Free Press Advocate

Robbed of his senior season, Shaw signs on with Augustana

Published by admin on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 3:43pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Wilmington’s top running back Trey Shaw is out for the season due to injury. But that doesn’t mean the Wildcat senior is done with football as he signed a letter of intent to play football at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL.
His senior year hasn’t turned out as planned. First covid restrictions bumped things until Spring then he tore his ACL while playing basketball.
After hearing he won’t get to play football or basketball his senior he was heartbroken.

Lady ‘Cats hitters eager to get back on the court

Published by admin on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 3:39pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington High School volleyball team opens its season Thursday with a talented group that’s eager to wipe the slate clean and win more matches.
They finished fifth last season in the conference trailing Reed-Custer, Peotone, Coal City and Manteno. They clawed past Reed-Custer 25-21, 14-25, 25-19 in the opening round of the playoffs but ended up bowing out, 20-25, 17-25 against Manteno in the regional semifinal round.

Wildcat cheer captures second at IHSA state cheerleading final

Published by admin on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 3:38pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington cheer team concluded its 12th consecutive trip to state with a second place finish in the 2021 IHSA Competitive Cheerleading Small Division Championships.
Going into the tournament, WHS coach Jeannine Bejlovec was confident in her team and their routine.
“We love our routine this year despite it being different than usual since there is no stunting or pyramids allowed.” said Bejlovec.
Bejlovec said the team sent in their video on Thursday and were hoping for the best.

Wildcats finish shortened season, winning eight out of 11

Published by admin on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 5:03pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington High School boys basketball team had their season come to an end on Friday, cruising to a 71-63 win over Reed-Custer, thanks to the high-octane shooting from the Meents brothers.
Tysen and Ryder Meents were on target as Tysen put up a team-high 32 points while Ryder added another 20 points to help the ‘Cats in their winning effort.
The ‘Cats came out firing to take a five-point lead at the end of one, and a nine point lead at the half, 42-33.

Van Duyne’s outside shooting leads ‘Cats to victory

Published by admin on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 4:59pm

Fourth quarter run
secures upset win
by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington girls basketball team edged Reed-Custer 30-28 on Thursday.
After Reed-Custer gained a 12-7 lead in the first, the Lady ‘Cats stormed back to take a one-point lead going into the break.
The Comets grabbed back the momentum in the third, holding the Lady ‘Cats to just four points but Wilmington knocked off Reed-Custer with an 8-3 run in the final minutes.

Wildcats gearing up for ‘fall mode’ football

Published by admin on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 4:55pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Even though the Wildcats will be limited to five games with no hopes for the playoffs, Wilmington football coach Jeff Reents said he’s treating this season just like any other.

IDPH ruling means more fans will be allowed a football games

Published by admin on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 4:54pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Don’t expect a full house when the Wilmington football team takes the field March 19 for the season opener.
Covid restrictions under the Illinois Department of Public Health will allow for only 20% of capacity. While that may disappoint a lot of Wildcat fans, it could have been worse.
Prior to Monday’s 20% capacity ruling by the IDPH for all sports, the number of fans was going to be limited to 50. That would have been a nightmare for Wilmington where over 1,000 fans typically show up for the action under Friday Night Lights.

Experienced ‘Cats prepared make some noise in ICE soccer

Published by admin on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 4:54pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington soccer team will be entering the 2021 season with a new outlook after finishing with just two wins last year. They have some experienced players who are looking to end their high school careers on a high note.
When the season begins on Tuesday at home against Manteno, the ‘Cats will have to deal with Covid restrictions including wearing masks on the field and a shortened season.

IHSA: Masks will be required for football players

Published by admin on Tue, 03/02/2021 - 4:13pm

The Illinois High School Association announced Friday the Illinois Department of Public Health is going to require that all football players, coaches and referees will be required to wear face masks even while active.
The players can wear face coverings attached to their helmet.
The IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has also recommended that plastic splash guards that clip inside the cage of the helmet, the external cloth helmet cage and gator style face coverings should not be worn out of the safety concerns for the players.

Lady ‘Cats fall in three tough ICE conference tests

Published by admin on Tue, 03/02/2021 - 4:11pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington girls basketball team had a tough time with Peotone on Monday, falling 59-21.
The Lady ‘Cats were held to just eight points in the first quarter as the Lady Blue Devils built a 21-8 lead.
Peotone put another 12 on the board in the second to lead 33-13 at the half.
The ‘Cats attempted to come back but the Peotone defense was not letting them do a thing as they were held to just eight points in the final two quarters while Peotone poured it on with a 26-8 run.