Adam: Schwagmeyer-Belger’s hiring similar to another QU hire of local standout 15 years ago

Ali Schwagmeyer-Belger speaks during a press conference in the Hall of Fame room outside of Pepsi Arena in Quincy on Tuersday afternoon. | David Adam

QUINCY — The first time Josh Rabe spoke with Ali Schwagmeyer-Belger about the women’s basketball coaching position at Quincy University, he immediately dismissed her lack of college experience. “I was like, ‘What would you do?’” Rabe asked her if she got the job.  “She walked through some key hallmarks of program building, and I’m like, ‘OK,…

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WIU’s Gravina reaches 200-victory plateau as Leathernecks open with back-to-back wins

Western Illinois University women's basketball coach JD Gravina won his 200th game with the Leathernecks last Saturday in an 89-83 victory at the University of Omaha. | Photo courtesy WIU Athletics

MACOMB, Ill. — The winningest coach in the history of the Western Illinois University women’s basketball program reached a milestone moment two games into the season. JD Gravina, now in his 14th season coaching the Leathernecks, won his 200th game at WIU with last Saturday’s 89-83 victory at the University of Omaha. WIU is 2-0…

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Schuck on a Truck: WIU’s Gravina discusses success on hardwood, Christmas holiday

MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University women’s basketball team is rolling. The Leathernecks have won seven consecutive games heading into Sunday’s matchup at Missouri-Kansas City. An experienced corps of players who understand their role and the emergence of a high-scoring freshman have been the right combination for success. WIU coach JD Gravina joined Muddy…

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Gravina reaches coaching milestone as Leathernecks continue strong start to season

Western Illinois University women's basketball coach JD Gravina won the 300th game of his coaching career with Tuesday night's 86-72 victory over Chicago State in Macomb, Ill. | Photo courtesy WIU athletics

MACOMB, Ill. — JD Gravina’s career victory total is at 300 and counting. A strong start to the season by the Western Illinois University women’s basketball team helped the former Quincy University coach reach his milestone moment. Tuesday night’s 86-72 victory over Chicago State at Western Hall featured Anna Deets scoring seven of the Leathernecks’…

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