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College
basketball |
Lincoln
College vs. Hannibal-LaGrange
[NOV.
9, 2001] Lincoln
College rolled to an easy 73-39 victory over Hannibal-LaGrange in
women’s basketball at Lincoln Thursday night. The victory runs
the LC record to 2-0 for the season.
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The
Lady Lynx raced to a 43-10 halftime lead, and the second half was
played fairly even with Lincoln holding a 30-29 edge. Angie
Bossingham hit a pair of 3-pointers and had a total of eight
points in the first half, while Ronni Beebe hit one three pointer
and had nine first-half points for Coach Carol Wilson.
Thirteen
Lincoln College players cracked the scoring column, with Beebe and
Bossingham the lone double-figure performers.
Lincoln
College (73) —
Tammy Bausley 0-1-2-1; Jenny Story 1-0-0-2; Victoria Scott
2-2-3-6; Sarah McLaughlin 3-2-4-9; Audrey Hinrichsen 1-0-0-3;
Angie Bossingham 4-0-0-10; Ronni Beebe 5-1-2-12; Heather Dobey
0-2-4-2; Kim Massenburg 2-2-2-7; Ashley Sims 1-2-2-4; Mary Rossio
1-0-0-2; Jessie Dullard 4-0-0-8; Zabrina Harper 3-1-1-7.
Totals 27-13-20-73. Three-point goals: Bossingham 2,
McLaughlin, Hinrichsen, Beebe, Massenburg.
Hannibal-LaGrange
(39) — Pettis
3-0-2-6; Stull 2-4-8-8; Fischer 2-5-11-9; Capkovic 2-0-1-5;
Calhoun 0-1-2-1; Young 1-1-3-3; Poire 3-1-2-7. Totals:
13-12-30-39. Three-point goals: Capkovic.
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]
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ISU:
Yopp
happy with 'problems'
[NOV.
9, 2001] Illinois
State basketball coach Jenny Yopp has problems with her team
heading into Sunday's 1 p.m. exhibition game with the Chicago
Challengers. But they are problems she's happy to have.
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In Wednesday's 74-61 win over a
team from the National Women's Basketball League, Yopp saw all 11
of her players contribute. She saw the non-starters shoot
better than the starting five (.480 to .365). The Redbirds
got 27 points, nine of the team's 20 assists and eight of its 16 steals
from non-starters.
But
the starting five did plenty on its own. Freshman Katie
Donovan had 10 points and 13 rebounds, senior Kristi Larson had 11
points and as many boards. That's one more double-double
than the Redbirds had all last season. Sharon Blade also had
11 rebounds, giving ISU a trio of players who rebounded in double
figures. Again, last season, the 'Birds had just two
double-digit rebounding performances all season.
Sure,
it was only an exhibition game, but the Redbirds are trying to
establish a team-oriented, unselfish, hard-driving style of play
and Yopp believes it's happening.
"I
was particularly pleased at the number of times our players
attempted to take a charge (on defense)," said Yopp.
"It wasn't just one or two players, it was several. We
made a commitment to playing physical and we need to do
that."
The
other unselfish part of the game which had Yopp smiling was the
team's passing. Taren O'Brien, Beth Huston and Stacey White each
had five assists, but it was the kinds of passes that impressed
Yopp.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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"Our
players recognize how talented their teammates are and get them
the ball," said Yopp. "There were a couple of
occasions where a good decision would have been to shoot, but
players gave up the ball to teammates for a better shot."
The
solid contributions from so many players still have Yopp
considering which players to start and which combinations work
best on the court. She started O'Brien, Donovan, White,
Blade and O'Brien in the NWBL victory.
"We
had a solid group to begin with (against NWBL)," said Yopp,
"but it's too soon to say who will be our pacesetters on
Sunday."
One
player who probably won't see action is junior guard Steph Reichle,
still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.
"We
don't expect to have Steph on Sunday," said Yopp.
"We don't see any need to push her because we want her to
reach a point where she doesn't have pain."
Yopp
looks forward to having Reichle ready for the regular-season
opener Nov. 19 at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Illinois State opens its home schedule Nov. 25 vs.
Central Michigan.
[Thomas
A. Lamonica, Illinois State University]
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College
volleyball |
Redbirds
go back to work on the road
[NOV.
9, 2001] Last month, coach Sharon Dingman and the Redbird
volleyball team were reeling from back-to-back defeats at Northern
Iowa and Bradley. Now,
after back-to-back home losses to those same teams, Illinois State
is looking for a little more push in this weekend's trip to
Wichita State (Friday) and Southwest Missouri State (Saturday).
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"At
this point, it's up to us," said Dingman, whose Redbirds are
13-10 overall, 9-5 in the Missouri Valley. "We can play
better or we can fold up."
Dingman
quoted Sports Illustrated senior writer Frank DeFord, who spoke to
Redbird student-athletes at the State Farm Student-Athlete
Academic Excellence Banquet two weeks ago.
"He
talked about how powerful a loss can be," said Dingman.
"We have an opportunity to make changes and make it better.
It appears that Northern Iowa has the first seed (in the State
Farm-Missouri Valley Conference Tournament) pretty well sewn up,
but we still have a shot at the second seed; we need to win and
need some help."
Junior
middle blocker Jenny Kabbes agreed with Dingman.
"It's
time to put our 'challenge shoes' on and get after it," said
Kabbes. "Being away from home is a challenge because at
Redbird Arena the crowd is our seventh player, and they're always
behind us."
Kabbes
said the players haven't spoken directly about the recent end to
Illinois State's nine-match home-court winning streak with rare
back-to-back home losses, but it's in their minds.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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"We
have to move on and prove we can do it again," said Kabbes,
the Redbirds' leader in blocks and kill percentage. "We
all know it hurts, but getting a chance to play again gives us a
chance to put (the losses) behind us."
Wichita
State, which has won four of its last seven matches after a 5-12
start, is a team which has the tools, according to Dingman.
"They
are very talented, they are just very young," said Dingman.
"If they put it all together, though, they can play with
anyone."
SMS,
20-5, 11-3 in the Valley, is ranked among the top 10 teams in the
region and is gunning for that No. 2 seed and the bye which goes
with it. Setter Chenille Bayless leads a versatile attack
for the Bears, who are 9-1 since losing to the Illinois State in
four games Oct. 12 in Redbird Arena.
"SMS
has been playing very well lately," said Dingman.
"It's always a tough match on their court."
[Thomas
A. Lamonica, Illinois State University]
|
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College
soccer |
'Birds dominate
Valley soccer honors
[NOV.
9, 2001] After setting the Missouri Valley Conference
career goals record, Illinois State junior Annie Wayland has been
voted the league's Most Valuable Player.
Redbird coach Pete Kowall earned Valley Coach of the Year,
senior Angie Roth was named Valley Defensive Player of the Year,
and Illinois State placed six athletes on the all-conference
squad.
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Wayland, a native of St. Peters, Mo., became the
Valley's all-time leader in goals on Oct. 14 when she recorded her
46th career goal. Heading
into tomorrow's IronKids Bread/MVC Soccer Championship, Wayland is
tied with former Evansville forward Krissy Meek for the Valley
lead for most career points with 106.
She leads the Redbirds and the league in goals with 16 and
in points with 34.
Two-time All-MVC first-team selection Roth, who
hails from St. Louis, Mo., has anchored the Redbird defense for
the last four seasons. Led by Roth, this season's defense has
allowed an average of 5.67 shots per game for Valley opponents and
0.50 goals per league game.
Kowall, who previously was named MVC Coach of the
Year in 1998, earned the distinction for the second time in his
career after guiding the Redbirds to a 6-0 mark in league play and
a overall mark of 13-4 during the regular season.
"This is an award that is won by both the
head coach and the assistant coaches; it's a shared effort,"
Kowall said. "Our players have to be talented and willing to enough
to win. They have
embraced the idea of team and playing for each other, which makes
my job easier."
[to top of second column in
this article]
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Wayland and Roth are joined on the All-Valley
first team by junior Chrystal Johnston.
A native of Milton, Ontario, Johnston has pitched in with
four assists this season for the 'Birds.
Illinois State and Evansville each placed three on the
first team while Southwest Missouri State and Creighton had two
representatives apiece.
Goalkeeper Lynley Hilligoss and defenders Robyn
Brady and Melissa Colthrust were named to the All-MVC second team.
In addition to her second-team selection, Brady was also a
member of the all-freshman squad.
The top-seeded Redbirds face fifth-seeded
Southwest Missouri State Friday at 5 p.m. in the semifinals of the
IronKids Bread/MVC Soccer Championship at Sportport in Maryland
Heights, Mo.
[Heather
Henning, Illinois State University]
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College
track |
ISU
cross country to compete at regional meet
[NOV.
9, 2001] The Illinois State men's and women's cross country
teams head to Carbondale,on Saturday, Nov. 10, to compete
in the NCAA Midwest Regional Meet hosted by Southern Illinois.
The 30-team meet will open with the men's 10K race at 10
a.m., and the women's 6K race will follow at 11:15 a.m.
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The men's team enters the meet ranked No. 9
regionally.
The only other Missouri Valley Conference team with a
regional ranking is Northern Iowa at No. 3.
Oklahoma State owns the top ranking.
Competing for the Redbirds in the men's race will
be seniors Christian Goy, Robert Breit and Kevin Bailey, junior
Walter Ogola and sophomores John Shaffer and Todd Quedneau.
The women's team enters the meet without a top 10
regional ranking.
The women's team will feature Valley Female
Cross Country Athlete of the Year senior Stacia Beste, junior Jené
Klostermann, and freshmen Diana Ainsley, Laura Kennedy, Leah Smith
and Kelly Forst.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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"We ran well at the conference meet, but
there are people on both teams that feel they can do even
better," said head coach Jeff Pigg.
"The teams are upbeat and excited about having another
meet this season.
Enthusiasm (on the teams) is high right now, and I think our
momentum has carried us throughout the season.
I think we have the ability to surprise some people at this
meet."
The 30 schools competing in the meet include:
Bradley, Chicago State, Creighton, DePaul, Drake, Eastern
Illinois, Illinois, Illinois State, Illinois-Chicago, Iowa, Iowa
State, Kansas, Kansas State, Loyola-Chicago, Minnesota, Missouri, UMKC,
Nebraska, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Northwestern,
Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts, Saint Louis, Southeast
Missouri State, Southwest Missouri State, Tulsa, Western Illinois and
Wichita State.
[Rob
Huizenga, Illinois State University]
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College
basketball |
Cook’s double-double leads
Illinois to opening victory
Illini
unveil Big Ten championship banner
By
Jeff Mayfield
[NOV.
8, 2001] Brian
Cook came out of the tunnel and onto the court for the first time
this season with more hair than I have ever seen him sport. He
also has beefed up to the point that he’s starting to look more
like an NBA power forward than a skinny kid from some high school
on the prairie.
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From
the opening tip he looked like a decidedly better player, going
7-for-13 from the field and finishing with a team-high 17 points to
lead Illinois to a 104-81 victory over a
much-better-than-advertised Illinois All-Star squad. Cook added 13
rebounds to his line, including an impressive nine defensive
caroms.
The
All-Stars were giving the Illini all they wanted by hanging close,
trailing only 44-46 at intermission. But Illini used an explosive
13-3 run the first three minutes of the second half to put the
pesky stars away.
Sean
Harrington brought the crowd to its feet several times as he
canned 5-of-6 treys to also finish with 17 points on the night.
Cory Bradford and Frank Williams pitched in 16 points apiece, and
Robert Archibald added 12 as the entire starting five ended the
game in double figures. Damir Krupalija had a solid game as he
muscled his way in for seven points and four rebounds.
Looking
good off the bench for the Illini were Brett Melton, who nailed
two 3’s and another rim out, and red-shirt freshman Nick Smith
who tallied three points and three rebounds. Smith will be counted
on to give coach Bill Self a four-man rotation in the post, as it
looks like Krupalija and Smith will spell Cook and Archibald when
the pair are either in foul trouble or need a rest. However, Cook
played the most of any Illini player as he logged 29 minutes in
the fray.
Stray
arrows
Last
night’s game was only a sellout (16,300) because the game was
included in the season ticket package. Only 8,450 actually
attended.
I
still do not know what it will take to convince people that we
have one of the best teams in the country and they ought to come
out and support ’em … and these are people who have ALREADY
purchased tickets. The LDN is happy to help distribute ANY unused
tickets, as we know several college, high school and junior high
students who would love to see a game, ANY game.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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The
buzz around the pressroom after the game was concern over Illinois’
bench. While it doesn’t appear to be as strong, obviously, as
last year’s, I think it will be all right over the long haul. I
sure like all of the gifts Damir brings to the table, and I think
he can play in a big or small lineup. Nick Smith looked 100
percent better to me than he did last year. I know that others are
still concerned about him, but I think that he will make some real
contributions to the team. Brett Melton could give the squad a
huge lift, especially if Bradford or Harrington is having an off
night.
Last
year’s Big Ten championship banner was raised to the rafters
prior to last night’s tipoff. The crowd loved it … BUT, the
crowd wasn’t even 9,000 strong. Did the banner have to be raised
last night? Are we leaving last year to last year and getting on
with this year? Why not raise that banner prior to the tough
opening night game versus Gonzaga? Or before the Big Ten opener
against Minnesota? You know — whip the crowd into a frenzy and
then use that energy in the building to ride that wave to victory!
Just a thought. I’m crazy enough to think that I’d like to see
thousands of people enjoy these kinds of moments.
Next
up for the Illini is a Monday night game with Division II foe
Lincoln University. Lincoln used to be tough in the days of old,
back when they were in the old MIAA. SMS and other teams were not
yet D-I clubs in those days, but the competition was so fierce you
would have never known the difference. I think it’s great
that they’re giving teams like that the opportunity to take
center stage!
[Jeff
Mayfield]
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LCC
basketball excitement builds with talented players, new athletic
facility
[NOV.
8, 2001] There
are a few reasons to get excited about basketball at Lincoln
Christian College this fall. The most evident is the
30,000-plus-square-foot athletic facility that will be ready to
occupy in January.
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"I
go out and walk through it nearly every day," says Randy Kirk,
the men’s basketball coach. "We have played in an undersized
facility for a long time. We will miss the intimacy of the ‘Preacherdome.’
But it will be great to have a regulation court with space around
it, extra baskets for practice, a fitness center and a training
room."
The
Preachers are scheduled to play in the new facility on Jan. 10,
while the dedication will follow on Jan. 12.
As
far as the team itself, the Preachers got a big boost when Joel
Searby decided to transfer from Elmhurst. The U-High grad played a
significant role with the Blue Jays last year as they played their
way into the NCAA tournament. "Joel brings us experience and
size that we needed in the post," Kirk notes.
Other
notables who should get playing time include John Holderby, a
Calvary Baptist alumnus. "John played for a us a few years
back. He took a couple of years off and now is back with us,"
Kirk explains. Holderby will see time at the point.
Six
players return from last year’s squad, including three starters.
Clinton native Jim Turney started every game as a freshman last year
and brings that experience with him. Antoni Okusami, a 6-foot-3
forward from Warsaw, Poland, also returns to the starting lineup.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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Senior
Matt Clark, a 5-10 guard from Evansville, Ind., returns to lead the
Preachers. Clark scored 991 points last year, which appears to be
the second-highest single-season point total in the history of
Illinois college basketball. Hersey Hawkins had 1,125 in the 1987-88
season for Bradley. Clark enters this year with 1,913 career points
and is closing in on the school record of 2,188, which was set by
Jim Williamson, an Olympia graduate.
Here’s
what Kirk had to say: "What was amazing about Matt’s numbers
last year was not simply the number of points produced; he shot 49
percent from the floor, 43 percent from the 3-point line and 83
percent from the line. Considering the attention he drew, those
numbers are amazing."
It’s
pretty exciting in Lincoln this fall! Come and see for yourself!
[LCC
sports]
[Lincoln
Christian College men’s basketball schedule]
[Lincoln
Christian College men’s basketball roster]
[Lincoln
Christian College women’s basketball schedule]
[Lincoln
Christian College women’s basketball roster]
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Announcement |
Special
parking procedures for high-traffic weekend
[NOV.
8, 2001] In
addition to the Illinois State football team hosting Indiana State
Saturday, Redbird Arena in Normal will house the Illinois High
School Association’s volleyball state championships in what is
expected to be a high-traffic weekend for Redbird athletics. To
assist Redbird football fans, the Illinois State athletics
department has announced special procedures that will be in place
that day.
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Any
Redbird football patron without a parking pass will have to show a
football ticket to gain access to the public parking lots. The
public lots are the Ropp lot, the University High School lot and
the East Stadium lot. Just as with previous games, fans with
parking passes will be admitted into their respective lots.
Anyone
interested in purchasing football tickets is encouraged to do so
before Friday, the first day of the state volleyball
championships. On Friday, in addition to the ticket office at
Redbird Arena, tickets for the Illinois State-Indiana State
football game will also be available at the Alamo II bookstore
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Alamo II will again have tickets on
sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Illinois
State will offer a Family Day ticket package that allows game
tickets for two adults and two youth (14 and under), plus four
Pepsis and popcorn for $20. Fans are encouraged to purchase
tickets in advance to assure an opportunity to park that day.
Illinois
State and Gateway Football Conference rival Indiana State kick off
at 1:30 p.m. at Hancock Stadium for Senior Day.
For
more information, see www.redbirds.org.
[News
release] |
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College
basketball |
Lincoln
College vs. Carl Sandburg
[NOV.
6, 2001]
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Men
Lincoln
College men had a 70-68 setback at the hands of Carl Sandburg in
overtime at the Lynx gym Monday night. The loss drops LC to
1-2 for the season. Lincoln plays in the Rend Lake Classic Friday.
Gene
Reed hit a pair of free throws with 1:51 left in regulation to
give Lincoln College its last lead of the night before James Allen
hit a driving layup to knot the score and send the game to
overtime with 30 seconds left. Carl Sandburg scored the first two
baskets in overtime and was never headed. The Lynx got within one
point on a 3-point goal by Amir Major with 1:27 left (65-64) and
again at the 50-second mark on a goal by Derik Hollyfield
(67-66). Jason Jones then hit a pair of foul shots for the
Chargers with 19 seconds left to seal the victory.
Lincoln
managed 39 percent shooting from the floor while Carl Sandburg was
shooting 50 percent. The winners also had a 47-30 rebounding edge
in the contest.
Leading
Lincoln in scoring was Steve Turner with 15 points while Amir
Major added 14 and Hollyfield 10.
Carl
Sandburg (70) —
James Allen 6-11-1-1-15; Corey Neeley 0-0-1-1-1; LaNetrrick Harris
1-3-0-0-2; Clint Cowman 2-5-1-2-5; Jason Jones 0-2-2-2-2; Travis
Nesby 3-8-0-0-7; Matt Barton 1-1-0-0-3; Zeph Jones 6-12-2-3-17;
Brandis Leverette 8-12-2-3-18. Three-point goals: Allen 2,
Jones 3, Nesby, Barton. Totals 27-54-9-13-70.
Lincoln
College (68) —
Paris Williams 0-2-0-0-0; James Roberson 4-14-0-0-8; Josh Clark
1-3-0-0-2; Gene Reed 3-4-2-2-8; Mike Fowler 3-8-1-2-7; Steve
Turner 7-20-1-1-15; Mike Sams 2-7-0-1-4; Amir Major 5-8-0-0-14;
Derik Hollyfield 3-6-3-4-10. Three-point goals: Major 4,
Hollyfield. Totals 28-72-7-10-68.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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Women
The
Lincoln College women won their season opener 87-80 behind a
balanced attack as five Lady Lynx reached double figures. The Lynx
will be at home Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against Hannibal-LaGrange.
Leading
the way for Lincoln with 15 points was Victoria Scott, followed by
Angie Bossingham and Jessie Dullard with 13 each. Ronni
Beebe added 12 points, and Kim Calhoun rounded out the
double-figure scorers with 10.
Lincoln
College finished the game with 32 goals in 76 tries, while Carl
Sandburg was 21 of 57. Dullard and Scott were the leading
rebounders, with six and five respectively for the Lady
Lynx. Lakeisha Graham had four steals, and Bossingham had
four assists.
Coach
Carl Wilson stated, "It is good to get that first win, but we
obviously have a lot to work on. Graham did a good job and
came up with some steals and loose balls, and Ashley Sims came off
the bench to give us some good minutes. Beebe and Dullard
both played well. Defensively, we fouled way too much, and
that kept them in the ball game."
Lincoln
College (87) — Lakeisha
Graham 2-5-8-9; Victoria Scott 4-6-8-15; Jenny Story 1-1-2-3;
Sarah McLaughlin 1-1-2-3; Angie Bossingham 5-0-0-13; Ronni Beebe
4-4-6-12; Kim Calhoun 5-0-0-10; Ashley Sims 2-1-1-5; Jessie
Dullard 6-1-2-13; Sereida Melker 1-0-0-2; Zabrina Harper
1-0-0-2. Three-point goals: Bossingham 3, Scott. Totals
32-19-29-87.
Carl
Sandburg (80) — Chilton
2-0-0-4; Boettcher 0-9-10-9; Burnham 0-1-2-1; Dawson 3-1-3-8;
Sinnett 7-16-20-30; Peck 1-7-8-9; McBurney 4-2-2-10; Olson
1-0-0-2; Owen 3-1-2-7. Three-point goals: Dawson.
Totals 21-37-47-80.
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]
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College
volleyball |
Two
from LC receive conference honors
[NOV.
6, 2001] Two
Lincoln College volleyball players were selected as second team
all-conference in the CCCI for the recently completed season.
|
Molly
Owens and Beth Guy were the LC honorees. Owens, an outside
hitter from Mount Zion, led the team with 243 kills and was second
in blocks with 60. She compiled a .342 hitting efficiency
for the season. Owens is a sophomore at LC.
Beth
Guy, a freshman from Hartem High School, was also selected to the
second team. Guy tied for the team lead in serving aces with
45 and had a serving percentage of 98. She dished out
668 assists, a 7.5 per game average, and was among the top 25
setters in Division II in the nation.
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director] |
|
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College
wrestling |
Lincoln
College wrestling season opens
[NOV.
6, 2001] Lincoln
College opens its wrestling season Friday at the Muskegon Duals in
Muskegon, Mich. The team is under the direction of coach Dave
Klemm.
|
"We
have some talented wrestlers and are looking for good things this
season," said Klemm. "Our team chemistry appears to be
much better this season than last, at least during the early
practices. Our attitude has been good, and the kids have
been working extremely hard. They have shown a desire to
stick together as a team."
Heavyweight
Nathan Welsh was a national qualifier last season; however, he is
recovering from an injury and will not be available at least until
December. Michael Moharreri, 125, is also out at least two more
weeks with a rib injury. "The injuries may slow us down
a little at the start," said Klemm.
[to
top of second column in this article]
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Keith
Eimer is being counted on at the 133-pound class, with incoming
freshman Justin Collins pushing him hard. Collins and his
twin brother, Josh, are graduates of Olympia High
School. Josh is a leading candidate for a starting spot at
125. Montrell Lewis, 149, is a two-time state qualifier in
Michigan and will be counted on to contribute. Kevin Walton, 184,
won the state high school championship at Lisle last season and is
being counted on heavily.
"We
have a lot of spots open, but a lot will be determined when we
have our challenge matches Wednesday," said Klemm.
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]
[Click
here for Lincoln College wrestling schedule]
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High
school volleyball |
Super Lady Railers!
By
Rick Hobler
[NOV.
5, 2001] I
have some good news and some bad news. I’ll be brief about the
latter.
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The
Lady Railers volleyball team, loved by anyone who knows them, has
had a super season by any measuring stick you want to use. Their
season record of 29-8-1 is among the best in central Illinois.
They were the winners of two regular-season tournaments in
Champaign and East Peoria. They lost only one Central State Eight
Conference match and took second place in the conference. They
repeated as IHSA Regional champions. They made the LCHS history
books by being the first volleyball team to repeat as IHSA
Sectional champions. Only two teams in LCHS history in any sport,
boys or girls, have accomplished back-to-back sectional
championships. Coach Charissa Howe reached her 100th win early in
the season, and her lifetime total now stands at 122 by my
calculations. Christina Xamis tied a school service record with
eight aces in one game — the sectional semifinal. Senior team
members Tina Cook, Kelli Gleason and Darcy White have all been
recruited and will play college volleyball. Postseason honors will
follow shortly. And that’s just the beginning of this team’s
accomplishments.
This
season, the Lady Railers have formed lifelong relationships and
created lasting memories for themselves and their many fans. They
have matured through victory and adversity. They have made their
families and their fans proud and the photo- developing stores
rich. They have been excellent role models and special friends to
the little kids who someday want to be just like them. They have
stuffed themselves in the LCHS Suburbans and traveled many miles
together. They have talked about serious things and laughed about
silly things. They have shed some tears with each other. They have
fashioned each other’s hairstyles at least once every match.
They will always share the memory of being a part of this team.
They
have grown to love and be loved by their excellent coaches and
mentors, Charissa Howe, Tanya Conrady and Ashley Conrady. They
have practiced long and hard. They have played duck-duck-goose on
many a gym floor. They will never forget the good things about the
season of 2001 for as long as they live. They will reminisce about
it often. Memories of the losses and miss-hits will soon disappear
while that awesome kill, that smothering block, that service run,
those impossible digs off the floor will always be remembered.
Their team portrait will hang in a place of honor at LCHS.
This
team returned home to Lincoln, late Saturday night, one last time,
having played their hearts out at the East Peoria High School
Super-sectional.
Senior
Darcy White, the living, breathing epitome of the Railer’s
slogan of doing "whatever it takes" was unstoppable at
the net with 10 kills and consistent at the service line with
seven points. Her leadership almost helped her team pull it off.
Senior
Kelli Gleason, the team’s floor leader, was, as always,
everywhere the ball was, tirelessly handing out 20 assists,
knocking down four kills and putting the left-hand tip into places
on the other side of the net that no one could get to. Her strong,
calming leadership kept the Railers in the match.
Senior
Tina Cook, the heart and soul of the Railer front line was,
Saturday night, the bravest and most brokenhearted athlete I’ve
seen in years. In a freak pre-game accident, Tina’s knee was
twisted. The injury put her on the bench most of the match instead
of where she wanted to be — at the net, doing what she does
best.
Let
this one go, Tina. The result isn’t on your shoulders, even
though I heard you say it was. You gave well beyond what you
should have tried. You were still leading from the bench. The Lady
Railers would not have been in the super-sectional if it wasn’t
for your awesome net play all year long. You will play in many
more great volleyball matches. My hope is that Saturday’s match
will quickly fade from your memory.
[to
top of second column in this article] |
Kari
McFadden, last year’s sophomore sensation, turned into this year’s
impassioned junior leader. Her leadership and intensity were ever
present on Saturday. Her kills, from almost anywhere on the court,
brought the Railer fans to their feet. Kari had five points and
five kills for the night. She played to the point of exhaustion
and left it all on the court. No one could ask for more.
The
Railer’s quiet sophomore, Samantha Conrady, dug out serves, made
seven of the Railer kills and had four service points. I thought
she really stepped up and played. She will increasingly be a force
to be reckoned with by her opponents for two more years.
Freshman
Michelle McFadden was mature and poised well beyond her age
Saturday night. Even without her front-line teammate, Tina Cook,
Michelle still made excellent blocks on her own and never seemed
shook by the pressure of the moment. And the pressure of the
moment was huge! She will be a dominant force on the Railer front
line for years to come.
The
ever-smiling, but always intense on the court, Missy Aper added
three crucial service points to the Railer’s 20 points and
played excellent defense. Her back-line partner, Christina Xamis,
as always, played excellent defense and passed the ball to the
front line with her usual precision. Unfortunately, Christina
never really got the chance to get on another one of her usual
service runs. Missy and Christina are now, and will increasingly
be, great team leaders when the 2002 season rolls around.
Mindy
Crawford was the first person that coach Howe went to when Tina
Cook was unable to play. The coach’s confidence in her was
evident, and she played well in response to the adversity. Mindy
was a steady force on the court, especially in Game 1, when the
Railers were fighting for their playoff lives.
Kendal
Paulus, getting her first taste of varsity postseason action, got
one kill and an unsolicited education from several of her
opponents. I am sure she will put it to use and return the favor
to others in years to come.
If
high school sports are the last true remnant of real sport (and I
believe they are), where young people everywhere play with passion
and excellence, not for money, but because it’s fun and because
they love the game and their teammates, then the 2001 Lady Railer
volleyball team was a shining example of that remnant.
Congratulations on a great year!
And,
oh yes, I almost forgot… the bad news. The Lady Railers lost
their super-sectional match Saturday night to some team from up
north of here. With all the good things to remember, I can’t
remember who the other team was or what the final score was.
Oh,
well. It isn’t anywhere near as important as these excellent
young women who played their hearts out this year and made us
proud!
To
the seniors, Tina Cook, Kelli Gleason and Darcy White, let me say:
You’re the best! You made us proud! And, to all the Lady Railers
let me say thanks for giving me the privilege of knowing and
writing about each of you. Until next season, let me finish by
saying:
Way
to GO, RAILERS!
[Rick
Hobler]
|
|
Lady
Hilltoppers headed to state
[NOV.
5, 2001] With
a record of 32-7, the Mount Pulaski girls went to battle against
neighboring Warrensburg-Latham, with a 31-7 record, in the Class A super-sectional
at Momence on Saturday. Winning in two rounds, 15-12, 15-5, the Hilltoppers are on the road to state.
|
Mount Pulaski stats
Service
points: Erin Schmidt 10
Kills: Mary Olson
14
Blocks: Olson and
Laura Reeter 3
Assists:
Tiffany Conaway 37
State
tourney schedule
The
Class A state tournament will be in Normal on Friday and Saturday.
Friday
— Mount
Pulaski plays against Benton in Match 4, at 7 p.m.
Saturday
— If
Mount Pulaski wins, they play in Match 6 at noon against the
winner of Match 3, either Quincy Notre Dame or Byron.
Congratulations,
Lady Hilltoppers!
[LDN]
|
|
College
volleyball |
LCC
Angels take third at nationals
[NOV.
5, 2001] Amazingly,
coach Kevin Crawford and his Lincoln Christian College Angels
advanced to the Elite Eight at nationals. Equally amazingly, they
once again made it to the Final Four and brought home a
third-place place trophy! That makes six trips to the national
tournament, including a national title, two third-place finishes,
one fourth and two Elite Eights!
|
They
did lose a tough match to the eventual champions from Mid-America
Bible College but went on to beat Baptist Bible of Missouri for
the second time in the three-day tournament.
While
at the tournament, Becky Nangle and Breanne Prunty were named to
both the national all-tourney team and as first team
All-Americans! Christine O’Malley was also selected as a second
team All-American, and Heather Brock was named a National Scholar
athlete. Not to be outdone was head coach Kevin Crawford, who was
named NCCAA National Coach of the Year for the second time.
Congratulations,
Angels!
[Jeff
Mayfield]
|
|
College
basketball |
LC vs.
Mineral Area and Three Rivers
[NOV.
5, 2001] Lincoln
College opened the men’s basketball season with a split this
past weekend. The Lynx defeated Mineral Area 89-83 on Saturday,
after dropping the opener 85-64 to Three Rivers on Friday night.
|
The
Lynx open the home season Monday against Carl Sandburg at 7:30
p.m., following the season opener for the Lady Lynx at 5:30 p.m.
The
Lynx used a balanced attack against Mineral Area as four players
reached double figures. James Roberson led the way with 21
points on 7-of-11 shooting from the floor, including 5-of-8 from
3-point range. Derik Hollyfield was close behind with 20 points on
6-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-5 from 3-point land. Also hitting
double figures for coach B.J. McCullum were Amir Major with 16 and
Steve Turner with 11.
Lincoln
won the game at the foul line, hitting on 24-of-33 attempts while
Mineral Area was 12-of-20. The Lynx managed to shoot
38 percent from the floor but hit on 57 percent of its 3-point
shots. Major was the top rebounder for Lincoln with eight,
and Roberson contributed five assists to go with his 21 points.
In
the opener, the Lynx fell behind early and were not able to
recover. Three Rivers raced to a 39-25 halftime lead as
Lincoln managed just 26 percent shooting in the first half.
The Lynx improved to 40 percent the second half, but they could
not overtake the winners.
Hollyfield
provided the majority of the Lynx scoring, with 29 points on
8-of-16 shooting with 5-of-7 coming from 3-point range.
[to
top of second column in this article] |
Lincoln
College (89) —
Paris Williams 1-1-0-0-2; James Roberson 7-11-2-2-21; Josh Clark
1-4-3-4-5; Gene Reed 0-0-0-0-0; Mike Fowler 2-7-2-2-7; Steve
Turner 3-10-3-4-11; Mike Sams 3-9-1-3-7; Amir Major 3-14-9-12-16;
Derik Hollyfield 6-12-4-6-20; Sam Jackson 0-0-0-0-0. Three-point
goals: Roberson 5, Fowler 1, Turner 2, Major 1, Hollyfield 4.
Mineral
Area (83) —
Terry Tessary 4-7-2-2-13; Bryan Turner 4-12-2-2-10;Torry Saxton
7-1-6-12-20;Ryan Weatherspoon 1-4-2-2-4; Norman Prather
10-14-0-0-24; Karnau Catron 4-8-0-2-8; Chavis Landfair 2-6-0-0-4.
Three-point goals: Tessary 3, Prather 4.
Lincoln
College (64) —
Williams 1-2-0-0-2; Roberson 3-6-1-4-8; Clark 0-1-1-2-1; Reed
0-0-0-0-0; Fowler 0-0-0-0-0; Turner 2-11-2-6-7; Kehr 0-2-0-0-0;
Sams 2-4-2-3-6; Major 1-5-5-6-8; Hollyfield 8-16-8-9-29; Jackson
1-4-1-2-3. Three-point goals: Roberson 1, Turner 1, Major 1,
Hollyfield 5.
Three
Rivers (85) —
Gipson 4-11-0-0-12; McKinney 1-4-0-0-3; Ibrahim 1-5-0-0-2; Stamps
4-8-2-4-10; Johnson 6-14-2-3-16; Alston 1-5-2-3-4; Zayas
3-14-1-3-8; Sprewell 5-7-0-0-10; Akintunde 1-2-1-1-3; Mauricette
8-10-1-3-17. Three-point goals: Gipson 4, McKinney 1,
Johnson 2, Zayas 1.
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]
|
|
LCC vs.
Kentucky Christian College
[NOV.
5, 2001] Lincoln
Preachers hit the courts in Grayson, Ky., on Friday evening.
LCC held the lead by 10 at the half, 51- 41, but in a hard-fought
turnaround they were down by three as the buzzer sounded game’s
end for a loss, 96-93.
|
LCC
stats: Clark 14-2-33, Holderby 1-0-2, Below 6-2-14, Turney
1-0-2, Okusami 9-1-19, Grooms 2-0-4, Searby 6-2-19, totaling 39-
9-93.
[LDN]
|
|
|
College
swimming |
LC vs.
Principia
[NOV.
5, 2001] The
Lincoln College men defeated Principia College 149-65 in swimming
Saturday while the Lady Lynx were beaten by Principia 109-76.
|
LC
placings
Men
200-yard
medley relay — 1. Jason Hierman, Zach Welsh, Brandon Davidson,
Ronald Kestner, 1:43.94
1,000
freestyle — 1. Carl Kopecky, 10:44.21; 3. Bryan Sherman,
11:33.42
200
freestyle — 1. Scott Sampson, 1:52; 2. Kestner, 1:52.61; 3.
James Brooks, 1:57.23.
200
IM — 1. Ramiro Palmer, 1:59.74; 2. Joe Krysak, 2:05.19; 3. Zach
Welch, 2:09.63.
100
butterfly — 1. Palmar, :53.98; 2. Welch, :56.90; 3. Kopecky
:58.33
100
backstroke — 1. Joe Krysak, :56.92; 2. Jason Hierman, :58.34; 3.
Ryan Poss, :58.37
500
freestyle — 1. Scott Sampson, 5:05.52; 3. Sherman, 5:34.32
100
breaststroke — 1. Kestner, 1:05.16
200
freestyle relay — 1. Kopecky, Sampson, Krysak, Palmar, 1:55.01
50
freestyle — 2. Hierman, :24.29; 4. Doug Zimmer, :25.53; 5.
Davidson, :25:58
100
freestyle — 2. James Brooks, :52.97; 3. Davidson, :55.71; 4.
Zimmer, :57.66
One
meter diving — 1. Tim Philosophos, 189.5; 2. Sean Calhoun,
174.75; 4. Brett Chase, 124.35
Diving
— 1. Calhoun, 227.20; 2. Philosophos, 226.60
[to
top of second column in this report] |
Women
200
IM — 1. Leslie Seago, 2:22.85
100
butterfly — 2. Rachel Willenborg, 1:04.23
100
freestyle — 2. Angela Couch, :58.20; 3. Erin Nelson, :59.83; 4.
Jill Doxsie, 1:02.80
100
backstroke — 3. Bonnie DiFoggio, 1:19.53; 4. Megan Conlen,
1:20.42
500
freestyle — 1. Leslie Seago, 5:35.72
100
breaststroke — 2. Doxsie, 1:18.78; 3. Liz Wilson, 1:26.27
1,000
freestyle — 2. Couch, 11:43.12
200
freestyle — 1. Rachel Willenborg, 2:04.14; 3. Wilson, 2:18.52
50
freestyle — 1. Nelson, :27.7; 4. DiFoggio, :29.12; 5. Conlon,
:31.81
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]
|
|
Illini
football |
Illinois’
comeback kids pummel Purdue
By
Jeff Mayfield
[NOV.
5, 2001] Usually
when your favorite football team is down 13-0 late in the first
half of a game against a good team on the road, it’s hard to
have any good feelings about it. But somehow, during gut-check
time, the Illinois Fighting Illini must have gotten in line twice,
as they not only fought back to get close by halftime but went on
to clobber the Purdue Boilermakers 38-13 before 61,568 stunned
fans at Ross-Ade stadium.
|
And
all of a sudden, the Illini’s bowl schedule is getting rosier
week by week. I can almost see myself lying on a beach... I mean,
I can see the Illini in a much bigger bowl matchup than I ever
dreamed about during the preseason.
If
you don’t give the game ball this week to the defense, you
should never be allowed to watch another game! The defense kept
Illinois in the game in the first half but then returned two INTs
for scores in the second half, as the Illini put away a tough
Purdue team that most Big 10 teams have struggled against the last
three years! Bobby Jackson had a spectacular 83-yard slicin’ and
dicin’ interception return for a touchdown. Not to be outdone,
our favorite player, Christian Morton returned one 62 yards to the
house, and the Illini were heading to a beach somewhere!
[to top of second column in
this article]
|
I'm
not even going to talk about how this game puts Illinois in a tie
for first or what bowl implications may loom because of this HUGE
victory. The voice of reason says to keep playing them one at a
time and we will worry about bowl games when they send out the
invitations.
Brandon
Lloyd did have yet another stellar effort by making six grabs
while piling up 112 yards. Kurt Kittner incredibly threw for 299
yards and two touchdowns in spite of throwing four interceptions.
He is due to really cut loose and have a couple of big games.
Wouldn’t it be nice to see him ring up PSU, OSU and NW?
Up
next on the Illinois schedule is a very tough date with a
rejuvenated Penn State team. It is very difficult to beat a Joe Pa
team, but if ever there were a sense of urgency, there would be NO
time like next Saturday to settle a long-standing score with Mr.
Paterno and his Nittany Lions!
[Jeff
Mayfield]
|
|
College
basketball |
Lady
Lynx, 20-game winners last year, bring more depth to difficult
schedule
[NOV.
3, 2001] Lincoln
College begins the women’s basketball season Monday at Carl
Sandburg under the direction of fourth-year coach Carol Wilson.
Last season the Lady Lynx won 20 games for the first time since
the 1995-96 season. "With the players we have returning, and
with help from some of our freshman recruits, we are looking
for another good season," said Wilson.
|
Wilson
has turned the program into a winning tradition, as she was able
to win nine games the first year, 18 in her second season and 20
last year.
Seven
letter winners return from last year, led by Ronni Beebe, who
averaged 13.3 per game. Tiffany Thomas, who played only 15 games
last season, returns with a 9.5 average, and Jesse Dullard and
Sarah McLaughlin both return with averages above seven per game.
Other letter winners include Tammy Bausley, Heather Dobey and Kim
Massenburg.
"Injuries
have hindered us early in the practice session," said Wilson.
"Bausley, Dobey and Thomas have all missed valuable practice
time, but I think they will be able to help at least part-time
when the season opens.
"Jenny
Story has played exceptionally well in the preseason and may be
one of our more versatile players. She is able to play most
positions and is even capable of defending the post. Angie
Bossingham, a transfer from ICC, gives us a 3-point threat which
should help break zones. Right now we are rotating her and
Ronni Beebe at the point. We could put five guards on
the floor at one time if the competition dictates.
"Story
and Jess Dullard play a lot taller than they really are, and they
are not afraid to mix it up a little defending the post players.
We are looking for Sarah McLaughlin to come off the bench and give
us a spark. She gives our lineup a different look, and she is a
momentum changer.
[to
top of second column in this article] |
"We
should be a lot deeper than last season, I believe we may be able
to play as many as 12 players, which should keep us fresh.
Once the girls realize and accept their roles on the team, we
could be very competitive. Most of these girls are used to
playing the entire game in high school, and if they can adjust to
playing 15-20 minutes a game, we should have fresh players on the
court at all times."
Coach
Wilson continued, "Lakeisha Graham, Zabrina Harper and
Victoria Scott have a lot of athletic ability and quickness, and
Scott can play either guard or post up. Kim Calhoun and Ashley
Sims give us a physical presence and a lot of bulk; they just need
to work on their rebounding and get in their minds that every ball
belongs to them.
"Right
now our defense is probably our weakest area. We need to
become more aggressive and communicate better. Our weak-side help
needs to improve along with our rebounding; however, we have the
potential.
"I
feel we can compete for the conference title, with Parkland, John
Wood and Lake Land as the strongest contenders. The conference
should be stronger from top to bottom than in the past. Our early
schedule is very tough, but that should help prepare us for the
conference, as there are no easy wins."
[Bill
Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]
[Lincoln
College women’s basketball roster]
[Lincoln
College women’s basketball schedule]
|
|
|
Mayfield’s
Mutterings…
|
By Jeff Mayfield
[NOV.
2, 2001]
|
•
Lady Railers are
marching on!!! After a very slow start Thursday night, the
Lincoln High School Lady Railers dashed Champaign Centennial’s
hopes and dreams by capturing the sectional
championship. Up next for the Railers (29-7-1) is a Saturday
night date at East Peoria, where they will tangle with a familiar
foe, the Normal Community (34-3) bunch. Thank you, Rick Hobler, for
an outstanding job of bringing Lady Railer volleyball to our great
LDN fans! And good luck, Lady Railers!!!
• Speaking
of championships… the LCC Angels won their sectional-regional
championship, I believe for the very first time (even the year they
won the national championship, they did not claim the regional title). However, they weren’t finished yet. They won all of
their first-round games yesterday at the national tournament at
Faith Baptist in Ankeny, Iowa. LCC took matches over North Central,
30-24 and 30-13; Baptist Bible, Mo., 30-25, 28-30, 15-6; and Ozark
Christian, 30-19 and 30-22! Today the Angels face their nemesis,
Clearwater Christian, at 11 a.m. to determine which flight they will
be in, either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. For more in-depth coverage, go to www.lccs.edu,
click on athletics, then scroll down to the NCCAA tournament
logo-icon, and you’ll get more info than you could ever use!
•
The
Illinois Fighting Illini start a stretch of what I’m calling
four of the most difficult games you could ever have to play. This
Saturday they will battle Purdue at West Lafayette, Ind. The LDN
thinks that this will be a much harder football game than most people think.
If the Illini defense does not throttle the potent Boiler
spread-offense it could be a long game. On the other hand, if
Illinois can produce some kind of road magic, a quality bowl game
looms on our horizon!!!
• Lincoln
Railer boys basketball hits the hardwood for two-a-days starting
bright and early Monday morning. Part of the success of Railer hoops
is because of the total dedication by players, coaches and all of
the support personnel. I think I can speak somewhat knowledgeably on
this subject… There is a price if you want to be good. We believe
that the Green-White scrimmage should fall on Thursday night, Nov.
15. We’ll bring you more details on the "new look"
Railers soon!
• Also
on the Railer news front is Gregg Alexander… Gregg chipped in
six points in ISU’s opening exhibition victory last night before
an announced crowd of just under 5,000 patrons. All indications are
that Gregg is fitting in nicely and that ISU is primed for another
outstanding season.
[Jeff
Mayfield]
|
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