Milestone moment: Seniors, Reis discuss his 400th victory as QND boys soccer coach

QUINCY — The third time proved to be the charm. With Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach Greg Reis sitting on 399 career victories, the Raiders suffered back-to-back losses to quality teams in John Burroughs and Rochester. Saturday, a team that traditionally has given the Raiders fits visited Advance Physical Therapy Field, and it brought…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Wives of Central football coaches discuss family, Friday nights together

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The wives of the Camp Point Central football coaches are a staff unto themselves. Each week, prior to Friday night, they game plan how to wrangle kids, pack enough juice boxes and gear to survive a three hours and make arrangements for postgame festivities. It’s done to allow their husbands to…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: South Shelby’s Hammond, Wiseman discuss ribeyes, success and big games

SHELBINA, Mo. — Kevin Hammond delivered like a champion, just as the South Shelby football team had. Thursday night, the father of Cardinals running back Kendal Hammond followed through on a promise to cook ribeyes for his son and the offensive linemen if Hammond rushed for more than 200 yards against Monroe City. The senior…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QHS offensive linemen discuss life in trenches for WB6 title contender

QUINCY — Want to know which of the five starting offensive linemen for the Quincy High School football team is the strongest? What about the cleanest? Or maybe you’re curious where they like to eat as a group, considering their camaraderie extends beyond the gridiron? They’ll tell you. They’ll smile and laugh while doing it,…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Macomb AD discusses family and football with grandkids by his side

MACOMB, Ill. — Macomb athletic director Steve Horrell continues to make Friday nights about football and family. Previously a long-time member of the Macomb football coaching staff, Horrell and his wife, Trish, raised their four kids at football fields throughout West-Central Illinois. Their son, Tanner, is now the Bombers head coach and his sons and…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QHS’s Tykell Hammers discusses season opener, heat adjustments, catchable passes

QUINCY — Tykell Hammers is one of the many offensive weapons Quincy High School quarterback Bradyn Little has in his arsenal, but Hammers’ skills aren’t limited to the gridiron alone. The QHS junior started in the outfield for the baseball team last spring after emerging as a high-quality wide receiver and defensive back during last…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND senior Ben Schwartz discusses football opener, being team captain

QUINCY — Ben Schwartz understands hard work. It’s engrained in you when you grow up in a farm family. Schwartz’s diligence and effort led to an opportunity to step into the starting lineup along the Quincy Notre Dame football team’s offensive line as a sophomore and he’s been an anchor ever since. Schwartz enters his…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Hannibal’s Aneyas Williams discusses senior season, future with Fighting Irish

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Come the first weekend of December, when Missouri crowns its high school football state champions and puts a wrap on the fall season, the career of one the most dominant and electrifying athletes this area has ever seen will end as well. Luckily, all the football Friday nights and playoff games between…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Zanger discusses transition to college student, burgeoning career in media

QUINCY — Addi Zanger is about to have more free time than she’s ever experienced. After playing two sports throughout high school and helping coach youth softball as well, the recent Quincy Notre Dame graduate heads to the University of Missouri with no preseason practices to attend and no defined schedule that includes matches, games…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QHS volleyball players discuss upcoming season, pursuit of WB6 championship

QUINCY — A year ago, the Quincy High School volleyball finished tied for second in the Western Big 6 Conference. The Blue Devils would like nothing more than to regain the league crown, which they have worn more than any other team in league history. QHS has won 25 WB6 volleyball championships, but the last…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Hannibal’s Rollins discusses soccer season, summer success with J.B. Marine

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Graduation losses are inevitable, but the Hannibal boys soccer program braced for that with a sizable junior class gaining valuable playing experience the past two seasons. Depth is still a concern with only two seniors on the roster and the need for freshmen to fill reserve roles, but quality over quantity is…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: KHQA sports director Chris Duerr discusses start of fall sports

QUINCY — Chris Duerr’s summer sabbatical is over, and it’s time for fall sports. The Hall of Fame KHQA Sports Director took advantage of a quiet July to visit his native Sacramento, Calif., spend quality time with his family and get upstaged by his fire chief brother, Mark. Now that August has arrived and fall…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Central wrestling coaches discuss program, Summerfest, eating contest

Central Principal Zak Huston celebrates his championship in the Summerfest eating contest by appearing on "Schuck on a Truck."

CAMP POINT, Ill. — What better way to end the summer than with a celebration. Saturday night at Bailey Park, that’s what the Central wrestling program and its supporters did. Summerfest, a fund-raiser for the Panthers’ grapplers, brought the community together for music, food, drinks and fun in a lively and entertaining setting. A celebrity…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Lucas Loos discusses summer with Gems, transfer to EIU, passion for baseball

QUINCY — Lucas Loos is a making a case to be the Prospect League’s Player of the Year. Friday night, the case grew stronger. The Quincy Gems third baseman belted his league-leading 13th home run during a 13-3, seven-inning victory over the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. The Payson Seymour graduate finished 3 for 4 with…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: CS8 football coaches discuss future of league, which will include QND

WINCHESTER, Ill. — On a farm pond in rural Scott County, Jacksonville football coach Mark Grounds showed the ability to slay 5- and 6-pound catfish over and over again. What he has done as president of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association is more impressive. The long-time Crimsons skipper has enhanced a network of…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Magnolia Schrage talks golf, medals and half-swings

QUINCY — Magnolia Schrage is carrying on a family tradition. The 4-year-old Quincy golfer competed this week in the 50th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships at the Knights of Columbus Par-3 Course, following in the footsteps of her father, Tim, who played in the event growing up in Quincy.  After finishing her five-hole round…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND baseball team celebrates its third-place finish at Class 2A state tournament

PEORIA, Ill. — A record-setting season would have been incomplete without a victory on the final day of play. The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team understood that and made certain that happened, beating DePaul College Prep 7-2 in the Class 2A third-place game Saturday at Dozer Park. Winning the third state trophy in program history…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND baseball players celebrate state final four berth with No. 5 in their hearts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The highs and lows of sports intersected with the tragedy and triumph of life in a 48-hour span for the Quincy Notre Dame baseball players. They found a way to make history through it all. A 13-1 victory over Bloomington Central Catholic in the Class 2A Springfield Super-Sectional at Lincoln Land Community…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND’s Cucuk discusses return to state tennis tournament

QUINCY — Marko Cucuk understands the competition intensifies this week. Still, the Quincy Notre Dame tennis player is heading to the Class 1A state tournament on quite a roll. The recent QND graduate, who is making his third straight tournament appearance in the singles draw, won the singles bracket at the Class 1A Chatham Glenwood…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QU baseball parents become family of their own

QUINCY — The root of their lies in their success of their sons, but the parents of the Quincy University baseball players have formed a bond that is as tight as a baseball family gets. The shared a house during the season-opening road trip to Florida. They tailgate together wherever the Hawks play. They text.…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Mark Longo discusses legendary QND girls soccer coaching career

QUINCY — Mark Longo was asked to coach the inaugural Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team with no expectations and no preconceived notions of success. The next coach won’t be so lucky. From 1990 until now — 33 seasons total — Longo has been the only head coach the Raiders have had, and with him…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Future QU golfer Miller shows she can hang with the boys on her way to state

EWING, Mo. — When Payton Miller made it home Friday night, she had some serious packing to do. Saturday, she was off to Shelbina to compete in the Class 2 sectional track and field meet with the Highland girls track team. That night, she and her family headed to Springfield, Mo., to get prepared to…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QHS girls soccer team reacts to sweeping QND for first time ever

QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer programs played their first seasons in the spring of 1990 and have been scheduled to meet twice every spring since. Not once in the first 32 seasons of head-to-head competition — they didn’t play in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic — had…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Logsdon, Norris talk about how QU served as home, family during incredible athletic careers

Quincy University record-setting slugger Lance Logsdon, left, and All-American volleyball player Mattison Norris joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate for an episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The highs and lows — things both Lance Logsdon and Mattison Norris experienced throughout the Quincy University athletic careers — never sidetracked either, largely because of their competitive nature and dogged determination, but also because they had each other. The record-setting slugger for the QU baseball team and the All-American outside hitter for…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Hunter Voth discusses dreams of being Cardinals play-by-play announcer and sheds light on Autism Awareness Month

Hunter Voth, left, joins Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for the latest episode of "Schuck on a Truck."

QUINCY — Hunter Voth refuses to let anything stand in the way of his dream of someday becoming the radio play-by-play voice of the St. Louis Cardinals. Autism is one of those obstacles he simply pushes past. A Unity High School graduate who is a student assistant with the John Wood Community College men’s basketball…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: KHQA Sports Director Chris Duerr discusses crosstown showdowns, covering local sports on special game night edition

QUINCY — The image of Chris Duerr roaming the sidelines or basepaths with a camera on his shoulder is iconic. It’s also expected when the magnitude of the event rises, much the way the Quincy High School vs. Quincy Notre Dame matchups do. Wednesday night, the KHQA sports director was at the QHS softball field…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Hobbs discusses becoming next C-SC men’s basketball coach

CANTON, Mo. — Dorian Hobbs Jr. found his way home. A former Culver-Stockton College student-athlete and assistant coach with the men’s basketball team, Hobbs joined the Millikin University coaching staff as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in May 2021. However, his ties to C-SC made him want to return after Aaron Hill resigned as…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Moline boys basketball coach Sean Taylor discusses Class 4A state title

QUINCY — Sean Taylor put himself in rare company when the Moline boys basketball team won the Class 4A state championship with its 59-42 victory over Lisle Benet Academy at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. The former Quincy High School coach has now led two schools to a state championship, having won the Class…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND girls basketball team celebrates its Class 2A third-place state finish

QUINCY — With spring break taking place on the backend of the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team’s third-place finish at the Class 2A state tournament, the Raiders had to wait an extra week for their fire truck ride and welcome home celebration. The time lapse gave the Raiders time to appreciate all they had…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Central wrestler Amber Louderback discusses historic state medal-winning season

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Amber Louderback’s determination cannot be undersold or overstated. She’s passionate, committed and tough. It’s why the Camp Point Central freshman became the first girls wrestler in program history to earn a medal at the state tournament, finishing fourth in the 125-pound class recently during the event held at Grossinger Motors Arena…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Cubs pitching prospect Riley Martin discusses spring training and his progress

QUINCY — Riley Martin admits it’s been a short offseason, but that hasn’t diminished his readiness for spring training. “I feel like I’ve put in some good work this offseason,” he said. “I’m excited to get back and get started.” The former Quincy University left-handed All-American hurler will head to Mesa, Ariz., next week to…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Event organizer Eric Stratman discusses fifth Quincy Shootout

QUINCY — The dip in temperatures and rainy weather forced “Schuck on a Truck” to become “Schuck in the Stands” this week, but it’s appropriate since the stands at Blue Devil Gym this weekend should be filled with basketball junkies and passionate fans. The fifth Quincy Shootout brings a nationally respected field to the Gem…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QHS wrestlers discuss Quincy Invitational

Quincy High School wrestlers Owen Uppinghouse, left, and Bryor Newbold, center, joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for this episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — Owen Uppinghouse, Bryor Newbold and the Quincy High School wrestlers have spent most of their season flatbacking opponents. Coming off a victory in the 29-team Murdale Invitational last weekend in Carbondale, Ill., the Blue Devils get the chance to showcase their depth and talent in front of a home crowd at the Quincy…

Read More

2022 Year in Review: Most watched episodes of ‘Schuck on a Truck’

The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team piled into the bed of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman's pickup truck to record an episode of "Schuck on a Truck" after the Raiders won the Class 1A state championship. | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman drove his pickup truck across the state, chasing stories of success for area athletes and teams. Along the way, “Schuck on a Truck” became a fun way to introduce our readers to the personalities of athletes and coaches and celebrate state titles. Here is a look at…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Central football team’s offensive line

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman chats with the Central football team's offensive linemen for the latest episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Come Friday, the Camp Point Central football team will walk into Memorial Stadium on the University of Illinois campus for the Class 1A state championship game to square off with Lena-Winslow, the reigning state champion who has won five state championships since 2010. Leading the way with be an experienced, stout…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Central football coach Brad Dixon discusses program success heading into state semifinals

Central football coach Brad Dixon, left, and Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman discuss playoff football for this episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Central football players have traded cut-off t-shirts and shorts for stocking caps and sweatshirts. When that takes place, something more significant has, too. In this case, the Panthers have reached the Class 1A state semifinals for the fourth time in program history. Central (12-0) travels for the first time this…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Liberty coach Jared Schmidt talks cross country ahead of state meet

Liberty cross country coach Jared Schmidt, left, joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for this week's episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

LIBERTY, Ill. — Liberty junior Arianna Neisen will run at Detweiler Park this weekend. Quincy High School senior Eric McClelland will, too, in what is the ultimate weekend for Illinois prep cross country runners. The state meet takes place Saturday in Peoria with three classes running 3-mile races on both the boys and girls sides.…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND boys soccer team celebrates Class 1A state championship

The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team climbed into the bed of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman's truck after winning the Class 1A state championship to tape an episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — They grew curious — possibly more concerned — whether the suspension on Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman’s pickup truck could hold the weight of the entire Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team piled into the truck’s bed. Much like the Raiders throughout the postseason, Schuck’s truck held up just fine.…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND senior center back Colin Kurk discusses trip to state final four

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team clamped down on Bloomington Central Catholic’s attack and limited the Saints to one shot in the first half of Wednesday’s 5-1 victory in the Class 1A Chillicothe Super-Sectional. That effort is carrying the Raiders to the final four in East Peoria, where they will play…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Talking hunting season, fall weather and family memories with Schuck’s dad

QUINCY — Growing up, the best part of the calendar rolling into October meant hunting season was upon us and I had the opportunity to spend more time with my dad. No matter what we did outdoors, I was right by his side. That hasn’t changed in adulthood. With the archery deer season in full…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Liberty golfer Blake Arnold discusses his season, family support and finishing his career at state tournament

LIBERTY, Ill. — A decorated high school golf career came to an end last Saturday when Liberty senior Blake Arnold finished tied for 13th at the Class 1A state tournament, and he finished it with a birdie on his final hole. In the process, Arnold became the highest individual state finisher in Liberty golf history.…

Read More

Schuckman: Old-school vibes, new-school touches make Friday nights at Unity-Payson feel like it’s where you belong

The moon dropping to the horizon behind the pressbox at the Unity-Payson football field in Mendon, Ill., is a perfect backdrop for Friday night high school football. | Matt Schuckman photo

MENDON, Ill. — When modern technology accents old-school charm, you wind up watching a prep football game in an environment artists pen songs about and screenwriters use as inspiration for movie scripts. Friday night, this Adams County village offered one of those backdrops. From the bonfire in the neighboring yard to a respected, celebrated old…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Andre White discusses Monroe City tradition, Mizzou days and next generation of standouts

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Andre White spent a majority of his summer traveling across the United States with his son, Dez, on the AAU basketball circuit, and the reward of seeing his son achieve the dream of receiving an NCAA Division I scholarship is priceless. The fact Dez White will be playing for a former…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: C-SC women’s soccer coach Tyler Tomlinson discusses life on The Hill

QUINCY — Tyler Tomlinson is doing what every successful coach does. He’s accepting the need to change. The first four games of the Culver-Stockton College women’s soccer team’s season didn’t go as well as hoped, so Tomlinson and his staff began retooling how the Wildcats need to play. It seems to be working. The Wildcats…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QND’s Tanner Anderson discusses record-breaking, game-winning goal against QHS

QUINCY — With the game tied at 3 and less than five minutes remaining in regulation, the ball found Tanner Anderson’s foot. From there, it found the back of the net. The Quincy Notre Dame senior forward scored the game-winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Quincy High School on Thursday night at Advance Physical…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: QU football coach Gary Bass talks preparation for season opener

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass felt a productive offseason prepared the Hawks to be ahead of the game when fall practices began. With good weather and depth at nearly every position, the Hawks have taken advantage of every opportunity leading up to Thursday’s season opener. Bass joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Professional pitmaster Terry Bower discusses BBQ competitions, tailgate tips

QUINCY — Terry Bower took a weekend hobby of creating delectable barbeque and wood-smoked meats and turned into a professional career as a pitmaster on the Kansas City Barbeque Society circuit. He’s traveled the Midwest getting calls and winning honors at some of the most prestigious events. In this episode of “Schuck on a Truck”…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Truman State offensive coordinator Jason Killday discusses start of fall camp

Truman State University offensive coordinator Jason Killday and Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman talk football in the latest episode of "Schuck on a Truck," brought to you by Area Distributors. | Muddy River Sports photo

BARING, Mo. — Jason Killday views the Truman State University football team’s start of preseason workouts the way he wants each of the Bulldogs to see things. It’s a brand new day. A year ago, when the Bulldogs went 9-3 and won the America’s Crossroads Bowl, Truman State established a single-season school record for yards…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Glenn Sanders talks about outdoors projects and MVHFA

Glenn Sanders, left, talks with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman about the outdoors in the latest episode of "Schuck on a Truck."

QUINCY — Glenn Sanders has been synonymous with the outdoors and the opportunities afforded to youth anglers and hunters his entire life. A retired sergeant with the Illinois Conservation Police, Sanders currently is the president of the Mississippi Valley Hunters and Fishermen’s Association and arguably West-Central Illinois’ strongest advocate for wildlife resources. Sanders and Muddy…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Seth Anderson discusses SLU soccer experience

Saint Louis University sophomore soccer standout Seth Anderson, left, talks with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman in the latest episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — Seth Anderson stepped in as a freshman with the Saint Louis University men’s soccer program last fall and made an immediate impact as the Billikens went 16-1-4 and reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. The former Quincy Notre Dame all-state striker sat down with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman to discuss…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Gems manager Brad Gyorkos discusses first half of Prospect League season

QUINCY — The Quincy Gems won 13 games in a 16-game span in the first half of the Prospect League season, propelling them to first place in the Great River Division and guaranteeing them a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Gems manager Brad Gyorkos joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Andrew Smith discusses making two aces in 10-day span

Andrew Smith, left, discusses making a hole-in-one twice in a 10-day span at Spring Lake Country Club with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for the latest "Schuck on a Truck" episode. | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — When Andrew Smith realized he’d made his first hole-in-one, nearly every golfer scattered across the Spring Lake Country Club layout knew it. “I just jumped out of the golf cart while it was going 15 miles per hour,” Smith said. When he made his second ace 10 days later, the reaction was a…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Hannibal golfer Quinn Thomas talks playing Bellerive and mud volleyball

Hannibal junior Quinn Thomas joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for an episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Golf is taking Quinn Thomas places most 16-year-olds can’t fathom. Recently, it had him walking fairways once crossed by legends. Thomas, who will be a junior at Hannibal High School in the fall, played in the 115th Missouri Amateur Championship, which meant teeing it up on the iconic Bellerive Country Club layout…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Brown County baseball team celebrates memorable season

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — The Brown County baseball team reached historic heights during the 2022 season. The Hornets went 28-5, setting the program’s single-season record for victories. They won the first sectional title in program history and became the first team in any sport at Brown County to reach a state final four. After finishing…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: Brown County baseball coach Jared Hoots talks historic postseason run

Brown County coach Jared Hoots and the Hornets will appear in the Class 1A state final four this weekend at Dozer Park in Peoria. Matt Schuckman photo

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — The Brown County baseball team will be making the program’s first appearance in the state final four Friday when it faces Ottawa Marquette at 10 a.m. at Peoria’s Dozer Park in the Class 1A state semifinals. Hornets coach Jared Hoots sat down with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for an…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck: NCAA Tournament talk with QU baseball coach Matt Schissel

QUINCY — The QUuncy University baseball team is making its seventh straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional this week, the longest such streak in the region. The Hawks open play at 11 a.m. Thursday against Northwood in Caledonia, Mich. QU coach Matt Schissel joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Millikin standout and Unity graduate Jordan Hildebrand

Jordan Hildebrand, a 2017 Unity graduate, earned honorable mention All-American honors for the Millikin women's basketball team in her final season playing for the Big Blue. Photo courtesy Millikin Athletics

Jordan Hildebrand’s decision to stay at Millikin University for an extra year of eligibility, pursue a master’s degree and help the Big Blue women’s basketball team chase NCAA glory turned out to be a wise move. Not only will Hildebrand walk away later this year with two degrees in her hip pocket, but the 6-foot…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Professional basketball player Tanner Stuckman

Tanner Stuckman, a graduate of Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy University, is playing professionally in Canada for the Windsor Express. Submitted photo

QUINCY — Tanner Stuckman’s basketball career has been built around hard work, determination and an unwillingness to be told he couldn’t succeed. That’s why professional opportunities are coming his way. A graduate of Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy University, the 6-foot-9 Stuckman is currently playing in the National Basketball League of Canada for the Windsor…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Former QU All-American linebacker Cody Leonard

Former Quincy University All-American linebacker Cody Leonard is headed to Finland to play professional football. Photo courtesy Quincy University athletics

CARROLLTON, Ill. — Football is in Cody Leonard’s blood. Try as he might to turn the page to the next chapter of his life, the former Quincy University All-American linebacker couldn’t ditch the itch to continue playing. Now, he has that opportunity. Leonard has signed a professional contract to play with the Kuopio Steelers in…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: QHS Hall of Famer Kyle Cartmill

QUINCY — As a kid, Kyle Cartmill chose to be the Blue Devil mascot for his Halloween costume. His passion for the Quincy High School boys basketball program has never waned, no matter where life’s road has taken him. Cartmill, a 1995 QHS graduate, became a Hall of Fame player who enjoyed a solid career…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: SLUH guard Nick Kramer

St. Louis University High senior guard Nick Kramer, the son of Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jack Kramer, will be playing against Quincy High School on Saturday night in Blue Devil Gym as part of the Quincy Shootout. Photo courtesy St. Louis University High

The glimmer in Nick Kramer’s eye shined when he began talking about the situation he will be walking into this weeked. He’s entering his father’s old neighborhood. With that comes the understanding of history, tradition and legacy. Jack Kramer is part of all three when it comes to the Quincy High School boys basketball program,…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Iowa State University running back Jirehl Brock

Iowa State University running back Jirehl Brock, a former Quincy High School all-stater, started his first collegiate game in the Cheez-It Bowl against Clemson. Photo courtesy ISU Athletics

AMES, Iowa — Patience, persistence and commitment are paying off for Jirehl Brock. One of the most decorated football players in Quincy High School history, Brock spent his first three seasons at Iowa State University playing behind consensus All-American tailback Breece Hall. It meant limited opportunities and limited carries, but he never wavered on Iowa…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Highland Shootout organizer Matt Powers

Matt Powers grew up in Quincy and was a senior on the 1996-97 Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team, which was the first coached by Scott Douglas in his legendary career. Now, aside from running his own financial planning and investment firm, Powers is the organizer of the Highland Shootout, one of the premier one-day…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Professional golfer Luke Guthrie

Quincy native Luke Guthrie, who will celebrate 10 years of professional golf in 2022, joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for a Zoom interview to talk about his game, his career and his family. Photo courtesy Korn Ferry Tour

QUINCY — Luke Guthrie’s 10-year anniversary as a professional golfer is looming. So is the opportunity for the Quincy native to reinvigorate his career. Following his 11th-place finish in the second stage of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School, Guthrie earned conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour for the 2022 season. He went on…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: HD Intelligence vice president Andy Schmitt

Quincy High School graduate Andy Schmitt is the vice president of HD Intelligence and based in Champaign, Ill.

Andy Schmitt’s love of competition and sports morphed into a passion for the processes coaches, athletes and teams go through over the course of a season and beyond to elevate their game to a championship level. The Quincy High School graduate saw it first hand as a student manager with the University of Illinois men’s…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Former Quincy University pitcher Graham Spraker

Former Quincy University right-hander Graham Spraker was named the Arizona Fall League Reliever of the Year while pitching for the Mesa Solar Sox. Photo courtesy Mesa Solar Sox

Graham Spraker reinvented himself as a pitcher and could find himself pitching in the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen in the near future. The former Quincy University right-hander, who was a 31st round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2017 after leading the Hawks to the NCAA Division II World Series, is coming off an…

Read More

Schuck on a Truck Zoom edition: Liberty running back Wentric Williams III

Wentric Williams III recently joined Muddy River Sports editor Matt Schuckman on a Zoom call to discuss football, wrestling, the impact and legacy of his father. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

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 More

Schuck on a Truck: Episode 1 with Bill Connell

Muddy River Sports editor Matt Schuckman and Quincy Notre Dame athletic director Bill Connell reunite on the tailgate of Schuckman’s pickup truck to reminisce about the origins of the post-practice tailgate interviews and discuss everything from Connell’s football coaching career to the impact COVID had on athletics over the past year to his son battling…

Read More