Illinois
QUINCY — Week 2 of the prep football scene should offer some insight into who is going to be a playoff contender and who has work to do to make it to the postseason. And join Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for Muddy Night Lights, airing live at 10 p.m. Friday night. Alton (0-1)…
Read Full Article To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site AUGUSTA, Ill. — The Lady Suns Classic rolled into its third night of play Thursday with five prep volleyball matches involving teams from across the area. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent the evening at Southeastern High…
Read Full Article CAMP POINT, Ill. — Hello, old friend. For the third time in a little more than a calendar year, the Camp Point Central and Hardin Calhoun football teams will clash when the Panthers make the 90-minute trek south to Hardin on Friday. “They played us as tough as anybody last year no matter who we…
Read Full Article Youngblood powers Panthers to victory MONROE CITY, Mo. — Audri Youngblood went 4 for 4 with three doubles and a home run as the Monroe City softball team improved to 4-0 with a 16-6 victory over Mark Twain. Youngblood drove in five runs. Kauble and Foltz had two hits apiece for the Panthers. Boling had…
Read Full Article Scoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 3: QHS girls tennis team finally plays, Highland with key softball win
Blue Devils finally open season, net first victory CHATHAM, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls tennis team had its first two regular-season events canceled, which meant Tuesday’s dual against Chatham Glenwood turned into the Blue Devils’ season opener and first victory with a 6-3 decision. The Blue Devils’ won three singles matches in tiebreakers,…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The opening week of the prep football season is in the books and it’s on to Week 2, which is the precursor to conference play for many teams. Here is a recap of what transpired on the first Friday night of the season and a look ahead to this week’s schedule. And remember,…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Kenny Wallace had not won a feature in Quincy since 2022, but that was hardly the most important topic on his mind. Instead of breaking down what it took to win the modified main event at Adams County Speedway — in flag-to-flag fashion, no less — Wallace preferred his first thoughts be about…
Read Full Article Bombers sweep way to championship MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb volleyball team rolled to the championship of its own tournament, capturing five consecutive matches in straight sets. The Bombers went 3-0 in pool play, beating Monmouth United 26-24, 25-14, Geneseo 25-16, 25-19 and Kewanee Wethersfield 25-11, 25-21. In the semifinals, Macomb beat Bartonville Limestone 25-23,…
Read Full Article CAMP POINT, Ill. — So far, so good. Camp Point Central opened defense of its Class 1A state football championship with a resounding exclamation point Friday night. The Panthers completely overwhelmed an overmatched North Greene team 69-0, winning their 23rd consecutive regular-season game. In a contest where a running clock was in place the entire…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Friday on another high school football season. So here’s a look at the lid-lifting slate: Quincy High School at Quincy Notre Dame, 7 p.m. • WGEM Sports • Raider Sports Network Did you know?: This will be the fourth consecutive season the city rivals have met…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Check out the Muddy River Sports 48-page preview of the upcoming high school football season with a look at all 16 teams in our coverage area, including team schedules.
Read Full Article Coverage of the Camp Point Central football program is brought to you by: CAMP POINT, Ill. — There is a culture that envelops the Camp Point Central football program, a powerful intangible that was not built overnight. “We never point fingers,” said Kadin Niekamp, a junior lineman mature beyond his teenage years. “Mistakes will happen,…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Camp Point Central football coach is brought to you by: CAMP POINT, Ill. — Graduation losses often hit hard. Some years, they hit harder than others. Yet, somehow the Camp Point Central football program reloads every year. That is what will take place as the Panthers kick off their season and defense…
Read Full Article Fighting Irish overwhelm Raiders in opener PEORIA, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach Greg Reis and his players were able to see Wednesday night what it’s like to square off with a state title contender and what adjustments they need to become one themselves. Peoria Notre Dame showcased a relentless attack in a…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — Volleyball is often a game of momentum, but in Claire Huston’s eyes, the pivotal moment in Tuesday’s match between Camp Point Central and Illini West didn’t happen in the flow of play. After the Panthers cruised to a 25-18 first set victory, the Chargers punched back with a commanding 25-12 effort in…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — The moment hit Sawyer Johnson as soon as she stepped into the gymnasium at Illini West High School on Tuesday. She was about to coach her first-ever high school volleyball game. “It was crazy,” Johnson said. “Stepping into that varsity game, seeing everybody and seeing the girls, it was like ‘OK, this…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Pleasant Hill football program brought to you by: PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — Numbers are up, and so is Mike Giles’ confidence. The Pleasant Hill/Western veteran football coach expects the Wolves to immerse themselves in the playoff hunt. “You hate to jinx it, but I think we’ll be right up there,” Giles said.…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Illini West football program brought to you by: CARTHAGE, Ill. — The desire to return to the playoffs and bring postseason action back to Fuzz Berges Field is driving the Illini West football players this fall. Chargers quarterback Max Kinnamon joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman to discuss how the Chargers…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Austen Becerra provided the perfect punctuation for his three-peat. Becerra rallied in the closing laps to both get past and turn back a trio of challengers in Sunday night’s modified feature, capping his latest run to a track title with a slam-bang win in the main event on Championship Night at Adams County…
Read Full Article Chargers take second at Gary Saunders Invitational MACOMB, Ill. — The Illini West boys golf team continues to show it can play with the best Class 1A programs in the state. The Chargers took second Saturday in the 50th Gary Saunders Invitational at Macomb Country Club, posting a 326 team total. Port Byron Riverdale won…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Illini West football program brought to you by: CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Illini West football program is stuck in the middle, and Chargers coach Jacob Calvin senses the urgency to change that. “These kids are tired of it,” Calvin said. The Chargers head into this season looking to snap a playoff drought…
Read Full Article AUGUSTA, Ill. — Amanda Stephens’ troublesome knee isn’t giving her trouble any longer. A senior setter and hitter on the Southeastern volleyball team, who has committed to Indiana University-Indianapolis, missed the final 12 matches of her junior season and watched the Suns fall in the Class 1A sectional semifinals all because the pain in her…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — Four months ago, Sawyer Johnson was finishing up her animal science degree at Iowa State University. Now, she is the head coach of an Illini West volleyball team that won a regional championship and set a school record with 35 victories in 2023. “It’s been a challenging step for sure, but we’re…
Read Full Article QUINCY — In his position as co-promoter of the Adams County Speedway, Jim Lieurance is constantly thinking about the future and planning ahead. But he’s currently trying to put the brakes on that mindset and simply enjoy the final weeks of the 2024 season. “It’s been a good year, and I’m trying not to think…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Brown County football program is brought to you by: MT. STERLING, Ill. — For a Brown County football program that has won 65 percent of its games over the past two decades with 16 playoff appearances and a handful of conference titles, the way the 2023 season played out can be described…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Brown County football program is brought to you by: MT. STERLING, Ill. — Dylan Reische gives the Brown County football team’s offensive line an experienced anchor at center and some personality. Anyone nicknamed “Chili” is bound to have character, right? Reische joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate of…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The grind is nearing an end, and Jacob Rexing can finally see a track championship awaiting him at next week’s finish line. Rexing took an important step Sunday night toward his first Adams County Speedway stock car title when he emerged victorious following an 18-lap, slam-bang, back-and-forth battle with co-protagonist Robert Cottom. Rexing…
Read Full Article Chargers win Pittsfield Invitational PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Illini West boys golf team won the Pittsfield Invitational on Saturday by shooting a 325 at Old Orchard Country Club. Pittsfield took second with a 327. Rushville-Industry was third at 332. Chargers senior Nick Bruns finished second individually with a 76, while freshman Bryson Grotts took sixth…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Unity-Payson football team is brought to you by: MENDON, Ill. — An early-season gauntlet once again awaits the Unity-Payson football team. The Mustangs are scheduled to face three playoff teams from a year ago — Winchester West Central, Greenfield-Northwestern and Camp Point Central — during the first four weeks of the season.…
Read Full Article MENDON, Ill. — It has become a tradition for the Unity-Payson football team to practice at the stroke of midnight the first allowable day Illinois High School Association schools can begin working out in full pads. So Friday night, just before midnight, the Mustangs pulled up at their home field to see the lights shining…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The calendar does not lie. The dirt-track racing season is rapidly winding down. So before we’re knee deep in high school football and/or the MLB playoffs, let’s go over what I feel are 10 worthy storylines and/or points of discussion regarding Adams County Speedway. 1. Sale of the track: No question, when Jeff…
Read Full Article Coverage of the West Hancock football program is brought to you by: HAMILTON, Ill. — A change in scheme yielded substantial offensive improvements for the West Hancock football team in 2023. If the Titans take a similar leap forward in 2024, it will be with a new quarterback who set a school record at wide…
Read Full Article Coverage of the West Hancock football program is brought to you by: HAMILTON, Ill. — Nolan Gooding truly believes better days are ahead for the West Hancock football program. His enthusiasm and confidence are born from having learned second-year head coach Coy Dorothy’s system and a lifelong connection with a senior class ready to make…
Read Full Article QUINCY — If the scores from Thursday’s season-opening D.A. Weibring Invitational are any indication, the area boys golf scene is going to be highly competitive for years to come. Three sophomores and a freshman claimed four of the top five individual spots and a pair of freshmen posted scores that helped Illini West capture the…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The flag officially dropped Thursday on the start of the high school sports season. The traditional boys golf lidlifter — the D.A. Weibring Invitational — took place at Westview Golf Course with Illini West winning the team title with a 322 total and Pittsfield sophomore Isaac McGlauchlen taking individual medalist honors with an…
Read Full Article HAMILTON, Ill. — The depth of the Quincy Notre Dame girls golf team’s lineup showed in the Raiders’ season-opening event. Senior Meredith Eversman earned individual medalist honors by shooting an 84 as QND rolled to a 357 team score and a 93-stroke victory in the Lady Titan Invitational at Deer Run Golf Course. QND junior…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Pittsfield football program is brought to you by: PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pittsfield football program’s playoff drought is long enough that senior linebacker Draven Puterbaugh doesn’t remember seeing one. “It hasn’t happened in quite some time,” he said. Fifteen years in fact. Yet, there’s a distinct hope and strong belief this could…
Read Full Article Coverage of the Pittsfield football program is brought to you by: PITTSFIELD, Ill. — With nine starters returning on defense and the biggest offensive line its enjoyed in quite some time, the Pittsfield football program has the makings of what could be a run at ending a 15-year playoff drought. Senior lineman Jaron White joined…
Read Full Article Mississippi driver hits blackjack at Adams County Speedway with 21st career victory on 21st birthday
QUINCY — Chase Holland had ample reason to celebrate Sunday night. First, there was the matter of his 21st birthday. And then came his 21st career feature victory when he dominated the modified main event in flag-to-flag fashion at Adams County Speedway. Not a bad evening for the resident of Success, Miss., who has made…
Read Full Article QUINCY — There are two ways to examine Austen Becerra’s overall dominance in the modified series at Adams County Speedway. Since the track reopened for the 2022 season, Becerra has won 20 features. The rest of the modified drivers have won a combined 27 in that same span. Those two numbers, more than anything else,…
Read Full Article ST. LOUIS — As a new school year kicks into gear, the Better Business Bureau wants to remind consumers to be on the lookout for scam streaming links when planning to watch a high school sports event online. Live streams allow family, friends and fans to catch their local high school’s games without attending in…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — Like millions of other football fans, Roan Jackson anxiously awaited a new college football video game. “I had a PlayStation 3 and I played NCAA Football 14 for the last five years,” Jackson said. “One of my friends had NCAA 14, and that’s how I started playing. I got it for my…
Read Full Article PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Sometimes when it feels like all hope is lost, the stars align perfectly. The Pittsfield and Jacksonville football teams can thank their lucky stars having found a Week One game after both schools’ originally scheduled opponents announced they weren’t going to play. “I wasn’t too sure we’d find a game,” Pittsfield coach…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Dennis Erb Jr. surveyed the situation and came to an immediate conclusion. “We knew we had to get out fast,” said Erb, when looking at the starting lineup for Sunday night’s Midwest Auto Racing Series feature event at Adams County Speedway. Most of the premier power plants were scheduled to start at or…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Jim Lieurance does not have to look far down the road when talking about the future of Adams County Speedway. “I think in another month no one will recognize the place,” Lieurance said. Lieurance says he’s ecstatic to be working with new track owners Jeff and Renee DeLonjay. Although the final paperwork involving…
Read Full Article QUINCY — So much for that rather abbreviated retirement, eh? Adam Birck, a three-time track champion in the sport mod division, emerged from retirement Sunday night at Adams County Speedway. And Birck did so with an exclamation point, winning his first sport mod feature since August 2023. Birck led the final two circuits of the…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Jansen Lawson couldn’t possibly do it, too, could he? Yes, he could. And he did. After Quincy High School graduate Brady Lowe hit an inside-the-park grand slam in the top of the first inning of Saturday’s Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game at the Veterans Sports Complex, Lawson, also a former Blue Devil,…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — A number of the top prep baseball players from this region were able to represent their high school and their community one final time Saturday night during the 10th annual Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was there and…
Read Full Article QUINCY — It’s that time of year. The local racing season is heading full steam into the second half of the dirt-track calendar. From now until the end of points racing at sites like Adams County Speedway this weekend begins The Grind. The meek may one day inherit the earth, but they’ll never win a…
Read Full Article PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Sangamo Conference football coaches are scrambling, and it could result in Pittsfield being without a season-opening game. Monday, Riverton officials announced publicly it will not field a varsity football team for the upcoming season due to low participation numbers. The statement released by the school said it will field a junior…
Read Full Article QUINCY — For a chance to win some big cash, Austen Becerra felt he had to take a chance on a big crash. The Carthage modified driver pulled off a successful kamikaze-like maneuver coming out of turn four on the 45th and final lap of Friday night’s fourth annual Chad McCoy Memorial Race at Adams…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Adams County Speedway officials acknowledged the track has added additional safety measures — with more to come — following a weekend tragedy at nearby Jacksonville Speedway. Track operators Jim and Tammy Lieurance informed drivers, workers and fans alike Sunday night about immediate and upcoming changes following the death of longtime Jacksonville track employee…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Austen Becerra was able to withstand a number of charges from rival Dave Wietholder during the latter stages of the modified feature en route to collecting his third checkered flag of the season Sunday night at Adams County Speedway. Wietholder, who led all 20 laps, crossed the finish line 0.655 of a second…
Read Full Article QUINCY — On paper, this appears to be a marriage made in dirt-track heaven. The union of new Adams County Speedway owner Jeff DeLonjay and track operators Jim and Tammy Lieurance should be an alliance that will benefit local fans and drivers alike for years to come. First of all, hats off to Jim and…
Read Full Article QUINCY — League-leading hitters, dominant pitching performances and record-setting run producers helped define success throughout the prep baseball season. Here is a look at the 2024 Muddy River Sports all-area baseball team: Owen Rigg, Catcher, Senior, Southeastern Rigg was selected to play in the 47th annual Illinois Coaches Association All-Star Baseball Game at Hornberger Field…
Read Full Article PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — McKinley Lowe and the Pleasant Hill softball team made history this spring. Not only did the Wolves win 26 games, but they became the first team in school history to play for a sectional championship. A 1-0 loss to Illini Bluffs ended the incredible run, but Lowe set aside the pain…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Speed and power. It could be used to describe both the offensive aptitude of the players comprising the all-area softball team and the ability of those in the pitcher’s circle. Of the 15 players selected, 10 hit .400 or better and two hit .500 or better. The pitchers were just as dominant as…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Fittingly, the difference on a hot, dry and dusty Sunday night proved to be moisture. Jason Perry said it was no accident he was able to maneuver a backstretch pass on Denny Woodworth with a half-lap left, leading to the crate late model feature win on midseason championship night at Adams County Speedway. …
Read Full Article QUINCY — Allen Motley has experienced just about every aspect involving the world of racing, especially at the grassroots level. Motley, a Pittsfield resident, is in his eighth season as the senior flagman at Adams County Speedway. He’s also been a track owner and driver. It’s as a flagman, however, where Motley may have truly…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Max McLaughlin is relatively young and inexperienced when it comes to the world of super late model racing. But he’s a quick learner, evidenced by his victory Wednesday night at Adams County Speedway in the UMP DIRTCar Summer Nationals event — “The Hell Tour” — before a turnout of 2,615 fans at 8000…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The UMP DIRTCar Summer Nationals Hell Tour stop at Adams County Speedway on Wednesday night drew nearly 3,000 fans to the Broadway Bullring. Muddy River Sports photographer Addi Zanger put together this photo gallery from the event:
Read Full Article QUINCY — There’s little question who the man to beat is Wednesday night when the 39th annual UMP DIRTCar Summer Nationals Hell Tour arrives at Adams County Speedway. Tyler Erb, the driver known as “Terbo,” has dominated the first week of the Summer Nationals, showing three wins in as many tries going into Tuesday night’s…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The third annual Muddy River Showcase took place Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center with the Illinois boys and girls sweeping the all-star basketball event. The Illinois girls won 78-43, while the boys earned a 92-70 victory. Addi Zanger, a Quincy Notre Dame graduate and a sophomore at the University…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Like father, like daughter. Taylor Fohey scored 25 points and grabbed 19 rebounds Saturday afternoon to power the Illinois girls to a 78-43 victory over Missouri in the third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Dominating inside on both ends of the floor, the 6-foot Quincy High…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Dion Doyle decided this was the perfect opportunity to run it back. The Macomb basketball standout was part of a team that included Quincy High School’s Ralph Wires that won back-to-back Gus Macker 3-on-3 championships when the event was a Memorial Day weekend staple in downtown Quincy. Saturday, the duo reunited in the…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The Illinois all-stars used their size and strength to control the lane and pace of play in Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase, letting Quincy High School forward Taylor Fohey’s 25-point, 19-rebound effort guide them to a 78-43 victory Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Despite their struggles offensively in the first 16 minutes of Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase, the Illinois boys all-stars got rolling behind an aggressive defense and parlayed it into a 92-70 victory over Missouri at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the day on…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey put together a highlight package from the Illinois girls’ 78-43 victory over Missouri on Saturday in the third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.
Read Full Article QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey put together a highlight package from the Illinois boys’ 92-70 victory over Missouri on Saturday in the third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.
Read Full Article QUINCY — Before the Lil’ Devils program brought them together, before they spent 10 consecutive winters running side-by-side, there were games in the YMCA basketball league where Ralph Wires, Tyler Sprick and Cam Brown were on opposite sides. “I tore them apart per usual,” Wires said with a mischievous, sarcastic grin. His ability to dart…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Neither Nick Moore nor Zack Evans is showing outward concern over the uncertainty surrounding John Wood Community College’s search for a men’s basketball coach, which has moved past the eight-week mark. And neither has wavered on their decision to sign with the Trail Blazers. The opportunity to play together is just too enticing.…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Here are the rosters for Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase pitting the top seniors from Illinois and Missouri in a basketball all-star setting. The girls game begins at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.
Read Full Article QUINCY — Lillie Woodworth’s hand has healed, and she’s ready to go. That’s not good news for the Missouri all-stars. Two months after suffering a pair of broken bones in her right hand playing softball, the West Hancock all-state basketball player is back playing in open gyms at her future college home — Lincoln Land…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — A record-setting season earned Wesley Robertson an all-state accolade. The Illini West sophomore third baseman/pitcher was one of 24 players named to the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 2A all-state team and one of just two sophomores to make the list. The IHSBCA names only one all-state team per class.…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The experience. Until Monday, this was the main concern surrounding the IHSA state basketball tournament schedule. Now, that concern is a thing of the past. At Monday’s monthly meeting in Bloomington, Ill., the IHSA Board of Directors approved a recommendation for a new state finals schedule that will ensure a two-day experience for…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The future implementation of the shot clock in Illinois high school basketball has coaches conflicted over how the game will look and operate, especially at different levels of the sport. Monday, the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors approved using a 35-second shot clock for all varsity girls and boys basketball games…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Four players who helped the Pleasant Hill softball team reach a sectional championship game for the first time in school history recently received all-state honors. Senior pitcher McKinley Lowe and junior outfielder and pitcher Ava Wombles each made the Illinois Coaches Association Class 1A all-state first team. Lowe tossed three no-hitters and carried…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Paul Nienheiser is threatening to run away and hide from the rest of the Sprint Invaders. Much like he did Sunday night. Nienhiser dominated the 360 winged sprint feature — again — by churning to his fourth victory in five series starts this season, the latest coming at Adams County Speedway. Nienhiser, who…
Read Full Article AUGUSTA, Ill. — An anatomy and physiology class helped give Brilyn Lantz direction. Thoroughly invested in her science classes at Southeastern High School and wanting a profession that enabled her to give back to the community, Lantz discovered a career in radiology would achieve that. “I love science,” Lantz said. “It was a big motivator…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The wait is almost over. The 39th edition of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals late model “Hell Tour,” coupled with its partner, the 14th DIRTcar Modified Nationals, opens June 12 in Peoria. That’s one week before both series make their annual tour stop at Adams County Speedway on June 19. “We have a great…
Read Full Article QUINCY — A pair of local prep football standouts and a couple of Quincy University recruits have been invited to play in the 50th Illinois High School Shrine Game, an all-star event taking place June 15 in Bloomington. Camp Point Central running back/defensive back Drew Paben and Quincy High School lineman Chris Flachs will represent…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Tough. It is the first word that comes to mind scanning the roster of the Illinois girls team for the upcoming Muddy River Showcase. From Brilyn Lantz’s scrappiness that propelled Central-Southeastern to a Class 2A super-sectional berth last winter to Taylor Fohey’s willingness to battle on the block in guiding Quincy High to…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Trevor Neville has officially adopted Quincy as his home away from home. Who can blame him? Neville won his second modified feature of the season at Adams County Speedway, surviving a late-race duel Sunday night with Chance Holland. Neville, who resides in Mackinaw, Ill., used back-to-back slide jobs coming out of turns two…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — The Illinois/Missouri Senior All-Star Track Meet provided the top track and field athletes from West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri one final opportunity to compete head-to-head and in some cases for the first time together. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent Friday evening at Palmyra High School for the event and put…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Illini West’s Ian Bentzinger and Liberty’s Keegan Sunde spent all season as rivals. On Friday, they were teammates, and they made sure to have some fun. During the Illinois/Missouri Senior All-Star Track Meet at Palmyra High School, the state-qualifying sprinters made up the first two legs of the Illinois boys 4×100 meter…
Read Full Article QUINCY — With a little cooperation from the weatherman, Sunday evening will be a record-setting night at Adams County Speedway. For the first time in track history, which dates to 1975, there will be six regular series in action at the track. The Crown Vics’ much-anticipated debut as a member of the weekly lineup will…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — The Illinois/Missouri Senior All-Star Track Meet serves a two-fold purpose. “We want to give local kids one last chance to compete,” organizer Nick Koetters said. “We also do it as a way to raise money for Special Olympics.” The meet, which annually includes some of the top track and field talent from…
Read Full Article LIBERTY, Ill. — Dan Sparrow first had to address the situation as an athletic director before he could look at it as an interested party. Greg Altmix resigned as the Liberty boys basketball coach in mid-May, forcing the Liberty administration to act with a certain degree of haste in finding his replacement in order to…
Read Full Article QUINCY — A pair of area standouts and a state champion who has signed with John Wood Community College highlight the rosters for the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association all-star games, being held June 8 in Pontiac. Camp Point Central all-state guard Nick Moore will represent the south squad in the boys Class 1A-2A game, while…
Read Full Article GLASFORD, Ill. — Ryan Lowe’s sunglasses hid his tears, but anyone listening could hear the angst in his voice. The Pleasant Hill softball coach couldn’t hold back the emotion as he addressed his team following the Wolves’ 1-0 loss to Illini Bluffs in the Class 1A Glasford Sectional title game on Saturday. “You’ve built something…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The fourth annual Chad McCoy Memorial Race at Adams County Speedway have been rescheduled for July 3. Track operators Jim and Tammy Lieurance first were forced to postpone Sunday night’s scheduled running following overnight and early morning rains. Later in the day, a hoped-for Monday rescheduling was also erased due to the overall…
Read Full Article CHARLESTON, Ill. — The schedule for Saturday’s finals of the Class 1A boys state track and field championships didn’t afford Jack Thompson the time to take stock in all he was accomplishing. It wasn’t until hours after he and the rest of the Camp Point Central athletes racked up a handful of medals that he…
Read Full Article CHARLESTON, Ill. — Ian Bentzinger’s legacy will be a spot among the top sprinters in Illini West history. That’s a storied list. The senior captured two state medals Saturday at the Class 1A boys state track and field championships at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium, finishing fourth in the 100-meter dash and fifth in the…
Read Full Article GLASFORD, Ill. — An unbelievable performance in an unbelievable game with an unbelievable ending. And an imperfect ending in the Pleasant Hill softball team’s case. Wolves senior pitcher McKinley Lowe took a perfect game into the seventh inning of Saturday’s Class 1A Glasford Sectional championship game against Illini Bluffs, the top-seeded team in the sectional…
Read Full Article CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — Jack Livengood did what no one else could. The Peoria Notre Dame junior right-hander quieted the Illini West baseball team’s attack. Livengood retired the Chargers in order the first time through the lineup, didn’t allow a hit until the fourth inning and authored a three-hit shutout in Saturday’s Class 2A Chillicothe IVC…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Those rumors about Jim Lieurance looking for a four-leaf clover, rabbit’s foot or some other good-luck charm have not been exaggerated. The fate of Sunday night’s fourth annual Chad McCoy Memorial modified race at Adams County Speedway will likely depend on not only whether it rains, which is in the forecast, but how…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — Memorial Medical Clinics have multiple dates during this summer for students to receive a sports physical. These sports physicals will be offered at Memorial Medical Clinics in Bowen, Carthage, Colchester, Hamilton (Broadway), LaHarpe and Nauvoo. Walk-in sports physicals are scheduled for: Appointments are not needed. Students will be seen in order of…
Read Full Article CHARLESTON, Ill. — The title pursuits are in full chase. Three area athletes — Illini West’s Ian Bentzinger, Camp Point Central’s Jack Thompson and Liberty’s Tanner Gimm — positioned themselves to be in the mix for Class 1A state track and field championships when Saturday’s finals roll around at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium. Bentzinger…
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