News Progress

•March 25, 2026•

The High School Swim Team held its annual banquet on March 23rd at the Sullivan Country Club, celebrating a successful year in and out of the pool. The team competes in the highly competitive Sectional meet in Champaign, facing more than 24 schools from across the region.

The girls’ season, which takes place in November, is celebrated alongside the boys’ season at the combined spring banquet. This year, Juniors Emerson Risley and Cadence Schmohe were honored with the Most Improved Award. Both swimmers proved versatile across multiple events, and each scored 14 points at Sectionals. Senior Emily Crosier received recognition as High Point Scorer with 25 points and served as Team Captain. Crosier also broke two school records this season in the 200 Individual Medley and the 500 Freestyle.

For the boys’ team, Charles Guyot, a freshman, earned Most Improved, finishing an impressive fifth place at Sectionals. Nathan Rafferty led the boys as High Point Scorer with 24 points, while Grant Martin was selected as Team Captain. The boys’ relay team of Rafferty, Martin, Henry Woolery, and Guyot also delivered strong performances, capturing 4th place in the 200 Medley Relay and 5th place in the 200 Freestyle Relay.

The banquet highlighted dedication, teamwork, and record-breaking achievements, closing out another memorable season for the High School Swim Team.

•March 11, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Spring is in the air as evidenced by warmer weather and much needed rain showers. But while the temperature is still up and down, things are heating up on the north diamond in Sullivan. On that part of the map, the forecast is calling for more wins and a deeper dive into post-season play.

Last season, the Sullivan Lady Redskins missed a 20-game win season by just one game. Finishing 19-12, the ladies had a strong showing in post-season play, falling to Pana in the regional semifinals by just two runs. This season, returning five seniors with a load of talent joining them on the diamond, Sullivan is looking to expand on previous successes.

Head coach Valerie Denier, in her fourth season as head coach, has a positive outlook for the 2026 season. “We are looking to beat our win record of 20 wins and [are] also hoping for a conference and regional championship to bring back to the school and community this season.”

•March 11, 2026•

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins (SBD) sent nineteen swimmers to the Winter Regionals Championships in Pekin, Illinois. The Dolphins swam in 96 individual events and two 12-and-Under Girl relays. The SBD’s had eighty-three top ten finishes and ten Regional Champions. Those Champions were Emily Crosier, Emerson Risley, Aubrey Fultz, Avery Hess, Addy Hendry, Mack Pogue, Jace VanUytven, and Jack VanUytven. 

The Dolphins also had forty new personal best times and nine State Qualifiers. Emily Crosier and Emerson Risley attended the Senior State Championships at UIC, held March 5th through 8th. Emme Kirkley attended the 10-and-Under State Championships, held March 7th and 8th at Glenbrook North. Avery Hess, Addy Hendry, Mack Pogue, Jack VanUytven, Aubrey Fultz, and Jace VanUytven will all attend the 11-14 State Championships on March 12th through 15th at the Rec Plex in Wisconsin. 

•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Head coach Spencer Plank has got to be proud of his team. After going on a tear late in the season, the boys entered last week on a five game win streak. Playing at home in front of a large crowd for senior night, the boys looked to extend that streak before taking to the road to close out the regular season in Warrensburg.

Heritage

The Heritage Hawks are having an okay season. Nothing great, nothing terrible. Though their record was 12-15, they were 5-5 in the Lincoln Prairie Conference. In other words, the Redskins needed to be wary of this potential sleeper team prowling their home court.