McClain Strives to Achieve More in Track and Field Competition

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At the Indoor MVC Meet, Amanda McClain holds the team’s second place trophy.

•July 19, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

In the last two years at Illinois State University, Amanda McClain has collected several accolades and was seen competing at the highest level of Division I track and field on ESPN and other national sports channels.

That has not stopped her from setting higher goals for next track and field season.

McClain already has her sights set on making it to the indoor nationals and winning both conference titles as a team.

For now, though, she is enjoying the summer at home with friends and working out.

When the school year begins, she will no doubt be back to adding to her accomplishments. Read More

OV’s Fritz Plans to Play for Rend Lake College

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•July 19, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Saturday, Okaw Valley baseball catcher Garrett Fritz made a verbal commitment to play at Rend Lake College in Ina, Ill.

“It was a good offer so I couldn’t really turn it down,” said Fritz. “And I talked to all my coaches and parents, and it just turned out to be the right fit for me.”

“He is one of the most competitive young men I have been around,” said OV coach Andrew Hagerman, “and I can tell you Rend Lake, as much as they may think they know about him now, landed a gem here. I look forward to his senior year here and following his success at the next level.”

Part of the good fit was the familiarity Fritz has with the Warriors and the distance.

He already knew a couple players who play for Rend Lake and a few more the Rend Lake coaches had interest in.  Read More

Football 7 on 7 Tournaments Help Progress

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Photo by RR Best
Luke Harlan throws the ball.

•July 19, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

New Sullivan-Okaw Valley football coach Andy Kerley has had to use this summer as a crash course in familiarizing himself with his team and assistant coaches.

“It’s going well, I think,” he said. “It’s been a process both for the players and me. Me getting used to them and the new situation, and them adjusting to new things and me. I think in the past two-three weeks we’ve been gelling well.”

The summer has given Kerley a good idea of what strengths and weaknesses the team might have. Read More

Volunteers Needed for Deer Blind Construction

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•July 19, 2017•

U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville, is looking for volunteers to assist with the construction and installation of hunting blinds that are used for their annual deer hunt for wounded veterans and people with disabilities. With generous monetary donations from Ameren, Scheels, CC Fire Equipment Co., and the Whitetails Unlimited Land of Lincoln Chapter, materials were purchased to completely remodel 11 hunting blinds. These improvements will provide greater accessibility for participants.  Read More

Siblings Place at Summer Stream

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Siblings Place at Summer Stream

Sullivan Blue Dolphins competed the weekend of June 23 in the Terre Haute Summer Steam Long Course Meet. Nineteen swimmers represented SBD and had several fast swims. Head coach Jason Drury said he could not have asked for more for the swimmers coming into a 50 meter long course meet. Siblings, Alivia Melvin and Aidan Melvin brought home second place high point trophies. Alivia in the eight and under division and Aidan in the six and under division. Submitted by J.D. Graham

Championship Game

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Photo by Brandi Denton
Championship Game
Okaw Valley and Sullivan 1 come together for a group picture after their championship game in Arcola June 29th. Okaw Valley won first place in the tournament and Sullivan 1 finished with 2nd place. Players are 11-12 years old.

Coach of the Year for ALAH’s Lane

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Coach of the Year Jerry Lane.

•June 28, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond softball coach Jerry Lane earned Coach of the Year honors from the Herald and Review last week.

“I am honored by the award,” Lane said, “but it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for two amazing assistant coaches, Dana Tinkle and Tabitha Davis, as well as a fantastic group of young ladies that work great as a group and work hard to keep getting better.”

The Knights averaged 9.2 runs per game this season and finished with a 21-4 record. Read More

OVHS Catcher Named All Area First Team

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Catcher Garrett Fritz made All Area first team.

•June 28, 2017•

Okaw Valley baseball catcher Garrett Fritz was named to the all-area first team last week.

Despite teams pitching around him all season, Fritz hit .515, had an OBP of over .600 and hit seven home runs and seven doubles.

An injury kept him from taking to the mound the whole season, but he threw 19-2/3 innings that featured 23 strikeouts.

“Garrett is arguably the best overall player in the area,” said OV coach Andrew Hagerman. “He is an exceptional defensive catcher as well. He controls the game when he is behind the plate.”

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond’s Marcus Vanausdoll earned second all-area honors.

The junior Knight hit .555 on the season. Read More

ALAH Track Athletes Earn First Team All Area

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•June 28, 2017•

Three Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond athletes were named to the 2017 girls’ track and field News Gazette All-Area teams last week.

Freshman Kenli Nettles earned first team-all area honors.

Nettles placed in the top six in two events at the IHSA Class 1A State Track and Field Meet at O’Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Read More