Board recognizes youth achievements

Wrestler and volleyball team take state honors

[March 26, 2010]  During its March meeting, the Logan County Board recognized athletic achievements of a student and a team.

Lincoln Community High School wrestler Nick Hafercamp

Lincoln Community High School senior Nick Hafercamp finished his wrestling season with a 41-3 record.

The board observed that wrestling is a tactical, mental and physical sport of strength, power and agility with benefits that reach far beyond wins, losses and championships. Being a winning wrestler requires speed, flexibility, stamina and strategy. Wrestling allows participants to develop good personal discipline as well as self-confidence that can be used both on and off the mat.

During the Illinois High School Association Class 2A state finals in Champaign on Feb. 20, Nick lost to the eventual state champion during the semifinals. He overcame his disappointment and persevered to go on to win a pair of matches in the consolation bracket by pinning one opponent and defeating the other 9-1. He placed third in the 152-pound division.

Nick is the first LCHS wrestler to ever place in state finals in back-to-back seasons. He finished fourth in 2009,

The Logan County Board congratulated Nick Hafercamp on his achievements in his high school wrestling career and wished him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mount Pulaski High School volleyball team

The board also observed that participating in athletics helps students learn teamwork, sportsmanship and the skills to handle competitive situations. Studies have shown that girls receive as many benefits from sports as boys.

The Mount Pulaski High School volleyball team has a long history of excelling in postseason play. The team earned second place in the Illinois High School Association Class 1A Girls Volleyball Tournament in November 2009.

The theme for the fall 2009 volleyball season at Mount Pulaski High School was, "Success is earned and never given." The student athletes on the Mount Pulaski volleyball team worked extremely hard all season and developed a strong sense of teamwork. The team's coaches -- Donna Dulle, Brooke Eeten and Charrisa Howe -- worked diligently to teach the girls the necessary skills and techniques and inspired them to do their best.

The Logan County Board congratulates athletes Jessica Awe, Haley Bowles, Lindsey Durchholz, Andrea Dickerson, Samantha Nichols, Karilyn Walsh, Rachel Durchholz, Megan Griesheim, Samantha Fanning, Breanna Howe, Morgan Litterly, Ellen Olson, Alexa Meister, Kyley Wyss and Hannah Allen, and coaches Donna Dulle, Brooke Eeten and Charrisa Howe on their team's achievement and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Adopted by resolution of the Logan County Board on Feb. 16.

Note: The volleyball team members have been busy in other sports and activities and were not able to schedule a time when most could attend a board meeting since their accomplishment. The resolution was read without their attendance.

Logan County bowler

Last October the board recognized a young Logan County woman for her outstanding achievement in bowling.

The night of her award, her father, board member Pat O'Neill, introduced her, saying: "Ashley O'Neill has done something that hasn't been heard of in this county. She is the first woman bowler to bowl a perfect game."

Her father began reading the resolution honoring her, which cited the importance of sports and recreation to a community and that bowling is a game calling for strength, timing, concentration, patience and other characteristics required for high performance.

Overcome by joy and nervousness, her father gave the remaining reading over to board chairman Terry Carlton. Bowling provides a social and competitive outlet for members of our population. It is a lifetime sport enjoyed by young and old.

The pinnacle score of 300 is known as a perfect game. No female bowler in Logan County had ever achieved it. Ashley O'Neill accomplished this feat in September of 2009

The board wished her continued success. Ashley also bowled a 237 and a 193 to end up with a 730 series.

Last month the board recognized a young man, Brandon Brawdy, for his accomplishment in also bowling a perfect 300 game. (Logan County Board commends youth for accomplishments in bowling, cross-country and golf)

[LDN]