News Progress

August 20, 2014 SOV to begin season with two unfamiliar teams by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com It’s an exciting time right now in the Sullivan-Okaw Valley huddle. This year marks the start of the new Central Illinois Conference of which SOV is a part, not to mention the return of area decorated football coach Gerald Temples to the gridiron. “It’s been very exciting,” said Temples on his return to the grind of high school football. “It’s been a good bunch to work with. We’ve had good practices, although today (Thursday) wasn’t one. We took a step back today, and the kids … Read More

August 20, 2014 More height than recent years to be strength by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com When you combine returning varsity outside hitter Megan Dash along with up and coming athletes such as Nicole Miller and Christy Buford, not to mention the pleasant surprise by way of Amanda McClain, OV head coach Jody McCormick hopes this year’s team will have a lethal front line capable of second ball attacks. “I’m hoping if we get the rotation to work out, we’ll have a formidable front line,” said the second year OV coach. But the team will also have to deal with the … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More