  

Illini Central vs. Illini Bluffs

Meeting in Mason City, Illini Central outran, out-jumped and out-threw Illini Bluffs 79-47.

Winners for Illini Central:

100-meter dash — McDonald, 14.1

200 dash — Harvey, 29.4

400 dash — McLaughlin, 1:09

800 run — Herman, 3:16.8

3,200 run — McKenna, 14:21.9

100 hurdles — Mortlock, 22.8

300 hurdles — Mortlock, 22.8

High jump — Hankins, 3’10"

Triple jump — Harvey, 29'7½"

400 relay — (McDonald, Cave, Hankins, Harvey) 57.3

800 relay — (Daum, McDonald, Cave, Harvey) 2:03.6

1,600 relay — (Cave, Hankins, Daum, McLaughlin) 4:47.8

3,200 relay — (Mortlock, Herman, List, Daum) 13:18.0

[to top of second column in this section]

Lincoln vs. Clinton

The Lady Railers (146) triumphed supreme at a five-team meet with Clinton (50), Decatur St. Teresa (88), Fisher (48) and Deland-Weldon (12). The meet was at Clinton.

Winners for Lincoln:

100-meter dash — Dominique Dawson, 13.0

400 dash — Sara Conklen, 1:04.3

100 hurdles — Allison Humbert, 18.0

Long jump — Dawson, 14'9½"

Triple jump — Jennifer Whalen, 30'3"

Shot put — M. Coons, 30-0

400 relay — (Conklen, Angela Maestas, Humbert, Dawson) 53.2

800 relay — (Conklen, Dawson, Humbert, Maestas) 1:53.4

1,600 relay — Lincoln, 4:38.2

3,200 relay — Lincoln, 12:00.3

[LDN]

 

ABE LINCOLN

PHARMACY

Just inside the ALMH front door

Jim White, R.Ph.

"We Answer Your Medication Questions."

Click here to visit our website

Are you getting enough...water?

ASK the CULLIGAN MAN!

Click here to learn more about hydration

or call 217-735-4450

to learn more about great-tasting reverse-osmosis fluoridated water.

Our staff offers more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Greyhound Lube

At the corner of Woodlawn and Business 55

No Appointments Necessary


College baseball

Lincoln College vs. Spoon River

[MARCH 28, 2001]  Lincoln College defeated Spoon River in a doubleheader baseball game at Canton Tuesday afternoon, running their winning streak to four straight. The Lynx won the first game, coming from behind, 10-5. Lincoln used a strong pitching performance from Jaren McLane to post a 9-0 victory in the nightcap. The doubleheader victory raises the Lincoln College record to 5-11 for the season.

McLane was outstanding for coach Tony Thomas in the second game, scattering five hits in a complete game outing. McLane fanned four and didn't allow a single walk. Lincoln College plated six runs in the first inning, and McLane made the big inning stand up. Chris Ackman led the Lynx hitting attack with three safeties in five trips to the plate, with a double and two runs scored.

In the first game Spoon River jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first two innings; however, the Lynx scored three times in the fourth and once in the fifth to tie the score. After Spoon River scored a run in the bottom of the fifth to take a 5-4 lead, Lincoln pushed across six runs in the top of the sixth to take the victory. 

Chris Ackman led the way with three hits in three trips to the plate, with a double and a run scored. Erik Rich added a pair of hits and two RBIs while Chad Blackburn had two hits, including a double and an RBI. Anthony Hoffert was the winning pitcher for Lincoln, working the first five innings, giving up six hits and five runs, three earned. Hoffert fanned two and walked two. Matt Knepper hurled the final two innings, striking out two.

[to top of second column in this article]

First game

Lincoln College       000 316 0  -  10-12-1

Spoon River            220 010 0  -  5-6-2

Anthony Hoffert (W), Matt Knepper (6) & Robert Sherren; Rabe (L) & Shelby.

Second game

Lincoln College    600 002 1  -  9-7-3

Spoon River         000 000 0  -  0-5-2

Jaren McLane (W) & Robert Sherren; Blodgett (L) & Shelby.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]


High school baseball

Illini Bluffs vs. Illini Central

[MARCH 27, 2001]  Illini Bluffs met Illini Central in Mason City yesterday afternoon for a high school baseball game. 

Central started off strong with three runs in the first inning and two in the second inning. The Bluffs made four runs in the second inning, adding three runs in the fourth, one run in the fifth, and three runs in the seventh. Illini Central made their last run in the seventh inning. The final score was 11-6, Illini Bluffs.

Harris pitched for Illini Central, and this was his first loss of the season—he has already pitched two winning games.

Central hit five balls and made five errors. The Bluffs hit 15 balls and made only two errors.

[LDN]

ABE LINCOLN

PHARMACY

Just inside the ALMH front door

Jim White, R.Ph.

"We Answer Your Medication Questions."

Click here to visit our website

Are you getting enough...water?

ASK the CULLIGAN MAN!

Click here to learn more about hydration

or call 217-735-4450

to learn more about great-tasting reverse-osmosis fluoridated water.

Our staff offers more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Greyhound Lube

At the corner of Woodlawn and Business 55

No Appointments Necessary


College softball

Lincoln College vs. Parkland College

[MARCH 27, 2001]  Lincoln College defeated Parkland College of Champaign 6-3 and 2-1 in softball action at Lincoln College Monday afternoon.   The doubleheader victory raises the Lady Lynx record to 2-6 for the season.

Coach Jennifer Ciaccio saw her club plate three runs in the second inning of the opening game, and the Lady Lynx were never headed.  Amy Czerwionka drew a walk to start the three-run rally.  She moved to second on an error and advanced to third on a single by Brandi Barnes.   Maggie Green followed with an RBI single, and Ronni Beebe then added an RBI single.   After Heather Dobey drew a walk, Beth Gajdik singled in the final run of the inning. 

Parkland came back with two runs in the top of the third; however, Lincoln added one in the bottom of the inning and two more in the fourth to put the game out of reach.  Brandi Barnes went the distance on the mound for the Lady Lynx, giving up one earned run while fanning four and walking one.

Lincoln waited until the bottom of the fifth inning of the second game to get on the scoreboard.   Due to cold weather, both coaches agreed to a five-inning second game; therefore, the Lady Lynx won in their final at bat.   With two outs, Christine Lott drew a base on balls.  Ronnie Beebe followed with a double, scoring Lott and tying the game.  Heather Dobey then connected for a double, with Beebe scoring the winning run. 

[to top of second column in this article]

Dobey was the winning pitcher for Lincoln, allowing three hits.  Dobey also had a pair of hits, including the game winner.

First game

Parkland College    002 100 0   - 3-11-2

Lincoln College       031 200 x  -  6-9-2

Sloan (L) & Koetes; Brandi Barnes (W) & Beth Gajdik.

Second game

Parkland College    001 00  -  1-3-2

Lincoln College       000 02  -  2-6-1

Heidbreder (L) & Moller; Heather Dobey (W) & Gajdik.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]


Illinis trip to the Final Four derailed

[MARCH 26, 2001]  Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright. Somewhere bands are playing and somewhere children fight. But there is no joy in Mudville…Mighty Casey has struck out! There is also no joy in Illinois tonight, as our mighty Illini have fallen to the pesky Arizona Wildcats 87-81 in San Antonio, Texas. The win enabled the Cats to punch their transfer ticket to the Twinkie Dome for next week’s Final Four in Minneapolis, Minn.

[click here to see photos from the game]

The Illini did not go down without a fight, and the contest was still in doubt until the last few seconds. The Illini started slow and dug themselves a hole. They slowly climbed back into the game and, amazingly, were only four points down at half after shooting an abysmal 29 percent from the field, while allowing the Cats to fire at a 60 percent clip.

They slowly chipped away in the second half and finally tied the score around the 12-minute mark. They took their final lead of 56-54 with 7:19 to play on a bucket by Archibald.

The contest was marred by a plethora of free throws, and amazingly Illinois had six players disqualified before it was all said and done.

For the Illini, this game’s story had to be Robert Archibald. "Arch" fired in a career-high 25 points and must have felt that he was defending the Alamo all by himself at times.

 

The LDN had a premonition that Archibald would have a great game. On Saturday the LDN staff spent about an hour or more with Robert’s mother, Heather; his father, Bobby; and his sister, Jemma. They are one of the most delightful families that you will ever meet. They told us how much Robert enjoyed playing for the Illini and how he was playing with more confidence than he had in his entire career. I guess they were right…because if Archibald had not shown up Sunday, the Illini might have been embarrassed in front of a national TV audience. He seemed to be the most dominant big man on the floor.

It was especially important when you consider that Lincoln’s Brian Cook was limited to four points because of yet another bout with foul problems, and Marcus Griffin finished the night with one point. In fact, our crew of central Illinois players did not fare too well in this battle at all. Sergio McClain did not have one of his best games, and Frank Williams was nowhere near his sensational self of Friday night’s fame. Cory Bradford bounced back and had a solid night by hitting for 22 points including 6-for-11 on his 3-pointers. Lucas Johnson came off the bench and had another fine outing for the Fighting Illini.

 

 

 

[to top of second column in this article]

The Illini just never seemed to have the legs and the energy that Arizona brought from the opening tip. Gilbert Arenas blew up on the Illini, blistering the nets for 18 first-half points. He seemed to douse Illinois’ fire.

Although Illinois out-rebounded the Cats 36-35, Arizona held a commanding lead in that department in the second half. The Illini buried themselves early, and even the brilliant coaching of Bill Self couldn’t save us this time.

And I mean his coaching was brilliant. Left for dead after ’Zona built up a commanding 11-point lead with just three minutes to play, the Illini fought back as hard as any team in America by closing the gap to three points with 1:39 to play. However, on this night we would never get any closer. There was a lot of drama as the Orange and Blue hit three big 3-pointers in the closing 90 seconds, but we could never get closer than four points the rest of the way.

I know we’re supposed to be all sad, disappointed and depressed because we didn’t make it to the Final Four. I just can’t allow myself to feel that way. I love this team…AND, I love our fans. I’m proud of our players and proud of what they accomplished. Half the fun in having a great season is the ride we took to get there…And our Illini gave us a great ride!

On behalf of the LDN I say thanks to an outstanding coaching staff and to one of the greatest groups of Illini players in history. I know that I will NEVER forget this special season, and I thank you for the great ride! Lastly, thank you, seniors, for everything you have meant to our program to our state and to our team. May the Lord bless you in all that you do!

[Jeff Mayfield]

 


Illini, Cook make Elite Eight

Williams, Johnson help Illinois survive

[MARCH 24, 2001]  Had it been a battle of attrition the Illini might not have come away with the victory. Illinois was in a peck of foul trouble, and had the game gone into overtime, perhaps the Illini's deeper bench might have had to be a few seats wider. But just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, Frank Williams and Lucas Johnson simply took this game over, leading the Fighting Illini to a much larger than it actually was 80-64 victory over an outstanding group of Kansas Jayhawks.

This was truly a game of wild runs, hard fouls, funny bounces and a host of other unsettling stuff. But somehow, some way the Illini were able to hang on. The Illini had three players in double figures. Sergio McClain had a solid game and finished the night with 10 points. Lucas Johnson though, played the role of savior as he recorded 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. But Frank Williams was simply sensational. Frank put up 30 points, hit three 3-pointers and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the line

 

Illinois outscored Kansas 36-24 in the paint, but that was not the most amazing stat. The most amazing stat of the night was that Illinois out-rebounded the No. 1 rebounding team in the nation 45-30…and 19-6 on the offensive glass. Illinois also forced the Jayhawks into 20 turnovers.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

After the game the LDN spoke with Brian Cook, and he said: "We aren't looking ahead; we are just taking it one game at a time. We know that we've got them (Arizona) next, and we need to prepare. We're real emotional, but we just need to stay focused and stay together and listen to our coaches."

In some ways it seems kind of sad that there is more a sense of relief with many fans than there is of celebration. We're one of the best eight teams in all the land and one win away from a trip to the Final Four. Illinois just eliminated a No. 4 seed in Kansas just like they disposed of No. 4 Louisville back in 1989. Now they must go up against No. 2 Arizona at 4:00 on Sunday.

The Illini knocked off a No. 2 in Syracuse back in 1989, and the LDN says to Brian and the Illini…let's take out a No. 2 again. I've got to get this to the office, but we'll try to give you more updates later. Keep cheering the Illini on, and maybe we'll see you in Minnesota!

[Jeff Mayfield]

 


Sports Talk

Interview by Jeff Mayfield

The inside scoop with Brian Cook

Part 2

[MARCH 26, 2001]  

[click here for Part 1]

Q. I know that your high school coach, Neil Alexander, visits you from time to time. What kind of advice does he give you?

A. He’s been a big part of my life. He’s always telling me to take the ball hard to the basket. He’s worked hard with me over the years, as has coach Donnie Aeilts, my junior high coach.

Q. Your shoulder turn to the basket looks a lot sharper and a lot quicker. Have you guys been working on that a lot?

A. Our emphasis at Illinois is to take the ball to the basket and to dunk everything. I think if we could do that we could get to the foul line a little more often.

 

Q. How far can this team go?

A. First, we’ve got to remember what happened to us last year and always keep that in mind. We have to come out every game with the best focus that we can. We have to show up with our A game and always give it 100 percent.

Q. Do you know how much this means to the fans?

A. Yes. We know, but we have to be a team that approaches things one game at time.

Q. Where do you watch the NCAA tournament games, and do you root for the other Big Ten teams?

A. I watched some in Frank’s room and some with my roommate, Sean. Yes, we want our conference to do well, but we’re mostly concerned about how well we perform.

[to top of second column in this section]


[Brian Cook]

Q. What do you need to do personally through the rest of the tournament?

A. I have to come out with more intensity. If I can be even more focused, that will help me and our team be even more successful. I just want to keep it going. I will use that experience from last year to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.

Q. Your teammates seem to be shooting the ball really well right now.

A. They are stroking their shots pretty well right now. When they shoot it we think that they will make every shot.

Q. What did you think about your former Railer teammates having such a great season?

A. I only got to see one game, but I read about how well they were doing. I was excited for them because I know how hard they have worked. I really wanted to see those Southeast and Mount Zion games, but obviously we had work to do here.

 

Q. Rod Cardinal is here working on you while we talk. Do you give him credit for all of Illinois’ success this season?

A. I give him credit for keeping us healthy.

Q. How would you compare this season to last season?

A. I’m a lot more calm this year. I’m not bothered by the media or the hype now. I took that experience and learned from it. It’s a mental thing…my attitude is so much better this season. I remembered that in last year’s NCAA’s I had two rebounds in two games. I’m not going to let that happen again. I’m just trying to come out and do my job.

[Jeff Mayfield]

(Note: The Illini had not yet played Kansas and Arizona when this interview was completed. For reports on those games, click here.)


Interview by Jeff Mayfield

Brian Cook and LDN: One-on-one

[MARCH 22, 2001]  One year ago, Brian Cook was disappointed, dejected and despondent. His Fighting Illini had looked lethargic, lifeless and totally lost as the Florida Gators kicked the stuffing out of Illinois on their way to an NCAA title date. Even though the media seldom reports on the strong character and integrity that Cook possesses, we all knew that Brian would blame himself. And that’s exactly what he did. Never mind that the rest of the team failed to show up as well on that fateful day. Cook vowed that if his chance rolled around again that he would be ready…and ready he was, firing in 31 points and crashing down with 16 rebounds. The LDN spoke with Brian at the press conference last Friday in Dayton and then in a joyous Illini locker room after the game.

Q. Brian, once again you came out on fire, scoring eight straight points.

A. Yes. I just tried to come out with a lot of energy and a lot more focus than I came out with last year. I think that experience from last year helped me prepare for this year.

Q. Were you relaxed playing a team like Northwestern State in the first round?

A. No. They really pressured us in the first half, and after a few minutes they were picking their spots. We made some nice adjustments at halftime, and then their pressure was no factor after that.

Q. Did you guys need a game like this to get your confidence back and to get rolling into the NCAAs?

A. No. We’re just going to take it one game at a time. We played well today. We all worked the ball around and played unselfishly. Whoever we play tomorrow, we know that we’ll have to bring our A game (I forgot to ask Brian if he’s been talking to Tiger Woods with that A-game crack).

Q. You guys seem to be playing unselfishly, making lots of extra passes out there.

A. At the end we were just having fun, especially when the entire bench got in.

Q. Did all of the upsets on Thursday affect your thinking going into your game?

A. Yes. It affected us a little bit. You know…we didn’t want to get popped. But we came in here focused, with the mentality that we want to keep playing.

Q. After winning so handily, are you still able to see areas that can be improved on?

A. We’ve got to guard the ball more. When people try to pressure us, especially full court, we can’t let it bother us like it did for a few minutes.

Q. How did last year’s tournament help you this year, and do you feel redeemed?

A. Actually we all played well. I went out there and tried to get some easy baskets underneath and basically do my job. It feels real good that I could contribute and play as well as I did. I think I’m a lot stronger and much more mentally focused than I was last year. And like I said earlier, the experience from last year really helped me this year.

Q. For our loyal readers that don’t know, tell us about the shaved-head thing.

A. My hair was just long and I wanted to cut it. I wore it like this in high school during tournament time. I mean, I just wanted to bring it back.

Q. What a balanced attack! That should make us a scouting nightmare, huh?

A. We’re really moving the ball well and finding each other.

 

[to top of second column in this section]

Q. It seems like the Big Ten really struggled the first day. Were you weary of that?

A. We want the Big Ten to do well, but our main focus is us. We are selfish in that regard. We’re just going to go out and try to do our best.

Q. Any secret good-luck charms besides shaving your head…like your mom’s chicken?

A. No. I ate the hotel’s chicken.

Q. Compare this year with last year.

A. Last year I felt a little bit intimidated with all the media coverage and with all the hype flying around. That year to think about it and deal with it has helped me grow. Last year I was even shy with the media. This year my teammates and I were much more calm than we were a year ago.

Q. How fun was it to see your teammates get some playing time?

A. It was really fun. They work so hard trying to get us prepared. It was great to see them go out and be able to do their thing.

Q. What did this win mean, especially after losing to Indiana?

A. It means a lot. Everybody was knocking down shots…Cory shot it well, Sean shot it well…everyone was shooting it well. We’ve got a lot of weapons, and hopefully we can continue to use them all. We were disappointed after the Indiana game, but since the next day was selection Sunday, I think we got that out of our minds quickly. We immediately started focusing on the NCAA Tournament. I thought we came out with that kind of focus and jumped on ’em early today and came away with the victory.

Q. Did you watch the games Thursday on TV?

A. We watched as many games as we could. But mostly, we’re concerned with ourselves; we’re not concerned with other teams. We’re concerned with Illinois basketball and what goes on amongst our own players.

Q. Some people say that you weren’t really tested.

A. They played better pressure defense than most people thought. We came out in the second half and broke their press. Give credit to them. They didn’t back down the whole game. They did beat us to some loose balls and got a few boards, but that’s what we expected from them.

Q. Are you sick of answering questions about what happened last year, and is it a weight around your neck?

A. No. It’s not a weight. I knew the questions would be coming. I just thought I would take that experience and not let it happen again.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of LDN’s exclusive interview with Lincoln’s Brian Cook tomorrow!

[Jeff Mayfield]

[click here for Part 2 of interview]

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Letters to the Editor