Free Press Advocate

IHSA may have to extend spring sports

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 4:40pm

by shawn long
staff writer
The Illinois High School Association is considering an extension of the spring sports seasons if and when it’s safe for students to head back to school.
As of Tuesday, the state at home order by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was through April 7 meaning students would return April 8. That most likely will change as the spread of the coronavirus continues.
Even if the first days of classes is April 8, there would be a period for athletes would get in shape before seasons begin.

Spring turkey season will be on private property only

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 4:40pm

by shawn long
staff writer
Hunters get your turkey decoys, calls and guns ready because the Spring turkey season is about to begin. The only problem is you better have private property in which to hunt because area parks are closed.
Hunters normally would have access to portions of Vesely Land & Water Reserve near Wilmington, the Kankakee River State Park and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Wildcat baseball players funding for Kuzma Cottage

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 4:39pm

by shawn long
staff writer
The Wilmington High School baseball team intended to raise money to improve their field.
But now with the Coronavirus pandemic creating havoc with their season, the team is raising money to help others in need.
Players are selling Major League Baseball fantasy baseball cards that will raise money for Kuzma Care Cottage, the local food pantry.

No equipment, no problem

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 4:34pm

by shawn long
staff writer
Anyone stuck at home in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdown can still stay active without having a gym.
As a personal trainer on the side, I’ve had to maintain my daily regiment of exercise at home and hope to inspire you to do the same.

ICE recognizes All-Conference basketball locals

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 4:11pm

by shawn long
staff writer
The 2019-20 basketball season came to an end for the Illinois Central Eight Conference when Coal City fell out of the sectional semifinals. There were 15 area players named All-Conference, five of whom from area schools.
The regional champion, Coalers 20-12 (11-3) had two players earn All-ICE.

Skole reflects on 20 years of coaching

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 4:09pm

by shawn long
staff writer
Twenty years ago Jack Skole accepted the role as head coach of the WHS softball team and he’s given them nothing but success ever since.
Under Skole’s direction the Lady Wildcats have earned four regional titles (2002-03, 2012-13, 2014-15 and 2018-19) when the team went 24-4. That was their best record and the most wins a Wilmington softball team has ever recorded.
Skole’s 20-year record leans on the winning side, 279-234.

They never give up despite an underdog role

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 4:03pm

by shawn long
staff writer
The season is over but they’re already thinking about next year.
Female wrestlers Carly Ford, from Coal City, and Aubin Shields, from Wilmington, didn’t mind playing the underdog role throughout the 2019-2020 campaign. That’s what happens when you take the mat against stronger, male opponents.
But whoever said, ‘wrestles like a girl’, has never seen these girls wrestle.
Both face challenges on and off the mat but find ways around them.

ICE announces All-Conference, All State wrestlers

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 4:00pm

by shawn long
staff writer
Twenty area wrestlers from three neighboring high schools have of earned All-Conference honors. There were also three Coal City grapplers named All-State.
For the Illinois Central Eight champion and state runner-up Coalers (38-9) there were 11 wrestlers earning All-Conference.
Daniel Jezik (54-1) was crowned the Class 1A 195 state champion by avenging his first and only loss of the season with a 3-2 decision over Brandon Hoselton of Prairie Central).

Defensive Lady ‘Cats look to keep improving

Published by admin on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 4:31pm

by shawn long
staff writer
Wilmington High School’s soccer team will return with the same defensive line that limited opposition scoring last season.
The Lady ‘Cats won a couple of close games against Reed-Custer but ultimately ended their season in Manteno Regional semifinals in an 11-0 shutout to Bishop McNamara as they finished with a 4-9-1 (2-7).
“We ended up playing Reed-Custer twice,” said Wilmington coach Travis Ivanhoff. “The first one was a tie and then later in the season, we had our conference matchup with them. We ended up beating them 2-1.

Lady ‘Cats finish near top of the pack

Published by admin on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 4:27pm

After spending the last month running halls, lifting weights, and learning valuable stretching exercises, the WHS track teams competed in their first meet of the season March 10.
The Wildcats traveled to the Reed-Custer Fieldhouse to run against the hosting Comets, Streator and Dwight in an indoor meet.
When the night was over, the Lady ‘Cats finished 2nd with 49.5 points and the boys finished 4th with 44 points. Freshman Chloe Proffit broke Kara Brock’s record in the 1600 meter run. Performances by the girls included:
Faith Mendoza - shot put - 27.56' - 5th