August 20, 2014

Key 2014 graduates prompt search for fullbacks

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

There’s an ongoing search at the soccer field in Lovington.

Last year’s 7-7-1 Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond soccer program graduated seven including defensive leaders in David Emrick and Natalie Bicknell who had long anchored the team’s fullbacks. 

When Emrick wasn’t sweeping or stopping, he was a big presence in the midfield along with fellow graduates Brianna Morgan, Matt Robinson, and Cassandra Lambdin.

But as far as offense goes, this year’s team looks to fare better, at least initially, than its defense.

“We lost a lot of seniors,” said head coach Jeff Trower, who continues to be assisted by JD Graham. “We’re going to have to rebuild our defense this year, that’s for sure. We have big, big holes there.”

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured, front row, left to right are: Annika Slabaugh, Cassandra Adams, Megan Hug, Cade Day, Payton Wellbaum, Samantha Landers, and Keegan Morfy. Back row: Head coach Jeff Trower, Javi Briseno, Lucas Lee, Eusebio Briseno, Tanner Brewer, Brayden Coble, Eilis Stewart, Darian Hays, and assistant coach JD Graham. Not pictured are: Brianne Jones, Omar Martinez, Jakob Brewer, Jovany Martinez, Richard Wright, Bradiey Miller, Nick Wilheim.

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August 20, 2014

Offense, though not deep, looks strong with key returners

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Last May’s graduation of players such as linebacker Logan West, defensive linemen Ethan Gingerich and Jesse Ruff, defensive back Curtis Plank, not to mention all-around contributor in Jordan Feagin, (all of whom were first-team all-conference selections), has this year’s Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond football team trying to fill gaps in the defense.

“Defensively, we lost a lot, especially straight up the middle of the field. That’s where we’re at this point, concentrating and trying to find out who can play where and what we’re going to do defensively to fill those holes,” said head coach Dale Schuring. 

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured is the 2014 Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond football team.

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Photo by Keith Stewart
2014 graduate Mary Singer is seen in stride during a race at Sullivan’s Tabor Park last fall. She is trailed by returning runner Kate Edwards.

August 20, 2014

With four boys so far, ALAH still searching for extra member

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

In his 14th year, head coach Ryan Whelan has, so far, seven athletes out for the fall cross country season, which is tied for the most participants he’s had in the program. What’s more, Whelan is still hopeful in preseason that his team will pick up another male runner, which would allow a boys’ team to score in a meet, which has only happened one other time during Whelan’s tenure.

“I’m trying to get the boys to talk one more into coming out,” said Whelan. “I said to them, ‘If you can find one more kid, we can have a scoring group, which has only been the case once ever.’ That’s one meet ever, that’s what I mean. I’ve had four of one gender plenty of times, but only at one meet ever did we have five together. So there is a kid or two that they’re going to try convincing to come out here.” Read More

July 30, 2014

To take effect this school year

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Board members approved a formal swim co-op between Sullivan and Shelbyville schools a week ago Monday.

Citing the request from the current Sullivan Blue Dolphins swim club, the Sullivan school board approved the co-op, which will go through the 2015-2016 school year.

But approval for the co-op didn’t go without caution, as Superintendent Brad Tuttle, invoking the memory of the previously failed wrestling co-op with Shelbyville that brought increased transportation costs, clarified that such costs would not be incurred. Read More

July 23, 2014

Jr. team to play Eureka Saturday

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

The Moultrie-Douglas Jr. Legion Team advanced to the third round of the division tournament after a win this past Saturday, while their senior counterparts finished the year at 7-15.

After finishing their regular season at 29-8, the jr. team, which earned the no. 1 seed in the division tournament, took on Macon County Saturday at Tuscola’s Ervin Park, and won 11-1. Read More