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[APRIL 19, 2002]  The Railer varsity outhit Springfield Lanphier 11-6 in their second baseball contest this week but fell short on the scoreboard, 8-6. Lanphier scored half of its runs in the first inning, and Lincoln played catch-up almost the entire game. Both teams committed four errors, but Lincoln’s tended to be more costly.

Senior Blake Schoonover took the mound for Lincoln and had two outs after three batters — then things fell apart. The next batter hit a hard ground ball to first base, which could have ended the inning. But a fielding error and a subsequent throwing error on the same play put the runner at third. After a double, a hit batter, a single, a walk and a runner who stole home, Lanphier stunned the Railers in the opening frame with four runs.

The good news is the Lanphier did not score again until the fifth inning. In the meantime, the Railers finally tied the score at 4-4 in the fourth. Leadoff hitter Jeremy Ohmart scored two of those runs — the first run after a single and an RBI hit by Ryan Williams, and the second after reaching on an error and coming home on a triple by Danny Schick, who scored himself on the play after an errant throw from the outfield. Matt Boyer also scored after walking and being driven home on a triple by Blake Schoonover that took a Railer hop by the center fielder. When Schoonover tried to score on his triple, however, he was thrown out.

Unfortunately, the good guys didn’t score any more for the next three innings. A leadoff double by Matt Boyer in the sixth still yielded no runs, even though the next hitter, Ryne Komnick, reached first on an error. A double play and a strikeout ended the inning.

Lanphier scored two runs each in the fifth and sixth innings. In the fifth, Ryan Williams relieved Schoonover on the mound after two singles, a walk and a wild pitch gave Lanphier its go-ahead fifth run. Williams walked his first batter and then recorded two outs without a further score. With bases loaded, however, a hit batter forced home Lanphier’s sixth run.

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Lanphier scored two more in the sixth inning even though Williams began the inning with two outs and allowing no one on base. But the next two batters walked and a two-out fly ball to left field scored both runners when some apparent miscommunication between the center fielder and left fielder resulted in the ball popping out of the left-fielder’s glove.

Four runs down (8-4) in the bottom of the seventh, the Railers still did not give up. Lincoln led off with a double by Jeremy Ohmart — his third hit of the day — and a single by Mitch Sheley. Ohmart scored on a wild pitch, and Sheley scored after a stolen base and a ground out by Williams. With two outs, Andy Knopp had an 11-pitch at-bat, fouling off five pitches before getting his second single of the game. Although the Railers were able to bring up the tying run at the plate, the game ended on a ground out to the Lanphier shortstop.

On Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, the Railers will host a tournament with some very good visiting teams. Simultaneous games will be played at the high school, the park district field and Lincoln College. Lincoln will open at 4:30 against Whitney-Young, which went to state last year. The Railers will then play Oak Forest at 10 on Saturday and their final game at 2 p.m. Other teams in the tourney include Midwest Central, Troy (Triad) and Tinley Park (Andrew). Andrew (12-2) has gone to the Elite Eight four times in the 1990s and is currently ranked fourth in the state by the Chicago Tribune. Excellent concessions will be offered at the high school field, so it promises to be a great time for baseball fans and eaters alike.

[Rich Knopp]

[APRIL 19, 2002]   

Mount Pulaski      001 004 6 — 11-11-1

Maroa-Forsyth     303 000 1 —   7-  4-1

For Mount Pulaski:  Nate Tierney (6, 1-0) and Cam McClellen. Outstanding hitters:  Justin Anderson, 3 hits, double, triple, 2RBIs; Thomas Maske, double, triple; Tim Milner, 2 hits, triple, 2 RBIs.

[APRIL 19, 2002]   

At Stanford

Pontiac                   000 000 0 — 0-2-2

Olympia                  210 000 x — 3-6-0

For Olympia:  Jessica Shay (10-1), Amanda Wilson (5) and Amber Lessen, Katie Tucker (6).  Hitting stars:  Becky Hieser, 2 hits, 2 RBIs; Amber Lessen, 2 RBIs; Tiffany Prager, 2 RBIs.

[APRIL 19, 2002]  Illinois started the scoring early and never stopped as they rolled to a 14-1 victory over Lincoln College in baseball at Galen Shirley Field on Thursday afternoon.

ICC scored on a two-run homer in the first and connected for a solo shot in the second against Chris Phillips, who worked the first 4 1/3 innings and took the loss. Phillips gave up eight hits and seven runs, four earned. Five relief pitchers gave up seven additional runs.

Kenny VanHouten was the lone bright spot for the Lynx with a pair of hits and a stolen base.

Illinois Central          210 313 04 — 14-14-2

Lincoln College        000 000 10 — 1-6-4

Illinois Central battery unknown; Phillips (L), Whetstone (5), Gilbert (6), Cave (7), Villasenor (8), VanHouten (8) and Pesce.

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College
sports information director]

[APRIL 19, 2002]  NORMAL — Illinois State head basketball coach Tom Richardson has announced the dates for his summer basketball camps.

The Parent-Child Camp, for an adult and a child grades kindergarten through 12, is June 7-8. The Offensive Skills Camp, for boys entering grades five through 12, is June 23-26. The Day Camp (commuter only), for boys entering grades one through eight, is July 16-19.

Team Camp is June 14-16 for boys entering grades 6-12.

For more information, call (309) 438-8681. Also visit the Illinois State Athletics website, www.redbirds.org.

[Todd Kober, Illinois State University
director of media relations]

[APRIL 18, 2002]   

Olympia               100 060 x — 7-8-2

University High     000 000 2 — 2-8-1

For Olympia:  Cam Cheek (3-0) and Rush Olson. Jeff Darnall grand slam in the fifth. Chris Frank, 2B; Tyler Thornton, 2B; Darnall, two hits, 5 RBIs; Cheek, 2 RBIs. Record 18-0, 3-0.

Illini Central         255 (11)0 — 23-15-2

Buffalo Tri-City    204 20 — 8-8-10

Called because of the 10-run rule.

For Illini Central:  Grimsley and Tra. Scott. Outstanding hitters: Daniel, 3 hits, 4 RBIs; Cunningham, 3 hits, 4 RBIs; Williams, 2 hits; Norton, 2 hits; Grimsley, 4 RBIs.

[APRIL 18, 2002]  PEORIA — Illinois Central College rebounded for a 10-4 victory over Lincoln College here Wednesday afternoon.  The Lynx had beaten ICC Tuesday afternoon in Lincoln, and the two teams will complete the three-game series with a nine-inning game in Lincoln at 3 p.m. Thursday.

ICC started the scoring with three runs in the second inning. After Lincoln came back to knot the score with three in the top of the sixth, ICC pushed over a run in the bottom half of the inning, another in the seventh and put the game out of reach with five in the eighth.

Jeff Harris and Frank Pesce each had three hits to pace a 13-hit Lynx attack.  Jake VanDyke and Lou Persino had a pair of hits each for coach Tony Thomas.

Lincoln College now stands at 7-10 in the conference, with ICC at 9-5.  Overall Lincoln is 9-23 and ICC is 10-17.

Score by innings

Lincoln College       000 003 001 — 4-13-5

Illinois Central         030 001 15x — 10-10-2

Dunn (L), King (7), Deakin (7), Whetstone (8) and Pesce.

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College
sports information director]

[APRIL 17, 2002]  Lincoln’s varsity baseball team notched a well-deserved conference win over Springfield Lanphier on Tuesday, taking the game 5-3 and moving their conference record to 3-2. Both teams got complete games out of their senior starting pitchers: Springfield’s Marshall Pressler and Lincoln’s Matt Boyer.

Boyer threw only 82 pitches in the seven innings, giving up 10 hits, no walks and just two earned runs. Although the Railers had two errors in the game, the defense gave Boyer some good help. After a Lanphier run scored in the first, Boyer himself threw out a runner at home, and the middle infield of Blake Schoonover and Andy Knopp ended the inning with a double play, thanks in part to an interference call at second base. Junior catcher John Peters threw out two would-be base stealers at second. And in the bottom of the sixth inning, with the score 4-3 (Lincoln ahead) and a Lanphier runner at first, Knopp recorded an unassisted double play, tagging out the runner on a ground ball and throwing to first.

Lincoln’s offense exhibited not so much hitting prowess or power, but smart baseball. Danny Schick had two sacrifice flies for two RBIs, and the Railers used three sacrifice bunts to score two of their runs: one by John Peters and two by Blake Schoonover.

Ryan Williams scored Lincoln’s first run in the fourth inning, reaching on a single and scoring on a double by Derek Schrader in the gap to left-center field. Schrader scored on Schick’s first sacrifice fly. After four innings the score was 2-2.

[Photos provided by Rich Knopp]
[Derek Schrader scores one of his two runs off the sacrifice fly by Danny Schick.]

The pesky Railers kept chipping away at the Lions, scoring a single run each in innings five through seven. John Peters led off the fifth with a single, moved to second on Schoonover’s sacrifice bunt and came home on a single by Jeremy Ohmart. Schrader reached first and went on to second on an error that led off the sixth inning. Schrader went to third on a fly ball by Boyer and scored on Schick’s second sacrifice fly of the game.

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[Mitch Sheley scores Lincoln’s final run in the seventh. He is greeted by Ryan Williams (No. 8) as Jeremy Ohmart moves to the plate.]

Lincoln’s final run was generated once again by a leadoff hitter getting on base. Sophomore Mitch Sheley, pinch-hitting for Ryne Komnick, who was warming up in case he was needed on the mound, singled and was moved to second and then to third on sacrifice bunts by John Peters and Blake Schoonover. Sheley was able to score on a passed ball just before Ohmart got his second hit. Ohmart and Andy Knopp had two hits each on the day.

(Knopp’s older sister was just down the road from Lanphier Park at St. John’s Hospital having a baby during the game. Yes, everything’s fine: Beautiful Gabrielle Rose Green was born at 9:59 p.m. and weighed in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces. It was a good day for the Railers and an especially good day for the Knopps.)

Lincoln’s overall record is now 8-8. They have a return match with Lanphier at home on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday of this week, the Railers will host five teams for tournament games to be played at the high school, the park district and Lincoln College. One of the teams coming, Tinley-Park (Andrew), has been ranked as high as third in the state this year, and Whitney-Young was a state-class ballclub last year. Also joining the tournament will be Midwest Central, Oak Forest and Troy.

[Rich Knopp]

[APRIL 17, 2002]  Kyle Atteberry collected a pair of singles and a double to lead Lincoln High School to a 13-3 five-inning victory over Springfield Lanphier in Springfield on Tuesday afternoon. The victory raises the sophomore record to 6-5.

Joining Atteberry in the hit parade was Trent Kavelman with three singles and a pair of runs scored. Jason Williams had a pair of hits, three runs scored and one run batted in, while Brandon Babbs had a pair of hits, three RBIs and one run scored. Jason Melton also added a pair of hits and collected four RBIs. Miles Musick and Chance Berger had the other Lincoln hits.

Lincoln scored three times in the first on a single by Kavelman, a walk to Williams, a double by Musick and a two-run single by Melton. The second-inning run scored on a double by Atteberry and a single by Berger. Two more runs scored in the third when Chris Matson reached on an error, Babbs singled in a run and later scored on a single by Atteberry.

The Railers scored two more in the fourth on a single by Williams, walks to Musick and Matson, an error, and a walk to Melton with the bases loaded. Lincoln put the game away with five more runs in the fifth. Atteberry led off with a single, and Scott Lee reached on an error. Kavelman and Williams singled before Matson drew a bases-loaded walk. Babbs followed with a two-run single, and Melton singled home the final run.

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Berger worked the first 2 2/3 innings to pick up the victory, striking out five and giving up three hits. Kavelman came on in the third and finished the game with three strikeouts and two hits allowed.

Lincoln will host Lanphier Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Lincoln 312 25 — 13-14-2

Lanphier 003 00 — 3-5-4

Berger (W), Kavelman (3-S) and Melton; Krumweide (L), Reagan (2), Meneweide (4), Henderson (5) and Durako.

[Bill Martinie]

[APRIL 17, 2002]   

At Tremont

Olympia                   (10)54 13 -- 23-24-1

Tremont                      4  00 00 --   4-  4-1

Ryne Sherman (3-0) and Rush Olson, Derek Foley (4).

Home runs -- Cullen Hayes (solo in second), Cam Cheek (three on in first).

Hitting stars -- Cole Horner (3 for 4), Steve Raleigh (2 doubles), Chris Frank (3 for 3, 2 doubles), Ryan Kendrick (2 doubles), Tyler Haning (3 for 4), Hayes (3 for 4), Cheek (3 for 5), Sherman (2 for 2).

Pitching star -- Sherman (6 strikeouts, 2 walks).

[APRIL 17, 2002]   

At Fairbury

Olympia                  100 000 0 -- 1-8-0

Prairie Central         000 000 0 -- 0-3-1

Jessie Shay (9-1), Amanda Wilson (5) and Amber Lesson.

Hitting stars -- Shay (2 hits), Becky Heiser (2 hits).

At Springfield

Hartsburg-Emden     407 14 -- 16-13-1

Springfield Ursuline   011 00 --   2-  7-5

Nikki Chapman, Jenna Leesman (2, 3-0) and Alyssa Moehring.

Hitting stars -- Jenna Bergman (3 hits, 2 RBIs), Molly Klokkenga (2 doubles, 4 RBIs), Danielle Bergman (2 hits, 2 RBIs).

[APRIL 17, 2002]  Olympia boys took first place with 224 points.  Olympia girls took second place with 138 points.  The teams competed against Blue Ridge, Central Catholic, Flanagan, GCMS, Tremont and Tri-Valley.  The girls also competed against Bloomington.

Olympia boys:

100 meters -- 2. Weaver, 11.6; 6. Rodenburger, 11.9

200 meters -- 1. Joyce, 22.9; 2. Dillenburg, 23.3; 3. Sholty, 23.5; 4. Weaver, 24.3

400 meters -- 1. Joyce, 53.9; 2. Dillenburg, 54.4; 3. Raes, 56.6

800 meters -- 1. Willard, 2:15.4

1,600 meters -- 1. McClain, 5:15.7; 2. Seline, 5:17.3; 3. Dudgeon, 5:18.5; 4. Slager, 5:19.4

3,200 meters -- 2. Seline, 11:34.9; 4. Lingle, 12:01.2

110 high hurdles -- 1. Sholty, 14.6 (school record); 5. Neisler, 16.7

300 intermediate hurdles -- 1. Sholty, 42.6; 3. Myers, 46.4; 6. Neisler, 48.0

Long jump -- 4. McClure, 17-4

High jump -- 3. Raes, 5-8; 4. Neisler, 5-8

Shot put -- 1. Schultz, 48-10; 5. Heironymus, 38-1

Discus -- 1. Schultz, 141-7 1/2; 2. Heironymus, 132-2 1/2; 6. Boudman, 116-4

400 relay -- 2. Olympia, 49.9

800 relay -- 1. Olympia, 1:44.0

1,600 relay -- 2. Olympia, 3:57.5

3,200 relay -- 1. Olympia 9:11.9

Olympia girls:

100 meters -- 5. Bennett, 13.4

400 meters -- 1. Freshour, 1:07.1; 4. Westerfield, 1:11.7

1,600 meters -- 2. Floyd, 6:06.2; 3. Rader, 6:06.7; 5. Wade, 6:19.2

3,200 meters -- 2. Floyd, 13:52.5

100 hurdles -- 1. Hish, 16.1

300 hurdles -- 1. Hentzen, 51.4; 3. Hish, 52.8

Long jump -- 4. Fredericks, 14-8

High jump -- 1. Crawford, 5-0

Triple jump -- 2. Prater, 31-2 1/2

Discus -- 4. Cook, 93-3

400 relay -- 2. Olympia, 456.6

800 relay -- 1. Olympia, 1:58.3

1,600 relay -- 1. Olympia, 4:35.1

3,200 relay -- 3. Olympia 11:19.3

[APRIL 17, 2002]  Lincoln College scored five times in the first inning after two were out and went on to post a 13-9 victory over Illinois Central College at Galen Shirley Field on Tuesday afternoon. Lincoln plays at ICC Wednesday.

After the first two batters were retired, Zach Rinaberger, Tim May and Jake VanDyke hit back-to-back triples, and then Kenny VanHouten slammed a two-run homer. 

Anthony Hoffert worked the first five innings and picked up the victory. The LCHS grad gave up 13 hits and seven runs, five earned, while walking one and striking out four. 

Dan Dunn had three hits, was hit by a pitch twice and drove in a pair of runs for coach Tony Thomas. Frank Pesce had the big blow in the fifth for the Lynx with a bases-loaded triple that missed going out of the park by less than a foot. Matt Mifflin also had a pair of hits for Lincoln.

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The Lynx are now 7-9 in the conference and 9-22 overall.

Illinois Central           001 123 020 — 9-19-1

Lincoln College         520 040 02x — 13-14-2

ICC battery unknown; Hoffert (W), King (6), Deakin (9) and Pesce.

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College
sports information director]

[APRIL 17, 2002]  NORMAL — Chris Burras, a first-team Class A all-state player from Chicago Leo High School, signed a national basketball letter of intent with Illinois State on Tuesday.

Burras, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound forward, averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds per game during his senior season, while leading Leo High School to a 16-12 record and a trip to the regionals.

"We’re excited about adding Chris to our program," Illinois State head coach Tom Richardson said. "He reminded a lot of people of Rico Hill when he came on his visit. Chris is a talent that can play inside or outside. He will bring some additional athleticism to our team and can come in and contribute as a freshman."

Burras, whose sister Alisa currently plays for the WNBA’s Portland Fire, was also named first team all-area and all-conference. He also made the all-tournament teams of the Bloom Thanksgiving Tournament and the Rich South Christmas Tournament.

Jerry Tokars, Leo’s head coach, also commented on Burras’ versatility.

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"He’s a dedicated kid that only missed one practice in the two years that I coached him," Tokarz said. "He’s got a good game. He’s real tough inside for his size, and he has the ability to step out to the perimeter. Chris is a nice kid with a nice personality. Illinois State’s getting a good one."

Burras, who plans on majoring in communications, felt that Illinois State was the right choice.

"Throughout this whole process, I just wanted to follow my heart, and my heart led me to Illinois State," Burras said. "I hope to bring a little versatility, some excitement and a winning attitude to Redbird Arena. I really liked the staff and players and am looking forward to wearing a Redbird uniform."

Burras, who is one of 12 children, joins fellow all-state selection Dana Ford in the Illinois State 2002 recruiting class. Richardson and the Redbirds have one scholarship available.

[Todd Kober, Illinois State University
director of media relations]

[APRIL 16, 2002]  Lincoln High School handed Peoria Richwoods a pair of losses in Peoria. Lincoln won the first game 6-4 and took the nightcap 15-4.

Paul Phillips picked up the win in the opener, working the final two innings in relief of Kevin Carroll. Chance Berger led the Railers at bat with a double and two singles.  Jaron Harnacke, Phillips and Carroll each had one hit.

Neil Rohrer pitched the first three innings of the second game to get the victory. Alex Dahm hurled the final two innings and struck out five batters.

 Bobby Maestas led the Railers with three doubles and a single. Phillips and Carroll each had a double and a single, while Rohrer had a double and two singles. Collecting one hit each were Andrew Gilmore, Berger, Dahm and Colin Neitzel. Caleb Olsen had a pair of singles.

The doubleheader sweep evens the freshman record at 4-4.

[Bill Martinie]

[APRIL 16, 2002]   

Central Catholic     220 11x — 6-7-2

Olympia             (14)22 1x — 19-19-1

Hartsburg-Emden    000 11 —  2-4-2

Illini Central             055 02 — 12-1-3

[APRIL 16, 2002]   

Olympia      602 83 — 19-19-0

Delavan       010 11 — 1-1-5

Hartsburg-Emden     110 101 2 — 6-7-3

Illini Central              001 110 0 — 3-5-6

[APRIL 16, 2002]  Danville handed the Lincoln College Lynx an 11-3 pounding at Galen Shirley Memorial Field in Lincoln on Monday afternoon, dropping the Lynx to 6-9 in conference play. The Lynx host Illinois Central on Tuesday in a nine-inning contest.

Danville scored three times in the first and was never headed, although the Lynx came within one run with single runs in the first and second innings. Lincoln pounded out 10 hits, with Jake VanDyke going three for four with a triple. Jeff Harris and Matt Mifflin each had a pair of hits.

Matt Carnahan was the starting and losing pitcher for the Lynx, hurling four innings, giving up nine hits and six earned runs. 

Score by innings

Danville               301 103 210 — 11-14-0

Lincoln College    110 000 001 — 3-10-3

Danville battery unknown; Carnahan (L), Gilbert (5), Villasenor (6), Lusicic (8), Whetstone (9), and Bartman, Pesce (6).

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College
sports information director]

[APRIL 16, 2002]  NORMAL — A ligament tear in the right wrist of Illinois State’s Baboucarr Bojang was discovered on Monday, during an arthroscopic procedure to re-evaluate the basketball star’s injury.

Bojang, who was named the Redbird’s most valuable player and one of the top newcomers in the Missouri Valley Conference, was in a cast for three weeks with the injury. However when his progress didn’t improve, medical professionals wanted a better look.

Even though the MRI and X-ray didn’t show it, a scapholunate tear was identified during a 1½-hour procedure, and pins were inserted to reattach the torn ligament. He is expected to miss four to six months but should be ready for the 2002-03 campaign.

"My initial priority is Boo’s well-being, and I’m pleased to say he’s doing fine after the surgery," head coach Tom Richardson said. "It is really unfortunate for the young man, but at least we caught it early enough to where he won’t miss any of next season."

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Bojang, who averaged 13.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, initially suffered the injury in the second half of the game at Southwest Missouri State on Feb. 2, but re-aggravated the injury numerous times during the remainder of the season, including in the conference tournament semifinal against Creighton.

Bojang will return to a cast for three months before starting his range-of-motion and strength rehabilitation.

[Todd Kober, Illinois State University
director of media relations]

[APRIL 15, 2002]  The Railer varsity fell just short of taking a doubleheader at Peoria Richwoods Saturday. The Railers controlled the first game 7-1 and seemed in control of the second game, leading 8-5 after six innings. But things changed quickly and Lincoln lost in eight innings, 9-8.

In the first game, the Railers scored seven runs on only seven hits, four of which were tallied by junior Derek Schrader and senior Andy Knopp, who had two hits each. Schrader scored in the first inning after doubling, stealing third and reaching home on an errant throw on the steal. Josh Gallagher scored Lincoln’s second run in the third inning, after a single and the help of a bunt single by Mitch Sheley and an RBI ground out by Schrader.

In the fifth inning, Lincoln scored two more runs without a hit. Leadoff hitter Jeremy Ohmart was hit by a pitch and stole second. He moved to third on a Schrader fly out in foul territory on the right side and scored on a passed ball. With two outs, Adam Schonauer walked and stole second; then he scored on a throwing error by Richwood’s third baseman on a Ryne Komnick grounder.

After five innings, Lincoln led 4-0. Lincoln senior pitcher Blake Schoonover held the Knights scoreless, gave up only one hit and struck out five. Just two Richwoods’ hitters reached base on Schoonover’s stint on the mound. Junior Chris Gosda relieved Schoonover in the sixth and yielded a hit and a run that inning, but he got the Knights out in order in the seventh.

The one run did little good for the Knights, since Lincoln scored another three runs in the seventh. Ohmart reached on an error and Schrader singled. With two outs, Ryne Komnick sliced a two-RBI single to right field. He scored himself when John Peters was walked with the bases loaded.

Lincoln played without an error in the game and was undoubtedly confident approaching game two.

Game two seemed OK for six innings. Even though the Railers had committed four errors in the first five innings, they still led 8-5 after six innings.

Michael Aper and Derek Schrader scored in the first after reaching base on singles. Ryan Williams brought Aper in on a sacrifice fly, and Schrader scored on a shortstop throwing error. Aper (with a single) and Schrader (with a walk) scored again in the third inning with the help of an RBI single by Williams. A fifth Railer run came in the fourth inning from junior Steve Shanley who walked, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Mitch Sheley and scored on a wild pitch.

In the fifth inning, three more Railers scored, on singles by Derek Schrader, Ryan Williams (RBI), Matt Boyer and Andy Knopp (RBI), as well as a double by Danny Schick (RBI). The Railers might have scored more — and might have changed the game’s outcome — but Schick was tagged out between third and home, and Knopp was tagged out trying to stretch his single into a double.

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Senior Mike Martin went the first three innings for the Railers. Martin struck out four and gave up five hits and five runs, though only two of the runs were earned. Chris Gosda made his second appearance of the day on the mound, keeping the Knights scoreless from the fourth through the sixth innings. But Richwoods’ leadoff hitter in the bottom of the seventh doubled, and the next hitter reached on an error. Senior lefty Ryan Williams was then called to the mound to stifle the threat. But Richwoods scored three runs in the inning and tied the game after a couple more hits.

With a three-run lead, the Railers had a good opportunity to score more in the top of the seventh, which would have prevented an extra-inning game. Williams reached first on an error, and Danny Schick singled and went to second on a fielder’s choice. But with men at second and third with no outs, the Railers had a fly out, a pinch-hit ground out and a strikeout. No one scored, and the stage was set for the Knights’ three-run comeback in the bottom of the inning.

Richwoods gained the victory in the eighth inning. David Ward led off the bottom of the inning with his fifth single of the game and stole second. The next hitter was intentionally walked, but a wild pitch put the two on second and third with no out. Williams struck out the third hitter of the inning to register the first out. Lincoln’s coach, Pat Hake, had the next batter intentionally walked, loading the bases. Williams once again struck out a batter to mark up the second out. Unfortunately, the strikeout streak couldn’t continue, and a line drive single to right center field ended the contest.

In the losing effort, four Railers had two hits each: Mike Aper, Derek Schrader, Ryan Williams and Danny Schick. Aper scored twice and Schrader three times, and Williams had three RBIs.

The Railers, now 7-8, will play at Lanphier on Tuesday and will host the same team on Thursday at 4:30.

[Rich Knopp]

[APRIL 15, 2002]   

At Farmer City

Game 1

Mount Pulaski          021 57 -- 15-9-0

Blue Ridge               000 00 --   0-3-3

Josh Foley (1-0) and Cam McClellan

Home runs--Chris Wilson (one on in third).

Hitting stars--Wilson (2 hits, 4 RBI), Justin Anderson (2 hits), Josh Blaum (2 hits, 2 RBIs).

Game 2

Mount Pulaski          230 010 0 -- 6-8-0

Blue Ridge               120 000 0 -- 3-8-1

Moore and Cam McClellan.

Hitting stars--Craig Erlenbush (3 hits), Wilson (2 hits, 2 RBIs).

At Stanford

Game 1

Dunlap                     000 001 0 -- 1-3-0

Olympia                   300 510 x -- 9-12-1

Ryan Kendrick (4-0), Lance Leesman (7) and Rush Olson

Hitting stars--Chris Frank (2 hits), Jeff Darnall (3 hits, triple, 3 RBI), Olson (2 hits, 2 RBIs), Tyler Haning (2 hits), Kendrick (2 RBIs).

Game 2

Dunlap                     100 000 0 -- 1-6-1

Olympia                   000 242 x -- 8-9-1

Tyler Thornton (3-0) and Kendrick

Hitting stars--Cole Horner (2 hits), Steve Raleigh (2 hits), Frank (2 hits).

[APRIL 15, 2002]   

Chicago Land Challenge

Game 1

Chicago Christian    000 000 1 -- 1-  5-0

Olympia                  015 001 x -- 7-14-1

Amanda Wilson (3-0) and Katie Tucker.

Hitting stars--Gaither (1 double, 2 hits), Shay (1 double, 1 triple), Shaffer (2 hits, 2 RBIs), Prager (2 hits), Lessen (2 hits, 1 RBI).

Pitching star--Wilson ( 6 strikeouts, 1 walk).

Game 2

Olympia                   003 100 4 -- 8-15-0

Elgin St. Edward      000 000 0 -- 0-  5-2

Jessie Say (7-1), Amanda Wilson (6) and Lessen, Tucker (6).

Hitting stars--Prager (3 hits), Logsdon (2 RBIs).

Game 3

Illiana Christian      000 000 0 -- 0-1-2

Olympia                102 110 x -- 5-7-0

Shay (8-1), Wilson (6) and Lessen, Tucker (6).

Hitting stars--Gaither (1 triple), Shay ( 2 hits), Prager (2 RBIs).

[APRIL 15, 2002]  Olympia boys scored 49 points for fourth place.  Lincoln boys scored 6 points for 14th place.

Winners for Olympia and Lincoln:

100-meter dash – 4. Scott Joyce (O) 11.3;
5. Jacob Slager (O), 11.8

110 high hurdles – 4. Brandon Sholty (O) 15.0

300 intermediate hurdles – 3. Brandon Sholty (O) 41.4

High jump – 3.  Nick Raes (O) 5-11

Long jump – 3. Kiel Aderman (L) 20-5 1/4

Discus – 2. Jimmy Schultz (O) 153-8; 3. Josh Hieronymus (O) 149-3

Shot put – 1. Jimmy Schultz (O) 51-4 1/4

1,600 relay – 3. Olympia 3:31.7

[APRIL 15, 2002]  Lincoln College split a pair of games with John Wood in conference play at Galen Shirley Field in Lincoln Sunday, winning the first game 15-5 in six innings and dropping the nightcap 6-0.

Zach Rinaberger provided the most offense in the opener. He had four hits in five trips to the plate, with a pair of triples, two runs scored and four runs batted in. Jake VanDyke added three hits, including a triple, and a pair of RBIs. Tim May had a pair of doubles and four RBIs, while Chris Phillips was two for two with four runs scored, a double and a pair of walks.

Kyle Eastman was the starting and winning pitcher. Charlie Deakin hurled the final 3 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and one hit allowed.

Lincoln College managed six hits in the second game; however, they were unable to dent the plate. Jonathon Cave was the starting and losing pitcher for the Lynx, hurling 4 1/3 innings, giving up five hits, four earned runs, three strikeouts and a pair of walks. Rinaberger and Matt Mifflin each had a pair of hits for the Lynx.

Lincoln College is now 6-8 in conference play and 8-21 overall. John Wood stands at 7-7 in conference play. Lincoln will host Danville at 3:30 p.m. Monday in a nine-inning game and hosts Illinois Central on Tuesday.

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First game

John Wood           113 000 — 5-5-2

Lincoln College     263 103 — 15-17-1

Felger (L), McLean (2), Conrad (3) and Stembredge; Eastman (W), Deakin (S-3) and Bartman.

Second game

John Wood             302 010 0 — 6-5-0

Lincoln College       000 000 0 — 0-6-1

Shipp (W) and Miffen; Cave (L), King (5) and Pesce.

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College
sports information director]

[APRIL 15, 2002]  Lincoln College suffered a tough 6-5 loss to Lake Land College Saturday afternoon at Galen Shirley Field in Lincoln. The Lynx had beaten Lake Land in a doubleheader Thursday afternoon at Mattoon. Lincoln College then defeated Millikin JV 15-9 and 7-5 Friday night in Decatur.

That took Lincoln College to 7-20 for the season, 5-7 in the conference, going into a conference twin bill with John Wood on Sunday afternoon

Lincoln College had its chances against Lake Land Saturday, loading the bases in the seventh inning with no one out; however, the Lynx were unable to score. Lincoln managed to score two runs in the ninth and had the tying run at third and the winning run at first with one out, but they were unable to come up with the key hit.

Chris Phillips was the starting and losing pitcher for Lincoln, giving up eight hits and all six runs. Jeff King hurled the final 2 1/3 innings, giving up one hit while striking out three and walking one. 

Tim May continued his hot hitting, with four safeties in four trips to the plate. He had a double, a run scored and an RBI.  Jeff Harris, Kenny VanHouten and Frank Pesce each had a pair of hits for coach Tony Thomas.

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Against Millikin, Josh Becker picked up the victory in game one, with VanHouten connecting for a double and a home run.  Zack Rinaberger, May, Jake VanDyke and Matt Mifflin each collected a pair of hits.

In the second game Matt Gilbert was the winning pitcher in the 7-5 game.  Andrew Bartman, Lou Persino and VanDyke each had a pair of hits for Lincoln.

Score by innings

Lake Land             011 003 100 — 6-9-1

Lincoln College      101 010 002 — 5-14-3

Moreale, Allen (3-W), Blue (9) and Diaz; Phillips, King (7) and Pesce.

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College
sports information director]

[APRIL 13, 2002]  At Washington:

Score by innings

Olympia               102 026 0 – 11-11-1

Washington          010 001 0 – 2-8-1

For Olympia:

Pitching and catching: Jeff Darnall (3-0), Dusty Hayes (7) and Rush Olson.

Outstanding hitters: Cole Horner (2 hits), Darnall (2 hits, double, 3 RBIs), Kendrick (2 hits), Olson (2 hits, double, 2 RBIs).

Darnall had 9 strikeouts.

Olympia’s record is 13-0.

[APRIL 13, 2002]  Olympia girls tied for 11th with Springfield Lanphier at Friday’s Bloomington Invitational.

Winners for Olympia:

400-meter dash –  5. Brianne Crawford, 1:03.4

800 run – 6. Tamarida Boone. 2:34.0

1,600 run – 5. Jill Floyd, 5:45.2

300 hurdles – 5. Katie Hentzen, 50.3

High jump – 3. Michelle Radar, 4 – 10

1,600 relay – 4. Olympia, 4:20.2

3,200 relay – 3. Olympia, 10:21.8

[APRIL 15, 2002]  Oh, hum; Tiger Woods won another major. This time he was fitted for his third green jacket, as he became only the third golfer in the history of the Masters to win back-to-back titles. Ironically, it was Woods’ seventh major title, which ties the legendary Arnold Palmer, who finished his 48th and final Masters on Saturday.

Not only is Woods good, but he’s smart — a lethal combination in any sport. In my non-illustrious career the few times that I have been good, I wasn’t very smart. And in the even fewer times where I was smart, I wasn’t very good. So, to see a guy who is consistently both… All I can do is laugh. It is so far out of the realm of comprehension that it is ridiculous! How would you like to devote yourself to a sport and know that the only real battle is who will finish second? He is more than dominant; he is mystical. Maybe he’ll someday get caught in a traffic jam and arrive late for his tee time. Naw, he probably sleeps at the course!!!

Locally speaking

The Railer baseball club seems to be turning things around of late. Although their record is not what they’d like it to be, they’re showing signs of life. Andy Knopp and Derek Schrader have been hitting some bombs, and Lincoln’s pitching seems to be coming along just a bit. While a brutal early schedule might not have aided the Railers to a quick start, it may have toughened their resolve and made them a better team in the long run.

The Lady Railers also are not sporting the kind of overall record that sends shivers down their opponents’ spines, but they were 2-2 in the conference the last time we got a report. The loss of JoBeth Borowiak could’ve been killer. Instead, the girls have marched on. It will be interesting to see how both of these teams fare in the weeks ahead.

Out on the track it’s been a lot of Dominique Dawson and Brooklyn Robbins.

In tennis last week, Lincoln defeated Decatur Eisenhower 5-4 behind the inspired play of

Chad Kerns, Adam Ramlow, J.R. Ewings and Justin Bruns.

We’re talking baseball…

The St. Louis Cardinals came within an eyelash of sweeping the Houston Astros yesterday before bowing 5-4. They should’ve swept ’em last week in Houston. In fact, they seem to have lost the games they should’ve won and won the ones they could’ve easily lost. Go figure. Is it possible that Jose Oquendo is a better manager than Tony LaRussa? At least he’s got a pretty great name!

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Cubs won a monsoon-shortened disaster in Pittsburgh and may be putting things back together. Do you think that the Bucos wish they would’ve never given up on Jon Lieber? And where in the heck is Brant Brown? He was one of my all-time Cub picks to click. This is why I’m not a major league manager but a semiprofessional sportswriter instead! No expectations, no pressure from the front office, and our fans are always the best in the entire sports world!

The White Sox are showing signs of life as well, as they took two of three from the Orioles. I know that is like taking two from the Yankees, but you’ve gotta start somewhere. What a crowd they had Friday in Comiskey! And could you believe the ovation that Frank Thomas got? That as much as anything could really help this team. I also told Greg Taylor that the addition of Kenny Lofton would really help this organization, and I’m gonna stick to that thought!

Tooting our own horn

Join Greg and me tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. on the new FIX 96, and let’s talk sports.

Apparently it will reside in Chambana, Ill., next season, as the Illini added another Chicago product, Aaron Spears, to the fold last week. The Illini now have their own version of the Fab Five to go along with some quality returning players. With lighter expectations and taking some time for the new guys to learn the system, next season could be a real adventure. Is summer just a prelude to another basketball season?

With spectacular weather comes the opportunity to get out of the house and watch many of our local products in action. Go on out to the high school and you will see a bevy of sports teams in action. Or truck over to one of the many county junior high or elementary schools. There’s plenty of action out there. Or, you can make your way over to LC or to LCC; their teams are always glad to have the local support. While my son is enthralled at Cardinal games (mostly because they don’t hit, run or throw like DaDa does — let’s just leave it at that), he usually can’t tell the difference between that and an LCC game! Someday he will be able to, but for now take your kids or grandkids out, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time!

[Jeff Mayfield]

Announcements

[APRIL 17, 2002]  Central Illinois Select Soccer Club will have open tryouts for all interested players May 13-17, May 20-24, and June 17 and 19. Tryout dates and times for specific age groups are shown at www.cis-soccer.org/Tryouts/Tryouts.htm.   

All tryouts will be at Nord Field, located on Six Points Road, two miles west of Morris Avenue in Bloomington. More detailed directions are available at www.cis-soccer.org/Clubfolder/Facilities.htm. 

For more information about tryouts and CIS traveling soccer, visit the club’s website, www.cis-soccer.org.; e-mail Steve Berry, director of coaching and player development, at cissocceracademy@hotmail.com; or call (309) 378-4699.

Baseball and softball at the Lincoln Park District

[APRIL 17, 2002]  You know summer is coming when it’s time to sign up for baseball and softball. At the Lincoln Park District, registrations are still being taken for boys and girls. Teams will be drawn at the end of the month. Men’s and women’s softball registration will close the first Saturday in May.

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