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[SEPT. 8, 2001]  Lincoln College opened its men’s soccer season by claiming the championship of the Domino’s Pizza/Bonanza Soccer Classic at Lincoln this past weekend. The Lynx won the tourney championship for the fifth-straight season.

Lincoln defeated East Central of Union, Mo., 1-0 in the championship game. The only goal of the game came in the first half of the contest on a penalty kick by Jesus Cruz, a graduate of Moline.

"We played very well and beat a great team in East Central," said coach Mark Howard of Lincoln College. "They are probably the most talented team we have ever had in our tournament. They (East Central) actually controlled possession most of the game; however, we had the only score. Our goalkeeper, Justin Cronin, a freshman from Naperville, had a phenomenal game."

Lincoln College advanced to the championship game by beating Madison Area Tech College 5-1 in their first contest. The first Lynx goal was scored by John Lusicic with an assist by Jeff Cohen. Chris Luther scored the second on assists by Jesus Cruz and Ryan McCabe, while Cruz scored the third goal unassisted. Lincoln College’s fourth goal was scored by Nick Buysse with an assist from Steve Gorton, and the final goal was by Cliff Scattergood, unassisted.

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East Central stopped Cincinnati State 4-0 in the other semifinal game. Cincinnati State came back to claim third place with a 6-1 victory over Madison Area Tech.

Cory Dalton of East Moline was named most valuable defender for the tourney, while Justin Cronin was the most valuable goalkeeper. Fernando Tolomelli of East Central was named most valuable attacker. Names to the all-tournament team from Lincoln were Cruz; Lance Ziebart, a Normal Community graduate; Ryan McCabe, Bethany High School graduate; and Darin Parker, also from Normal Community.

Click here for Lincoln College men’s soccer schedule.

Click here for team roster.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

Lincoln College men’s soccer schedule

Lincoln College men’s soccer roster

Head coach: Mark Howard

Assistant coach: Cassidy Dobratz

Athletic director: Allen Pickering

Managers: Kevin McAuliffe and Jesse Wood

Olympia vs. Dewanee
Olympia    7  7 20  7 - 34
Dewanee   0 12  0  0 - 12

[SEPT. 7, 2001]  Sometimes, smaller is bigger, shorter is taller, a soft touch is better than a hard hit, and a block is as effective as a kill. "Sometime" was last night, as the Lady Railers defeated the Normal West Wildcats in consecutive games, 15-6, 15-7.

The Railers’ smaller back line showed up bigger and taller with major service runs by Christina Xamis and Darcy White, along with six big kills for "little" Darcy White. And, while the Railer power hitters were so pumped up they were consistently hitting long and wide, the dink and the soft touch in the right place, at the right time, proved effective all night. When the Railers needed a side out or a game-winning point, it was the dynamic blocking duo of Kari McFadden and Tina Cook that made it happen.

As Game 1 began, it was evident that both teams had come to play. The Railers were so pumped up and ready that initially they were driving the ball long or hitting right into the waiting Wildcat blockers. Normal West was serving well and appeared able to use the Railers’ power against them with effective blocks.

The Railers needed to change strategy, and they did. A dink by Tina Cook gave the Railers a much-needed side out, with the Railers down 0-3. A fine serve by Missy Aper and a hard kill by Darcy White gave LCHS its first point. Darcy then rotated to the service line and proceeded to serve two more Railer points on a kill by Samantha Conrady and another dink by Kelli Gleason. Successive dinks by Michelle McFadden and Kelli Gleason during a four-serve run by Kari McFadden put the Railers on top to stay at 7-5. Kelli Gleason moved from setter to server and added two more Railer scores.

Normal would manage no more points, as the Railers pressed it into high gear. Christina Xamis substituted in and did what she does best — she served like she’d been on the floor all night. Six successive well-placed serves from Christina, kills by Darcy White and Tina Cook, a pair of team blocks by Tina Cook and Kari McFadden, and the game was history.

Game 2 looked vaguely familiar. The Lady Railers again let themselves get down 0-3 before they came back to life. Darcy White told me after the game that sometimes there seem to be a few moments of letdown by the Railers when they win the first game. She is confident that this short mental lapse will evaporate as the season goes on. She reminded me that "it’s still early." Good point.

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Game 2 found the Railers riding the serves of Missy Aper, Kelli Gleason and Darcy White to victory. Samantha Conrady’s net play and back-line defense were key elements in the victory, as was the defensive hustle of Christina Xamis. Kari McFadden played with her usual high intensity and, along with Darcy White, knocked down enough kills to assure the Railer victory. In between, it was some well-placed soft touches, including a picture-perfect one by Kelli Gleason, just over the outstretched arms of two Wildcat blockers, which out-finessed the Wildcats and led to their defeat.

The Railers improved to 8-1 with the win.

The Railer style of play in this victory once again shows one of the great things about volleyball, unlike most every other sport: In V-ball you don’t have to be the tallest person on the floor to make a large contribution to your team’s victory. Sometimes "height" is measured by the "heart," and the Lady Railers all played "tall" last night.

The junior varsity never quit and maintained their undefeated record by beating Normal West in a three-game match by the score of 15-13, 7-15 and 15-1. The entire team showed great attitudes and winner’s hearts throughout the match. Smart coaching by Tanya Conrady, especially in Game 2, allowed the JV Railers to crush Normal West in Game 3 and win the match. Exceptional player performances were turned in by Julie Fults, Brooklyn Robbins, Maria Benitez, Ali Hower and Katie Green.

The LCHS varsity squad will travel to Washington, Mo., this weekend to perform in the highly competitive St. Francis Borgia Tournament. The Railers’ first tournament game will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. They will return for their next home match, against Mount Zion, on Sept. 17 and will begin Central State 8 play the next night against Taylorville.

If you don’t come out and watch, you won’t know what you’re missing. GO, RAILERS!

[Rick Hobler]

[SEPT. 7, 2001]  The Lincoln College men’s golf team finished in a tie for seventh place in the 21-team Parkland Invitational Thursday in Champaign. Illinois Valley won the team championship with a total of 302. The Lynx finished with a team total of 317.

Bobby Diehl was the leading scorer for the Lynx with a round of 76, two shots better than teammate Zack Baker. Todd Peterson shot 81, Chris Boyer had 82 and Jacob Horton had 83 to round out the team scoring for coach B.J. McCullum.

Other scores for Lynx golfers were Brad Emerson 85, Josh Specketer 86, Dave Riesen 90 and Chris Panzier 95. Only the top five scorers were counted toward team scores.

Lincoln plays in the John A. Logan Invitational Saturday and Sunday.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

[SEPT. 7, 2001]  Playing at Olney, Lincoln College won its first volleyball game under the guidance of new coach Mark Tippett Thursday night. Lincoln defeated the host school before losing to Southeastern in the second match.  The Lynx are now 1-2 on the season.

Olney Central rolled to a 30-13 victory in the first game of the tournament before Lincoln took control. The Lynx won the second game 30-27 and took the final contest by a 15-12 margin. Beth Guy came up with a game high of 29 set assists, while Janine Buettner had nine kills and Erica Miller contributed four kills and nine service points.

Against Southeastern, the Lady Lynx rolled to a 30-15 victory in the opening game before stumbling in the final two.  Southeastern won the second game by a 30-25 margin and then took the finale 15-13.  Guy again led the Lynx, with 11 points and 20 set assists. Molly Owens contributed six kills.

Coach Tippett said, "We played very competitive volleyball.  We started a little slowly and then started playing very consistently. We got the advantage in the first match against Olney and it carried over into the first set against Southeastern; however, we didn't complete the task.  We had opportunities to win; we just didn't get it done."

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

[SEPT. 7, 2001]  Six freshmen make up the women’s golf team for Kirk Whiteman at Lincoln College this season; therefore, experience will be lacking.

"This class gives us a good recruiting base for next season," Whiteman said. "We have some quality golfers, and if we can get another class of this caliber next season, things should start looking up for the Lady Lynx."

Carrie Hoffert, a Lincoln High School graduate, and Michelle Rutherford should contend for the No. 1 and 2 spots on the team, according to Whiteman. Rutherford is from Auburn High School.

"Not far behind the first two will be Dori Boothe and Gina Billy," said Whiteman. Rounding out the six-member squad will be Laurel Allen and Megan Walter. Boothe hails from Elmwood High School, and Billy from Prairie Ridge High School. Allen is a graduate of Moline, while Walter hails from Libertyville High School.

"Our goal is to have someone qualify for the national tournament, which is held in the spring," said Whiteman. "I believe, with this group of girls, we are headed in that direction. We have only three women’s golf teams in our region, with Rend Lake and John A. Logan always being very representative. They generally finish one-two in the region and qualify for regionals."

Lincoln opened the season Sept. 4 with a meet in Jacksonville against Illinois College.

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LC women’s golf schedule

Sept. 4 — Illinois College at Jacksonville

Sept. 14 — Knox College at Galesburg

Sept. 15 — Monmouth College at Monmouth

Sept. 19 — MacMurray College at Jacksonville

Sept. 22 — McKendree College at Lebanon

Oct. TBA — John A. Logan at Carterville

Oct. 14-16 — Region 24 tourney at West Frankfort

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

[SEPT. 6, 2001]  In women’s soccer, Lincoln College dropped the season opener 1-0 to Lincoln Christian College. 

At Lincoln College

Lincoln Christian   1-0  1

Lincoln College     0-0  0

The LCC goal was by Lindsey Jones, assisted by Lindsey Huston.

LCC had seven shots on goal.

LC had nine shots on goal.

Sarah Hunssinger had two saves as goalie for LC.

Jackie Maddox sustained a knee injury in second half.

Coach Todd Spellman of LC said: "With the lack of numbers, we ran out of gas. We have some injuries, and when two girls went down in the second half, we just weren’t able to keep the girls fresh. I was pleased with our effort. We need to be in better condition."

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

[SEPT. 5, 2001]  Maybe it was the excessive heat and humidity in the LCHS gymnasium or the fast-paced, five-game, first-place run at the weekend tournament, or maybe it was just having a Monday on a Tuesday after Labor Day. Whatever it was, the LCHS Lady Railers volleyball team played at a substantially slower than usual tempo last night in their first home match of the season. But in the end, the Railers went on to earn their seventh win of this young season and gave coach Charissa Howe her 100^th career coaching victory. The Lady Railers defeated a good Bloomington High School squad 15-6, 15-10.

BHS came into this match touting its two strong outside hitters, Jessica Logan and Jenna Kearns. The match left little doubt that both of these young ladies are fine volleyball players. When BHS got a point, it was with either Logan or Kearns serving, blocking or killing the ball. Logan’s serve frustrated the Railers throughout the match. But while BHS had a good two-pronged attack, the Lady Railers countered with their own 10-headed attack, otherwise known as a TEAM. The Railer starters, plus four teammates off the bench, were too much for the two-dimensional Bloomington team. It was like a salad fork being hit with a sledgehammer. No contest.

In Game 1, the Railers started out slow, recovered well and never looked back. BHS jumped out to a 3-0 lead on the strong jump service of Jessica Logan. Then the Railer TEAM came roaring back. The serving of Kelli Gleason knotted the score at 3-3. Samantha Conrady put LCHS ahead, getting the next two Railer points, one of which featured a Railer bank shot off the raised basketball goal. Samantha also rotated back to the service line at the end of Game 1 to pick up the game winner. Missy Aper got points 6, 11 and 12, and Darcy White added numbers 7, 13 and 14. Not to be left out of the TEAM effort, Kari McFadden turned in three of her own service points in the middle of the game to round out the effort. BHS could manage only three additional points: one kill by Jenna Kearns and two unforced errors by the Railers.

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In Game 2 the Railers started well, then briefly lost their focus and had to fight off a BHS surge to claim the victory. With the score knotted 1-1, Lincoln’s Kelli Gleason stepped to the service line. By the time she rotated over, the score was Lincoln 8, BHS 1. Kelli added two more great serves later in the game, bringing her point total to nine. Kari McFadden, Mindy Crawford and Darcy White provided the rest of the Railer serving offense. At the net, LCHS provided a smorgasbord to BHS, as Samantha Conrady, Michelle McFadden and Tina Cook delivered kill after kill for points. Dessert was also served, as the Railer front line blocked several hard hit shots right back at the BHS hitters.

Midway through the game, with the Lady Railers up 10-3, LCHS lost their focus and let BHS back in: 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8 … timeout Lincoln. A one-minute heart-to-heart talk was held by coaches Howe and Conrady. … End of discussion. The Railers came out, and behind the serving of Darcy White and Kelli Gleason, dinks by Kari McFadden and Tina Cook, along with a kill by Samantha Conrady, they finished their night’s work.

Throughout the match, the Railers combined consistent TEAM serving with excellent TEAM blocking and digging, along with good passing. Whoever was at the net for the Railers took care of TEAM business by finishing the matter.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll take 10 against 2 anytime. Especially if coach Howe is calling the shots. Congrats, coach, on No. 100! You’re much too young to have that many victories. Keep up the good work.

The Railers will be at home again on Thursday night, when they face Normal West. It promises to be a good one. Come out and see for yourself.

GO, RAILERS!

[Rick Hobler]

[SEPT. 5, 2001]  In their first volleyball match of the season, Lincoln College faced Parkland at Champaign.

LC’s coach Tippett said: "I was pleased with our effort. It was a good start. We played right with them for the most part. We showed a lot of potential against a very strong team."

Results

Lincoln College       20  19  21

Parkland College    30  30  30

LC stats

Molly Owens — 3 blocks, 2 kills

Janine Buettner — 4 aces, 3 kills

Erica Miller — 2 aces, 3 kills

Record

Lincoln, 0-1

Parkland, 9-5

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

[SEPT. 5, 2001]  Lincoln High School graduate Adam Schweitzer has been named co-captain of the Monmouth College baseball team for the 2001-2002 season by head coach Roger Sander.

Schweitzer, a senior elementary education major, has earned varsity letters in each of his three previous seasons with the Fighting Scots. Fellow co-captains are pitcher Ryan Johnson from Ottumwa, Iowa, and pitcher Joe Larkins and catcher Taylor Thiel, both of Galesburg.

Greatest golfers in the world
have come to central Illinois

Kate ‘Golden’ on way to first LPGA victory

By Jeff Mayfield

[SEPT. 5, 2001]  When was the last time the greatest football players in the world came to central Illinois? I guess I heard that the Bears were once in Decatur, but I’m talking the modern era here. Or, when was the last time the best baseball players in the world came to central Illinois? Oh, you could say that you remember when Springfield had AAA baseball and an annual game with the big Birds, but on a broader scale the rest of the best players never came. And when was the last time you feasted your eyes on the best basketball players in the world here in our area? The closest we’ve ever come to that was when the World Basketball League came to our area. The area fans never figured out how good the talent was and it dried up, probably a victim of bad timing. At any rate, this Labor Day weekend, the best lady professional golfers came calling on central Illinois. Would they strut their stuff? Only time would tell.

Annika Sorenstam, arguably the best player in the world, entered championship play Sunday with a commanding 5-stroke lead. You could say that there were a few players who were within striking distance, or you could say that several players were vying to see who this year’s runner-up would be. Amazingly, there was a sordid twist on the way to the State Farm Classic trophy presentation.

Coming into the last round was the unflappable Christie Kerr, whose 63 on Saturday — only one stroke from the tourney record — left her all alone in second place at 13-under 203. Then there was a logjam for third between five players at 12-under 204. Included in that group were Moira Dunn, who was second last week and continues to impress, Alicia Dibos from Peru, Jean Bartholomew, Kate Golden and Emilee Klein.

I hate to sound psychic, but this reporter felt that Golden was the player of the day on Saturday. And if you thought she was pretty good on Saturday, you should have seen her sizzling on Sunday. She was a birdie machine.

I mentioned to my spotters that if I could putt like Golden, I wouldn’t have to work. That may have been the understatement of the day. The long bomb she snaked in on the 11^th hole, which landed her smiling face on ESPN’s Sportscenter, seemed to be emblematic of her play all weekend. Golden was always solid and sometimes spectacular.

She caught and passed Sorenstam somewhere around No. 14 or 15. By then, it was just a two-woman race anyway. But Annika would not be put away quietly.

After Annika was safely across the water at No. 16, I mentioned to some fans that she needed to birdie the hole, and if she didn’t, she would not win. She didn’t, but she tried to make a liar of this LDN reporter anyway.

I guess one of the reasons that the best athletes in the world are the best is because they are at their best in clutch situations when it looks like their chances have evaporated…because it looked like Annika had tanked her lead and was just going to fizzle.

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At No. 17 she displayed why, when you play the best, it’s never over ’til it’s over. First, she hit safely across the water, showing she had not panicked. Then you should have seen her approach to the green. It looked like she was playing that old-time favorite backyard game, lawn jarts. She dropped one in there inches from the cup and tapped in for birdie. More importantly she had pulled within one of the steady Kate Golden.

Once again, it looked like it would come down to an approach shot for Sorenstam. That’s what you ordered and that’s what you got, Toyota! She probably had a 12- to 15-footer left to force a playoff. Not only that, but one of her playing partners would show her the line of her putt before she would have the chance to tie it all up.

On paper, Sorenstam was a sure winner. Luckily for the field, golf championships are not settled in the stat sheets because…Annika missed the putt.

That set off a raucous celebration where several LPGA veterans gave Golden a beer bath to celebrate her first-ever tour win.

However, Merrill Lynch would have been proud of her performance, because on Saturday and Sunday she took care of business the old-fashioned way: She earned it! She was simply the better player, this weekend at least. By carding a 63, she set a tournament record with a 21-under 267. The fans roared with approval.

Of course, Sorenstam then finished second at 268 and was followed by Moira Dunn at 271, Emilee Klein at 272 and Laura Diaz at 273. Kerr, still trying to clear the Annika obstacle, as she’s finished second to her on more than one occasion, faded into the pack at 276.

Sometimes the greatest players don’t win; sometimes the underdogs steal the show. From my perspective, Kate was not just "Golden" on Sunday, she was "Golden" all week!

[Jeff Mayfield]

[SEPT. 5, 2001]  Sometimes you wish you could be in six different places at the same time. Oh, how the LDN wishes we could have witnessed the Illini’s convincing season opening romp over the University of California Golden Bears! I’m sure the LDN would like to send me there one-way at times, but this was a sight to behold.

If you don’t think that Illinois missed Brandon Lloyd last year, then what planet were you on? All Lloyd did was rack up eight catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Heisman Trophy candidate Kurt Kittner was sure glad to have him back, evidenced by his 17-of-32 passing performance, good for 297 yards.

And don’t forget Antoineo Harris. Harris is trying to make you forget about Jameel Cook and a host of other former backs, as he rushed for three touchdowns.

Probably more pleasing to the loyal Illini purists was the fact that the defense looked to be improved somewhat. In fact, they forced at least four turnovers before I stopped counting. If Illinois has any visions of a good season, the defense must limit opponents and give the offense the ball enough times to get the job done.

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J.J. Tubbs caught my notice as well, converting three field goals — another needed asset if the Illini are going to contend in the Big Ten this season.

Several area fans are already talking Rose Bowl, and we say, "Are you serious?" Hopefully, the Illini will just take one game at a time and see how this thing plays out.

A true test will be in less than a month when Illinois plays Michigan in the Big House.

Up next for the Illini is a Saturday date with Northern Illinois. Plenty of tickets still remain at 333-3470.

[Jeff Mayfield]

[SEPT. 4, 2001]  Lincoln Gators Swim Club starts Sept. 4. Any swimmer up to age 18 who can swim one length of the pool is encouraged to come out and join the fun. Sign up at Lincoln College Aquatic Center, located behind the gymnasium, beginning the week of Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. Parents need to accompany new swimmers to sign up. The swim club is a parent-run, nonprofit organization.  

Gators practice from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Swimmers receive coaching in endurance, speed and competitive technique in all four strokes, racing starts and turns. Fun swimming drills help participants develop swimming skills.

New things this year include:

Swim level determination and
progress tracking

Progress will be determined through a new Levels Program based upon swimmers’ technique, endurance and speed.

Swimmer of the Month

Recognition will be awarded to the swimmer who displays the best sportsmanship, progress in technique and participation in events.

Gators Olympics

In addition to regularly scheduled swim meets, the club has added a monthly Gators Olympics swim meet. Each swimmer receives handicap seconds, allowing an equal opportunity to win any event.

Swim to Athens, Greece!

The team is swimming to the home of the next Summer Olympics. Total yards will be tracked for each swimmer and added together. Miles swum by the team will be tracked on a map.

Alligator Court

Did you splash the coach? Walk funny? Chew gum? Come watch the fun every third Tuesday right after the parents’ meeting.

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Lincoln Gators Swim Club 2000-2001 season was supported by the following businesses and individuals:

Lincoln IGA

Fred Plesé family

Dr. Don Sielaff family

Dr. Dennis Carroll family

Illico – Apollo Mart

Dave Weaver family

Jim Xamis Ford

Cindy Stover family

Guzzardo’s Restaurant

NAPA

Family Chiropractic

Tom Funk, attorney at law

Century Dental

Ag-Land FS

Woody Jones Insurance

Dr. Freesmeier

Graue, Inc.

Charlotte Griffin

Franz Express Copy and Parcel

[SEPT. 4, 2001]  The LDN has learned that late last night St. Louis Cardinal rookie lefty Bud Smith fired a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres in only his 13^th major league start. Smith became the 18th rookie in major league history to accomplish the feat. Another Cards rookie, Albert Pujols, clobbered his 32^nd homer to stake Smith to an early 2-0 lead.

Smith’s gem was the ninth no-hitter in Redbird history and the third this year, following the ones pitched by Boston’s Hideo Nomo and Florida’s A.J. Burnett.

Smith’s date with destiny was especially sweet as he left tickets for 14 immediate family members, including his mom and 10 of his high school buddies.

The Redbirds continue to chase the Cubs for the wild card playoff spot.

[Jeff Mayfield]

[SEPT. 7, 2001]  Hot off their impressive 44-17 victory last Saturday at California-Berkeley, the University of Illinois football team hosts in-state rival Northern Illinois this Saturday. Northern opened their season last Saturday with a 20-17 victory over South Florida. 

Game time is set for 11:10 a.m. Thousands of tickets remain and will be available at the football ticket office at Memorial Stadium on Saturday morning. The game will be televised locally on WCIA-TV (Channel 3) through ESPN-regional.

The Illini coaching staff was very happy with several aspects of the game against California, including:

•  The return of quarterback Kurt Kittner to pre-concussion form. The Heisman candidate looked like the quarterback Mel Kiper thinks is the best in college football this season.

•  Brandon Lloyd exploded at receiver, catching two passes over 45 yards, which brings his career total of plays over 30 yards to 10 (in just 13 college games).

•  The running of tailback Antonio Harris, especially inside the 10-yard line.

•  The play of several newcomers to the defensive side of the ball, including linebackers Ty Myers, Mario Ivy and Joe Bevis and defensive backs Christian Morton (CB) and Jamaal Clark (SS).

•  The place-kicking of J.J. Tubbs, who continues to be perfect in his college career in both extra-point attempts and field-goal attempts.

Listed below are several fast facts related to the game or Illinois football:

• Illinois leads the series with NIU 2-0, with victories in 1992 (30-14) and 1994 (34-10). Both previous games have been played in Champaign.

•  Sophomore receiver Brandon Lloyd was named Big Ten offensive player of the week for his efforts Saturday at California. Lloyd missed the entire 2000 campaign due to an injury.

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•  Illinois has not cracked the top 25 rankings yet. However, the coaches (ESPN) poll has Illinois ranked No. 33, and the sportswriters (AP) list Illinois at No. 30. Illinois rose as high as No. 17 last season in both polls after opening the season 3-0.

•  Illinois will have one change in the starting lineup, as outside linebacker Ty Myers will not start, due to a sprained ankle, but will play. Sophomore Joe Bevis, who played at California, will start in Myers’ place.

•  Illinois received great news Wednesday as former Iowa starter Jon Beutjer announced he will transfer to Illinois and will be eligible to play in the 2002 season. He will be allowed to practice with Illinois starting Monday and will probably become the favorite to succeed Kittner next season. Beutjer led Wheaton-Warrenville HS to a perfect 14-0 season in 1998 and threw an amazing 60 TD passes during his high school career.

•  Illinois received some bad news this week, as it was revealed backup safety Marc Jackson will have season-ending surgery on his shoulder. Jackson will return in 2002 as a probable starter (both starting safeties this season are seniors and will retain two years of eligibility).

•  Illinois’ game next week at home against Louisville (2-0) will start at 11:10 a.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.

[Greg Taylor]

[SEPT. 4, 2001]  I’ve heard it said that it takes three years to turn a losing athletic team into a winner. Others suggest that it takes five years for such a transformation. Personally, I have no idea how long it takes. I do know that it will take time. I take my hat off to the new coach of the Lincoln Railer football team, John Oaks. He has stepped up to this challenge. We all know what football has been like around here the last few years. It will do no good to bring up the past again. I can tell you that the current group of Railers seems to be throwing support behind coach Oaks and his staff. The LDN hopes that the community will as well. During the middle of last week the LDN was able to attend their workout and talk with the coach on the field immediately after practice.

[Click here for Part 1]

Q. Ball control sounds like it will be the key for this week and for the rest of the season. Will you try to keep the ball between the tackles, will you spread the offense like you said earlier, or will you just mix it up?

A. It depends on how soon we get Sam Moore back. Our offense has taken a hit, in that we don’t have a tailback with near the capabilities of Sam. We’ll be working that position by committee. Players who could see time in that slot are T.J. Swinford, a junior; Scott Maestas, a senior; and maybe Jason Melton, a sophomore, could rotate in there some. We want to try to move the ball without Sam, so we’ll rely on Jim Babbs who’s a good fullback with some quickness. He’s not real big, but he’s a tough hitter up in the hole. You can’t just run in, you can’t just run out. We don’t have the speed to run outside, and we can’t just run up the middle because teams will gang up there. So, we hope to mix it up some.

A. It’s really hard to assess them from just that one game that we saw. We really don’t know how we’ll match up against them. They gave up 30-plus points to Chicago, but Dunbar’s a pretty doggone good team, too. We’ve got to worry about ourselves and make ourselves better. We’ve got to go into the game and make as few mistakes as we can and take it from there. We’ll prepare against their offense and we’ll prepare against their defense, but the key for us is to concentrate on ourselves — limiting our mistakes and improving our execution — and see where that takes us.

A. We’ve been real happy with the players’ attitudes and with their work ethic. I think we need to get a few things going in the right direction and gain a little extra intensity and enthusiasm on their part.

A. Two things: We have to get stronger; we must build the weight program to a higher level, and that’s going to take time. Also, we must build the numbers back up on every level of the program. We’ve got too many kids playing both ways right now. We need to have fewer kids sustaining injuries so that we can become a stronger program. Hopefully this freshman class that has 40 in it will continue to grow and get better. That should be a good start in the right direction for us.

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Q. Are you wanting to bring up some of those sophomores to plug some of the gaps you’ve got right now?

A. I don’t like doing that unless we have to. We had seven or eight sophs dress Friday night, and many of them were on special teams. We had one of them in the regular starting lineup. We are trying to plug some holes the best we can while trying to keep the units intact. We’d like the sophs to stay together and achieve some success. When you move ’em up, it’s kind of tough on those younger levels that you’ve depleted. We’d like to keep them intact the best we can. Right now we just don’t have the numbers to completely do that.

A. We go to Lanphier next week and then on to Jacksonville. Certainly Lanphier looked awfully tough in their opening win over Peoria Manual. And Jacksonville had a big upset victory over Jerseyville. I guess they play Taylorville, and we’ll find out how good everybody is after that one. There are no break times in the Central State 8. And this year seems to be more of an up year than most. There are least five or six teams that are playoff quality. It looks like we’re going to have our work cut out for us. We’ve just got to get our own act together to have a chance to be competitive.

I’ve always believed that anyplace can be competitive. It just takes time and patience. You have to get the right things in order — like I’ve been real happy with the booster club, and the community support here has been great so far. The kids have had a good attitude, and if we can keep that going through some of this drought time, then I think we can get things headed in the right direction.

Conclusion

Everyone here at the LDN and the community is behind you, coach Oaks, and behind every Railer team.

Good luck, Railers, throughout the season!

And if you’re on a local sports team and would like some coverage, call 732-7443 and let us know about it. You and your team may well be the next feature!

[Jeff Mayfield]

[SEPT. 1, 2001]  I’ve heard it said that it takes three years to turn a losing athletic team into a winner. Others suggest that it takes five years for such a transformation. Personally, I have no idea how long it takes. I do know that it will take time. I take my hat off to the new coach of the Lincoln Railer football team, John Oaks. He has stepped up to this challenge. We all know what football has been like around here the last few years. It will do no good to bring up the past again. I can tell you that the current group of Railers seems to be throwing support behind coach Oaks and his staff. The LDN hopes that the community will as well. During the middle of the week the LDN was able to attend their workout and talk with the coach on the field immediately after practice.

Q. Tell us about this week’s game.

A. We’ve got the Chatham Titans, which is their new nickname. But they’ll be the same old tough team, I’m afraid. They have quite a few starters back from last year’s team. They had a tough opening loss to Chicago Dunbar. In that game their quarterback was injured, but they’ve still got quite a few weapons. I’m certain they may have a little more of a ground game this week, but their backup quarterback came in and threw the ball pretty well for them, too. So, it will be a tough opening game here at home.

Q. How do you plan to go up against them?

A. We'll do the best we can. We’re beat up pretty badly ourselves right now. We lost two key starters with injuries and a third one due to disciplinary action. We’ve kinda got the shorts in trying to piece together a lineup out there. It’s going to be tough. I think our best chance is to try to put together some type of ball-control offense where hopefully we can keep the ball a little bit and keep it out of their hands.

[to top of second column in this section]

Q. Last week you guys got off to a pretty good start but then seemed to encounter some bad breaks and some injuries. How did you see it?

A. We moved the ball fairly decent, but we had some little things go against us. Some of those were our own doing. When things haven’t gone well for a team for a number of years, those things bring you down. We gave up a long run early in the game, and they ended up scoring a touchdown. We then had a nice drive going ourselves and got all the way down to the 14-yard line before three penalties in the next four plays killed the drive. You just can’t do those kinds of things. I think that took some of the wind out of our sails. We were still in it, only being down 7-0 at halftime. Then we had a couple of key injuries, one in the second quarter and one in the third, that I think hurt us, especially when we were trying to get the tide turned. Looking back on the game tapes, it wasn’t a terrible performance; we just need better consistency than what we showed. And now, obviously, with the injuries, we’ve got an even tougher job trying to replace those guys.

(To be continued)

[Jeff Mayfield]

[Click here for Part 2]

[AUG. 31, 2001]  In August 2000, most Illinois football fans were greatly anticipating the upcoming 2000 season. Illinois had just completed their first winning season since 1994 and their best overall season since the days of John Mackovic way back in 1990. The icing on the cake was the phenomenal bowl game victory over Virginia, where the Illinois offense recorded an incredible 63 points, the most points scored in any bowl game for ’99-’00.

The season started great, with blowout victories over Middle Tennessee in Champaign and against San Diego State in Southern California. Week three brought a scare against Pac-10 team California-Berkley in Champaign, a game in which the franchise, Kurt Kittner, was injured and didn’t play most of the second half. However, Illinois held on and won 17-15 and appeared poised to make a run for the Roses.

Unfortunately, the storybook season ended on Saturday night, Sept. 23, when Illinois blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead against Michigan and lost 35-31. Including the Michigan loss, Illinois finished the season 5-6, and only 2-6 in the Big Ten.

While many Illini fans will point to terrible calls by Big Ten referees which cost Illinois games against Michigan and Michigan State (and rightfully so), the bottom line is this: Illinois’ defense in 2000 could not have stopped Sam Moore, much less the likes of Anthony Thomas (Michigan), T.J. Duckett (Michigan State), Damien Anderson (Northwestern) or any other quality Big Ten running back. All of this brings us to one very important question:

What will football 2001 bring for the Illinois team and their long overdue fans?

Illinois should once again be very exciting on offense, led by three-year starter and Heisman Trophy candidate Kurt Kittner at quarterback and several very good skill position players. However, the defense introduces six new starters, and the offensive line loses two absolute studs in Marcus Sullivan and Ray Redzeniak, both of whom will now play on Sundays.

The LDN today looks at Illinois’ team, position by position, and also highlights five players you can count on to carry their weight and five players who must establish themselves early and often if Illinois hopes to improve on last season’s 5-6 season record.

Illinois position-by-position rating

Quarterback — A major strength if Kittner stays healthy (he missed significant time in both the California win and the Ohio State loss and did not dress in the Northwestern blowout). If Kittner goes down, look out. Dustin Ward is a great local kid (Centennial HS in Champaign) but is not a Big Ten starting quarterback. However, Kittner is projected to be the first QB taken in next April’s NFL draft by Espn.com know-it-all Mel Kiper and has an outside chance to be in New York City when the ultimate individual prize in college football is handed out on Dec. 8.

Running back — Another very strong area for Illinois. Illinois has a great two-headed monster at tailback with senior Rocky Harvey, a cat-quick player who can find the end zone and reminds some of Warrick Dunn, and junior Antonio Harris, a big, strong runner who can carry the ball 25 times a game in the Big Ten and get major chunks of yards in the process. Illinois’ best fullback last year, Jameel Cook, left early for the NFL, but Brad Haywood will step in and Illinois should not miss a beat. Haywood’s strength is blocking and pass catching, and he should do a great job protecting Kittner’s blind side.

Receiver, tight end — Sophomore Brandon Lloyd is back and Kittner cannot wait. Lloyd missed all of last year due to a freak accident in the summer of 2000 but is back and has big-play capability every time he touches the ball. Junior Walter Young, junior Greg Lewis, sophomore Eric McGoey and sophomore Dwayne Smith round out a very solid core, with Young’s 6-foot-5 frame allowing Illinois to have a very tall target for Kittner. At tight end, four-year starter Josh Wittman leaves, but Brian Hodges steps right in for Wittman and is definitely a better athlete. Look for Chatham’s Ken Boyle to get significant minutes at TE as well.

Offensive line — This will be the deepest the OL positions have been since coach Ron Turner came to Illinois in 1997, but the loss of Sullivan and Redzeniak must be filled by quality. At posting time, center Luke Butkus (senior, 6-4, 290), guard Jay Kulaga (senior, 6-5, 300) and tackle Tony Pashos (junior, 6-6, 315) all appear to be returning to their starting positions. The best of the bunch is Butkus, who will follow his famous uncle, Dick, and play in the NFL. Look for Rantoul’s Sean Bubin (sophomore, 6-7, 300) and freshman Bucky Babcock (freshman, 6-6, 399) to round out the starting lineup.

Defensive line — This is the most crucial position for the 2001 Illinois football team. If LBs and safeties continue to lead the team in tackles, look for a long and losing season. However, if ends like Mike O’Brien, Derrick Strong and returning starter Terrell Washington can step up and create a significant pass rush, things could be different this season. The real test will be to see if tackles Jamie Hanton (juco transfer, 290 pounds), sophomore Charles Gilstrap (290 pounds) and senior Brandon Moore (285 pounds) can imitate Warren Sapp and stop teams from running up the gut at Illinois’ defense. If teams continue to run through Illinois, Kittner and crew will find themselves forced to play catch-up most of the season.

[to top of second column in this article]

Linebacker — Illinois returns just one starter, sophomore Jerry Schumacher. However, Illinois’ staff feels juco transfer Mario Ivy from Edwardsville and Ohioan Ty Myers are ready to become the next great Illini backers. Depth should be a strength at this position, as the staff feels they have seven legitimate starting linebackers, but only Schumacher has game experience. Translation: Only time will tell if this position continues as an Illini strength.

Defense backfield — Should be Illinois’ greatest strength on defense, led by senior starting safeties Bobby Jackson and Muhammad Abdullah, both four-year starters. They are backed up at safety by junior Marc Jackson, who will see plenty of time when Illinois goes to the nickel (five defense backs in the game) or dime (six defensive backs in the game) defense. The starting corners will be sophomore Christian Morton, former quarterback and the fastest player on the Illini roster, and junior Eugene Wilson, a two-year starter. Illinois plans to blitz early and often, leaving Morton and Wilson "on an island" with quality receivers. However, Turner and staff feel that Wilson is a great cornerback already and mention the name "Deion" when reflecting on the ability of Morton. Juco transfer Mike Hall will see serious minutes as well.

Kicking, punting — J.J. Tubbs will have a chance to be Illinois’ regular place-kicker but will have to show up game in and game out, something that did not happen last fall. Turner will not allow senior Steve Fitts to both punt and place kick, as the Illini staff felt Fitts’ punting, his real strength, suffered in the second half of many games. Look for Fitts to punt exclusively and possibly challenge for All-Big Ten punter. If Tubbs struggles, Turner will look to true freshman Steve Weatherford from Terre Haute North HS.

Five players you can count on

1. Kurt Kittner — He is the real deal, the franchise. If he is healthy, records will fall.

2. Brandon Lloyd — His big-play ability and deep threat will make a major impact.

3. Luke Butkus — A great center who anchors a very strong line.

4. Rocky Harvey — A three-year starter who leaves it all on the field.

5. Steve Fitts — A really good punter who will help Illinois win the "field position" game.

Five players who must step up

1. Christian Morton, CB/WR — Could become the program’s second most exciting player.

2. Dwayne Smith, WR — Has the athletic ability to give Illinois’ their best 1-2 receiver punch since the Williams boys played in the ’80s.

3. Sean Bubin, OT — Must replace All-American Sullivan — has the talent, but will he come through when needed?

4. Jerry Schumacher — Needs to play more like Dana Howard (circa 1994) than Michael Young (circa 2000).

5. J.J. Tubbs or Steve Weatherford, K — Several games could come down to how good Illinois’ place-kicking is in 2001.

Season forecast

Sept. 1 at California — Illinois wins a wild one, 35-24.

Sept. 8 vs. Northern Illinois — Illinois blows out the Huskies, 49-14.

Sept. 15 vs. Louisville — Illinois outlasts the Cards, 38-28.

Sept. 22 at Michigan — Big Blue too tough for Illinois, 35-28.

Oct. 6 vs. Minnesota — Illinois breaks through against the Gophers, 31-21.

Oct. 13 at Indiana — Illinois says goodbye to Randle El in style, 38-17.

Oct. 20 vs. Wisconsin — Badgers grind out victory, 24-21.

Nov. 3 at Purdue — Illinois falls to the retooled Tiller team, 31-24.

Nov. 10 vs. Penn State — Illinois overcomes Joe Pa, 31-23.

Nov. 17 at Ohio St. — The Bucks are too much, 31-17.

Nov. 11 vs. Northwestern — Illinois upsets the Cats on Turkey Day, 35-34.

Final projected record: 7-4 (4-4 in Big Ten)

[Greg Taylor]

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