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December 16, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — For the seventh straight season, the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams will square off Saturday night in what has become a traditional pre-Christmas filled with spirit and a festive atmosphere befitting the holidays. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip at the Pit and will be…
Read Full Article December 16, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Every aspect of the Illinois State University men’s basketball team’s pregame routine Tuesday screamed energy and excitement. The Quincy University players and coaches took note. “They came out in warm-ups and their pre-game shoot was unbelievable,” Hawks coach Ryan Hellenthal said of the Redbirds’ approach to the exhibition game at Redbird Arena. “And…
Read Full Article December 15, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Blake Bozarth’s teammates have seen his aggressive side in practice. And they know he’s more than just a spot-up 3-point shooter. “Most games, he doesn’t find the opportunity to attack off the dribble,” Quincy Notre Dame junior point guard Jake Hoyt said. “When he does, he’s pretty good at it.” Bozarth was effective…
Read Full Article December 14, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
CANTON, Mo. — The record-setting and high-profile careers of Culver-Stockton College left tackle Andrew Rupcich and middle linebacker Dalton Huffman were capped Monday with both receiving American Football Coaches Association NAIA All-American honors. Rupcich was a first-team selection for a third straight season, while Huffman was a second-team pick who earned the first All-American honors…
Read Full Article December 13, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
For the better part of six decades, small-school boys basketball teams from West Central Illinois had their state tournament aspirations hit an inevitable roadblock. They simply couldn’t circumvent the city schools. Whether that foe came from Quincy, Galesburg or Springfield, there was a program with a larger enrollment, more resources and a history of postseason…
Read Full Article December 12, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Add another tally to the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball program’s victory total. And much like many of the 1,500 victories celebrated in a pregame ceremony Saturday night at the Pit, this one took quite a bit of moxie. The Raiders overcame 9-of-20 shooting from the free-throw line and an off-kilter effort in…
Read Full Article December 11, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Each milestone Jeremiah Talton reaches and record he breaks serves as incentive for his younger teammates to shoot to surpass him. It won’t be easy. One game after becoming the 22nd player in the history of the Quincy High School boys basketball program to score 1,000 career points, the 6-foot-6 swingman reached another…
Read Full Article December 10, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Blair Eftink started it with a 1-2 punch. Abbey Schreake followed with a couple of haymakers. And the knockout blow came from the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team’s in-your-face defense that befuddled Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin’s backcourt Thursday night at the Pit. Eftink’s layup off the opening tip and 3-pointer on the Raiders’…
Read Full Article December 8, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — A milestone moment came with a highlight reel dunk and one of the most lopsided victories in the history of the Quincy High School boys basketball program. Still, the victory and the ability to rebound from the first loss of the season mattered most. On a night when Jeremiah Talton became…
Read Full Article December 6, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — A legendary Quincy newspaperman, a Carthage radio voice and an all-stater from Warsaw are among the inductees in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2022, the association announced Monday. Former Quincy Herald-Whig sports editor and executive editor Don Crim will join Keith Yex in being inducted into the media…
Read Full Article December 5, 2021 | By Daniel Makarewicz
CENTRALIA, Ill. — Reid O’Brien had visited Centralia’s Arthur Trout Arena before, so the Quincy High School junior guard quickly glanced toward his teammates when they first entered the venerable facility on Saturday afternoon to witness their initial reaction. “Everyone was looking around everywhere,” O’Brien said. “They were saying how nice it was and how…
Read Full Article December 3, 2021 | By Steve Eighinger
COLUMBIA, Mo. — That No. 1 ranking was no exaggeration. Smithville demonstrated exactly why it sat atop the Class 4 high school football poll the entire season when the Warriors overwhelmed Hannibal 31-0 in the state championship game played Friday afternoon at Faurot Field. Smithville, located about 21 miles north of Kansas City, dominated the…
Read Full Article December 3, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
HANNIBAL, Mo. — To achieve everything the Hannibal football team already has and could more potentially come Friday, one thing needed to be clear from the start. You just gotta believe. The Pirates had it in their heads they could be a state championship-caliber crew before taking a snap. “I think it came the first…
Read Full Article December 2, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Film doesn’t lie. So as the Hannibal football players and coaching staff reviewed last Saturday’s 42-26 victory over North County in the Class 4 state semifinals, a familiar site popped up on the screen — Aneyas Williams running untouched for a touchdown. Trailing 14-7 in the second quarter, Williams took the handoff…
Read Full Article December 1, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
MONROE CITY, Mo. — Poised and patient wins. The Monroe City boys basketball team is the epitome of that. Quincy Notre Dame wants to become a team capable of that. The Panthers opened Tuesday night’s game with an 8-0 run, never relinquished the lead and systematically put away a 62-48 victory in their season opener…
Read Full Article November 29, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Quincy University men’s basketball team finally warmed up. The hope is the trend continues back in a place where the early winter temperatures seem more normal. The Hawks went 7 of 9 from 3-point range in building an eight-point halftime lead against Alaska-Fairbanks in their final game of the Seawolves Thanksgiving…
Read Full Article November 28, 2021 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
BONNE TERRE, Mo. — Take a long road trip to unfamiliar territory on a cold, grey November afternoon, coupled with the realization they were a step away from playing at Faurot Field for a state championship, and it’s understandable if the Hannibal football players needed a moment to get acclimated. Two first quarter fumbles led…
Read Full Article November 27, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Forty-seven straight points. It doesn’t happen often in football, but we’ve seen teams score seven straight touchdowns before. When was the last time you saw it happen in basketball? After Quincy Notre Dame’s Jake Hoyt and Gateway STEM’s Jaylen Ross traded 3-point baskets in the opening minutes, the Raiders scored the next 45…
Read Full Article November 26, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Jeremiah Talton left no chore undone Thanksgiving night. He even mopped the floor. With the Quincy High School boys basketball team leading Lake Forest Academy by 15 points with 4 minutes, 37 seconds remaining in regulation Thursday night, Talton slid into the middle of the lane and drew a charge on Caxys guard…
Read Full Article November 24, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — It’s been nearly half a century since Bob Seger released “Turn the Page,” a song often covered by bands as acclaimed as Metallica that continues to be heard on classic rock radio stations. It might even be adopted by the Quincy High School boys basketball team as this season’s mantra. After enduring a…
Read Full Article November 23, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Malik Hardmon balked. Asked if he was prepared for the Quincy University men’s basketball team trip to Alaska and the single-digit temperatures awaiting the Hawks, the junior forward deadpanned, “No, I am not.” Hardmon admitted it sounds funny for someone who grew up in Chicago to be concerned with cold weather, but Alaska…
Read Full Article November 21, 2021 | By Tom Davis, Special to MuddyRiverSports.com
HAYTI, Mo. — For 24 minutes Saturday, the Monroe City football team did what no other team has done all year. The Panthers physically dominated Hayti in the Class 1 state quarterfinal and the scoreboard showed it, as Monroe City took a 22-0 lead into the intermission. But a high school football game is 48…
Read Full Article November 20, 2021 | By Steve Eighinger
HANNIBAL, Mo. — For the first time in the postseason, Hannibal’s football team was pushed. And make no mistake about it, the Pirates pushed right back, triggered by sophomore sensation Aneyas Williams. Williams provided another eye-popping performance, this one included five touchdown receptions on a Friday night that saw him reel in 12 catches for…
Read Full Article November 19, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
HANNIBAL, Mo. — All of the attention paid to the Hannibal football team’s record-setting offense has left the defense often overlooked. That’s a mistake. Stingy when it needs to be and opportunistic when it can be, the Pirates’ defense has created problems for opposing offenses all season. Last week’s 47-0 victory over Jefferson City in…
Read Full Article November 19, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College men’s basketball coach Aaron Hill understands the Wildcats’ need to embrace and enjoy their seven-game winning streak. “Winning should be fun,” Hill said. It can’t lead to a loss of focus or a lack of preparation. “Each time, they’re ready to move on to the next one after a taste…
Read Full Article November 18, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — If the Quincy University men’s basketball players bring the same level of effort and enthusiasm to Saturday’s matchup with Purdue Northwest as they played with Wednesday night, they have a pretty good guess how it will end. “It won’t be pretty,” senior guard Jamaurie Coakley said. Good thing the Hawks have two days…
Read Full Article November 17, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
LIBERTY, Ill. — The distractions needed to be muted, so Cannen Wolf did his best to ignore everything coming at him as the week progressed. He drowned out any chatter regarding the start of basketball practice and the fact the Liberty boys were being touted as a top-10 team in Class 1A. He brushed aside…
Read Full Article November 15, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — The fact the Quincy University football team’s defense led all of NCAA Division II in turnovers created suggests the Hawks were stout defensively. All the other statistics tell a much different story. It’s why there will be a change in leadership on that side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Sean Kelly was relieved…
Read Full Article November 13, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
NORMAL, Ill. — The incomplete team with the imperfect defense nearly pulled off the improbable upset. Tiny Augusta Southeastern, vying to become the school with the smallest enrollment to win the Illinois High School Association Class 1A volleyball state championship, stunned No. 1-ranked Champaign St. Thomas More 25-22 to win the first set Saturday morning…
Read Full Article November 12, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
NORMAL, Ill. — Springfield Lutheran volleyball coach Katie McCulley knew what was coming. Her team played Southeastern in the finals of the New Berlin Tournament in September, and she saw first-hand what 5-foot-10 freshman Amanda Stephens could do when the Suns won in two sets. So it didn’t surprise McCulley when Stephens dominated Friday morning’s…
Read Full Article November 12, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
BOWEN, Ill. — The custodians earned their pay Wednesday. Before leaving for Normal to continue preparations for the Class 1A state tournament, the Southeastern volleyball players were treated to a district-wide celebration and sendoff. It started with a morning assembly at the elementary school in Bowen. The students lined the gym to give the Suns…
Read Full Article November 11, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Seven points into Wednesday night’s crucial Great Lakes Valley Conference match and facing little resistance from Truman State, the Quincy University women’s volleyball team could have shifted into cruise control. It would have been the worst thing imaginable. The Hawks want to build momentum for the looming postseason conference tournament, not glide into…
Read Full Article November 11, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Quincy University is in the market for a new women’s soccer coach. After two seasons at the helm, Samuel Thomas resigned last Friday after meeting with the school’s athletic officials. The Hawks were 7-9 this fall with a 6-8 record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, finishing ninth and missing out on the…
Read Full Article November 10, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Tanner Anderson found it difficult to see how any top-level collegiate soccer program could have swayed him from landing at Saint Louis University. “If I’d had gone on a visit somewhere and seen something special, then maybe,” he said Still, that was unlikely. “It’s easy for me to decide SLU with everything going…
Read Full Article November 7, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Until the Quincy University football team figures out how to slow an opposing offense, it doesn’t matter how efficient the Hawks are themselves. Saturday was a prime example. In the final home game of the 2021 season, the Hawks rushed for a season-high 312 yards, averaged 5.7 yards per carry and churned out…
Read Full Article November 6, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
CLINTON, Ill. — Four points. Four lousy, stinkin’ points. The Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball team dominated the first set, overcame a disastrous second set and rebounded to lead 21-15 in the third set of Friday night’s Class 2A super-sectional volleyball match at Clinton High School. “You could taste it,” senior captain Maggie Drew said.…
Read Full Article November 5, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Ryan Hellenthal didn’t want to temper the excitement with too much of a dose of reality, but the Quincy University men’s basketball coach needed the Hawks to know what lies ahead. “This is just an exhibition for us,” the fifth-year coach said after the Hawks upset NCAA Division I SIU-Edwardsville 62-61 on…
Read Full Article November 5, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Tanner Anderson’s goal-scoring prowess is rivaling that of the greatest finishers in the history of the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer program, including that of his other brother, Seth. The accolades he is receiving are quite similar, too. The junior forward led a cavalcade of Quincy products receiving honors this fall from the…
Read Full Article November 4, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
KNOXVILLE, Ill. — The score was about to be tied. Instead of setting the ball to Kennedy Adair, Macomb’s Avery Rexroat opted to use her left hand to dump the ball deep and into the corner of the Quincy Notre Dame backcourt. Once the ball landed on the floor, Macomb would tie the first set…
Read Full Article November 2, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
GREENFIELD, Ill. — The Brown County volleyball team is going places that no other team in school history has gone. The Hornets won their first regional championship in school history last week. They followed that accomplishment Monday night with a 25-17, 25-19 semifinal victory over Raymond Lincolnwood in the Class 1A Greenfield Sectional. Up next…
Read Full Article November 1, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
CANTON, Mo. — After his first season as the Culver-Stockton College men’s basketball coach, Aaron Hill brought in a freshman-dominated recruiting class. The Wildcats posted a 5-23 record in 2018-19. Hill brought in another freshman-dominated recruiting class the following year. The Wildcats were 5-14 last season. While many of those early recruits are still on…
Read Full Article October 31, 2021 | By Muddy River Sports
BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Quincy University men’s soccer team ended its regular season Sunday with a 1-0 shutout over Southwest Baptist. Ben Whitmore punched in the game-winning goal, and Michele Barletta and Christos Kalaitzis combined for the victory in goal. Quincy ended the season with a 7-6-3 record. Last week’s game against William Jewell, which was…
Read Full Article October 31, 2021 | By STEVE EIGHINGER
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Nick Moore and Garret Williams both carried the same why-fix-it-if-it-ain’t-broken look on their faces. Moore, the talented sophomore quarterback for the Central Panthers, had teamed up with Williams, a senior wingback, for three first-half touchdown passes during Saturday’s 48-14 dismantling of Villa Grove in a Class 1A first-round playoff game. “(Williams)…
Read Full Article October 30, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The call was unexpected. So was the offer. In the matter of a few days, Murphy Grant’s professional life changed forever. He was in Quincy last weekend, accepting his induction into the Quincy University Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, celebrating with family and college friends. Three days later, he was back…
Read Full Article October 29, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
CARTHAGE, Ill. — The atmosphere generated by the Illini West faithful was something only a select few of the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players have ever experienced. Rarely have the Raiders faced a do-or-die situation as well. The top-seeded team in the Class 2A Illini West Regional proved capable of handling anything thrown its way.…
Read Full Article October 27, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Calvin Lavery didn’t realize the mistake soon enough. Having walked into a styling center for a haircut, he requested the stylist use an electric razor guard that would take off enough for a stylish look but not too much that he appeared to have shaved his head. The wrong guard was applied, and…
Read Full Article October 25, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — There was no way to avoid the deluge Sunday’s string of thunderstorms brought, but the Quincy University women’s soccer team found a window where the rain subsided long enough to get a Great Lakes Valley Conference game played. All the Hawks needed was William Jewell to arrive. Despite a delay that pushed the…
Read Full Article October 24, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Dylan Dickhut’s historical research uncovered a unique fact about the Central football program. The Panthers have never been a No. 1 seed in a playoff bracket, not even when finishing the regular season undefeated. Saturday night, history changed. Central drew the No. 1 seed in the Class 1A south bracket according to the…
Read Full Article October 23, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
ALTON, Ill. — A solid offensive output in the first half, followed by an extraordinary defensive performance in the second half, was the perfect combination to prime the Quincy Notre Dame football team for the postseason. Senior running back Ben Kasparie scored three touchdowns in the first half, and the Raiders held Alton Marquette to…
Read Full Article October 22, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — When you count the number of days since either the Quincy University men’s or women’s basketball team played in front of fans at Pepsi Arena, you realize how much a night to get reacclimated to the atmosphere was needed. And if the regular-season crowd mimics the energy felt in the venerable facility Thursday…
Read Full Article October 21, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Lia Quintero’s mission is to leave her mark, and she’s OK if it comes with an asterisk. The Quincy Notre Dame junior set a goal coming into high school to be a four-time qualifier for the girls state tennis tournament, an effort that seemed doable after going 2-2 at the Class 1A state…
Read Full Article October 20, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The name is the same. And if you watch Wentric Williams III run with the football tucked tightly in his right arm, you’ll see glimpses of his father. And then there’s that million-watt smile. It’s part of what made Wentric Williams II electric. His namesake shares that electricity. But be clear about one thing —…
Read Full Article October 20, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Abbey Schreacke was keenly aware of the inherent distractions Tuesday night’s match brought. The city rivalry was front and center. The Pink Night celebration drew a bigger crowd. And a planned post-match recognition of Quincy Notre Dame volleyball coach Courtney Kvitle’s 100th career victory would lose some luster if the Raiders fell to…
Read Full Article October 19, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Ron Bridal had a plan if Grayson Cook was game. If it kept him from running cross country, Cook certainly was intrigued. Three years ago, when Cook and his parents were in the Quincy High School athletic office after enrolling him for his freshman year, they happened to cross paths with Bridal, the…
Read Full Article October 17, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The numbers achieved by the Quincy University football team on Saturday were impressive. The Hawks rolled up 450 total yards and scored 48 points. The defense recovered three fumbles and intercepted three passes. QU had a 31-7 lead over McKendree early in the third quarter and led 41-21 with 13:31 remaining in the…
Read Full Article October 16, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Troy Cornell is off the schneid. The Quincy Notre Dame football team is, too. For the first time since his birth on September 22, the infant son of Raiders coach Jack Cornell witnessed QND set the tone with takeaways on special teams and defense, buckle down offensively in the second half and end…
Read Full Article October 15, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Luke Guthrie moved up the leaderboard for the third straight day and he’s moving on to bigger and better things because of it. The Quincy native regained his Korn Ferry Tour card for the 2022 season by shooting a 2-under 70 in Friday’s final round of the Korn Ferry Q-School’s second stage.…
Read Full Article October 15, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Ben Kasparie has been in every younger teammate’s shoes. It’s why he is cognizant of how his actions are perceived. “There’s a lot more pressure on me,” said Kasparie, the Quincy Notre Dame senior running back/linebacker who is a four-year starter and a mentor for players like Ben Schwartz, a sophomore starting on…
Read Full Article October 14, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Luke Guthrie moved closer to regaining his Korn Ferry Tour card for the 2022 season. The Quincy native climbed six spots up the leaderboard Thursday during the third round of the Korn Ferry Tour Q-School’s second stage, shooting a 5-under 67 for the second consecutive day at Southern Hills Plantation Club. Guthrie…
Read Full Article October 14, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Central football team is prepping for the postseason with a playoff-like showdown thanks to a late-in-the-week schedule change. North Greene will not field a varsity team this week due to “the large amount of injuries and players under team discipline,” according to a statement from the Spartans athletic department which…
Read Full Article October 14, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Luke Guthrie played himself into contention. After opening the second stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School by shooting a 1-over 73 at the Southern Hills Plantation Club, the Quincy native responded during Wednesday’s second round with a 5-under 67 that vaulted him 33 spots up the leaderboard and into a tie for…
Read Full Article October 12, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
ST. LOUIS — Taylor Keck helped the Maryville women’s volleyball team end a six-match losing streak with an historic effort. The Quincy Notre Dame graduate recorded 25 kills in a five-set, come-from-behind victory over William Jewell last week at Moloney Arena. The Saints won 25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-8 with Keck delivering kills on four…
Read Full Article October 10, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
FORSYTH, Ill. — Laci Novosel didn’t sugarcoat it. “Oh, it was bad,” she said. But it wasn’t so bad she couldn’t laugh it off. “I only cried like twice,” she said with a chuckle. It was that kind of day for the Quincy High School girls golfers. A few tears accompanied wayward shots and frustration…
Read Full Article October 9, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
FORSYTH, Ill. — The fluctuating leaderboard had the Quincy High School girls golf team bouncing anywhere from fifth to eighth place every couple of holes Friday afternoon. It made everyone a little leery of what was transpiring. So as Laci Novosel, one of two seniors and the only current Blue Devil with state tournament experience,…
Read Full Article October 8, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — With the start of the postseason looming just five days away, the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players are confident they’re ready for a title chase. All it takes is a Cann-do attitude. Thursday night, a sophomore striker showed the Raiders how that looks. Off a long throw-in from the right sideline, QND’s…
Read Full Article October 7, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Laci Novosel couldn’t choose. Given the option of having a higher grade point average or a lower strokes-per-round average, the Quincy High School senior golfer and self-described nerd wavered in the middle. “Oh, gosh, I can’t pick,” Novosel said. “I have to have both. My entire life is school and golf. It equals…
Read Full Article October 6, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Brad Gyorkos’ efforts when it comes to building the Culver-Stockton College baseball program never wane. Yet, there are times, especially during the summer months, where the itch to hit fungoes, play catch and be part of the game gets hard to scratch because there aren’t any baseball players on the Canton, Mo., campus.…
Read Full Article October 6, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
AUGUSTA, Ill. — From the moment her team stepped on the bus Tuesday night, Quincy Notre Dame volleyball coach Courtney Kvitle liked what she saw. “Tonight was the first time I felt like they were on a business trip,” Kvitle said. “They weren’t goofy, they weren’t overly excited, they were just happy. They were here…
Read Full Article October 5, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
WASHINGTON, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls golfers made a pact with Blue Devils coach Hanlynn Vahlkamp not to check the digital scoring app while on the course during Monday’s Class 2A sectional at Quail Meadows Golf Course. “It makes us a little too anxious,” Vahlkamp said. So Sophia Gold never took a peek.…
Read Full Article October 4, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
AMES, Iowa — Jirehl Brock’s value doesn’t always show in the final statistics. Yet, it is clear he’s a vital part of the Iowa State football team’s offense when you sit in the film room, go through a practice or game plan for that week’s opponent. “Jirehl is one of those guys that does the…
Read Full Article October 3, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Gary Bass had tears in his eyes when he spoke to his Quincy University football team after Saturday’s 31-28 victory over Missouri S&T at QU Stadium. He cried because he was happy. He cried because he was sorry. Bass had just watched Miners placekicker Zach Glaess miss a game-tying 40-yard field goal attempt…
Read Full Article October 2, 2021 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Pirates started off slinging the ball all around the yard at their homecoming game against Kirksville Friday night. But after sputtering on offense and failing to convert on consecutive fourth down opportunities in the first quarter, the Pirates put the ball in the hands of their dynamic backfield of Aneyas…
Read Full Article October 1, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
Friday’s Schedule Quincy High School (2-3) at Sterling (4-1), 7:30 p.m. • NFHS Network Mahomet-Seymour (5-0) at Quincy Notre Dame (4-1), 7 p.m. • WGEM 1440 AM, 98.9 FM • WTAD 930 AM Kirksville (3-2) at Hannibal (5-0), 7 p.m. • KICK 97.9 FM Central (4-1) at Triopia (1-4), 7 p.m. • Central Illinois Sports…
Read Full Article September 30, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Moments after learning they had won the Class 2A regional championship on Thursday afternoon at Westview Golf Course, the Quincy High School girls golf team was … well, relaxed. They sat on the back deck of the Westview clubhouse, looking at their phones, chatting and eating snacks and petting a couple of dogs.…
Read Full Article September 30, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Liberty’s Blake Arnold waited for nearly an hour and a half to find out if a playoff was needed. “I didn’t do much. Just sat around and talked. Maybe hit 10 putts (on the practice green in front of the clubhouse),” he said. Arnold and Blake Deitrich of Illini West both…
Read Full Article September 29, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
CANTON, Mo. — Four freshmen and three sophomores are in the starting lineup for the Canton softball team. So much youth typically means much patience will be needed as a team matures. That’s not how it works in Canton. The Tigers won the Missouri Class 1 state championship in 2017, lost in the state championship…
Read Full Article September 29, 2021 | By Muddy River Sports
CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton College women’s volleyball team earned its second Heart of America Athletic Conference victory with a 25-12, 25-12, 29-27 decision over Graceland University Tuesday night at Charles Field House. The Wildcats, who have won two straight matches, improve to 6-10, 2-3 in the conference. C-SC already has equaled the number of…
Read Full Article September 28, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Tanner Stuckman doesn’t know much about Finland. “Well, I do know it gets cold,” he said. “it’s gonna be very cold. I made sure to pack my parka with me.” Stuckman didn’t have much time to pack. After agreeing on a professional basketball contract Sunday night and signing it Monday morning, the Quincy…
Read Full Article September 27, 2021 | By Muddy River Sports
ST. LOUIS — Jack Rhead scored the game-winning goal on a pass from Cole Hayes in the 99th minute to help the Quincy University men’s soccer team came from behind to defeat Missouri-St. Louis 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match. Keegan Klingene cleared a ball from QU’s defensive zone and…
Read Full Article September 26, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton College football team won for the fourth time in five games on Saturday, defeating Central Methodist 44-36 on Saturday afternoon during homecoming weekend in a Heart of America Athletic Conference game at Ellison Poulton Stadium. It’s the best start since the 1975 season, when the Wildcats opened with a 4-1…
Read Full Article September 25, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
BREESE, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame never could find an answer for Breese Mater Dei’s passing combination of Bryce Reverman and Cameron Haag. And for the second consecutive week, the Raiders’ passing game has plenty of questions. Reverman threw four touchdown passes to Haag — three on the same pass pattern — and connected 12…
Read Full Article September 24, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
Friday’s schedule Galesburg (1-3) at Quincy High School (2-2), 7:30 p.m. • WGEM 1440 AM, 98.9 FM Quincy Notre Dame (4-0) at Breese Mater Dei (4-0), 7 p.m. • WTAD 930 AM Hannibal (4-0) at Mexico (4-0), 7 p.m. • KICK 97.9 FM Palmyra (2-2) at Monroe City (4-0), 7 p.m. • KRRY 100.9 FM…
Read Full Article September 23, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Maybe the most asked question Jacob Hollensteiner has faced since it was announced he was taking over as the Quincy Gems general manager hasn’t had anything to do with the team or even baseball. “Everyone I have told has asked, ‘What are you going to do now though?’” he said. Understandably curious since…
Read Full Article September 23, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — The challenges the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team’s lineup faced early in the season due to COVID-19 quarantines and procedures have finally passed. Now, the Raiders seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. Blake Arnold does, too. QND defended its West Central Conference championship, posting its second-best team score…
Read Full Article September 21, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
GALESBURG, Ill. — Laci Novosel and Paige Cain’s careers are perfect. At least they are against Western Big 6 Conference competition. The Quincy High School senior golfers led the Blue Devils to their fifth straight conference championship Monday, posting a team total of 310 at Lake Bracken Country Club. For both golfers, it’s four seasons…
Read Full Article September 19, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — It’s time for the Quincy University football team to leave the shoulds, woulds and coulds in the past. A 38-17 victory over Walsh on Saturday to cap a season-opening three-game homestand has the Hawks looking forward, not back. “I’ve been here since 2018 and I never would have thought we’d beat a team…
Read Full Article September 18, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Tom Little couldn’t hide his emotion. In the wake of a 22-20 victory over Central in Friday night’s battle of state-ranked teams, the Brown County football coach gathered the Hornets and delivered a simple message. “We told them we loved them,” Little said. That’s when the tears softly fell. “Win or…
Read Full Article September 18, 2021 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
EAST MOLINE, Ill. — It was difficult to tell which was more dominant — Quincy High School’s offense or defense. The Blue Devils racked up 399 yards of total offense and limited United Township to 19 yards of offense in the first half in an impressive 48-14 victory Friday night in Western Big 6 Conference…
Read Full Article September 17, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
Friday’s Schedule Quincy High School (1-2) at United Township (3-0), 7 p.m. • WTAD 930 AM Quincy Notre Dame (3-0) at Duchesne (2-1), 7 p.m. • WGEM 1440 AM, 98.9 FM Fulton (0-2) at Hannibal (3-0), 7 p.m. • KICK 97.9 FM Brown County (3-0) at Central (3-0), 7 p.m. • Central Illinois Sports on…
Read Full Article September 17, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — For a team desperately trying to hold its rival at bay and make amends for the batterings of recent past, Boen Brockmiller’s game-tying goal gave the Quincy High School boys soccer team the belief any and everything was possible. The Blue Devils’ defense latched on to that. “It gives us a blanket of…
Read Full Article September 15, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
EAST MOLINE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys soccer team is in control of its fate. Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over United Township moved the Blue Devils into sole possession of first place in the Western Big 6 Conference as they try to regain the crown they’ve worn more than any other team in…
Read Full Article September 13, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Jack Marth’s collegiate football career is off to an award-winning start. The Quincy Notre Dame graduate was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after making several key plays in Truman State’s 27-9 victory over Wayne State last Saturday in Detroit. Marth recorded his first career sack and…
Read Full Article September 13, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Lauren Crane sought redemption. She found it in the back of the net. Seven minutes into the second of Sunday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference opener against Missouri S&T at Legends Stadium, the Quincy University women’s soccer team trailed 2-1 when Morgan Evans was fouled inside the penalty area while attacking from the left…
Read Full Article September 12, 2021 | By Muddy River Sports
QUINCY – At first glance, Quincy University’s 59-27 victory over Iowa Wesleyan in the home opener at QU Stadium on Saturday afternoon appears to be quite impressive. The Hawks rushed for 307 yards, an average of 7.7 yards per carry. The point total was the most since QU whipped Maysville State 64-7 in the second…
Read Full Article September 11, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Moline football coach Mike Morrisey’s postgame huddle lasted a brief moment, but it came with a poignant message. “Nice show of character in the second half,” he told the Maroons. “That’s the type of football we want to play.” Quincy High School coach Rick Little’s huddle lasted a touch longer, but it provided…
Read Full Article September 10, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
Friday’s Schedule Moline (1-1) at Quincy High School (1-1), 7 p.m. • WGEM 1440 AM, 98.9 FM • NFHS Network Marceline (2-0) at Quincy Notre Dame (2-0), 7 p.m. • WTAD 930 AM • QND Athletics on YouTube Hannibal (2-0) at Fort Zumwalt West (1-1), 7 p.m. • KICK 97.9 FM Central (2-0) at Unity-Payson…
Read Full Article September 9, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Quincy High School boys soccer coach Ron Bridal wasn’t about to allow fatigued legs from games on back-to-back nights morph into an excuse for sloppy, uninspired play. Learning to handle such a scenario is vital in the long run. “To come back tonight was a challenge,” Bridal said Wednesday night at Flinn Stadium…
Read Full Article September 7, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The college football season kicked off in earnest last weekend with a number of local products making their first collegiate start and some making their collegiate debut. Here’s a glimpse on how it unfolded: • Nationally ranked Central Missouri suffered a 35-16 loss at home to Pittsburg State, although two Quincy High School products played…
Read Full Article September 5, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Four years ago, in Gary Bass’ first game as the interim head coach of the Quincy University football program, the Hawks were humbled and pummeled in a 50-point loss at Midwestern State. Saturday, with Bass entrenched as the Hawks coach and a roster fully recruited by him and his staff, the return engagement…
Read Full Article September 4, 2021 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Dick White hadn’t returned to his hometown since … well, it’s been so long the 65-year-old couldn’t remember exactly when the last time was. “I could blame the pandemic for it,” the Hannibal native said. “But that would just be an excuse. I haven’t been back here in a long time.” So…
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