Hartem State Champion Volleyball Teams recognized by Logan County Board

[May 24, 2017]  LINCOLN - At the Logan County Board meeting May 16, the Hartsburg Emden girls' 7-1A and 8-1A volleyball teams were each recognized for winning IESA state championships.

Team members of the 7-1A were Lily Barry, Addie Beekman, Jenna Benner, Cassie Bridge, Izzy Cox, Cassie Crabtree, Brooke Denney, Desy Espinosa, Hope Griffieth, Violet Merz, Abby Montgomery, Cloee O'Donoghue, Dani Phillips and Allison Woolard.

Team members of the 8-1A were Jo Jo Baker, Serina Baker, Lily Barry, Addie Beekman, Grace Beekman, Jenna Benner, Cassie Bridge, Cassie Crabtree, Brianna Grabowski, Lanie Hamilton, Hattie Langley, Marilyn McGill, Starlei Miesner, Jaedyn Rybolt, and Allison Woolard.

Jennifer Hayes coaches both teams.

Board member David Hepler read the resolutions, which said:

"Volleyball has evolved into a sport of international popularity [and] participation ranges from the youngest elementary students to adult and even senior athletics to the Olympic games."

"Volleyball is an activity requiring excellence and physical fitness [and] combines individual skill sets with a team dynamic."

"Volleyball players individually and successful teams collectively necessitate outstanding coaching and acquiescence to the coach's decision."

In addition, "at the middle school level, player participation requires the support, transportation, patience, and understanding of parents, grandparents, and even neighbors."

"Logan County schools have enjoyed a tradition of athletic excellence to accompany strong academics and other essential extracurricular activities [and] the sport of volleyball in particular is often distinguished our student athletes with the many successes."

"During the 2016-2017, the Hartsburg Emden 7th grade volleyball team competed at the highest level of their sport and culminated their seasons by winning the 2017 seventh grade class 1A state championship title."

The resolution for the eighth grade team said these same words, noting they won the 2017 eighth grade class 1A state championship.
The resolutions ended with, "Be it therefore resolved that the Logan County Board congratulates the players and coaches of the Hartsburg Emden 7th grade volleyball team, commends the administration and staff for promoting this and other valuable activities."

It also thanked "the parents, grandparents, and many other members of the community who contributed to this outstanding achievement."

The resolution for the 8th grade team noted these same points.

Coach Jennifer Hayes said, "We would like to thank you for the honor." She said, "This is such a big deal for the girls. It does take a lot of dedication [and] a lot of hard work [for] not only the players, but the parents and the community."

Hayes said, "To have the support that we have here in Logan County, and for the level of play we do have here in all our teams in Logan County, is an attribute for the great heart of Illinois that we have." She said, "Thank you very much for this recognition. It was wonderful."

The teams received a round of applause from the board and the resolutions were unanimously approved.

[Angela Reiners]