All-Sport Prospect Day joins line-up on RLC Preview Day

September 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Pubic Information

INA, Ill. (Sept. 19, 2017) – Athletes from near and far are invited to attend Rend Lake College’s All-Sport Prospect Day on Saturday, Oct. 7 on the Ina campus. The free event will feature all eight of RLC’s athletic teams: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, tennis, and volleyball.

After a welcome from Vice President Lisa Price to begin the event at 10 o’clock, additional college representatives and current student athletes will be on hand to speak with students about college life and give tours of campus.

Attendees will then have a break from Prospect Day for lunch and the option to attend Preview Day. Preview Day follows the design of an open house, offering program-specific tours and meet-and-greets with RLC faculty and staff for students and their families.
Students who attend Preview Day also have the chance to win a scholarship through the RLC Foundation. Prospect Day students need only go to the Student Center to register for this free event where numerous RLC personnel will be available to talk about programs, admissions, financial aid, and more.

After lunch, prospective students will break into their respective sports to speak with coaches and show off their skills.

To learn more about All-Sport Prospect Day, contact Danielle Kaufman at 618-242-3001 or visit online at www.rlc.edu/athletics/prospect-day-registration. Interested students should pre-register online to receive a free event T-Shirt.

For more information about Preview Day, contact the Welcome Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1343 or welcome@rlc.edu.

Filed Under: Sports

Cardinals recall INF Aedmys Diaz and RP Josh Lucas from Memphis

September 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Redbirds active roster now at 36 players

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

CINCINATTI , OH The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have recalled infielder Aledmys Diaz and right-handed pitcher Josh Lucas from Memphis (AAA). Both players will join the Cardinals in Cincinnati for tonight’s game against the Reds, upping the team’s active roster to 36 players.

Diaz, 27, began the year with St. Louis, batting .260 with 7 home runs and 20 RBI in 71 games before being optioned to Memphis following the game on June 27. Diaz, who still leads the Cardinals with his 19 infield hits, had 23 extra base hits among his 71 safeties at the Major League level.

In 46 games at triple-A, Diaz batted .253 with 4 home runs and 26 RBI as the Memphis club posted a franchise record 91 wins and won the Pacific Coast League Championship Series. Diaz played 28 games at shortstop, nine at third base and six at second base for the Redbirds.

Lucas, 26, who made his Major League debut with 2.0 innings of relief at Pittsburgh on August 19, is being recalled for a second time this season. The Cardinals 21st round draft pick in 2010 finished the season with 17 saves for Memphis (3rd in the PCL), and provided the rescue in the Redbirds pennant-clinching win on Sunday at El Paso, Texas. Lucas fanned 68 batters in his 60.0 innings of work for the triple-A Redbirds and walked only 12.

Diaz wears uniform no. 36 and Lucas wear no. 77.

Filed Under: Sports

Valley football weekly notebook

September 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://valley-football.org/news/2017/9/18/valley-football-weekly-notebook-sept-18.aspx

Please click on the link above for all the news and stats from last weeks games from the Missouri Valley Football Conference Here are some of the highlights

SIU safety Ryan Neal MVFC defensive player of the week

Neal had an interception, a fumble recovery and a game-high eight tackles in SIU’s 35-17
win at Southeast Missouri on Saturday. Neal picked off a pass and returned it 52 yards to
put the Salukis in the red zone, and his fumble recovery set up a touchdown. Neal led SIU’s
defense, which held SEMO to 278 yards of total offense and less than four yards per play.

Sagarin Rankings, Conference Leaders (FCS)

1. MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL
2. CAA Football
3. Big Sky
4. Southern
5. Ohio Valley

SATURDAY NIGHT’S SIU GAME WITH MEMPHIS WILL BE BROADCAST ON KFVS-TV

 

 

Filed Under: College Sports, Sports

Benton native Doug Collins returns to Bulls as senior advisor

September 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-bulls/doug-collins-returns-bulls-senior-advisor

 

CHICAGO, IL (Vincent Goodwill, CSN Chicago.  Please click on the link above for the full story and video of the press conference.  Here is an excerpt below.)

In a surprise announcement, the Chicago Bulls have brought former coach Doug Collins back into the fold, naming him a senior advisor to Executive Vice President John Paxson.

 

NBA.com photo

Collins was a coach with the Bulls and regarded as one of the best basketball minds through his various stops through the NBA as well as his commentary for Turner Sports and ESPN. Collins held front office authority in Detroit after the Pistons drafted Grant Hill, so he’s familiar with the inner workings of the NBA.

More importantly, he coached Paxson during his three-year tenure as head coach, from 1986-1989, so one can presume Paxson will value Collins’ expertise and opinions. The two sides have been discussing a role for quite some time, so although the announcement is a surprise, the marriage didn’t come together hastily

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports

Here is what Metro East school officials think about student athletes and the National Anthem

September 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bnd.com/sports/article174200081.html

Former San Francisco 49Ers Quarterback Collin Kapernick was the one who started the movement in kneeling for the National Anthem in protesting what he feels is police brutality against African-Americans. He remains unsigned this season. (NBC-San Diego)

NOTE:  Please click on the clip above to where the Cahokia Junior Football league eight year olds were led by their volunteer coach not to stand for the national anthem.

Please click on the link above from Todd Eschman of the Belleville News-Democrat speaking with local school officials in the Metro East and their opinions about athletes and the National Anthem.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

My insights on the Redbirds win over Harrisburg Friday night

September 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

HARRISBURG, IL –  If Channel 3 would have still been shooting video Friday night, Darren Kinnard would have a Deuce and the Abuse to talk about on Sports Extra.

The three sacks by the West Frankfort defense of Bulldog QB Isaac Crabb. the third resulting in a Redbird safety, put a few exclamation points on a 37-24 win against the Harrisburg Bulldogs at Taylor Field Friday night.

The writers in the Southern Illinoisan picked Harrisburg to win.  In my preview, I picked the Bulldogs.  I used to do a little prognosticating in the past, and was told I pick with my heart and on my sleeve instead of my head.  It was a struggle, but I used my head on this one.

I did not get to talk to coach Berry after the game.  I will e-mail him either tomorrow or Wednesday.  I would be less intimidated approaching him than Kevin Toney.  I already found out what he has to say in those situations.   I am still not the level on previewing girls basketball yet, but from Matt Hampleman it would have been one of the lectures I’ve had for over 30 years starting with “little Stevie.”

Everyone knows that I am a film junkie.  I am not saying this to be cocky, but I do my homework as much as possible.  I reach out to the other teams coaches in my previews.

When I saw the linebacker corps of Jordan Bartok and company on film in week one against Mt. Carmel, being the Redbirds being a mainly run team, I thought the Harrisburg defense would give the Birds trouble.

When Connor Eaton on the second drive of the game broke out for 11 yards on the first play of the drive, then run it in for a 56 yard touchdown on the third play, at that point I began to say it is a winnable game.

After Harrisburg took a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter the Redbird defense took over.  One Bulldog drive is was Blake Engler, the other it was Ben Souders who was double digits in tackels.   I know Madison Allen ran for 215 yards against Pinckneyville but he was dominant defensively, which I had him for 13 tackles to lead the way, and rushing well over 100 yards.

T.J.  Vanzant and Brendan Johnson came up big in the second half.  Kyle Hammers and Sam Cooksey had great games on both sides of the ball.  Brock Johnson came up big defensively as well.  I had Bricen Forgatch with four tackles, with three coming on special teams.  I don’t want to leave anyone out, but a lot of kids had career games.

I was hearing rumblings starting with my trip to Casey’s before I left for Saline County,  that defensive coordinator Ryan Patton had the Birds fired up.

One of the things about being part of the media now is some of the great people you get to meet.  One is Sherman Owens, the voice of the Harrisburg Bulldogs on WEBQ.

One thing that I have learned, especially football games, is to be in earshot of one of the broadcasters or both.  When the Redbirds had it in the bag, I heard Sherman say something like this, “Berry and West Frankfort running the same thing, did it to us two years in a row.” 

He made sure I noticed his Cub hat and let me have it because the Cardinals lost that afternoon.  After the game when he went to a commercial, I told him one Redbird team evened the score.

Harrisburg falls to 2-2 on the season, and is on the road next Friday night to take on the Massac County Patriots.

I am going to try to find out the condition of Bartok and Hunter Smith over the next couple of days.  I had a sick feeling in my stomach when Bartok went down.  He is being looked at by some D-1 and what used to be 1-AA schools.  I hope he recovers soon.

The Redbirds improve to 3-1 on the afternoon, and it is the Turkey game against the Benton Rangers at high noon.  It is going to be a hotly contested game, as well as being hot and humid.

 

 

Filed Under: Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

RLC Warrior Fest adding Demo Day to line-up on Oct. 7

September 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL – Golfers get in line for this fall’s Demo Day at Rend Lake College’s annual Warrior Fest event. The free event will be held 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 on the Ina campus’ putting range, located south of the Warrior Fest main events.

Attendees can take advantage of visiting with a handful of major brand representatives and trying out the newest drivers and irons. Callaway, Cobra, Exotics / Tour Edge, Mizuno, and TaylorMade will all be available. The free event will offer range balls for participants to test products on the putting range.

For more information about Super Demo Day, contact Danielle Kaufman, Golf Outlet Store Manager, at 618-242-3001. To check out the RLC Golf Outlet, visit www.rlcgolfoutlet.com or the Rend Lake College Golf Outlet Facebook page.

Filed Under: Sports

Salukis surge past SEMO, 35-17

September 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. – The Southern Illinois football team earned a hard-fought, 35-17 win over Southeast Missouri on Saturday night.

“I think our upperclassmen showed the way here–Ryan Neal and Jeremy Chinn and guys who have played,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said. “I thought overall it was a great week of practice and preparation. The coaching staff did a great job of staying together on the sideline and figuring out a way to come out with a win.”

The win snapped a 12-game road losing streak that went all the way back into the 2014 season, including a loss to SEMO at Houck Field in 2015. In that 2015 game, Southern turned it over on the first play of the game and never recovered en route to seven turnovers and a 27-24 loss. In this game, Southern (2-0) turned it over on the first play of the game but immediately recovered.

The defense held SEMO to a field goal, then the offense rattled off 21-straight points to take a 21-3 lead. Southeast Missouri (0-3) got within 21-10, but the Saluki offense immediately answered with a five-play, 58-yard scoring drive that took just 43 seconds. SIU took a 28-10 lead into halftime.

“Forcing that field goal on the first drive was really big,” Hill said. “I told our guys that there would be some kind of adversity for us to overcome in order to get this 12-game road losing streak over.”

Sam Straub threw for 126 of his 206 yards in that second quarter spurt. Darrell James had 112 yards in the first-half alone, thanks to 37- and 38-yard touchdown catches. Straub also hit Connor Iwema and Raphael Leonard for big plays.

Nearly every SIU score was set up a big play on special teams. After SEMO took the 3-0 lead, D.J. Davis returned the ensuing kickoff 42 yards; the Salukis scored nine plays later. Craig James returne a punt 14 yards; the Salukis scored six plays later. After SEMO got within 21-10, Davis again had a big kick return–this time 38 yards; the Salukis scored five plays later.

And the lone SIU score of the second half was set up by a punt. Lane Reazin boomed one 60 yards, and SEMO’s returner dropped it heading backwards; the Salukis scored four plays later to make the lead 35-10.

While the big plays came in the passing game, SIU still maintained nearly a 50-50 split between runs and passes at halftime, which paid off in the second half. With a big lead, SIU turned to power back Jonathan Mixon. Thirteen of Mixon’s 17 rush attempts came in the final 19 minutes. The Salukis controlled the ball for 13 of those final 19 minutes, icing the victory.

“I think it says a lot about our team that we were able to just keep grinding and take the air out of the football to do what we had to do to win,” Hill said. “We could have opened it up and spread it out, but if we’re going to win championships we have to be able to run the ball, play good defense and play great special teams.”

UP NEXT: Southern Illinois travels to FBS opponent Memphis next Saturday, Sept. 23. The Tigers are 2-0 and beat nationally-ranked UCLA earlier on Saturday.

NOTES

SIU has won 10 of the last 12 meetings against SEMO … In regular season games since 2003, SIU is 35-4 against non-conference, non-FBS opponents … The Salukis snapped a 12-game road losing streak. SIU’s last road win before tonight was Nov. 8, 2014 at Missouri State … SEMO now leads the all-time series, 40-37-8, and the series in Cape 19-18-4 … The Salukis have won six of the last seven SIU-SEMO meetings played in Cape Girardeau … The Salukis are 2-0 for just the second time since 2007 (SIU started the season 3-0 in 2014) … Dating back to the end of last year, SIU has won four of its last five games.

http://www.siusalukis.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&id=7831

Filed Under: College Sports, Sports

S-V-W-W- Red Devils too powerful for JC Tribe

September 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170915/s-v-w-w–red-devils-too-powerful-for-jc-tribe

JOHNSTON CITY- IL, (Jimmy Dean, Benton Evening News.  Please click the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt.)

A stable of hard-charging Red Devil running backs mixed with an abundance of turnovers was a bad recipe for success as the host Johnston City Indians fell victim to a strong Sesser-Valier/Waltonville/Woodlawn team Friday, 48-8.

With the loss, the Tribe falls to 1-3, while the Red Devils improve to 4-0, one of only three unbeaten teams in the area.

Our backs are not too bad,” said SVWW Coach John Shadowens. Six different backs racked up a total of 292 yards led by Peyton Rock’s 114 (all coming in the first half).

Clayton Smith contributed 90 yards and Eli Gunter followed with 68.

“We have to maintain balance and use the whole field, and I thought we did that tonight” said Shadowens

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Edwards County rolls past Bearcats, 42-6

September 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170916/edwards-county-rolls-past-bearcats-42-6

ALBION, IL (Randall Risley, Benton News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Edwards County wasted little time in putting away the Christopher/Zeigler-Royalton Bearcats Friday night.

The Lions scored less than three minutes into the game on a 10-yard run by senior Lincoln Moore at the 9:24 mark of the first period. The point-after-kick by Silas Hortin was good for a 7-0 lead.

The Bearcats finally got on the board with 2:56 left in the game on a 10-yard toss from quarterback Bryce Pratt to wide receiver Greg Fletcher.

“We’ve just got to come ready to play,” said Bearcats head coach Anthony Hargrove. “The days of coming out here and waiting have got to end. We’ve got to come out from the first whistle and play hard.”

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports
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