RLC Coach Jim “Hummer” Waugh dies at 81

James Hummer Waugh In Memory HD

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Rend Lake College lost a legend yesterday. James E. “Jim” Waugh of Terre Haute passed away Tuesday morning, September 4, 2018 at Cobblestone Crossings Health Campus. He was 81 years old.

Waugh was born July 26, 1937 in Vigo County to Max Waugh and Avis Grammer Waugh. He taught, directed athletics and coached at RLC from 1967-1995. While RLC has a long and storied athletic heritage, and many positive leaders have helmed various teams around campus, no one embodied the legacy of “coach” for Warrior athletics than the man they called “Hummer.” Retired RLC Coach Mike McClure gave him the nickname while coaching softball. Waugh would chatter to his pitchers from the dugout, “Hum, baby, hum.”

With nearly 50 combined athletic seasons under his belt, Waugh had a hand in almost every sport offered at RLC. From baseball to cheerleading sponsor, volleyball to hardwood — Hummer’s impact and legacy were far-reaching and his wins were many. But most importantly, the “gentle giant” is remembered for his positive impact on the lives of those around him. Hummer was blessed with a special kindness and character that encouraged his players to succeed for him, for their school, and for themselves. 

James E. “Hummer” Waugh

Dr. Harry J. Braun, former RLC President, once commented, “Jim Waugh is one of my favorite people. He’s the kind of person with whom I would like to have my kids associate with.”

Another former president, Mark Kern, remarked, “Jim was a positive influence on every person he met and many former players are now involved in coaching.”

Waugh, a native of Terre Haute, Ind., and former three-sport star at his hometown Indiana State University, came to the area in 1966 as basketball and baseball coach at Mt. Vernon Community College. Rend Lake College became a reality the following year.

In total, Hummer won 501 basketball games, including the first seven seasons in the prep ranks, 15 seasons as coach of the Warrior men from 1966-81 and 14 with the Lady Warriors from 1981-95. As a result, he earned induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995. He also spent 17 of those years at RLC as Athletic Director. His Lady Warriors averaged 18 wins per season and made him GRAC “Coach of the Year” in 1987; they posted 22-, 26- and 25-win campaigns from 1985-88.

The men won two Southern Illinois Collegiate Conference titles and were 20-6 in 1972-73 and 21-12 in 1979-80. Twelve softball seasons (216-150) produced a third-place NJCAA Region XXIV showing in 1991-92. He received the 1991 “Faculty Excellence Award” and was NJCAA Region XXIV Women’s Director when he retired. He was inducted into the RLC Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2001/2002.

Hummer occupies three of the top-10 slots for longest-serving coach in RLC history — his stints leading men’s and women’s basketball and the RLC softball team. In total, Waugh coached for a combined 47 seasons with the various Warrior teams.

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First RLC Warriors Baseball Team 1967-68

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First RLC Warriors Basketball Team 1967-68

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Coach Waugh’s Lady Warriors averaged 18 wins per season and made him GRAC “Coach of the Year” in 1987

 

Waugh Softball Team with Ellingsworth w

Waugh NJCAA awards with players w

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Jim & Lila Waugh created the Jane Waugh Memorial Scholarship for their late daughter, Jane Ellen Waugh. The annual scholarship has generated thousands of dollars to help RLC students realize their dreams of higher education.

Outside of athletics, Hummer was a noteworthy educator as well, with 29 years of service to RLC.

In 1991, he was named recipient of the RLC Foundation “Faculty Excellence” Award. In addition, he co-chaired the RLC Foundation’s “Generations of Excellence” Family Capital Campaign.

Waugh’s letter of recommendation for the “Faculty Excellence Award” was signed by 14 peers. In part, it read: “Jim Waugh has stood for scholars/athletes, not the other way around … To know Rend Lake College is to know Coach Waugh. He is more than ‘Hummer,’ he is Heart. Just the other day, a student who has been in his classes and on his team commented, “His heart is as big as a house. You can always go to Hummer (for help).”

At one time or another, Waugh taught almost every course available through the Health and Physical Education Department. He is credited with developing the Basic First Aid course and the Substance Use and Abuse course, as well as many of the P.E. activity courses.

Waugh at work

Hummer will always be part of the fabric of RLC and the area. In addition to more than 35 of his former scholars/athletes being in the coaching ranks today, the college’s gymnasium was dedicated to him in a naming ceremony on Nov. 3, 1995, officially becoming the James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. His long-time friend and fellow RLC athletic staple Wayne Arnold summed up Waugh as “a gentleman on and off the court” who was devoted to his family. 

A gathering at Waugh Gymnasium on Rend Lake College’s Ina Campus is scheduled for 1:00 PM Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. Read Hummer’s obituary online here. If friends should so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the “Coach Jim ‘Hummer’ Waugh Memorial” through the Rend Lake College Foundation, 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Foundation. Or give online at https://rlc.edu/foundation/give-now.  

Hummer Mug

Irene Eurgil — Sesser, IL

Irene Eurgil, 95, of Sesser passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2018.

“She is Clothed with the strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future” Prov. 31:25

 

She was born on October 23, 1922 in Mt. Pleasant, PA, to Joseph and Mary (Bogucz) Sopala.  She was married to Felix Eurgil on June 15, 1946 and he preceded her in death on June 29, 2006.

Irene is survived by her children Mary (Rick) Tygett, David (Linda) Eurgil, and Cheryl (Charles) Dame all of Sesser; Grandchildren Michele (Ed) Epplin, Jennifer (Craig) Zinzilieta, Tim (Alison) Tygett, Michael Tygett, David II (Amber) Eurgil, Alison (Marcus) Barice, Matthew (Janelle) Eurgil, Jeff (Beth) Dame, Scott (Paula) Dame, and Dustin (Lara) Dame; great grandchildren Luke, Lexi, Lauren, Jake, Emma, Timmy, Isabella, D.J., Canon, Donovan, Alexandria, Lily, Cole, Micah, Jocelyn, Madison, Elle, Trevor, Charli, Maximus and Henry; and many close and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 60 years Felix, two sisters Isabella Sopala and Elaine (Albert) Yurgovsky, one brother Leonard Sopala, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Wanda and Mickey Korin.

She was a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser for over 70 years and the St Mary’s Altar Society.  Irene enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, baking and shopping with her friends.  She worked for many years at the “Fabric Shop” in Sesser.

Funeral Mass for Irene will be on Friday September 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser with Father Urban Osuji officiating.  Visitation will be on Thursday September 6, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Scott Mitchell – Benton, IL

Scott Mitchell, 68, of Benton passed away on Friday August 31, 2018 at his home. 

He was born on August 31, 1950 in Iron Mountain, MI to Dr. Eugene Pratt and Francis Justine (Alvey) Mitchell.  He is survived by his children Michael Scott (Jennifer) Mitchell of Naples, FL, Casey (Robert) Goins of Mulkeytown and Lauren (Jeffrey) Kutzke of Marco Island, FL; grandchildren Koleton, Kylee, Mason, Laiken, Brayden and Klayton; one brother Michael Mitchell of Benton; one sister Sarah Arview of Fort Branch, IN. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Ruth Ann Mitchell.   He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Navy. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday September 8, 2018 at Noon at the Bocce Ball Club, 500 South Wilson Street, Benton, IL 62812.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Hazel Margaret Lampley – Benton, IL

 

Hazel Margaret Lampley, age 91, of Benton, passed away at 1:53 p.m. Monday, September 3, 2018 at SIH Herrin Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Lampley was born on May 1, 1927 in Macedonia, IL, the daughter of Warner Brooks and Florence (Winemiller) Brooks. She married William E. Lampley, Sr. on June 27, 1943 and together they celebrated 73 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on February 5, 2017.

Mrs. Lampley was a homemaker.

She was a member of the Benton Garden Club, Benton Women’s Club, and formerly was a member of the Benton Bowl Ladies League Bowling.

She enjoyed being involved and being a proud member of the Macedonia United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Lampley also enjoyed reading and quilting. She made quilts for every child and grandchild in her family.

Survivors include her; four children: Cheryl K. Lampley of Benton, Billie S. Higgerson of Benton, William E. Lampley, Jr. and wife Michele of Benton, Steven C. Lampley and wife Daredan of Marion, IL; seven grandchildren: Christopher J. Fiorenzi of Texas, Jacquelyn Higgerson of Benton, Shannon Melvin and husband Rodney of Benton, Trent Higgerson and wife Becky of Mahomet, IL, James Lampley of Benton, Mark Lampley of Benton, Casey C. Lampley of West Frankfort; ten great-grandchildren: Taylor Fiorenzi, Brock Britton, Mallory English and husband Tanner, Jace Melvin, Paxton Melvin, Liam Higgerson, Yorke Higgerson, Logan Lampley, Olivia Lampley, and Luke Lampley; a brother Don Brooks of Ewing; a nephew Brian Brooks; two nieces Gail Ellett and Becky Markham.

Mrs. Lampley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband;  a daughter Kathy Ruth Lampley; a granddaughter: Cynthia Fiorenzi; a sister Kathryn Parrish; a son-in-law: Gerald Higgerson; and a granddaughter-in-law: Tiffany Lampley.

Memorial contributions may be made to Macedonia United Methodist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave the family online condolences or to share memories of Hazel Lampley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Terry Curtis Hutson-Sesser, IL

Terry Curtis Hutson, 71, of Sesser passed away on Tuesday September 4, 2018 at home.

He was born on March 30, 1947 in Sesser, IL to Curtis and Reba (Culley) Hutson.  He married Rhonda (Montgomery) Hutson on May 21, 1983 and she survives of Sesser.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda; Children Ryan (Jennifer) Huie of Sesser, Joel (Lisa) Huie of Belleville, IL, Darren (Mark) Hutson of Seattle, WA and Kaitlin Hutson of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren Grant, Rylin, Cole, Mason; three sisters Joyce (Kenneth) Kirkpatrick of Rock Island, IL. Reba (Brooks) High of Anna and June Hutson of Sesser.

He was employed by the Sesser-Valier School District for many years until his retirement.  He was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan and was a member of the Sesser Masonic Lodge.

Funeral services will be on Saturday September 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Stephen Gray officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Hammond Cemetery in Sesser. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hammond Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Two suspects sought in connection to early Monday shooting in Carbondale

CARBONDALE — Police are looking for two suspects in connection to an early morning shooting, according to a news release from Lt. Matt Dunning of Carbondale Police Department.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

RLC Community Education hosting athletic, fitness courses

INA, Ill.  – Four classes will be offered by Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division this fall for locals of all ages to get active or learn a new sport. Classes begin next week in Benton, Ina, and Pinckneyville.

Discover a new sport in the form of Beginning Archery. This class, designed for participants 16 and older, will cover discussion and use of archery equipment, proper form, safety, and skills. Equipment will be provided and curriculum follows the National Archery in the Schools program. Instructor Bob Clark will meet with participants from 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 4, 11, 18, and 25 in the Gymnasium at Pinckneyville Junior High School. The class costs $20.

Youth in grades 6 through 8 can also learn about archery in Beginning Archery for Kids. Instructor Clark is back to cover the basics for youth interested in picking up a lifetime sport. The class costs $20 and meets from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 4, 11, 18, and 25 in the Gymnasium at Pinckneyville Junior High School.

Also beginning next week, participants can begin a full body conditioning and strength workout with Body Toning. This class will help participants improve functional strength, flexibility, and coordination, plus vital core strength, using free weights. Instructor Cathy Lamont will meet with participants from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Sept. 5 through Dec. 5 in the Choir Room at Benton Middle School. The class costs $69 and all fitness levels are welcome.

Locals can also take part in Yoga, regardless of fitness level or yoga experience. This class promises to improve blood flow, flexibility, muscle strength, posture, bone health, one’s immune system, blood pressure, focus, and balance. Attendees should bring a yoga mat and something to drink. Instructor Carol Ann Baker will meet with participants from 4:45-5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 18 through Nov. 15 in the RLC Gymnasium, Room 110, on the Ina campus. The class costs $90.

To learn more about or to register for any of these classes, call RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714. Pre-registration may be required, and can be done in person, via phone call, or by emailing commcorped@rlc.edu.

RLC seals up 50th Anniversary with time capsule

INA, Ill.— The Rend Lake College community came together this afternoon to bury a time capsule at the Ina Campus Clocktower and put a finishing touch on its 50th anniversary celebration. Founded as Mt. Vernon Community College, it became Rend Lake College through a public vote in 1967. The events and individuals that make up the institution’s history are well documented at www.rlc.edu/50.  

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Numerous members of the Rend Lake College community were on hand Thursday to celebrate the time capsule getting placed in the ground.

A good representation of the college — from the student body to the Board of Trustees — was in attendance at the event. A three-foot tall cylindrical time capsule was filled and lowered into the ground by President Terry Wilkerson and Trustee John Kabat of Mt. Vernon. Student Trustee Mackenzie Trader, a freshman from Scheller, ceremoniously cast the first scoop of dirt. The small, golden shovel she passed to Kabat was the same one used when college leaders broke ground on the Ina campus decades before at the same location. Wilkerson tossed a shovel full on the capsule and thanked the crowd of faculty, staff and students for sharing in the historic day.

“I appreciate everybody coming out. I look forward to seeing all of you here [in 2067]. I’ll be 95, but I’m going to be here — maybe,” Wilkerson said with a smile.

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RLC President Terry Wilkerson uses one of the shovels that broke ground on the college’s campus 50 years ago during Thursday’s time capsule burial. RLC Board Member John Kabat and Student Trustee Mackenzie Trader were on hand to assist. 

Contents of the time capsule will be unearthed in 50 years. On the time capsule is a graphic of RLC logos, under which reads: “To celebrate Rend Lake College’s 50th Anniversary, our community buried this time capsule with the intent that it not be opened until RLC’s 100th Anniversary in 2067. Its contents are an effort to display the history of Rend Lake College and its predecessor, Mt. Vernon Community College. We also tried to capture the state of RLC during our time and the people who had a part in leading its development. A majority of the things inside this capsule are digital files stored on discs and drives. Enjoy the look back. We hope many of us here on that day are with you here today.”

Governor takes clemency action

 

CHICAGO – Gov. Bruce Rauner today granted ­­­­­­8 and denied 85 clemency petitions.

This is the twenty-sixth set of petitions the governor has reviewed since taking office. Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police’s Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

A granted clemency request for a pardon with expungement allows the petitioner to seek expungement of their conviction through the court system.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-1610.

Multiple warrant arrests made by sheriff’s department

8-17-18 at 11:23 pm Deputies responded to an incident in Orient in which a 1998 Dodge Ram Pick-Up Truck struck a fire hydrant on Jackson St. and left the scene. The investigation led to the arrest of Michael E. Humerickhouse age 58 of West Frankfort for leaving the scene of a property damage traffic crash.

8-18-18 at 3:05 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Hwy. 14 just west of Fairview Rd. A 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by Anthony M. Beaty age 16 of DuQuoin was west bound on Rt. 14 and swerved into the path of an east bound 2012 Nissan Altima driven by Van E. Quick age 64 of Benton, sideswiping the Nissan. Van Quick and a passenger, Lou Ann Quick age 65 of Benton received incapacitating injuries and were both transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. Beaty was not injured and was ticketed for improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash.

8-21-18 at 11:29 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Hwy. Rt. 149 at Orient Road. A 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Kristen L. Eldridge age 30 of West Frankfort had been south bound on Orient Road and turned into the Rt. 149 intersection in front of an east bound 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Samantha S. Vachata age 34 of Zeigler. Eldridge and a passenger, Cheryl R. Mifflin age 56 of West Frankfort received major injuries as did Samantha Vachata. All were transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire E.M.S. Eldridge was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

8-22-18 AT 3:33 am a traffic stop in West City led to the arrest of Chad A. Kramer age 46 of West Frankfort for possession of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle recovered was a 2003 green Dodge Durango, reported stolen from Centralia.

8-22-18 at 5:52 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Hwy. Rt. 14 at Il. State Hwy. Rt. 184. A 2001 Pontiac Grand am driven by Daniel T. Adams age 31 of Benton was west bound on Rt. 14 and stopped in traffic to complete a left turn south onto Rt. 184. A 2003 Buick, driven by Joshua P. Webb age 31 of Mt. Vernon was also west bound directly behind the Pontiac, failed to stop and struck the Pontiac in a rear-end type crash. There were no injuries and Webb was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

8-22-18 at 6:10 am Deputies responded to a reported disturbance at the north bound rest area on I-57. The incident led to the arrest of Tristan D. Duong age 35 of Marion for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Duong also was wanted on an outstanding Williamson County warrant for failure to appear on traffic charges.

8-23-18 at 2:38 pm a Deputy assisted Franklin County Probation with a home visit in West Frankfort. The investigation led to the arrest of Chad H. Barnett age 42 of West Frankfort for possession of methamphetamine.

8-23-18 at 3:05 pm a traffic stop in Akin led to the arrest of Jason L. Kelley age 40 of Macedonia for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on felony theft.

WARRANT ARRESTS

8-19-18 John A. B. Sutton age 29 of Christopher. Failed to appear on civil and traffic cases.

8-19-18 Carrie A. Ellis age 36 of Sesser. Failure to appear for criminal trespass.

8-19-18 Janelle A. Canon Age 33 of Benton. Failure to appear for theft.

8-20-18 Kevin L. Morris age 43 of Christopher. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

8-20-18 Northen W. Dimuke age 47 of Harrisburg. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

8-20-18 Kalyn A. Hayes age 22 of Christopher. Failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine.

8-22-18 Brandon J. Finke age 37 of Effingham. Failure to appear for obstructing a peace officer.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News