After the Wabash District #348 school board voted to accept an invitation to join the Little Illini Conference, we were able to talk with MCHS Athletic Director Kyle Buss who started off by explaining when talks to join the LIC began…
Eryn Gould Receives MVC Academic Recognition
880 Missouri Valley Conference student-athletes received the league’s Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award, which requires a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for each of the previous two semesters, a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average, and participation in athletics a minimum of two years.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its 2019-20 Honor Roll, which recognizes academic achievement of student-athletes. To qualify for the Valley Honor Roll, a student-athlete must have recorded a minimum 3.2 grade point average for a specified term (Fall 2019/Spring 2020), must have been a member of an athletics team, and must have been enrolled full time during the term they earned the honor.
Among those honored is Mt. Carmel native Eryn Gould who is a member of the University of Evansville softball team. Eryn earned spots on both the Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award and the MVC Honor Roll.
WVC Bass Team To Host Meet & Greet Tonight
The Wabash Valley College bass team will be hosting a meet & greet with the team on Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the college’s Main Hall parking lot, next to the marquee from 4 – 6 p.m.
WVC Warriors Austin Holtgrave, Chevvy Wood, Clayton Halbig, Colin King, Colton Bridwell, Drew Gill, Grant Behnke, Holden Kauble, Hunter Michl, James Cole Hess, Josey Ault, Nathaniel Kiefer, Zane Kelly and Zebulon Frasure will all be at the meet & greet with their boats.
Illinois Conservation Officer Cory Skelton will also be present to talk to the WVC anglers about boat safety.
The anglers and their boats will be on hand from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to wear a mask. The bass team will be accepting donations of $25 gas cards to help with fuel costs this season.
Those interested in learning more about the Wabash Valley College bass team can visit www.wvcwarriorathletics.com, click on Club Teams and select Bass Fishing. You can also keep up with WVC bass team news by following them on Facebook @WVC Bass Team and on Instagram @wvcbassteam.
Lady Rockets Blank Clay City As Andrews Strikes Out 16
The Lady Rockets softball team is on fire. Bella Andrews came out firing for another shut out and 16 KOs to lead the team to a 7-0 victory.
Top 1st 3 up 3 down as Andrews struck out the first three batters.
Bottom 1st Kali Walker walked. Lyla Keepes hit to third base. Thrown out at first. Bella Andrews hit to short. Madison Stevens hit over the short stop. Walker scored. Cortney Jones walked. Elizabeth Hefner to center. Andrews and Stevens scored. Hazel Earnest struck out. Riley Gill struck out but with a drop third she was thrown out at one. SCORE 3-0
Top 2nd Batter hit to first but Stevens scooped it up and tagged the runner for the out. Andrews struck out two more.
Bottom 2nd Ella Turner walked. Walker hit to center field. Keepes hit up first baseline but was tagged at first. Bella Andrews also walked. Stevens struck out. Jones was walked and Turner scored. Hefner hit over short. Walker scored. Earnest hit to third and was barely thrown out at first. SCORE 5-0
Top 3rd Andrews walked first batter. However she was called out on first leaving early to steal. Andrews followed up with two more KOs.
Bottom 3rd Gill connected and hit to second but thrown out at first. Turner struck out. Walker hit a line drive to third that was caught. SCORE 5-0
Top 4th Andrews started with a KO followed by a pop up. Andrews with the catch. Next batter hit to short. Keepes fielded to Stevens at first for the out.
Bottom 4th Keepes hit down the third base line for a double. Andrews hit to short and thrown out at first. Stevens hit to center. Keepes scores. Stevens was tagged out at 2 on the throw down. Jones hit to right. Hefner popped one over second baseman. Earnest had a pop to first but it was caught. SCORE 6-0
Top 5th Andrews came out firing strikes for 3 more KOs.
Bottom 5th Gill hit to pitcher but thrown out at first. Turner also hit to the pitcher but couldn’t beat the throw to first. Walker hit a bomb to center followed by one to third by Keepes. Andrews hit to left field but with a spectacular play by the short stop it was caught. SCORE 6-0
Top 6th Andrews followed up with a strike out, a walk and then another strike out. Last batter would hit to short. However, Hefner would field to Keepes for the out at second.
Bottom 6th Madison hit a nice ball to center that was unfortunately caught out. Jones hit to third but thrown out at one. Hefner whose bat was rattling all night would hit to left field for a double to add to her three singles of the night. Earnest would connect again hitting to second and advance to second off an error at first allowing Hefner to score. Gill was walked and Turner would strike out.
Top 7th Andrews was chasing more strike outs to follow up yesterday’s total of 15. She’d start with 2 to match yesterday’s total. The third batter of the inning would hit between pitcher and short and get on base denying Andrews a no hitter. She’d finish the game however with her 16th KO for a final of 7-0 vs Clay City.
Coach Walker, Coach Keepes, and Coach Andrews are proud of this team’s 4-0 start to the season. It has been a great blend of older experienced girls leading, encouraging, and teaching the younger girls.
The team is off tomorrow for some well deserved rest but will be back at home again on September 1st for another WEAA matchup against Jasper-Geff at 4:15 pm on 4th street field. Go Lady Rockets!! Photo credit: Bonnie Keepes
Andrews Fans 15 As Lady Rockets Blank West Salem,
Despite the heat, the SMS Lady Rockets secured their first home win of the season Monday afternoon against West Salem. Bella Andrews would pitch a shut out with 15 KOs, only 7 hits and zero walks.
Top 1st Bella Andrews would strike the first three batters out.
Bottom 1st
Kali Walkers (12) bunt and fielding errors would land her on third base. She’d score on wild pitch.
Lyla Keepes (6) 2 hit two foul tips before striking out. Bella Andrews (8) hit a grounder to second and an error put her on first. She also scored.
Madison Stevens (19) with a pop over the pitchers head also got onto first.
Cortney Jones (15) would ground to pitcher getting on first. Elizabeth Hefner (9) strikes out.
Hazel Earnest (7) hit to pitcher but was thrown out at first.
SCORE (0-2)
Top 2nd Walker (catcher) would catch a foul tip for the first out. Bella would close the inning with 2 more strike outs.
Bottom 2nd
Riley Gill (3) laid a great bunt but was barely thrown out at first. Bayley Andrews (2) would strike out. Walker laid another bunt and got on first. Keepes hit to short. Bella Andrews bunted and Walker scored. Stevens hit to short buy thrown out at first.
SCORE 0-3
Top 3rd
Bella Andrews went to work early with 2 KOs. A hit to pitcher and an error allowed a runner on first. Bella would close the inning with another strike out.
Bottom 3rd
Jones was walked.
Hefner also walked.
Earnest had a solid left field hit allowing Scored Jones and Hefner to score. Hazel would score off a wild pitch.
Gill was walked.
Bayley Andrews would strike out.
Walker hit to short but out on a nice snag.
Keepes hit to third but didn’t beat the throw to first.
SCORE 0-6
Top 4th
Bella started with striking out the first batter. A drop third allowed a runner on base. Next batter hit to second but Hefner connected with Stevens at first for the out. A grounder to pitcher saw Bella Andrews throw to Stevens at one for the third out.
Bottom 4th
Bella Andrews would ground to short but thrown out at one. Stevens was also thrown out at one.
Jones was hit by a pitch. Hefner ground to pitcher and thrown out at first.
SCORE 0-6
Top 5th
First batter hit to second getting on base.
Bella Andrews followed up with 2 strike outs.
The runner advanced off base. Keepes and Stevens ran her down, allowing Keepes to secure the third out with the tag.
Bottom 5th
Earnest grounded out to first. Gill struck out.
Ella Turner also struck out.
SCORE 0-6
Top 6th
Bella Andrews started another inning with a strike out. The next batter would hit to center left but only get on first with excellent fielding by Gill and Turner. The runner attempted to steal second. Walker at catcher threw down to Keepes at short for the tag at second. Bella finished the inning with yet another KO.
Bottom 6th
At the top of the line up Walker was walked. Keepes got on first off a drop third. Bella Andrews hit to center field and Walker scored.
Stevens hit to second but out on a nice catch.
Jones hit to pitcher and was also out on the catch. Hefner hit straight up the third base line. Keepes scored. Earnest struck out.
SCORE 0-8
Top 7th
Bella struck the first batter out. Next batter hit to Jones @ third. She threw to Stevens for the out at one. A Hit to deep center allowed a runner on second. Last batter hit to pitcher, Bella Andrews who connected with Stevens at first for the game.
FINAL 0-8
A very big thank you to the fans who came to support the girls. Also thank you to the umpires Matt Noble and Johnny Compton. And again to Bonnie Keepes for the photos of the girls.
Lady Rockets are back in action at home again tomorrow at 5pm vs a solid Clay City program.
Photo Courtesy: Bonnie Keepes
Mt. Carmel Accepts Invitation To Join Little Illini Conference
Mt. Carmel High School is officially a member of the Little Illini Conference. Meeting in special session this morning, the Wabash District #348 school board voted unanimously to accept the L-I-C’s invitation to become a member of the conference effective with the 2021-22 school year. Athletic Director Kyle Buss told the school board the move is a great fit for MCHS….
Last year, Mt. Carmel was not affiliated with a conference after leaving the Big 8 Conference. This year, the Aces are a provisional member of the L-I-C making it easier to schedule opponents during the state’s restrictions imposed because of the pandemic.
Mt. Carmel Athletic Director Kyle Buss discussed the invitation to join the Little Illini Conference to board members.
IHSA Board Approves Modified Postseason For Fall Sports
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met virtually for their regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, August 24, 2020, where the Board approved a plan to conduct modified postseason state series tournaments in boys and girls golf, boys and girls cross country, girls swimming & diving, and girls tennis this fall.
The approved plan will allow for a single round of regional geographic competition to be conducted the week of October 19-25, with the majority of the events expected to be held on Saturday, October 24.
“The health and safety of the student-athletes, their coaches, and their school communities has been our priority from the start of the pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Throughout the spring and summer, we looked for ways to reengage student-athletes with their peers and coaches, and our membership has shared countless positive experiences from that initial ‘return to play’ period. We have found similar value in being able to conduct fall sports, and believe the participants deserve a culminating experience if we can offer it safely.”
The IHSA State Series tournaments will meet all Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. The IHSA will be finalizing and releasing details for each fall state series tournament in the coming weeks, including dates, schedules, awards, structure, and additional safety precautions.
In conjunction with the modified fall state series, the Board also approved a $100 state series entry fee for any school entering a team or individual in any of the fall sports.
“The IHSA office is charged with the responsibility of being a good steward of the Association’s finances,” said Anderson. “The past few months have seen a significant reduction in the IHSA’s income, given the cancellation of the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals and the entire spring season. Financial challenges remain on the horizon in 2020-21 due to the limited number of sports currently classified as ‘low risk’ by the state, making the chances of conducting full state series tournaments unlikely at this time. ”
The IHSA By-laws allow the Board of Directors the discretion to implement entry fees into IHSA State Series tournaments. The IHSA last charged a tournament entry fees in 2004-05.
“An overwhelming number of school administrators supported the fees in recent surveys,” said Anderson. “Not charging entry fees has been a point of pride for the IHSA. We are humbled by the support of our member schools during this difficult time, and appreciative of their support.”
The Board will continue to look at the postseason options by sport and season as the school year progresses, so they can accurately gauge the allowable IDPH options and most current COVID-19 data.
“Interscholastic sports, like the IHSA and IESA, have rightfully followed stricter return to play guidance than non-school events since the start of the summer,” said Anderson. “While we understand and appreciate the frustration felt by high school coaches due to the stricter guidance, we also recognize the need for that added guidance, even though it may create more challenges for us. There is a responsibility that exists within the school setting to create a safer environment for the community as a whole, while non-school competitions are often conducted without any standardized safety protocols.”
ACTION ITEMS
1. The Board approved a recommendation to implement a Hate Speech Policy. To see the Policy, click here.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“The IHSA has not and will not tolerate hate speech, and this new Policy helps further reiterate our position that black lives matter. But hate speech goes beyond racism. It can be a verbal or non-verbal action aimed at an individual’s gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, and beyond. This policy is addressing hate speech at its core with the goal of educating everyone involved. It goes well beyond the scope of the game. Previously, incidents of hate speech would have fallen on game officials seeing or hearing an inappropriate action live, and then using their game rules to assess the appropriate unsporting penalty. If hate speech occurs, it will be addressed immediately at the contest, and then follow-up education will occur with the team and coach. This is a timely addition given some of the recent events in our country, but it has actually been in the works for several months. We appreciate the conferences who helped shepherd this cause at the state level, as well as individuals like Evanston Township High School Athletic Director Chris Livatino and Glenbard East High School Athletic Director Dwayne Bates for previously speaking with the IHSA Board about the merits of a hate speech policy.”
2. The Board approved a recommendation for the IHSA Girls Softball State Finals to move to the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria beginning in 2021. The contract encompasses five seasons from 2021-2025. The Eastside Centre in East Peoria, who has hosted the state finals since 2001, also submitted a hosting proposal along with Chicago Bandits Stadium in Rosemont, the Rantoul Family Sports Complex, and Southern Illinois University.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“Louisville Slugger is an amazing complex and we are excited to transition the tournament there. The amenities and stadium feel of the facility will provide an unforgettable experience for the student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We are excited for the tourney to remain in the Peoria area, and incredibly thankful for all that the Eastside Centre and its staff have done for this tournament through the years. Thank you to all the groups who submitted bids. They are all amazing places to watch softball and help highlight why the sport is thriving in our state.”
3. The Board approved a recommendation to approve a partnership with the Wanamaker Corporation, making iWanamaker the official scoring app of IHSA golf.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“We are always looking for ways to integrate new technology into our sports and activities, and we are excited to work with an innovator like Wanamaker. We believe that iWanamaker is the top golf scoring app on the market, and know that its live scoring function will serve the players, fans, and media well during the IHSA postseason. We encourage our schools to use it in the regular-season as well, as it helps reduce contact among players.”
4. The IHSA Board tabled a recommendation to approve a budget for 2020-21 school year.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“In addressing the financial challenges currently facing the association, the IHSA continues to discuss the budget for the 2020-21 school year that currently reflects approximately a 40% percent reduction in expenses from 2019-20. The financial strains placed on many businesses due to COVID-19 are also being felt by the IHSA. As a non-profit organization, the IHSA relies on fan attendance at IHSA postseason events to account for approximately 70% percent of our annual income. We have made considerable reductions already, and realize that more will be forthcoming as we navigate the challenges of this school year.”
5. The Board determined that there will be no late fees added for officials during the 2020-21 school year.
6. The Board approved a recommendation to move the 2021-22 officials licensing renewal period to begin on July 1, 2021.
7. The Board approved a recommendation to change the cost of NFHS Rulebooks sold via the IHSA office from $7.00 to $9.00 per rulebook to better match the pricing of other state high school associations.
8. The Board approved a recommendation to move the October Board meeting date to October 19.
9. The Board approved a recommendation to implement updates to the IHSA Employee Policies and Document Retention Plans for the 2020-21 school year.
APPEALS & HEARINGS
1. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Aurora (Illinois Math and Science Academy). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.011.
2. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Alton (Marquette). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.040.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain items the Board discusses, but upon which no action is taken. The following is a report of those items from the August 24, 2020, agenda:
1. The Board discussed the IHSA Scholastic Standing By-law (3.023) as it relates to participation in winter, spring, and summer sport seasons for students who graduate at the conclusion of the first semester. At this time the board will not grant an exception to this by-law.
2. The Board discussed non-school team participation by student-athletes when competing on a school team in the same sport. The Board is not considering any action for fall or winter sports related to this by-law. They are seeking more data on the impact that providing an exemption to this rule would have on the IHSA sports being played in the spring and summer seasons during the 2020-21 school year. They plan to revisit the matter at an upcoming meeting in advance of the spring and summer seasons.
3. The Board heard a presentation on the potential implementation of a shot clock in boys and girls basketball from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, who were represented by Michael Ellis from Evanston (Twp.), Matt Monroe from Chicago (St. Ignatius), Tyrone Slaughter from Chicago (Whitney Young) and Patrick Woods from St. Charles (East). The Board and IHSA staff will work with the presenters on potential next steps.
4. The Board heard a report from Coordinator of Special Programs Raye McDonald on the annual all-school mailing that was conducted in mid-August.
Lady Rockets Move To 2-0 With Win At Grayville
Lady Rockets are victorious against Grayville tonight with a final of 7-4.
Top of 1st
Kali Walker and Lyla Keepes grounded out.
Bella Andrews was walked to first
Madison Stevens also grounded out to first.
Bottom of 1st
Bella Andrews strikes 2 out
Throw to first gets third out
0-0
Top of 2nd
Cortney Jones walks to first and scores
Elizabeth Hefner strike out
Hazel Earnest hits a double
Riley Gill strike out
Ella Turner at bat but Hazel was tagged out trying to steal home.
Score: 1-0
Bottom of 2nd
Bella strikes 2 out.
Madison gets the out at first.
Score: 1-0
Top 3rd
Ella turner strikes out
Bayley Andrews walked and scored
Kali Walker hit by pitch and Scored
Lyla Keepes Walked And Scored
Bella Andrews was walked.
Madison Stevens was hit by pitch
Cortney Jones was walked
Pitcher change For Grayville
Elizabeth Hefner hit to pitcher and Bella was tagged out at home.
Hazel earnest hit a pop up to pitcher and was third out.
Score 0-4
Bottom 3
Bella strikes out 1st batter
Drop third out at first with throw from Kali to Madison Stevens
Bella strikes out third batter.
Score 0-4
Top 4
Riley Gill ground out to pitcher
Ella Turner hit to second baseman but out at first on throw.
Bayley Andrews ground out to first.
Score 0-4
Bottom 4th
Strike out drop third Kali to Madison.
Batter hit to second and Elizabeth Hefner throws her out at first to Madison.
A hit to center allows runner on first, she stole second and third. She scored on dropped pitch.
Pop up to first allows Madison to secure third out
Score 1-4
Top 5th
Kali hit just over pitcher gets on 1st
Lyla hit to center and runs to first
Bella hit to third and gets on first. No outs.
Madison to center left. Allowing Kali and Lyla to score.
Cortney Jones hits to pitcher on first. Bases loaded again.
Liz Hefner hits a pop up. Cortney tagged out at first before she could tag up.
Hazel hit to pitcher and thrown out first.
Score 1-6
Bottom 5th
Hit to short. Lyla Keepes throws to Madison For out.
Bella strikes out batter.
Bella strikes out third batter.
Score 1-6
Top 6th
Riley Gill strikes out.
Ella Turner strikes out.
Bayley Andrews was walked
Kali Walker out on pop up to short.
Score 1-6
Bottom 6th
Bella strikes out first batter.
Walked batter who stole second and third.
Bella strikes out another batter.
Next batter hits to center, shes on first.
Drop third, score, runner on second.
Bella throws to Kali for third out on runner stealing home.
Score 3-6
Top 7
Lyla Keepes was walked and scored.
Bella Andrews was walked.
Madison Stevens hit to right field and gets on first.
Cortney Jones strikes out.
Liz Hefner was walked
Hazel earnest strike out.
Riley Gill strike out.
Score 3-7
Bottom 7th
Hit to right Hazel fields the ball and stopped the runner at first
Next batter hits to second. Out at first with throw from Liz to Madison.
Bella strikes out next batter.
Wild pitch allows runner to score.
Bella Andrews secures 14th strike out of the day to end the game with a final score of Grayville 4 SMS 7
SMS advances to 2-0 in the conference and season. The Lady Rockets are back in action Monday August 24th at 4:15 for their first home game against West Salem.
Photo credit to Bonnie Keepes.
Lady Rockets Open Softball Campaign With Win At Cisne
On Tuesday August 18th the Lady Rockets Softball team travelled to Cisne for their first game of the season. They would finish the game on top out scoring Cisne 10-8.
TOP OF FIRST:
three up three down
BOTTOM OF FIRST:
2 outs at first
Bella Andrews struck out the third batter
Score: 0-0
TOP OF 2ND:
Madi Stevens and Kourtney Hall were walked and stole home.
Hazel Earnest hit to pitcher and got on first
Riley Gill bunted and got to first
BOTTOM OF 2ND:
Madi got an out at first
Lylas Keepes throw to first got second batter out
Bella struck out third batter
Score: 2-0
TOP OF 3RD:
Lyla hit to midfield got on first and stole second third and home.
Bella also got on base and stole home
Elizabeth (Liz) Hefner got walked to first.
Score: 4-0
Bottom of 3rd:
Bella struck 2 batters out
Liz threw out to first the third batter.
Score: 4-1
Top of 4th:
Kali Walker hit to second got on first and ran home.
Madi hit to second got on first while Bella was walked. Both Bella and Madison stole home.
Bottom of 4th
Kali playing catcher throws down to second and gets first out
She also threw to first for the second out
Bella struck the third out
Score: 7-1
Top of 5th
The Lady Rockets would go three up three down
Bottom of 5th
Throw to home gets first out
Bella strikes out next two batters
Score: 7-1
Top of 6th
Again the Lady Rockets go three up three down.
Bottom of 6th
Bella struck all batters out
Score: 7-1
Top of 7th
Bella got a triple hitting to midfield.
Kourtney walked to first and stole second.
Bella Stole home
Liz was walked to first
Kourtney stole home
Riley was also walked to first.
Liz stole home
Bottom of 7th
Pitching change for the Lady Rockets and Lyla strikes one out.
Liz catches second out and throws to first for third out.
Final Score 10-8
The Lady Rockets will be traveling to Grayville
for the second game this Thursday.
WVC bass team signs Drew Fromm of Harrisburg
Wabash Valley College's bass coach, Professor Todd Gill, is excited to announce the signing of Drew Fromm for the 2021–2022 collegiate bass season. Fromm signed on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Drew is the son of Derrek and Jaylyn Fromm of Harrisburg, Ill. He is a senior at Harrisburg High School and will be competing this coming season with the Harrisburg bass team for the fourth straight season. Fromm's most notable finish was a high school tournament on the Ohio River where he finished 3rd out of 43 boats.
He also had a top ten finish this past summer in the WVC High School Bass Invitational at East Fork Lake. Fromm plans to study criminal justice in college and is excited about his opportunity to be a part of the Wabash Valley College bass team.
Those interested in learning more about the Wabash Valley College bass team can visit www.wvcwarriorathletics.com, click on Club Teams and select Bass Fishing. High school juniors and seniors that have an interest in a campus visit can fill out the recruiting questionnaire and Coach Gill will contact them to discuss the team and schedule a campus visit.
You can also keep up with WVC bass team news by following them on Facebook @WVC Bass Team and on Instagram @wvcbassteam.
Derrek Fromm and Drew Fromm
No Fans At Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020) – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway today issued the following statement:
“It is with great regret that we announce the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Aug. 23 without fans. This tough decision was made following careful consideration and extensive consultation with state and city leadership.
“As dedicated as we were to running the race this year with 25 percent attendance at our large outdoor facility, even with meaningful and careful precautions implemented by the city and state, the COVID-19 trends in Marion County and Indiana have worsened. Since our June 26 announcement, the number of cases in Marion County has tripled while the positivity rate has doubled. We said from the beginning of the pandemic we would put the health and safety of our community first, and while hosting spectators at a limited capacity with our robust plan in place was appropriate in late June, it is not the right path forward based on the current environment.
“We encourage Hoosiers to continue making smart decisions and following the advice of our public health officials so we can help get Indiana back on track.
“Penske Corporation made a long-term investment to be the steward of this legendary facility. While we were very excited to showcase the investments and enhancements we have made in the guest experience, we know we have reached the right decision. As much as Roger Penske and everyone associated with the ‘500’ wanted to race with fans this year, we ultimately reached this conclusion in partnership with the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis.
“Our commitment to the Speedway is unwavering, and we will continue to invest in the Racing Capital of the World. We encourage everyone to watch this year’s race on NBC, and we look forward to welcoming our loyal fans back to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ on May 30th of 2021.”
Further Information from IMS
All on-track activity during the month of August, including practice and qualifications, will be closed to the general public.
Individuals who still have tickets to this year’s Indy 500 will be credited for the 2021 Indianapolis 500 and will retain their seniority and their originally assigned seats.
The first Indy 500 practice will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a full schedule available on IMS.com.
All of the action from IMS can be viewed via NBC Sports Gold, NBCSN or NBC. Visit IMS.com or INDYCAR.com for a comprehensive streaming and broadcast schedule.
The 104th Running of the Indy 500 will take place Sunday, Aug. 23, with national coverage beginning on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.
Change Of Heart: Fall Sports Back On SMS/Allendale
From Allendale Superintendent Bob Bowser: The Diocese of Belleville, after much deliberation, has determined Fall sports at the Junior High level may happen. We will be following the IHSA Phase 4 guidance, SIJHSAA guidance, as well as Diocesan guidance. Information regarding player/parent meeting and first practice for baseball and softball will be forthcoming soon. So, Fall sports of baseball, softball, and cross country are back on for the Allendale/St. Mary's Co-op.
Fall Sports Cancelled For SMS/Allendale Co-Op
July 31, 2020
At 12:26 pm on Friday, July 31st, St. Mary’s School administration received a letter from the Diocese of Belleville stating that “it has been decided that we are postponing all sports in our elementary schools.” The reasoning: “our priority has been to create a safe environment during the school day that allows us to continue to offer in-person instruction.” The Diocese of Belleville will revisit this issue throughout the school year.
So, with this information, the cooperative athletic teams for Allendale CCSD 17 and St. Mary’s School will not be participating in any Fall sports, to include Baseball, Softball, and Cross Country. As the Diocese of Belleville has stated, we too as a cooperative athletic program will continue to revisit this issue throughout the school year, along with the SIJHSAA. Both schools appreciate the support we receive from each school community and look forward to the day we can compete again, together, in athletics.
Bob Bowser – Allendale Superintendent/Principal/Athletic Director
Chris Lavely – St. Mary’s Principal
Jami Walker – St. Mary’s Athletic Director
SIJHSAA Rules On Fall Sports Participation
Press Release From: Greg Hale, SIJHSAA Executive Director
Subject: 2020 SIJHSAA Fall Sports
The SIJHSAA Board of Control had a special meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 8:30am via zoom. The BOC made final decisions concerning the fall sports of baseball, softball, girls and boys cross country. The BOC voted to approve the above mentioned sports in conjunction with the specifications set down by the Illinois High School Athletic Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Listed below is a brief description of major guidelines for the above mentioned sports.
Baseball/Softball
*Use IHSA Phase 4 Guidelines for practices and contests. (A more detailed document will be given to member schools early next week)
*Schools may play a maximum of 2 Varsity/8th grade contests per week and no tournaments. Of these contests, one can be a double header (against same opponent) (3 games in a given week if one of the contests is a DH)
*JV /7th grade teams have the same limitation.
*Spectator and group gatherings subject to IDPH guidelines during this time.
*State Series TBD
Cross Country
*Use IHSA Phase 4 Guidelines for practices and contests. (A more detailed document will be given to schools early next week)
*Schools limited to a maximum of 2 Varsity/8th grade meets per week.
*JV/7th grade teams have the same limitations
*Spectator and group gatherings subject to IDPH guidelines during this time.
*State Series TBD
Note: *Competitions should be within an Illinois Covid Region or within a conference (During Conference Competitions you may compete outside your Illinois Covid Region)
*If the Governor places all schools on remote learning, all SIJHSAA sports will be suspended or canceled. *Any schools in an Ilinois Covid Region that is placed in Phase 3 or lower, of the Governors Restore Illilnois Plan, all sports and or sport state series will be suspended or canceled.
*The eligibility of students that are remote learning is the decision of the member school.
IHSA's Anderson: 6-7 Game Football Season Likely Scenario; Crowning "True" State Champion Will Be Hard
During a conference call this afternoon, IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson directly addressed how the Illinois football season might look now that it is being shifted to next Spring:
IHSA Board Approves Modified Schedule For 2020-21 School Year
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for a special meeting on July 29, 2020, where the Board announced its intended plans for the 2020-21 school year. The plan has been sent to the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) for final approval.
“This plan, like nearly every aspect of our current lives, remains fluid,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Changes may come, and if they do, we will be agile while putting safety and students first. It was important that we provide a framework today for our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials to begin preparing for the 2020-21 school year.”
The COVID-19 pandemic led the Board to propose unprecedented scheduling changes for the 2020-21 school year. They include playing all sports over the course of truncated fall, winter, spring, and summer seasons. As a result, several team sports will shift to new seasons, including football, boys soccer, and girls volleyball moving from the fall to the spring.
“I applaud our Board of Directors for choosing a model that allows every student-athlete the opportunity for a modified season,” said Anderson. “Based on our recent conversations, it is our expectation that today’s plan meets all of IDPH’s safety guidelines and will be approved.”
IHSA boys and girls golf, girls tennis, cross country and girls swimming & diving will remain as fall sports, and can proceed to start on August 10 as scheduled. Per Governor Pritzker’s announcement on Wednesday, fall sports will begin with competition limited to conference opponents and other schools in the same general geographical area. Schools will be provided more details in the coming week about the scheduling limits, and scheduling will continue to be assessed throughout each season. The condensed 2020-21 season dates will be as follows (see chart below to see where each sport falls):
Fall: August 10 to October 24
Winter: November 16 to February 13
Spring: February 15 to May 1
Summer: May 3 to June 26
“The Board believes this plan offers the most realistic chance for student-athletes to participate in interscholastic sports while balancing the challenges of a new academic setting and IDPH Guidelines,” said Erie High School Principal and IHSA Board President Tim McConnell. “We are an education-based athletic association, and school has to come first. By delaying the majority of the team sports in the fall, it will allow our schools and students the chance to acclimate to what will be, for many, a totally new educational experience. We will do our best to try to give every student-athlete the opportunity for a season this school year.”
State Series tournament decisions will be made on a sport-by-sport basis as each season progresses, but providing postseason opportunities remains a priority of the Board. This could potentially include culminating State Series Tournaments after Regional or Sectional rounds, or seeking other non-traditional means to conduct events.
“I understand that today’s announcement will be met with mixed emotions,” said Anderson. “Our staff and Board have heard from thousands of people over the past few weeks with ideas, opinions, and proposals on how we should proceed. We respect and understand their passion, because we share in it. It is a great reminder that if we want high school sports to return to normal, we all need to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”
The Board also extended the current Phase 4 Return To Play Guidelines, which will allow sports slated to be played in the winter, spring and summer seasons to allow an additional 20 days of contact for schools between September 7 and October 31 following IDPH Phase 4 Guidelines.
The Board also verified that IHSA by-laws do not prevent schools who are conducting remote learning from participating in IHSA sports and activities. Participation will remain a local school and district decision, regardless of the learning plan a high school is utilizing.
The Board discussed IHSA activities for the 2020-21 school year but did not take any action. The IHSA’s activity offerings include Bass Fishing, Chess, Debate, Drama & Group Interpretation, Individual Events, Journalism, Music & Scholastic Bowl.
“We believe we can still offer many of our activities via virtual contests,” said Anderson. “The Board has asked our staff to investigate those possibilities, and we will report back soon on if and how each can be held.”
Further details on items such as sport season and practice limitations will be released to IHSA schools following IDPH approval of the plan.
Three IHSA Board members (Hasson, McMahan, Rogers) were present at the IHSA office for the meeting, while the other eight Board members attended electronically.
Details On "Sports Guidance" Issued Today By Governor
Details On "Sports Guidance" Issued Today By Illinois Governor
Tyra Buss Joins U of E Womens' Basketball Staff
From UE Athletics….
EVANSVILLE – The University of Evansville athletic department announced its new staff and coach hires on Tuesday morning including two members of the University of Evansville women's basketball coaching staff.
Joining the Aces as an assistant coach is Tyra Buss and coming on as Evansville's director of basketball operations is Tanaeya BoClair
After an illustrious playing career, Tri-State native Tyra Buss joins the Aces as an assistant coach for the 2019-20 season.
Buss returns to the tri-state after an honor-laden playing career at Indiana University, where the four-year starter became the Hoosiers' all-time leading scorer with 2,364 career points and led the Hoosiers to a 2019 WNIT title, being named the Postseason WNIT Most Valuable Player in the process. The two-time WBCA honorable mention all-American finished in the top 25 in the nation in scoring average as a senior, amassing 20.6 points per contest.
A two-time Ms. Basketball honoree for the state of Illinois in high school, Buss starred for Mt. Carmel High School. Buss helped lead Mt. Carmel to a 112-16 (.875) record, while being named Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, a Parade High School All-American and the National High School Coaches Association Girls' Basketball Player of the Year in 2014.
Tanaeya BoClair enters her first season as Director of Basketball Operations for the Aces women's basketball program following an impressive playing career.
BoClair comes to Evansville after spending the past two seasons on the bench for the University of Utah, her alma mater.
The San Antonio native spent last season as the Utes Director of Player Personnel after spending the 2018-19 season as a graduate assistant.
BoClair graduated from Utah in the spring of 2018. BoClair was a mainstay for the Utes, playing in 125 career games with 98 starts. She became the 28th player in program history to reach 1,000-career points and ranks 25th all-time in program history with 1,030 points.
She was a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic selection during her time with the Utes and was also named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team in 2015. She averaged 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game during her time in Salt Lake City, only missing one game her entire career.
Illinois Elementary School Association Cancels Fall Sports
NOTE: The IESA is the Illinois Elementary School Association and covers junior high schools around Illinois. Wabash County schools are not members of the IESA. They are members of the SIJHSAA, which has said they will make a decision on fall sports on August 3rd.
From IESA Website:
The IESA Board of Directors held a special meeting on Thursday, July 23. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss fall sports and whether those activities could be held in accordance with the current limitations placed on schools and activities by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
After much discussion, the Board unanimously approved to cancel the regular season and IESA state series in the sports of boys and girls golf, boys baseball, girls softball, and boys and girls cross-country for the 2020-21 school year. There are no plans to try and re-schedule the activities or conduct them later in the school year in part due to if and when high schools in Illinois play their contests. Girls softball practice was scheduled to start July 27. The baseball and cross-country seasons were scheduled to start August 3. The Board delayed any decision on girls basketball. The first day of girls basketball practice is scheduled for August 31. The Board will meet again in late August to make a decision regarding girls basketball. The Board did review and approve a plan submitted by the Speech Advisory Committee that allows schools to hold their own speech contest during the upcoming school year. Schools that participate in speech will receive information at a later date. No decisions regarding any other activities were made.
We know that there will be many people within the school system who will applaud this decision and there will be many who will be strongly opposed. At the forefront of the Board decision is that the activities must be conducted within the current limitations that have been placed on the schools by the IDPH. In particular, the mandate that there can be no physical contact between athletes and that students must be socially distanced (6 ft. of separation) makes the administration and conduct of games and contests very difficult and in some cases impossible to adhere to the mandates. While there are plenty of youth league baseball and softball teams playing games and tournaments this summer, many are not adhering to the same stringent guidelines. Because summer leagues and travel ball are taking place, this may make the decision of the IESA Board of Directors seem odd. The difference is that schools will be held to the IDPH mandates and the youth summer contests are not. It would make little sense for IESA to move forward with these activities that would require schools to be in direct conflict with mandates by state agencies that have regulatory control over the schools.
COVID-19 has changed the world. However, this decision is not the end of the world. It is not the news that most students and parents want. At the end of the day, we work with junior high and middle school students. They are not professional athletes; they are not college athletes; they are not even high school athletes. They will not be missing out on any college scholarships. These are mainly 12-14 year old kids who will have many more opportunities to participate (perhaps even later this school year in other activities). We recognize that athletics play a huge role in the lives of students. Activities, despite their importance in the development of students, can never take precedence over the health and safety of those same students as well as the health and safety of contest officials, game management, and parents/fans who attend contests. The IESA Board of Directors made a difficult decision but in the end they simply felt that there are too many unknowns to proceed safely at this level of play.
Scheidecker returns to lead Lady Warriors
A familiar face will be guiding the Lady Warrior Basketball Team as Wabash Valley Athletic Director Mike Carpenter announced the hiring of Luke Scheidecker on Tuesday night, July 21, following Scheidecker’s unanimous approval at the IECC Board of Trustees meeting.
Scheidecker was the Head Coach at Wabash Valley College from 2016 to 2018 and produced incredible results. His teams went a combined 61-5, including a GRAC record of 35-1. WVC won back-to-back GRAC titles and District P championships, while making back-to-back appearances at the NJCAA National Tournament during his tenure.
Scheidecker’s 2018 team carried a Team GPA of 3.02, which was recognized by the NJCAA as one of the top team GPA’s in the nation.
Reached for comment, Scheidecker said, “I cannot express the excitement we have to return to Wabash Valley. WVC and Mount Carmel is a special place, filled with great people, outstanding support and a tremendous culture. I appreciate the opportunity from Dr. Fowler, Coach Carpenter and the IECC Board of Trustees.”
WVC Athletic Director Mike Carpenter said of Scheidecker, “We were blown away by the number of applicants for this position, but more importantly, the quality of coaches who showed interest in the job. Coach Scheidecker has a proven track record, on and off the court, and we couldn’t be happier with his decision to return to WVC.”
Scheidecker spent the last two seasons as the Assistant Coach at Indiana State University.In his second season at WVC, Scheidecker led the Warriors to a 30-3 record, while leading the nation in scoring (93.8 ppg), field goal percentage (50.6) and assists (23.5 per game). In his first season as Lady Warrior coach, Scheidecker inherited a team that won 14 games the previous season and led them to a 31-2 record.
Coach Scheidecker replaces Lacey Shalenko, who resigned in April to pursue another opportunity in Florida.
The Lady Warriors are in the midst of a 70 game Conference win streak, a streak that was started by Scheidecker’s 2016 WVC team. The Lady Warriors will begin play in January 2021 due to delays caused by COVID-19.
PHOTO: gosycamores.com