Due to some complications with the installation of our turf field complex, we will be moving all home soccer matches prior to September 17th, to the Wabash Valley College Soccer Field.
Games that are effected:
Anna-Jonesboro on 8/29 at 4:30pm.
Mt. Vernon, Indiana on 8/31 at 5:00pm.
Mt. Vernon, Illinois on 9/8 at 4:30pm.
Newton on 9/15 at 4:30pm.
(MT. CARMEL) With multiple individual and team state championships and scores of collegiate and even professional athletes through the years there’s no questioning the rich tradition of Mt. Carmel Golden Aces Athletics. But, despite all that success, there’s always been something missing, until now. With the support of District #348 school officials the Mt. Carmel Booster Club is excited to announce the launch of the Mt. Carmel High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Back in 2020 the Booster Club assembled a five-member committee to develop the Hall of Fame and specifically the process by which members would be nominated and ultimately selected for enshrinement. The committee developed a set of criteria by which nominees shall be considered for enshrinement. Inductees will be selected from one of four categories… Athlete, Coach, Team, or Friend of Aces Athletics.
Finally, after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its launch… the inaugural class of 10, as selected by the Hall of Fame Committee, will be unveiled LIVE on the WSJD Radio Morning Show on August 30th (teams), September 6th (coaches), and September 13th (athletes). The inductees will also be recognized at halftime of the September 30th Golden Aces Football game vs. Newton. Plans for a social event following the game, hosted by the Mt. Carmel Booster Club, will be announced soon.
As for future nominees, nominations can be made by members of the community, the public and Hall of Fame Committee members. Nomination forms, which will be available soon, must be returned by May 1st of each year. The selection committee will review the nominations in June of each year and finalize the Hall of Fame selections by July 1 of the induction year. There will be only five inductions each year going forward. Nominees will be considered for up to 7 years after being nominated.
For consideration, athletes must have been a graduate of Mt. Carmel High School for ten years prior to being nominated. They must have been an All-State Athlete, State Champion, member of an All-Conference Team, a collegiate or professional athlete or member of a team representing the USA, achieved outstanding recognition of success outside MCHS or IHSA such as college, conference, or national records and championships, or made a significant contribution in their field or contributed to the Mt. Carmel community.
Coaches that will be considered are those nominees who have been out of coaching at MCHS for 10 years, coached in the Mt. Carmel school system for at least 7 years, or been a head coach at MCHS for at least 5 years. Any assistant coach who has been named to their state organization Hall of Fame will automatically be eligible for nomination if they meet the time-limit criteria above. Coaches must also meet three of the following four criteria for consideration… had a career winning percentage as varsity head coach… been honored by peers or media at the district, state, or national level… coached a conference and/or state series level championship team or athlete… and made significant contributions in the chosen field or endeavor or made major contributions to the Mt. Carmel community or MCHS.
Teams must wait 10 years following graduation for consideration. Automatic consideration will be given to state championship teams during their first year of eligibility. The team otherwise must have an overall winning record for that season. Teams must meet at least two of the following three criteria for
consideration… won a conference championship, won a regional championship, or been a state tournament final qualifier.
Friends of Athletics may be anyone who meets two of the following criteria… they have made extraordinary contributions to the Mt. Carmel School District… had a major influence on the athletic efforts of Mt. Carmel students… demonstrated these qualities in a manner that has inspired the students and Mt. Carmel community… and had a major influence/service to state, country, or the international community.
The Mt. Carmel High School Booster Club and Hall of Fame Committee are excited to recognize the exceptional athletes, teams, coaches, and friends of Aces Athletics who have helped to shape the rich tradition of the Golden Aces.
Mount Carmel Lady Aces Golf
West Berwick golf course
August 24, 2022
Mount Carmel 164
Robinson NTS
Medalist Emily Gottman
Mount Carmel: Emily Gottman 38; Miley Kennard 39; Zeme Moore 39; Ava Brumagin 48; Anna Gill 50; Ashlin Trail 65
Robinson; Abby Rich 52: Isabelle Heindorn 53; Kaylee Blessing 53
Coach Karin Kelsey comments; I played our underclassmen at the match today and I’m very pleased with how well they played! The freshmen are still learning and I see their improvements at each match they play! We are traveling to Benton tomorrow for a triangular with Harrisburg.
Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces secured the victory thanks to six runs in the seventh inning. Leah Lewis, Evie Sellers, Quincy Keepes, Journey Loudermilk, and Kinley Harris all drove in runs in the frame securing a 10-0 victory versus Albion. The highlight of the inning came on a towering home run to left center by Leah Lewis.
Lyla Keepes shut down Albion Grade School, throwing a complete game shutout. The righthander allowed six hits and zero runs while striking out nine.
The Jr. Lady played solid defense executing on some tough plays to backup their pitcher.
Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces totaled 14 hits in the game.
Lyla Keepes 3 for 4, 3R
Leah Lewis 2 for 4, 3 RBI, 2R
Evie Sellers 2 for 4, RBI, R
Kyleigh Smith 2 for 3, RBI, R
Journey Loudermilk 2 for 3, RBI, R
Alivia Peach 2 for 4, R
Jr. Lady Aces are in next on Saturday at the Fairfield tournament at 10:30 am.
From Coach Nick Toothman: MCHS golf got the win today. The birthday boy, Owen Dougherty, led the way for the Aces shooting a 39 at Lawrenceville. Overall a pretty average score for us this year. Had another personal low today from Tripp Bingham shooting a 45. Not bad for his first year playing competitive golf. We have a home match tomorrow vs Robinson. Go Aces
The Mt. Carmel Aces Varsity Soccer team started their season at the St. Anthony Tournament with a 3-1 victory against Pinckneyville.
The Aces had a slow start and ended the first half down 0/1. After halftime, the Aces started connecting and taking more shots on goal. The Aces defense held Pinckneyville to a scoreless second half with help from Senior Drew Glick who held the defensive line and Junior Trevor Hayden who controlled the midfield. The Aces offense scored their first goal of the season on a corner kick from Eli Bertram to Shade Loudermilk making the score 1-1. While the defense held the line, allowing the offense to keep possession of the ball the Aces quickly scored off another corner kick this time from Shade Loudermilk to Eli Bertram making it a 2-1 match. The last Aces goal came from a pass by Eli Bertram to Corrian Rapier making the final score 3-1. The Aces returning goalie, Robert King had five saves on the game.
MCHS will once again make the trip to Effingham on Thursday to continue tourney play against the Newton Eagles.
Mount Carmel High School
Lady Aces Golf
At Mc Leansboro Golf Club
August 22, 2022
Mount Carmel 148
Hamilton County 194
Benton 206
Johnston City 22
Medalist Mady Young , MC
Mount Carmel: Mady Young 35 (-1); Lilly Gottman 37; Maria Kennard 37; Emily Gottman 39; Miley Kennard 42; Zeme Moore 42
Hamilton County: Ellie Dean43; Kenadee Halley 48; Dalena Carmicle 51; Mackenzie Burke 52
Benton: Alyssa Dawson 41; Ava Grives 48; Riley Bates 55; Victoria Drew 62
Johnston City: Josie Welch 49; Aubree Wilford 55; Taylor Woodard 59; Audreyanna Phillips 59
Lady Aces are 8-0
Next match at West Berwick hosting Robinson
On Monday’s Morning Show, MCJHS/MCHS Athletic Director Kyle Buss joined us to talk about the upcoming 2022-23 sports seasons.
Throughout the season, Aces football coach Michael Brewer will be our guest on The Morning Show every Friday at around 8:30am.
The first segment was today looking at last night’s intra-squad scrimmage and previewing the 2022 season.
Mount Carmel Lady Aces Golf
West Berwick Golf Course
August 18, 2022
Mount Carmel 136 (-8)
Gibson Southern 177
Mt Vernon IN 207
Medalist Lilly Gottman, MC
Mount Carmel; Lilly Gottman 32 (-4); Mady Young 34 (-2); Maria Kennard 35 (-1); Miley Kennard 35 (-1); Emily Gottman 36; Alexis Wymer 37; Zeme Moore 42; Anna Gill 44; Ava Brumagin 44
Gibson Southern: Katelyn Walker 43; Vanessa Schmitt 44; Madilyn Sperling 44; Adryauna Redder 46; Haley Hughes 48
Mt Vernon: Hadley Weatfird 47; Olivia Culley 52; Hayley Rutledge 51; Shelby Lang56; Hannah Carr 61; Jillian Higginson 62
Coach Karin Kelsey comments;
Breaking Records is what the Lady Aces do! Today they shattered the record for team score of a nine hole match. The team score of 136 (-8) broke the record by 5 strokes, the previous record of 141 (-3) was set at Shawnee Hills last August.
Lilly had a great round, carding an impressive 32 (-4). All pars and birdies. Mady added to the team score with a strong round of 34 (-2). Mady used 4 birdie holes to offset her two bogies.
Setting personal bests were Miley and Maria Kennard 35 (-1)! Freshmen Miley Kennard used an Eagle on 15 to card her personal best! The other two varsity players, Emily shot even and Alexis carded a 37 (+1). I don’t know what they will do next but these girls are fun to watch! Next match is Monday at Hamilton County!
Today was picture day for the Golden Aces football team.
Here are the 2022 varsity Aces.
MCJHS Lady Aces 17 -
Richland County (Olney) 1
Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces defeated Richland County Middle School Richland County Lady Cubs Softball 17-1 on Wednesday thanks in part to Leah Lewis, who drove in five runners. Lewis drove in runs on a double in the third and a double in the sixth.
Lyla Keepes got the start for Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces. She lasted six innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out eight and walking zero.
Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces collected 20 hits. Lewis, Keepes, Hershey, Smith, Peach, Quincy Keepes, and Sellers all had multiple hits for Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces. Kyleigh Smith, Riley Hershey, Lyla Keepes, and Leah Lewis each collected three hits to lead Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces.
MCJHS is now 5-1 on the season. They have a home game 8/18 (Thursday) at 4th Street ballpark at 4:15 against Grayville.
Mt Carmel Lady Aces Golf
Greenview Golf Course
Centralia IL
August 16,2022
Mount Carmel 168
Centralia NTS
Medalist Emily Gottman, Mt Carmel
Mount Carmel: Emily Gottman 35; Miley Kennard 37; Zeme Moore 43; Ava Brumagin 50
Centralia; Chananya Dome thong 36; Olivia Johnson 41
Coach Karin Kelsey comments: Lady Aces send underclassmen to Centralia and they played great golf! ⛳️ Emily Gottman earned the Medalist honors with her even par 35! ⛳️ Centralia had just two girls so along with Emily I took the freshmen so they could gain experience at their first high school away match. They gained valuable experience in playing a new course with challenging holes. I was so pleased to see how well they navigated the course. They still have a lot to learn about course management and club choices but their future is so bright!
Our next match is Thursday at Mt Carmel, hosting Gibson Southern and Mt. Vernon IN.
Mt. Carmel High School Football Game Change
Unfortunately, due to some delays in the new MCHS turf field athletic complex, the Mt. Carmel Football game against Marshall has been moved.
Mt. Carmel will now travel to Marshall on Friday, August 26th. Kickoff in Marshall will be at 7:00pm. We anticipate hosting the remainder of our scheduled home football games this season.
Mount Carmel High School
Lady Aces Golf
At Mount Carmel Invite
West Berwick Golf Course
August 11, 2022
Mount Carmel 285
Paris 429
Harrisburg 453
Carmi 481
Medalist; Madelyn Young 67
Mount Carmel: Madelyn Young 67; Maria Kennard 72; Alexis Wymer 72; Emily Gottman 74; Lilly Gottman 75; Miley Kennard 78; Zeme Moore 84; Anna Gill 95
Paris: Combes 87; Milan 110; Wilson 110; Moore 121
Coach Karin Kelsey: Unbelievable! Our first tournament and we break two school records and the team win was the 600th for the MCHS Lady Aces 14 year program!
MADY carded her career best, and school record breaking 67 (-5)!!!She had an impressive Eagle on hole 13! She drove the green and then the putt just rolled right in for her!! Maria and Alexis added even par rounds of 72, and Emily added her 74 for a team total of 285 (-3)! Of course this broke the school record for lowest 18 hole team score. What’s crazy is the low scores that we didn’t use for the team score today…Lilly with a 75, Miley with a 78, Zeme with her 84 and Anna with her 95. Adding to all the excitement was Maria’s 16th Birthday! Our next match is in Centralia on Tuesday… Go Aces!
The defending state champion Mt. Carmel Lady Aces golf team are opening the 2022 campaign today by hosting their own invitational at West Berwick Golf Course. The Lady Aces need just one win to notch the girls’ golf program’s 600th victory ever.
On today’s Morning Show, Coach Karin Kelsey joined us live in the studio to preview the new season.
Photo Credit: Lady Aces Golf Facebook Page
Delays with getting lights for the renovated Riverview Stadium has caused the Aces’ season opener against Marshall to be moved to a day game on August 27th.
Mt. Carmel will now start the 2022 at home on Saturday, August 27th against Marshall. Kickoff is at 1pm.
After the season opener, the Aces will be on the road the next two weeks returning home on Friday night, September 16th for homecoming against Lawrenceville. That will allow for extra time for the lights to be installed.
It doesn’t look like the Golden Aces football team will make their debut on the new Riverview Stadium turf field on Friday night, August 26th after all. On yesterday’s WSJD Morning Show, District #348 superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said while the playing surface is finished, other aspects of the stadium aren’t done and may not be done before the first game. He said that starts with the new field lights being installed…
And that delay is looking to force a schedule change…
Work on the stadium seating area will also need to be finished before the first game against Marshall.
In celebrating the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s and Title IX’s 50th Anniversary, the IBCA had media and coaches select the 30 most impactful people in Men's Basketball and the 30 most impactful people in Women's basketball during the last 50 years. We will be highlighting in alphabetical order one person a week from each category who our state selected for the Top 30 over the next 30 weeks, beginning on Thursday, January 20th.
Week Twenty-Five (7/7/22)
Jay Shidler
Lawrenceville High School/University of Kentucky
The “Blond Bomber” also knowns as Jay Shidler excited basketball fans in every part of Illinois. Discussions still take place today in regard to what the “Blond Bomber” could have scored had there been a 3-point line back in the 1970’s. His shooting range was comparable to the NBA arc today. Jay played for Lawrenceville High School and legendary coach Ron Felling. In 3 ½ seasons he scored 2,183 points. During this time period Lawrenceville went 103-15, won several holiday tournaments, 3 regional titles, 2 sectional crowns, one IHSA 3rd place finish and a state championship. As a senior Jay averaged 32.7 ppg and earned all-state honors as both a junior and senior. Shidler was also a prep All-American. For an encore he was the MVP of the IBCA All-Star game. Jay went on to play at the University of Kentucky where he was a member of their 1978 NCAA Championship Team.
Facebook Photo: Book Signings with Jay Shidler, the Blonde Bomber
Charlotte, NC – Wabash Valley third baseman Brian Kalmer has been named the 2022 NJCAA Division I Baseball Player of the Year after a standout season with the Warriors.
Kalmer finished the 2022 season batting .421 with 20 home runs and leading the nation with 109 RBI. The sophomore also ranked in the top 11 in the nation in six statistical categories: hits (107, 1st); RBI (109, 1st); at bats (254, 2nd); games (68, 4th); total bases (187, 5th); plate appearances (292, 10th); home runs (20, 11th).
The ABCA/Rawlings National Player of the Year helped lead Wabash Valley to a Region 24 title, Midwest District title, and a fourth-place finish at the 2022 NJCAA Division I Baseball World Series. In five games in Grand Junction, Kalmer batted .348 with three home runs and eight RBI.
Kalmer committed to Gonzaga University in May 2022 and will continue his academic and collegiate baseball career with the Bulldogs.
Player Profile
Position: Third Base
Height: 6'2"
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
2022 Statistics
68 games played
254 at-bats
75 runs
107 hits
18 doubles
20 home runs
109 RBI
33 walks
52 strikeouts
.421 batting average
.486 on-base percentage
.736 slugging percentage
2022 Accomplishments
NJCAA DI Baseball ABCA/Rawlings National Player of the Year
NJCAA DI Baseball ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-America
NJCAA First Team All-American
Great Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year
NJCAA Photo