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High school baseball

Tournament report

Lincoln varsity baseball vs. Kankakee,
Midwest Central and Edwardsville

[APRIL 23, 2001]  The Lincoln Railers made a solid showing at their own tournament over the weekend, taking two of three games and coming away with a 14-5 season record. They held on to a 5-4 win over Kankakee on Friday; outlasted Midwest Central 9-6 Saturday morning; but got a good old fashioned spankin’ by Edwardsville on Saturday afternoon, losing 15-1.

In Friday’s first game, coach Pat Hake’s ball club faced his former players from Kankakee, where he had coached for six years before coming to Lincoln. It was undoubtedly an important game for Hake, since Chris Phillips, the Lincoln pitching ace, got the start. Phillips pitched the complete game, striking out 11 and walking only two. He surrendered seven hits, two of which (along with his two walks) came in the seventh inning. As a result, Kankakee’s two-run seventh inning put them within one run of Lincoln, and they had runners at first and third when the game ended with a fly out to right field.

Lincoln’s first four hitters (Derek Schrader, Justin Dedman, Andy Knopp and Chris Phillips) had hits, with Schrader’s being a third-inning leadoff homer. The offensive story of the game, however, was senior catcher Andrew Bartman. Bartman had an RBI double with two out in the second inning and a two-out, two-RBI single in the sixth that scored Nick Bay and Michael Martin, who were pinch running for Andy Knopp and Phillips, who led off the inning with singles. At the time, Lincoln’s lead was just 2-1. As it turned out, Bartman’s two-RBI single allowed the Railers to take the game 4-3.

In the second game, Justin Dedman got the start against Midwest Central but found the going a little rough. He went 2 1/3 innings and allowed five runs (four earned), striking out two, walking three, hitting two and allowing five hits, including a home run. Junior left-hander Michael Martin, who relieved Dedman with Lincoln down 5-4, went the rest of the way and picked up the win—his first of the season. Martin gave up just one run (earned), four hits, one walk, and struck out five.

Fortunately, the Railers scored in every inning but the sixth. Lincoln’s nine runs and eight hits were paced by two hits from Aaron Matson (RBI), a triple by Martin, a double by Knopp (two RBIs), and a season-first home run by Danny Schick (two RBIs) that broke a 5-5 tie in the fourth inning. Two important runs came in the fifth when Matt Aper singled, stole second and was pushed to third by a right-side ground-out by Matson. Blake Schoonover then walked and immediately continued toward second. The play proved disastrous for Midwest Central. To nab Schoonover, Midwest’s senior pitcher Justin Goeken made an errant throw to second that went into center field, and Aper easily scored. Even worse for Midwest, the center fielder allowed the ball to get by him, and Schoonover rounded the bases on the play, giving Lincoln their 9-6 win.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Andrew Bartman gets his second hit and third RBI against Kankakee.]

[Michael Martin faces a Midwest Central batter. John Peters is catching.]

[Chris Phillips tosses another strike to a Kankakee hitter. Phillips struck out 11.]

The Railers knew that their third game, against Edwardsville (now 14-3), would be the toughest. Edwardsville had "10-runned" their opposition in their two previous games before coming to Lincoln. And in their opening two games in the round-robin tourney, a powerhouse Edwardsville scored 24 runs and allowed 0. Even worse, the field had a 90 mph wind blowing toward left field. (OK, it only seemed like that much, but it was probably 25-30 mph.) Edwardsville had seven extra base hits in the contest (three 2B, one 3B and three home runs). The home runs alone accounted for eight Tiger RBIs.

The Railers could produce only two hits in the game (by Justin Dedman and Chris Phillips). Their lone run (and the only run scored against Edwardsville in the tournament) came in the third inning. Andrew Bartman drew a walk to open the inning, and his pinch runner, Michael Martin, was awarded second on a balk. Blake Schoonover then grounded to third, but Edwardsville’s senior Josh Mercer threw the ball past first base and out of bounds, allowing Martin to score. However, later in the inning, with two runners on, Mercer started a perfectly efficient 5-4-3 double play to close the Lincoln inning.

Blake Schoonover had the inauspicious opportunity to start the game. Schoonover, who has had some arm tenderness this year, struck out his first batter but then surrendered two walks, a three-run homer and a double. Jamison Sheley then replaced a sore-armed Schoonover and went the remaining 4 2/3 innings of the shortened game. Sheley struck out two and surrendered eight hits, four walks, and hit one batter—all leading to 12 more runs (six earned).

Although the 15-1 score was obviously lopsided, the Railers played a decently solid game against a team that deserves recognition as a state-class ballclub. This year, the Tigers, whose school enrollment is nearly 2,200, have also beaten Chatham-Glenwood 13-0 and Collinsville 10-0. Two of their three losses have been by just one run (1-0 to O’Fallon and 4-3 to Alton). Carrying particularly big sticks against Lincoln were senior Matt Wyatt (HR, 1B) and junior Jeremy Loemker (2B, 2 HR).

The Railers have made a significant turnaround in their baseball program this year; yet they got a good taste of what kind of team they’d like yet to become. The only way to do that is to play better competition and develop. That’s one thing the Lincoln tournament provided.

This week, the Railers will be playing at Jacksonville on Tuesday and against Jacksonville at home on Thursday.

[Rich Knopp]

[Box score and stats vs. Kankakee.]

[Box score and stats vs. Midwest Central.]

[Box score and stats vs. Edwardsville.]

College baseball

Lincoln College vs. Springfield College

[APRIL 23, 2001]  Lincoln College split a baseball doubleheader with Springfield College on Saturday at Galen Shirley Memorial Field in Lincoln. Coach Tony Thomas and the Lynx pulled out a 6-5 victory in the first game with two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Springfield scored three times in the top of the first inning of the second game, and it was enough, as the Lynx were beaten 3-2.

Lincoln scored its two eighth-inning runs with the aid of just one hit. The leadoff hitter reached base  safely when hit by a pitch. Jake VanDyke then doubled. An intentional walk loaded the bases, and the first run came home on a wild pitch. After another intentional walk, Chris Ackman drew a bases-loaded walk to force home the winning run. VanDyke had a pair of hits to lead the Lynx at the plate.

Anthony Hoffert started on the mound for the Lynx against Craig Courtwright.  Both Hoffert and Courtwright graduated from Lincoln High School. Hoffert worked five innings and did not figure in the decision. Courtwright, who pitched well in a losing effort, suffered the loss.

In the second game, all the scoring was in the first inning. SCI scored three times in the first, and Lincoln came back with two in their half of the inning. The Lynx had numerous scoring chances, leaving 13 on base, but could not come up with the big hit against two Springfield hurlers. Ahmad Richie had a pair of hits, including a double, while Brad Bone had two hits, drove in a run and scored a run.   Jeff King was the starting and losing pitcher for the Lynx.

First game

Springfield College    102 010 01 – 5-8-3

Lincoln College         120 100 02 – 6-9-3

Courtwright (L) & Frawley; Hoffert, Knepper (6), Ri. Sherren (8-W) & Ro. Sherren.

Springfield College   300 000 0 – 3-6-1

Lincoln College        200 000 0 – 2-10-2

Jasprin (W), Moore (6) & Maulvay; King (L), Deakin (6) & Ro. Sherren.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

College softball

Lincoln College vs. Springfield College

[APRIL 23, 2001]  The Lincoln College softball team played a twin bill in Springfield on Saturday against Springfield College and came home with a pair of victories. Lincoln won the first game 14-6 in six innings and took the nightcap 11-2 in five innings. The double victory raises the Lady Lynx record to 9-22 for the season.

In the first game the Lady Lynx were tied at 4-4 after four innings; however, LC put eight runs on the board in the sixth inning to put the game out of reach.  Ronni Beebe led a 13-hit attack with four hits, including a double.  Jody Hicks contributed three hits, including a triple. Crystal Wilkey and Heather Dobey both had a pair of hits. Brandi Barnes went the distance and picked up the pitching victory.

In the second game, Lincoln pushed across four runs in the first and then tallied seven times in the third to put the game out of reach for the hosts. Wilkey, Dobey and Beebe all had two hits to lead the Lady Lynx.   Jody Hicks picked up the victory on the mound for coach Jennifer Ciaccio.

First game

Lincoln College        020 228 – 14-13-6

Springfield College   010 302 – 6-7-4

Brandi Barnes (W) & Maggie Green; Stout (L) & Hagele.

Lincoln College        407 00 – 11-9-3

Springfield College   001 01 – 2-2-3

Jody Hicks (W) & Green; Urish (L) & Green.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

High school baseball

Illini Central vs. Illini Bluffs

[APRIL 21, 2001]  Playing at Mapleton, the two teams were tied in the bottom of the sixth.  Illini Central had a run in the top of the seventh, leaving it up to Illini Bluffs.  IB scored no points in the bottom of the seventh, leaving the Cougars the win by one.

Brandon Grimsley, Brandon Fletcher (6,W, 3-1) pitched, and Travis Scott was catcher for the Cougars.  For Illini Bluffs it was Schupp, Young and Diefendorf.

 Hitting home runs for the Cougars were Jon Harfst (grand slam in the first) and Josh McDaniel (two on in the second).

Outstanding hitters for IC were McDaniel (two RBIs), Harfst (two hits and four RBIs), Matt Harris (a double and two RBIs), Mike Mulford (two hits and a double).

Score by innings

Illini Central              4200041 – 11-11-2

Illini Bluffs                0304030 – 10-12-1

[LDN]

LC players sign

[APRIL 21, 2001] 

Crockrell signs with Brescia University

Eric Crockrell, a two year standout at Lincoln College, has signed with Bresica University in Owensboro, Ky., to continue his college basketball career. Bresica University is an NAIA Division I school.

Crockrell, the son of Sandra and Eric Crockrell, played his high school ball at Chicago Robeson for coach Charles Redmond. Coach of the Bresica University school is John Reilly.

While playing for B. J. McCullum at Lincoln College, Crockrell averaged 11.4 points per game as a sophomore and 9.6 points per game as a freshman. Crockrell pulled down 275 rebounds last season to go with 196 as a freshman. The inside player improved his shooting this past season from the floor by connecting on 149 of 230 attempts. As a freshman he connected on 109 of 249 attempts. He scored a total of 684 points for coach McCullum in his two years. The Lynx finished the past season with a 26-7 record, while his freshman season was a 25-7 mark.

[to top of second column in this article]

Lott signs with Missouri Baptist

Christine Lott, completing her sophomore year at Lincoln College, has signed with Missouri Baptist College to continue her college playing career.

Coach Carol Wilson of Lincoln College said, "Christine should have an opportunity to play right away for Missouri Baptist. We are glad she is going to have a chance to continue her playing career at a four-year school. Missouri Baptist is an NAIA Division I school coached by Lowell Pitzer."

Lott participated in 63 games during her playing days at Lincoln College. She averaged 10 points per game as a freshman and contributed 7.5 points per game this past season on a much more balanced team. This past season she made 104 of 234 field goal attempts and added 26 of 43 at the foul line. Lott also pulled down 207 rebounds. As a freshman she connected on 136 of 287 shot attempts and 47 of 78 at the foul line, with a total of 251 rebounds.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

Bartman signs with LC

[APRIL 21, 2001] Andrew Bartman, a senior at Lincoln High School, has signed to play baseball with Lincoln College after completing his high school career. Bartman is the starting catcher for the Lincoln High School team, and coach Tony Thomas plans to use him at that position in college.

Thomas said, "He (Bartman) has an excellent chance to start next season. We are losing our starting catcher; therefore, he will certainly get a crack at the No. 1 catching position. He is one of the hardest-working kids around, and he is a good listener. His day-to-day improvement over the past couple of years has been outstanding. He gives us a lot of plus aspects for the future with his work ethic."

Bartman said, "I have been working with the coaches at Lincoln College for the past two years, and I know the system pretty well. It gives me an opportunity to stay close to home and play some good baseball for a couple of years. I have worked out with coach Thomas in the off-season past couple of years and that should be a big help, since I already know a lot of the philosophy."

Bartman has gotten off to a slow start at the plate this season with a .208 average; however, he has driven in six runs for the Railers and has been coming on strong of late. He has thrown out better than 40 percent of the base runners attempting to steal thus far this season. Last season, his junior year, Bartman hit .262 with eight RBIs.

Lincoln High School coach Pat Hake said, "Andrew is a throwback type player who loves to play the game. He is very knowledgeable and knows how to play. He definitely fits the catcher mold. He is a good leader along with being a vocal leader, and he has a good sense of humor."

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

High school baseball

Lincoln varsity baseball vs. Springfield

[APRIL 20, 2001]  After having to score five runs in the sixth inning to beat Springfield 5-4 on Tuesday, the Lincoln Railers proved it wasn’t a fluke and won more decisively on Thursday, 4-1, at Lanphier Park in Springfield. And after committing 12 errors in their previous two games combined, the Railers played without an official miscue the entire game, the first time that has occurred all season. It came at a great time, as Lincoln moved to 12-4 on the year and 3-3 in the Central State Eight—now having one more conference win than they had all last season.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Ryne Komnick delivers a seventh-inning pitch leading to the second out.]

[The Railers discuss a sixth-inning, two-out
first-and-third situation.]

High school softball

[APRIL 20, 2001] 

Illini Central and Havana played a softball game in Mason City yesterday afternoon. Havana won 9-3.

Brooke Oney pitched for Illini Central, and Sarah Alcorn was the catcher.

Reba Winkelman made two hits for the Lady Cougars.

Havana’s pitcher was Specketer, and the catcher was Conway.

Illini Central is 2-10.

Score by innings

Illini Central    000 201 0 – 3-4-2

Havana           210 320 1 – 9-4-2

Lincoln and Jacksonville competed in a softball game yesterday afternoon, here in Lincoln. Lincoln won 1-0.

Hilary Schweitzer was Lincoln’s pitcher, and Emily Wilkinson was the catcher. Schweitzer was recognized for her outstanding pitching (six strikeouts, no walks).

Lori Reinwald batted in one runner for the Lady Railers.

Long pitched for Jacksonville, and Valentine was the catcher.

Lincoln is 5-11 overall and 2-4 in the Central State Eight Conference. Jacksonville is 3-10 overall and 0-5 in the conference.

Score by innings

Lincoln          001 000 x – 1-2-1

Jacksonville   000 000 0 – 0-4-2

[to top of second column in this article]

Olympia traveled to Pontiac yesterday afternoon for a softball game. The game went into two extra innings before the teams broke the tie. The final score was 2-1, Pontiac.

Jessis Shay pitched her 10th game for Oly, and this was only her second loss. Alicia Flessner was the team’s catcher.

Tiffany Prager made two hits for the Lady Spartans, and Liz Sunday batted in one runner.

Chelsea Nelson pitched for Pontiac, and Chelsey Rogers was the catcher.

Olympia’s record is now 10-2-2. They are 2-1 in the Corn Belt Conference. Pontiac is 9-2 overall and 2-0 in their conference.

Score by innings

Olympia    000 000 100 – 1-7-2

Pontiac      001 000 001 – 2-5-2

[LDN]

High school track and field

Lincoln vs. Mahomet-Seymour

[APRIL 20, 2001]  Lincoln’s boys made tracks over to Mahomet yesterday afternoon for a track-and-field meet with Mahomet-Seymour. The host team won 92-52.

The events in which Lincoln’s athletes earned first place are as follows:

100 meters—Chris Meyer, 11.4

200 meters—Tommy-John Gallagher, 24.6

400 meters—Tommy-John Gallagher, 54.4

300 intermediate hurdles—Chris Meyer, 44.9

High jump—Chris Meyer, 5-6

[LDN]

College baseball

Lincoln College vs. Parkland College

[APRIL 20, 2001]  Lincoln’s and Parkland College’s baseball teams went to bat yesterday afternoon. Parkland won 13-3

Whetsone was Lincoln pitcher. Barker replaced him in the fourth inning, and Knepper took over in the sixth inning. Robert Sherren was the team’s catcher.

Brad Bone hit two singles for the Lynx.

Widegren pitched for Parkland, and Heaberlin was the team’s catcher.

Lincoln’s baseball record is 13 wins and 22 losses. Parkland has 33 wins and only nine losses.

Score by innings

Lincoln College     000 000 3 – 3-6-2

Parkland College   202 115 2 – 13-11-1

[LDN]

College softball

Lincoln College vs. Spoon River

[APRIL 20, 2001]  Lincoln College’s and Spoon River’s girls competed in a softball doubleheader yesterday afternoon. In the first game, Lincoln won by two runs, 8-6. In the second game, they increased their lead by one run to win 6-3.

Brandi Barnes pitched the first game for Lincoln, and Maggie Green was the catcher.

Pistole was Spoon River’s pitcher, and Harper was their catcher.

Game 1

Score by innings

Lincoln            021 302 0 – 8-8-7

Spoon River    201 001 2 – 6-7-8

Jody Hicks pitched Lincoln’s second game, and Barnes relieved her in the sixth inning. Maggie Green was the team’s catcher again.

Spoon River’s second-game pitcher was O’Brein, and Tompkins was the catcher.

Game 2

Score by innings

Lincoln            004 200 0 – 6-9-6

Spoon River    200 001 0 – 3-10-3

Lincoln College’s softball record is now seven wins and 22 losses.

[LDN]

High school baseball

[APRIL 19, 2001] 

Illini Central vs. Tri-City

Tri-City and Illini Central competed in Mason City yesterday. The score of the baseball game was 8-2.

Anthony Fletcher served as Illini Central's pitcher until Matt Harris replaced him in the sixth inning. Cunningham pitched the last inning. Luke Bohm was the team’s catcher

Patton and Cravens pitched for Tri-City. Hatteberry was their catcher.

Score by innings

Illini Central     000 200 0 – 2-1-0

Tri-City           020 100 5 – 8-6-2

[to top of second column in this article]

Olympia vs. University High

University High played against Olympia in a baseball game in Stanford yesterday. Olympia won 2-1.

Brandon Gale pitched his fifth winning game for Oly (one earned run, seven strikeouts, four walks), and Rush Olson was his catcher.

Steve Raleigh and Ryan Kendrick each made doubles. Ben Lee and Rush Olson each batted in one runner.

Josh Becker pitched for University High, and Matt Lyons was the team’s catcher.

Olympia’s baseball team is now 16-2 overall and 2-0 in their conference. University High is 11-9 and 2-1 in their conference.

Score by innings

Olympia             100 100 x – 2-5-2

University High   100 000 0 – 1-4-2

[LDN]

High school softball

[APRIL 19, 2001] 

Illini Central vs. Tri-City

Tri-City visited Illini Central to play a game of softball yesterday. Illini Central won 8-5.

Brooke Oney pitched for Illini Central, and Sarah Garlisch was the team’s catcher.

Sheena Blackstock hit two balls during the game. April Francis batted in two runners.

Thompson pitched for Tri-City, and Gates was the team’s catcher.

Illini Central’s softball team now has two wins and nine losses. Tri-City has one win and eight losses.

Score by innings

Illini Central    100 331 x – 8-7-6

Tri-City          201 200 0 – 5-4-3

Lincoln vs. Lanphier

Lanphier’s and Lincoln Community High School’s softball teams competed in a game yesterday afternoon. Lincoln won by only one point, 7-6.

Hilary Schweitzer pitched for the Lady Railers. Her record is 3-7. Emily Wilkinson was the team’s catcher.

Emily Wilkinson and Alicia Barr made three hits each during the game. Kelsey Washam hit two balls and batted in two runners. Bethany Gleason and Holly Maestas each hit two balls.

Devaney pitched for Lanphier, and Hagele was the catcher.

Lincoln’s new record is 4-11 overall.

Score by innings

Lincoln       013 012 x – 7-13-3

Lanphier     130 200 0 – 6-10-3

[to top of second column in this article]

Olympia vs. Central Catholic

Central Catholic traveled to Stanford for a softball game against Olympia, only to return home the losers, 4-1.

Tricia Gaither pitched for Oly (seven innings, four hits, one run, one walk, 12 strikeouts), and Alicia Flessner was the catcher.

Nicole Prager made two hits, hit a triple and batted in one runner for the Lady Spartans. Tricia Gaither made two hits and hit a double. Erin Canopy batted in one runner.

Kendall Shaibley was Central Catholic’s pitcher, and the catcher was Katie Reeter.

Olympia’s record is 10-2-1, and Central Catholic’s record is 1-5-1.

Score by innings

Olympia              101 011 x – 4-6-1

Central Catholic   000 000 1 – 1-4-2

[LDN]

College baseball

Lincoln College vs. Lincoln Land College

[APRIL 19, 2001]  Lincoln Land College rolled to a 13-3 seven-inning win over Lincoln College Wednesday afternoon at Galen Shirley Memorial Field in Lincoln.   The scheduled nine-inning game was halted after seven by the 10-run rule.   Lincoln College (13-22) plays host to Parkland in a 3 p.m. nine-inning game Thursday.

Lincoln College jumped out to a 1-0 lead, and Jonathan Cave made the run stand up until the top of the third.   Lincoln Land put six runs on the board in the third inning, and the Lynx were never able to catch up.   Cave worked the first five innings and started the sixth before being relieved by Rick Sherren. Cave gave up seven hits and nine runs, five earned. Sherren hurled the final two innings, permitting three hits and four runs, one of which was earned.

Leading the Lynx at the plate was Gary Ryan, with three hits in four trips, including a double and an RBI.  Jake VanDyke collected two hits and Chris Ackman had a double.

Score by innings

Lincoln Land         006 103 3 – 13-10-2

Lincoln College     100 011 0 –   3-10-4

Stefano (W) & Lewis; Cave (L), Ri. Sherren (6) & Ro. Sherren.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

High school baseball

Lincoln varsity baseball vs. Springfield

[APRIL 18, 2001]  Lincoln varsity baseball coach Pat Hake intentionally keeps his hair cut pretty short, and it’s a good thing. If he didn’t, after Lincoln’s last two games, he wouldn’t have much left anyway. For the second game in a row, his team committed at least five errors and was behind late in the game, yet came back and won. Tuesday, Lincoln was down 4-0 to Springfield High but scored all five of their runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to shock Springfield 5-4.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Rich Knopp]

Olympia vs. Tremont

[APRIL 18, 2001]  At their own home plate Olympia made a clean sweep against Tremont. The game was called before the bottom of the fifth because of the 10-run rule, with Olympia winning 17-0.

Score by innings

Olympia       01(13) 3x – 17-16-0

Tremont       000 00 – 0-3-3

Pitching for the Spartans was Chris Frank (2-0). Catching were Ryne Sherman (5) and Rush Olson.

Outstanding hitters for Olympia were Jeff Darnall (two hits, a double, two RBIs), Ryan Kendrick (three hits, a double, two RBIs), Olson (two hits).

Olympia is 15-2 for the year.

[LDN]

High school softball

Illini Central vs. Porta

[APRIL 18, 2001]  In a game played at home, the Lady Cougars fell to Porta when the game was called for the 10-run rule.

Score by innings

Illini Central     010 10 – 2-6-3

Porta               540 81 – 18-5-2

Pitching for Illini Central was Brooke Oney (1-8). Catching were Catelyn Durdle (3), Claire Bitner (5) and Sarah Alcom.

Outstanding hitter for Illini Central was Megan Creft (two hits, two RBIs)

Illini Central is 1-9 for the season.

[LDN]

College baseball

Lincoln College vs. Lake Land

[APRIL 18, 2001]  At Mattoon:

Lincoln College    000 11 – 2-3-3

Lake Land           416 2x – 13-13-0

Jason Rockhold (L), Jeff King (3), Matt Carnahan (3), Robert Sherren

Martano (W) & Diaz

LC hits: Ahmad Richie (1-3, 3B), Erik Rich (1-1), Chris Ackman (1-2, 2B, RBI)

Lincoln College    000 100 1 – 2-7-4

Lake Land           202 210 x – 7-7-0

Kyle Eastman (L) & Robert Sherren

Ahlers (W) & Huff

LC hits: Robert Sherren (2-3)

LC record: 13-21

[statistics from Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

College softball

Lincoln College vs. Danville

[APRIL 18, 2001]  Lincoln College hosted Danville on Tuesday, April 17.

Danville               000 004 04 – 8-9-3

Lincoln College   003 010 01 – 5-6-3

Lincoln College scored in more innings than Danville but still fell short to Danville, losing 8-5.

Pitching for the Lady Lynx was Brandi Barnes, and Maggie Green was their catcher.

Lindsey Arred pitched for Danville, with Marie Windoer catching.

LC hits: Beth Gajdek (2B, 1B, RBI), Maggie Green (2B, 2 RBIs), Amy Czerwionka (2B)

Danville               265 10 – 14-15-4

Lincoln College   110 13 – 6-8-8

In their second game each team scored in four of the five innings, but again the Lady Lynx were toppled by Danville, 14-6.

Amy Czerwionka pitched for LC, with Heather Dobey (4) and Green catching.

Pitching for Danville was Vinson, with Jasse catching.

LC hits: Ronni Beebe (3 hits, 1 double), Amy Czerwionka (2B), Maggie Green (2B), Amy Johnson (2B)

LC record:  5-22

[LDN; statistics from Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

High school baseball

[APRIL 17, 2001] 

Hartsburg-Emden vs. Illini Central

Illini Central’s boys baseball team played Hartem’s baseball team in Hartsburg yesterday afternoon. The game went to Hartsburg-Emden 10-3.

Matt Chapman pitched for Hartsburg. Matt Gleason was the catcher.

Chapman hit a home run in the fifth inning with one man on base. Gleason hit a home run in the sixth inning. Brad Aper hit two doubles.

Matt Harris pitched for Illini Central, with Brandon Grimsley taking over in the fifth inning. Luke Bohm was the team’s catcher.

Matt Brayfield hit three balls and two doubles for Illini.

Hartsburg’s baseball team is now 5-9, 1-2 in the Tomahawk Conference.

Score by innings

Hartsburg-Emden      310 042 x – 10-7-0

Illini Central               010 020 0 – 3-6-2

Mount Pulaski vs. Lutheran

Mount Pulaski’s boys baseball team welcomed Lutheran to their turf yesterday afternoon. The game went to nine innings before Mount Pulaski was able to pull ahead, 9-8.

Zach Cyrulik pitched for Mount Pulaski, and he also made two hits for his team.

Damien Schlitt made two hits and batted in two runners for the Hilltoppers. Korey Davis made two hits. Justin Anderson batted in two runners.

Dan Rogers pitched for Lutheran

Mount Pulaski is now 7-8, and Lutheran is 3-8.

Score by innings

Mount Pulaski      002 003 103 – 9-10-11

Lutheran               002 110 202 – 8-5-8

[to top of second column in this article]

Olympia vs. Central Catholic

Olympia’s high school boys destroyed Central Catholic’s baseball team. The final score of the game was 26-4.

Cam Cheek pitched his third winning game of five for Olympia (one earned run, three walks, nine strikeouts). Rush Olson was the catcher.

Olson hit a grand slam in the fourth. He also made another hit during the game and brought in a fifth player. Chris Frank hit two balls, made a double and batted in one runner. Cullen Hayes hit a double and batted in two runners. Jeff Darnall made two hits and batted in two runners. Stave Raleigh and Justin Dietrich both made two hits and batted in one runner. Ben Lee batted in two runners. Nate Eaton and Nick Hieser batted in one runner each.

Eric Johnson began pitching for Central Catholic. Bryan Ballard replaced him in the third inning, Alex Baines took over in the fourth inning, and Matt Neff pitched the final inning. Tom Burke and Andy Kasprzak were the team’s catchers.

Score by innings

Olympia                 827 63 – 26-18-3

Central Catholic     101 02 – 4-5-8

[LDN]

High school softball

[APRIL 17, 2001] 

Illini Central vs. Hartsburg-Emden

Illini Central’s girls traveled to Emden yesterday afternoon to compete in a softball game. The game was called due to the 10-run rule. Illini Central won 14-2.

Brooke Oney pitched her first winning game for Illini Central. Sarah Alcorn was her catcher.

Kim Bauman hit a home run in the fourth inning, with two players on base. Bauman also made another hit during the game. Sheena Blackstock also hit a home run in the fourth inning. Kayla Montgomery hit three balls and batted in one runner. Reba Winkelman made two hits during yesterday’s game.

Hartsburg-Emden’s starting pitcher was Jenni Tuttle, and the starting catcher was Leann Alberts. In the fifth inning, Nikki Chapman and Alyssa Moehring replaced them as pitcher and catcher, respectively.

This game was Illini Central’s softball team’s first win in the Tomahawk Conference, for a 1-3 record, and their first win overall (1-8). Hartsburg-Emden’s record is also 1-3 in the Tomahawk. Hartem is 3-8 overall.

Score by innings

Illini Central             530 60 – 14-10-3

Hartsburg-Emden    010 01 – 2-1-8

[to top of second column in this article]

Olympia vs. Delavan

Olympia and Delavan played a softball game in Stanford yesterday afternoon. The game was called due to the 10-run rule. Olympia won 14-1.

Jessie Shay was Olympia’s pitcher (three innings, four strikeouts). Of the nine games she has pitched this season, Shay has won eight. Tricia Gather took over for Shay in the fourth inning (two innings, four strikeouts). Al Flessner was the catcher.

Al Flessner and Becky Hieser both made doubles. Mindy Bachman and Tricia Gaither both batted in two runners.

Brooke Eeten was Delavan’s pitcher, and Danielle Green took over in the fourth inning. Jessica Dunlap was the team’s catcher.

Olympia’s softball record is 9-2-1, and Delavan’s record is 2-7.

Score by innings

Olympia      741 2x – 14-4-1

Delavan       010 00 – 1-2-8

[LDN]

College softball

Lincoln College vs. Springfield College

[APRIL 17, 2001]  Lincoln College’s softball team visited Springfield yesterday for a doubleheader. In both games, Lincoln College blew away the competition! The first game was 19-0, the second game was 9-1.

Brandi Barnes pitched the first game for Lincoln. Maggie Green was the team’s catcher.

Maggie Green and Crystal Wilkey both made three hits for the Lady Lynx. Amy Czerionka hit two balls and made a double. Brandi Barnes hit two balls. Amy Johnson made a double.

Stout pitched for Springfield and Hagele was the catcher.

Game 1

Score by innings

Lincoln         (15)31 – 19-13-1

Springfield     000 – 0-1-5

Brandi Barnes began pitching for the Lady Lynx in the second game. Jody Hicks replaced Barnes in the second inning and was credited with the win. Maggie Green served as Lincoln’s pitcher again.

Ronni Beebe made three hits during the second game. Maggie Green and Crystal Wilkey each made two hits for the Lady Lynx.

Stout and Hagele were Springfield’s pitcher and catcher, respectively.

Game 2

Score by innings

Lincoln         501 012 – 9-10-1

Springfield    010 000 – 1-2-4

[LDN]

[APRIL 6, 2001]  Sorry for the overused cliché. And to our loyal LDN readers, sorry for the lack of 411 the last few days. While we put a wrap on things from San Antonio, we had to deal with 24k modems that just weren’t getting the job done. In Minneapolis, overloaded phone lines prevented us from even sending our stuff. Oh well, you might be better off.

I’m STILL not even sure of what to make of what happened to the Illini in Texas. Whatever it was, it wasn’t a thing of beauty. One knowledgeable expert, who refuses to be quoted, told the LDN that if the games in Texas had been officiated like the games in Minnesota, the Illini would be sizing themselves for their rings. My ol’ buddy Craig says that "if ‘ands’ and ‘buts’ were candy and nuts, what a Merry Christmas it would be."

With all that being said, I guess you friends of LDN can pretty well figure that the Final Four was a very lonely experience without the Illinois squad being there with us. In fact, we disliked the teams that were there so much that for only the second time in the last 14 years we refused to buy tickets for the games.

BUT, the Final Four is not just an event with three big games. It’s much more of an experience than that. I hope all basketball junkies everywhere get the chance to take in some of the hoopla at some point in the future. There is so much to see and do, and believe it or not, Ed Plumier, most of it REALLY does promote a family atmosphere (other than the price of the tickets to the games…but, even at that, it’s more reasonable than the price to attend other major sporting events).

If you ever get the chance to share in the Final Four experience, here are some things that you should definitely look into.

First, on about Wednesday, the four teams arrive, and usually the press conference is something that you can take in. It’s a lot of coach speak to the purist, but the average fans would really get a charge out of it.

On Thursday and Friday, you can play America’s favorite family game, "Spot the celebrities." I tried to talk to Steve Mariucci, who is the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, but couldn’t get near him. Over the years we’ve shook hands with Kevin Costner, Nick Nolte and Gregory Hinds, waved to President Clinton, walked in Seattle with Jack Nicholson and George Steinbrener, and almost got shot in Indianapolis by one of Colin Powell’s bodyguards!

Friday night you could take your family to see a fairly reasonably priced college all-star game featuring some of the nation’s top seniors playing a stellar group of Harlem Globetrotters. There is also a slam-dunk and hot-shot challenge included "free" of charge!

I forgot to mention that if 3s and dunks are your cup of tea, there is an ESPN-hosted event on Thursday, but we usually boycott it just to be difficult.

There is also a high school hoop summit, usually on Sunday, featuring some of the best U.S. high school players playing some of the best international players. It is usually the best game of the weekend by far. You will also see virtually every major coach and scout in the country at that contest.

[to top of second column in this article]

One of the biggest attractions, by far, is "Hoop City." This event used to belong to the NABC (coaches association), but they sold out to the NCAA…guess the NCAA was struggling and needed another buck or two! This is probably the best value for the dollar, especially for young families with kids not yet in high school. There are dozens of interactive games, dozens of courts to play on, celebrities and autograph sessions galore, and every piece of Final Four memorabilia that could line your closets triple-thick. Most people love this event like no other. If you have kids that love hoops and are possibly a junkie yourself, take it in the next time the Final Four is in your neighborhood.

Probably the most exciting thing you could do and should do is to take your family to the Friday practice sessions. All four teams get an hour to practice in the venue at hand, and you can take your family and sit anywhere you want to. Amazingly, it is STILL absolutely FREE. But don’t worry, once the NCAA hears about that, they’ll figure out some way to make another buck off of that too!

If you love celebrities and awards, you can shell out some cash and take your kids to the College Basketball Awards show. We boycott this affair also, as we believe that basketball is a team game, and unless we like someone who is getting an award, we don’t want to be seen there.

One of the coolest things about the Final Four is meeting people from all over the country. The LDN was denied tickets for this year’s Final Four, so we had to do all of our milling around at the convention center and at the Metro Dome. It is just great to see every fan wearing the colors of their favorite team even though most of them realize that their hometowners have already been eliminated.

The town that hosts the Final Four is decorated and spruced up with beautiful colors, and they’re giving you free stuff every time you turn around. I usually take my vacation every year to go to this crazy event just to get the free stuff…I love free stuff!

At any rate, I’m very sad that the season is over. I mourn this time of the year for several months. I wish college basketball lasted for 12 months, but since it doesn’t, bring on baseball!

And if you are ever remotely close to a Final Four venue (upcoming ones will surely be in St. Louis and in Indianapolis), do yourself and your family a favor and take in at least one day of the experience. It is one of the most exciting things that you will ever do.

And finally, I want to thank each and every loyal LDN reader for taking the college basketball ride with my staff and me this season. We tried to give you a peek inside the world of college basketball, and we had a ball bringing you all of the coverage.

Thanks also to my wonderful staff who just did a tremendous job bringing you all of the action, especially during the month of December when Payne and I were getting introduced to one another. He can’t wait for basketball season to begin.

Anyway, thanks for tuning in…I hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed bringin’ it to you!

[Jeff Mayfield]

Announcements

Golf outing planned

[APRIL 12, 2001]  Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation has set Friday, June 29, for their seventh annual golf outing at the Elk’s Country Club in Lincoln.

The format will again be a four-person scramble with a 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shotgun start. The $75 entry fee includes greens fee and free cart rental, along with opportunities to win prizes and awards, including Hole-in-One, Top Foursomes, Longest Putt, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, for both men and women. Also provided are a continental breakfast and buffet luncheon.

In addition to golfing, a variety of sponsorships are available, including Tee, Cart and Prize Sponsorships. Appropriate recognition and benefits are provided for each sponsor.

All funds raised from the golf outing support the ALMH Care-A-Van service. The Care-A-Van is a specially equipped van, custom-built to provide non-emergency transportation for individuals who are wheelchair-bound or need transportation assistance to get to necessary appointments.

For more information on player registration or sponsorship opportunities, please call Cynthia Kelley at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 405.

[News release]

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