IHSA September Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for its regularly scheduled meeting, which included both virtual and in-person attendance, on Monday, September 13, 2021. During the meeting, the Board approved nine action items, including an extension of the IHSA Class 3A/4A Baseball State Finals at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet.

“We are excited for the IHSA Baseball State Finals to return to Joliet for another five years,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The entire Joliet community, including the local high schools and the Joliet Slammers staff, have been so supportive in hosting the state tournament. The area has an amazing high school baseball tradition as well, so it really is an easy decision to return. We can’t wait to come back in June.”

The extension with the City of Joliet, and co-hosts Joliet Central High School and Joliet West High School, runs for five years and will include the state tourney from 2022 through 2026.

Joliet began hosting all four classes of the IHSA Baseball State Finals at DuPage Medical Group Field in 2007. In 2011, the state weekend sites were split, with Joliet serving as a state final host every season since. While the 2020 state tourney was canceled by the pandemic, only the Class 4A state games were played in Joliet last June due to the state final schedule being altered by the pandemic. 


ACTION
1. The Board approved the Terms & Conditions for the IHSA activity esports. The IHSA will conduct its inaugural esports State Series in April. For esports Terms & Conditions, click here.

2. The Board approved new language to IHSA Board Policy 22 (Criteria for Selection Sites for IHSA Meets and Tournaments) covering the policies and procedures for digital ticketing for IHSA State Series events. See the updated policy here.

3. The Board approved a request from Northfield (Christian Heritage Academy) to pause its cooperative agreement with Arlington Heights (Christian Liberty Academy) in girls volleyball. Once both schools are in good standing with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the coop can be mutually reinstated with IHSA approval.

4. The Board approved a request from Oblong High School to pause its cooperative agreement with Hutsonville High School in boys golf and girls golf. Once both schools are in good standing with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the coop can be mutually reinstated with IHSA approval.

5. The Board approved a request from Altamont High School to pause all of its current cooperative agreements in all sports. Once all schools involved in the coops are in good standing with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), each coop can be mutually reinstated with IHSA approval.

6. The Board approved a recommendation to allow an exemption to the NFHS Girls Volleyball rules governing logos on the waistbands of shorts.
 
7. The Board approved the IHSA budget for the 2021-22 school year.

8. The Board approved the IHSA Personnel Policies for the 2021-22 school year.


APPEALS & ELIGIBILITY RULINGS
1. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Yorkville (Y. Christian). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.043.3.

2. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Concord (Triopia). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.030 and its sub-sections.

3. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Argenta (A-Oreana). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.030 and its sub-sections.

4. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Lanark (Eastland). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.034.3.

5. The Board modified the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from St. Charles (North). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.042. The student now has immediate eligibility. 

6. The Board tabled the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Crystal Lake (South). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.030. The Board is seeking additional information before ruling.

7. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Chicago (University). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.040 and its sub-sections.

8. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Chicago (C. Hope Academy). The school was seeking a 9th and 10th semester of eligibility for the student.


DISCUSSION ITEMS
At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain items the Board discusses, but upon which no action was taken or action may not be required. The following is a report of those items from the September 13, 2021, agenda:

1. The Board recognized Whitney Young principal Dr. Joyce Kenner for her service to the IHSA Board of Directors. Monday marked Kenner’s final Board meeting after she reached the term limitation for board service. Kenner served on the IHSA Board from 2005-2010 and then returned for a second stint from 2018-21.

2. Lake View High School Principal Dr. Paul Karafiol presented to the Board on his forthcoming IHSA by-law submission related to ideas for providing greater support for transgender student-athletes.

3. Cowden-Herrick Superintendent Seth Schuler presented to the Board asking for them to consider other options related to IHSA participation while on ISBE probation.

4. The Board reviewed correspondence related to IHSA football and the ability to schedule an exhibition game when an opponent forfeits. The Board issued the following statement:
“The IHSA Board recognizes the dilemma that forfeits caused by COVID-19 have created for member schools this year, especially as it relates to the sport of football. We believe it is important to recognize that IHSA by-laws do not allow for exhibition games in any IHSA sport, and because of these rules, the current forfeit procedures have been in place for many years. These rules exist for the benefit of student-athletes, as they place reasonable limitations on contests from a physical safety perspective, while also helping maintain a sensible time balance from an educational perspective. We understand that these policies are now under greater scrutiny, given that the pandemic has created more forfeits, which in turn allows for more rescheduling opportunities. In a normal season, there are traditionally very few football forfeits, and even fewer opportunities to reschedule when they occur. The choice has always existed for a team to accept their forfeit victory or attempt to find a new opponent and accept the result of that new contest. The IHSA Football Playoffs remain unique because they are the only IHSA postseason that a team must qualify for, and the qualification process includes a strength of schedule component that is dependent on each team having one result per week. Despite the unique circumstances of this season, we believe that any exemption to these rules at this moment would have the potential to hinder the football playoff system, while also having far-reaching implications on other IHSA sports."

5. The Board held a discussion on IHSA Policy 17 and the implications of the multiplier and success factor with no or limited postseason data from the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years.

6. The Board heard a report from IHSA Assistant Executive Director Beth Sauser on the 2021-22 IHSA Student Section & Spirit Showdown. Learn more about entering the Student Section & Spirit Showdown by clicking here.

7. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director on the IHSA’s role in the upcoming Illinois Principals Association Conference, as well as the New Administrator Workshop the IHSA will host on September 29.

8. The Executive Director recognized the recent Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame enshrinement for IHSA Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson and retired IHSA administrator Scott Johnson. The IHSA was also honored with the IBCA’s Organization of the Year. For more information, click here.

9. The Executive Director discussed the IHSA’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX throughout the 2021-22 school year, which will include several initiatives, including special content honoring Title IX pioneers. For more info, click here.

10. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director on the schools who, per IHSA Policy, have requested to play-up one classification.


LIC Football Standings After Week #2

Little Illini Conference Standings

1) Casey (C.-Westfield: 2-0 (LIC), 2-0 (Overall)

1) Mt. Carmel: 2-0 (LIC), 2-0 (Overall)

3) Newton: 1-0 (LIC), 2-0 (Overall)

3) Robinson: 1-0 (LIC), 1-1 (Overall)

5) Lawrenceville: 1-1 (LIC), 1-1 (Overall)

5) Olney (Richland County): 1-1 (LIC), 1-1 (Overall)

7) Bridgeport (Red Hill): 0-2 (LIC), 0-2 (Overall)

7) Marshall: 0-2 (LIC), 0-2 (Overall)

7) Paris: 0-2 (LIC), 0-2 (Overall)


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Cross Country Aces Win At Lawrenceville

Mt. Carmel Cross Country Aces traveled to Lawrenceville Tuesday for a triangular meet with Lawrenceville/Red Hill Coop and Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville Coop. The Aces came away with a 23-32 victory over OPH. Lawrenceville/Red Hill did not finish enough runners for a team score.

The Aces were led by Anthony Bleyer (20:09) and Jason Miller (20:11) 2nd and 3rd place finishes. Eric Leffler 5th (22:50), Caleb Woollard 8th (25:08) and Jacob Wall 12th (33:13) finished out the scoring for the Aces.

In the girls race no school had enough runners to register a team score. Lily Keepes led the Lady Aces with a second place finish (25:43), followed by Kali Walker 4th (27:53), Hallie Courter 5th (28:11) and Molly Haggerty 6th (31:36).

The Aces next meet is September 16th at Norris City.

Aces 3rd at Alan Hopewell Invite

Cross Country Aces traveled to Gibson Southern High School Thursday for the 5k Alan Hopewell Invite.

The Aces placed 3rd in the Junior/Senior race against a crowed field. They were led by Jason Miller 23rd (19:11), Anthony Bleyer 31st (20:03) and Eric Leffler 35th (20:59). Also finishing were Caleb Woollard 57th (25:58) and Caleb Carwile 61st (27:10).

The Lady Aces entered the Freshman/Sophomore race and were led by Lily Keepes 26th (24:21) followed by Kali Walker 31st (26:10) and Molly Haggerty 40th (29:18).

The Aces next race is September 7th at Lawrenceville.

Lady Aces Now 20-0 After Routing Mt. Vernon & Princeton

Mount Carmel High School

Lady Aces Golf at Western Hills

Mt. Vernon IN

September 2, 2021

 

Co - Medalist Lillian Gottman and Mady Young; MC

 Mount Carmel 158

Mt. Vernon 224

Princeton 241

 

Mount Carmel: Lilliam Gottman 38  Mady Young 38; Emily Gottman 40; Maria Kennard 42; Daisy Schrader 42; Alexis Wymer 43

 

Mt. Vernon: Hadley Weatherford 50; Cariss Moudy 52; Haley Rutledge 57; Hannah Carr 66

 

Princeton; Regan Cochren 57; Lexi Bane 58; Katie dunkel 63; Korinth Wetstone 63

 

The Lady Aces are now 20-0 and travel to Olney for their Olney  Invite on Wednesday September 8, 2021. 

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Lady Aces Win Wildcat Invite By 18 Shots

Mount Carmel High School

Lady Aces Golf at Wildcat Invite

Marion, Kokopeli Golf Club

September 1, 2021

Medalist Lillian Gottman 71 MC

2nd Baylee Kelly 72 Marion

3rd Mady Young 74 MC

4th Sarah Capel 78 Marion

5th Emily Gottman 79 MC

Mount Carmel 305 - Marion 323 - Massac County 337 - Harrisburg 363 - West Frankfort 394 - Carbondale 410 - Pinckneyville 420 -

Mount Carmel: Lilliam Gottman 71; Mady Young 74; Emily Gottman 79; Maria Kennard 81; Daisy Schrader 86

Marion; Baylee Kelley 72; Sarah capel 78; Grace Roper 80; Avery Cornett 93


Soccer Aces Finish 3-1 In St. Anthony Tourney

Aces soccer report from Coach Ed Berberich:

The MCHS Soccer Aces recently wrapped up play in the season opening St Anthony Invitational tournament, starting slowly in losing the first game but then finishing up with 3 straight wins to tie for 2nd place on points. The Aces dropped the opening game to Harrisburg 5-0, but bounced back to beat Newton 4-2, St Anthony 3-1 & lastly Robinson 7-0.

Against Harrisburg, we came out pretty timid & looked like what we are: a young team with a new starter at every position on the field. We're replacing a lot of talent & experience from last year after graduating 7 starting seniors & losing another starter. Even the returning 3 starters from last year are all in new positions so we just have to go through the learning process which will take some time. Harrisburg certainly outplayed us, but the good news was that all but 1 of the Bulldog goals could be chalked up to players in new spots making mistakes that they'll hopefully learn to correct. Add in the fact that we were also playing 10 against 11, after one of our players received a red card before the end of the 1st half, & there were some positives to be found in this one. The team immediately showed that ability to learn in the next game, beating a solid Newton team 4-2. Eli Bertram scored 3 goals, Shade Loudermilk scored a goal & got an assist, & Tobi Pauli got an assist. Against host St Anthony, Loudermilk had 2 goals & 1 assist, Bertram had 1 goal & 1 assist, & Landon Lagow had 1 assist. In the last game, against Robinson, Aiden Garwood had 2 goals & 2 assists, Bertram had 1 goal & 2 assists, Lagow, Loudermilk, Pauli & Drake Colbert each scored 1 goal apiece, & Brody English & Conner Adams each had 1 assist. Robert King played in goal for nearly the entire tournament, with he & Corian Rapier contributing in goal for the shutout against Robinson.

Overall, we're pleased with how the guys performed, especially after the rough first match. Everybody seemed to keep their heads up though & came out with positive energy throughout the rest of the games & that allowed us to bounce back & even gave us an opportunity to win the tournament again. After that first game, that isn't something that I would've thought could be within our grasp. We still have a lot to work on, but the guys definitely showed us something with the way they played this past week.

The Aces' record after the tournament stands at 3-1.

Lady Aces Crush Field In Another Record Setting Day

Mount Carmel High School

Lady Aces Golf @ Metropolis Country Club

Patriot Invite - Massac County HS

August 28, 2021
Medalist Mady Young 70(-1) ; MC

Mount Carmel 288
Massac County 350

Harrisburg 362

Nashville 385

Anna Jonesboro 432

Hamilton County 442

Tilghman KY - NTS

Mount Carmel: Mady Young 70 (-1) Lilliam Gottman 71; Alexis Wymer 73; Emily Gottman 74; Maria Kennard 76; Daisy Schrader 79
Massac Co: Elise Coaklely 80; Josie Walker 88; Izzy Hawes 89; Olivia Heine 93

Harrisburg; Madison Mcclusky 79; Frankie Leigh Nicholes 80; Gracie Behnke 89; Hannah Jones 114

Nashville: Ryan Stiegman 90; Emily Guest 90; Shelbly Thorson 94; Savannah Downey 111

Anna Jonesboro; Marlee Smith 86; Madi Hawk 103; Reese Reynolds 121; Torre Ralls122

Hamilton Co; Ellie Deen 103; Kenadee Halley 101; Dalena Carmickle 111; Allee Ragan 127

Coach Karin Kelsey Comments:

The team broke the school record for 18 hole team score. The score of 288 (+4) was 15 strokes better than the record 307 (+19) that was first set in 2019 by Lillian Gottman, Mady Young, Daisy Schrader and Faith Witsman.


The Lady Aces are now 12-0 and travel to Marion Wildcat Invite on Wednesday September 1, at Kokopeli Golf Course.

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Photo Credit: Kristi Schrader

Photo Credit: Kristi Schrader

Cross Country Aces Compete In 29 Team Invite

Cross Country Aces traveled to Evansville Saturday to participate in the Dennis Bays Warrior Invite held at Angel Mounds State Historic Site.

The Aces placed 19th out 29 teams. Junior, Jason Miller led the Aces placing 71st out of 215 runners with a time of 19:55 over the 5k course. He was followed by Anthony Bleyer (21:44), Eric Leffler (23:58), Caleb Woollard (25:59) and Caleb Carwile (27:46).

The Lady Aces did not enter enough runners to register a team score. They were led by Lily Keepes who finished 59th out of 131 runners with a time of 25:59. Also competing for the Lady Aces was Hallie Courter (30:16), Molly Haggerty (35:54) and Kali Walker (withdrew with injury).

The Aces next meet is Thursday at Gibson Southern for the Alan Hopewell Invite.

Record Setting Day For Lady Aces

Mount Carmel High School

Lady Aces Golf at Shawnee Hill CC

August 26, 2021

 Medalist Lillian Gottman 31 (-5) ; MC

 Mount Carmel 141

Harrisburg 180

Benton 191

 Mount Carmel: Lilliam Gottman 31 (-5);  Emily Gottman 34 (-2); Mady Young 37;  Alexis Wymer 39; Maria Kennard 41; Daisy Schrader 41

 Harrisburg; Madison Mcclusky 37; Frankie Leigh Nicholes 42; Gracie Behnke 42; Hannah Jones 59 

 Benton: Alyssa Dawson 43; Karlie Kulich 52; Olivia Drew 47; Ryleigh Bates 49

 Coach Kelsey Comments: 

Lillian Gottman broke the school record with her 5 under round of golf! The record was 2 under and held by Lilllian  set in 2019;  Mady in 2020; and Abbey Leighty 2015.  

 Additionally, the team broke the school record for team score. The score of 141 was seven shots better than the record 148 that was first set in 2014 by Abbey Leighty, Morgan Tewell, Jordan Keepes and Mary Schroeder and also tied in 2019 by Lillian Gottman, Mady Young, Daisy Schrader and Faith Witsman. 

 Lillian and Emily Gottman both played a personal best for the Lady Aces! 

 The Lady Aces are now 7-0 and travel to Massac County for their Patriot Invite on SaturdayAugust 28. 

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Lady Aces Dominate At Hamilton County

Mount Carmel High School

Lady Aces Golf at Mcleansboro Golf Club

August 23, 2021

 

Medalist Mady Young; MC

Mount Carmel 149

Benton 210

Hamilton County 218

Johnson City 250

Mount Carmel: Mady Young 34 (-2); Lillian Gottman 36: Emily Gottman 38; Alexis Wymer 41

Benton: Alyssa Dawson 46; Karlie Kulich 52; Olivia Drew 54; Addie Dungy 58

Hamilton County: Ellie Deen 44; Kenade Halley 50; Dalena Carmickle 55; Allee Ragan 69

Johnston City: Cara Cullum 57; Audreyana Phillips 62; Aubree Willford 64; Taylor Woolard 67

Masks Temporarily Required For IHSA Indoor Sports

On August 4, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced an update to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) All-Sports Policy that will require masks to be worn for all indoor IHSA athletic events regardless of an individual’s vaccination status. This mask directive for indoor athletic events applies to student-athletes, coaches, officials, game personnel, and fans.

This masking mandate applies to all IHSA fall sport practices and contests that are conducted indoors. Swimmers and divers do not have to wear masks while competing, but must adhere at all other times. The masking directive also applies to any winter or spring IHSA sports that may be conducting open gyms, general conditioning, or weightlifting indoors.


There are no restrictions to scheduling or spectator limitations as a result of today’s announcement, nor are there any changes to the IHSA calendar for any sports.


“Today’s announcement will not deter us from our mission of safely offering high school student-athletes in Illinois the opportunity to participate in sports and activities,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Illinois high school student-athletes and coaches have been resilient in dealing with myriad mitigations and unexpected changes over the past year. We hope all Illinoisans do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 so we can quickly move beyond this and remove masks from indoor athletic events.”

Committee Explores MCHS Sports Hall Of Fame

A committee is exploring the possibility of establishing a sports hall of fame at Mt. Carmel High School. At this week’s District #348 school board meeting, board member Kyle Peach said he had been asked by the sports boosters to be a part of the committee that is tasked with how a hall of fame at the high school would look and the various factors that would be considered… 

Peach said the committee has gotten input from the MCHS Alumni Foundation which has its’ own Hall of Fame. He also said if the hall of fame is established, an interactive display may be installed to help better tell the story of the hall of fame inductees. 

School Board Approves Expanding Junior High Sports

After a three month wait, supporters of junior high baseball and softball got the official approval last night to start the programs in District #348. But in addition to softball and baseball, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said junior high cross country was also being added with help from the district…. 

Bleyer said all other expenses, including transportation, would be paid for by the district. The new sports are expected to begin competing starting with the upcoming school year.