Ariel Kibler

Ariel Kibler is a sophomore at Arthur-Lovington High School and the daughter of Angie and James Welker. Kibler has been training trampoline and double mini since the third grade in hopes of qualifying for the USTA National Team. Over the last four months Kibler has competed in three national team qualifiers to help her reach her goal as a member of the Sun Elite Athletic Club team. In order to qualify, an athlete must compete in at least two of the three events and is encouraged to take part in the third, as team standing is determined by points earned in their best two performances.

On December 7, 2013 the first team trial was held in Salem where Kibler placed seventh on the double mini and 23rd on the trampoline.

The second team trial was held on February 15 of this year in Decatur where Kibler placed 12th in both events. The final trial was held March 15 in Hammond, Ind. There, Kibler placed fourth on the trampoline and tied for first place on the double mini.  Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
Junior Amanda McClain had a phenomenal season opener Monday against Central A&M, as she struck out 15, walked one, and had a double in the bottom of the first to get OV’s offense going.

McClain goes distance with 15 Ks, 1BB

by Emily Scott
Bethany Reporter

In the first game of the season, timely hitting, consistent pitching, and a rally in the third inning allowed the OV Lady Timberwolves to get an opening win against the Central A&M Raiders.

After two weeks of preparation for the game, OV coach Dave Benning said he expected to see moments where his team would struggle defensively as well as solid hitting. Both of his predictions came true.

During the bumpy first inning, the T-Wolves allowed the Raiders to score when their leadoff hitter stole home base after getting on base due to an error. OV came back at the plate with a double from Amanda McClain and a single from Addessa Kesterson, after which Paige Harlin had an RBI to score McClain to tie the ballgame. Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
Sullivan’s Elissa Stewart eyes her popup during Tuesday’s home opener against T-Town.

Inman supplies lone Redskin hit

by Kirk Whitaker
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

Ten foul balls. The Teutopolis half of the fourth inning started with a 13 pitch duel, which ended in a bloop single over Elissa Stewart’s outstretched glove at short. The Lady Shoes used that hit for a breakout inning—scoring four of their five runs in that half—and virtually sealing the game.

“I went and talked to Heidi after the ninth foul ball,” Redskins head coach Ben Richter said. “She was doing fine, and we talked a little strategy, but somebody had to come out on top in that battle and that girl did a good job of hitting. I think nine times out of 10 Heidi would come out on top of that, but just not today.” Read More

Neither able to make it to finals

by Kirk Whitaker
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

Although both Arthur-Lovington and Sullivan boys' basketball teams didn’t finish the seasons as they wanted on the team level, both teams sent individuals to State for the 3-point shootout at the Peoria Civic Center Thursday, March 13.

“I would have rather had a regional and had the chance to keep playing,” Derrek Stain commented.” But it is definitely something I am proud of.”

Arthur senior Clayton Honn and Sullivan Stain were the two individuals to advance; both were the first from their respective schools to advance to that level in quite some time, but for Stain it took some luck and clutch shooting to advance. Read More