Barry Hinson announces Men’s Basketball staff promotions

by Tom Weber, Associate AD in Communications, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Justin Walker (left) and John Clancy on the sidelines last year at the SIU Arena. (SIU Media Services photo)

CARBONDALE, IL – Southern Illinois men’s basketball coach Barry Hinson announced the promotion of two members of his staff today. Director of operations Justin Walker was promoted to assistant coach, while director of player development John Clancy was elevated to director of operations. An opening on SIU’s staff was created when assistant coach Terrance McGee took a coaching position at the University of Milwaukee.

“First, I want to thank Terrance for his tremendous contributions to Saluki Basketball during the last five years,” Hinson said. “It’s bittersweet for me personally, because I coached Terrance at Missouri State, and he’s been with me since the start of the rebuilding process at SIU. At the same time, he and his wife are both Milwaukee natives, and I’m happy for them to get the opportunity to return home. He’ll be a great asset for Coach Baldwin’s staff.”

Walker enters his fourth season on Hinson’s staff, beginning as a graduate assistant in 2014, before assuming the administrative role of director of operations in 2015. He was responsible for team operations, including team travel, academic support, summer camps and fund-raisers. Those duties now go to Clancy.

“Behind the scenes, Justin has been doing the thankless jobs that no one but the head coach really appreciates,” Hinson said. “At the same time, he’s been involved in every aspect of our program and has earned this opportunity. We’re fortunate to have a coach of his caliber already in our system.”

Clancy joined the staff in 2015 as a graduate assistant before being elevated to director of player development last season. He was instrumental in the development of All-Conference forward Sean O’Brien last year and has helped the program post back-to-back winning seasons.

“As a successful high school coach before coming to Carbondale, John was willing to start over at the bottom of the ladder to achieve his dream of becoming a Division I coach,” Hinson said. “He has all of the qualities you look for in an ascending coach — high basketball IQ, strong organizational skills, and a team-first mentality. I believe he has a bright future in this business.”

Junior High baseball/softball scores from Monday and Tuesday

by Steve Dunford

Monday

BOYS BASEBALL

SESSER-VALIER 16  Johnston City 2

WEST FRANKFORT  16  Carbondale 3

BENTON 9 DuQuoin 0

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Goreville 6  ZEIGLER-ROYALTON 5  Skylar Hudson 2-3, Bella Bates and Lainey Morris 1-3 at the plate for Z-R

WEST FRANKFORT 17  Carbondale 7

Tuesday

BOYS BASEBALL

BENTON 8  WEST FRANKFORT 0

Adams (Creal Springs)  14  THOMPSONVILLE 11

GIRLS SOFTBALL

ZEIGLER ROYALTON 4  Desoto  2

BENTON 12  WEST FRANKFORT  11

Please pass along any scores to me by calling 937-0253 or 513-1274.  You can also get ahold of me by emailing me at sdunford1970.com or messaging me on Facebook.  Any information that you pass along that would be more than three sentences, I will write a short story on your team.

 

SALUKIS TO HONOR HOMETOWN HEROES ON SEPT. 9

from John Lock, Associate Sports Director, Southern Illinois University

Hometown Heroes Brochure

CARBONDALE, IL – Saluki Athletics is proud to announce Hometown Heroes Night, which will offer free advanced tickets to all law enforcement, firefighters and EMS personnel for Saluki Football’s season opener Sept. 9.

The game vs. Mississippi Valley State will kick off at 6 p.m. All Hometown Heroes can receive free advanced tickets to that game for their service and sacrifice to our local community. Additional tickets for guests are discounted to $8. To secure tickets, contact Bryce Williams at 618-453-1803.

 

SIU ASSISTANT RYAN STRAIN NAMED HEAD COACH AT METRO STATE

by John Lock – Associate Sports Information Director – Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

DENVER, CO – Saluki Baseball assistant coach Ryan Strain has been named the head coach at Metro State University. Strain has served as the Southern Illinois hitting coach for the last seven seasons.

“This is a good hire by Metro State and a great opportunity for Ryan to be a head coach and return to his hometown,” SIU head coach Ken Henderson said. “I am happy for him, his wife Katie, and their family. I also appreciate his hard work and loyalty to Saluki Baseball over the past seven years. We will look forward to following his future success and wish him all the best.”

Under Strain’s guidance, 13 Salukis have earned All-MVC honors in seven seasons and Chris Serritella was an All-American and fourth-round MLB Draft pick in 2012. Strain implemented a new running game in 2017 and turned the Salukis into one of the fastest teams in the nation. SIU stole more than twice as many bases as any other team in the MVC and ranked 11th nationally during the regular season.

Southern stole 100 bases during the season while also having the highest success rate on steals in the MVC. The 100 steals were the most for SIU as a program since 1991.

“It’s bittersweet for me to be leaving such a great place,” Strain said. “I met and worked with some tremendous people. I am very thankful for the opportunity Hendu gave me seven years ago. I learned a lot from him along the way that prepared me for this head coaching opportunity. I also want to thank P.J. Finigan and the other coaches I worked with. I will always look back at my time in Carbondale with fond memories. Thank you to all the support staff that helped me along the way, and thank you to the Saluki fans. Great times are ahead for the baseball program. Go Dawgs!”

Prior to Southern Illinois, Strain spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Northern Colorado from 2008-2010. At UNC Strain was in charge of hitting, infield defense, as well as serving as the recruiting and camp coordinators. Strain helped lead the team to set 28 new school records. In 2010 the team went 34-24 overall and 22-6 in the Great West Conference. That year UNC also saw its first freshman All-American and Great West Conference Newcomer of the year.

Previous to Northern Colorado, Strain spend two years as the graduate manager with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. At Nebraska he assisted the coaching staff with on-field duties, including helping with batting practice, overseeing the undergraduate managers, and helping with team video. Strain also assisted with on-campus recruiting, day-to-day program operations, and was an instructor in the Nebraska Baseball Academy.

In 2006 Strain served as the assistant coach for St. Cloud Riverbats in the Northwoods League. With the Riverbats he was the hitting and infield coach helping St. Cloud lead the league in hitting during the 2006 season.

Strain began his career playing at North Carolina State before transferring to Nevada. Following his collegiate career, he played two seasons in the San Francisco Giants organization and one year for the Rockford RiverHawks in the independent professional Frontier League.

CSN KICKS OFF ITS EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE 2017-18 ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SEASON

Press Release from CSN Chicago provided by the Illinois High School Association

CSN KICKS OFF ITS EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE 2017-18 ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SEASON

Special ‘Football Preview’ season premiere edition of “High School Lites presented by Wintrust” (hosted by Kelly Crull) to debut Friday, August 18 at 11:00 PM CT

CSN live stream available on CSNChicago.com/WatchLive or via the NBC Sports app

Prairie Ridge Wolves, the defending IHSA Class 6A state champion, to be the featured team this year on the network’s exclusive, behind-the-scenes team spotlight segment “DRIVE”

Network to also present a brand new “Faith in Football: History of the Chicago Catholic League presented by Wintrust” documentary series chronicling a century of action on the gridiron

Fans are urged to follow the @CSNDrive Twitter handle for the latest Prairie Ridge scores, analysis and photos, along with 24/7 state-wide IHSA updates via @CSNPreps

“Edgy” Tim O’Halloran and Scott Phillips return for their fifth seasons as CSN’s local preps sports experts

New Preps Talk podcast, featuring in-depth interviews with coaches, players and famous Chicagoland alumni to also debut this month

 

CHICAGO, IL– CSN Chicago (CSN), the home of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Championships, is ready to bring its viewers another action-packed season of expert local preps sports coverage, featuring many of the very best student-athletes in the nation. Note the following highlights/details for the upcoming IHSA preps season on CSN:

HIGH SCHOOL LITES presented by Wintrust (“Football Preview” season premiere – Friday, August 18 at 11:00 PM CT)
Hosted by Kelly Crull, High School Lites presented by Wintrust continues to be THE weekly destination for all the thrilling highlights from the area’s biggest preps match-ups, along with post-game interviews featuring the area’s top coaches and players. In addition to in-depth video highlights, High School Lites will profile exemplary student-athletes who are excelling on and off the playing surface in High School Lites’ “Wintrust Athlete of The Week” segment, while distinguished teams will be profiled in the show’s “Team of the Week” segment, presented by St. Xavier University.

Continuing this season, High School Lites will offer fans the chance to get interactive with the show by participating in the “Viewers’ Choice Game of the Week.” The wildly popular week-long poll will pit three Chicagoland matchups against one another. Fans are encouraged to vote via @CSN Preps for the game they want CSN Chicago to cover on Friday night. The winning matchup will be profiled in a special segment in the show. In addition, fans will also be given the opportunity to request the game that “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran (football) and Scott Phillips (basketball) cover each Friday night by utilizing the hashtag #SendEdgy and #FollowPhilips, respectively. For year-round IHSA coverage, be sure to follow our Twitter handle @CSNPreps.

NOTES: Every airing of High School Lites will also be live streamed on CSNChicago.com/WatchLive or via the NBC Sports app…the show shifts to Saturday nights in November to accommodate IHSA Football playoff match-ups…beginning Friday, December 1, High School Lites shifts its key focus to preps basketball.

“DRIVE”
In every weekly airing of High School Lites this season, preps fans can look forward to a brand new season of its acclaimed, behind-the-scenes, unprecedented all-access feature series entitled, “DRIVE.” This fall’s featured team will be the Prairie Ridge Wolves, who are coming off an exciting 6A state championship last season. The Wolves, who play in the competitive Fox Valley conference, feature two standout players who have given their commitments to Iowa – quarterback Samson Evans and offensive lineman Jeff Jenkins – who co-anchor a scoring unit that racked up an average of 50 points per game in 2016. Prairie Ridge will be seeking their third state championship in the last seven years. NOTE: Every episode of “DRIVE” will be made available for viewing on CSNChicago.com immediately following its on-air debut.

“FAITH IN FOOTBALL: HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO CATHOLIC LEAGUE” presented by Wintrust
CSN’s comprehensive documentary will take a look back at the moments that defined the most dominant football conference in the state over the past 100 years. The evolution of the conference and key figures who have helped shape it will be highlighted in a unique way for fans of all ages to enjoy throughout the season. Special vignettes will be featured throughout the fall in High School Lites, on CSNChicago.com and on CSN’s social media platforms with the full feature being presented to fans in October.

“EDGY” TIM O’HALLORAN & SCOTT PHILLIPS
Veteran Illinois high school football sports writer/recruiting authority “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran (@EDGYTIM) returns for his fifth season as a contributing reporter for High School Lites. O’Halloran’s CSN Preps Power Rankings (@CSNPreps), players & coaches profiles and recruiting updates can be found at CSNChicago.com. In addition, O’Halloran’s content is also featured on CSNChicago.com’s partner site, Rivals.com. Scott Phillips (@phillipshoops) also returns for his fifth season as a contributing reporter for High School Lites and will take center stage this upcoming basketball season. Phillips is also a key contributor to NBCSports.com’s “CollegeBasketballTalk.”

PREPS TALK PODCAST
Starting August 16, the CSN Chicago preps reporting team will bring prep sports fans a new, weekly podcast. Hosted by Joe Collins (@JoeCSN) and Jared Storck (@jaredstorck) with appearances by “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran and Scott Phillips, the podcast will feature the latest storylines, game previews, recruiting analysis and special interviews with Chicagoland high school alumni. Fans are encouraged to listen along at csnchicago.com/podcasts.

IHSA FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PAIRING SHOW presented by Wintrust
For the sixth-straight year, CSN Chicago and the IHSA will present the IHSA Football Playoff Pairing Show LIVE on Saturday, October 21 at 8:00 PM. Brackets will be unveiled as 256 Illinois teams, from 1A to 8A, will find out their first round opponent. This two-hour show will also be streamed live on CSNChicago.com and the NBC Sports app.

CSNCHICAGO.COM
Fans are urged to visit CSNChicago.com’s dedicated Preps section (csnchicago.com/preps) for the latest Preps Power Rankings, Illinois AP rankings, special segment video features, the latest IHSA news, game highlights and recaps, special mid-week segments previewing the upcoming week’s action featuring detailed analytical breakdowns from “Edgy Tim” O’Halloran and Scott Phillips, and much more.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media fans can follow the network’s @CSNDrive Twitter handle for the latest Prairie Ridge scores, highlights, players & coaches interviews, and analysis. Fans can follow the school’s Twitter handle (@PrairieRidge), along with the school’s dedicated football Twitter handle (@PrairieRidgeFB) and utilize the hashtag #DriveWolves. In addition, @CSNPreps will provide fans with the latest statewide updates throughout the scholastic year, which will include Power Rankings, scores, analysis, and viewer/reader Twitter photos from game day.

 

Saluki Men’s Golf announces 2017-18 schedule

by Tom Weber – Southern Illinois University, Carbondale – Associate Athletic Director/Communications

Kari Johnston, SIU Media Services

CARBONDALE, IL — Southern Illinois men’s golf coach Justin Fetcho announced the team’s 2017-18 schedule today, which features a challenging slate of matches, including numerous top 50 programs.

With a goal of returning to the NCAA postseason in mind, the Salukis play four fall tournaments, starting at Indiana’s Wolf Run Intercollegiate (Sept. 8-10), and continuing with the Iowa Golfweek Conference Challenge (Sept. 17-19), the LSU David Toms Intercollegiate (Oct. 7-8), and the Kennesaw State Pinetree Intercollegiate (Oct. 23-24).

In the spring, the Salukis will play in six more tournaments across the country, beginning at the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate (Feb. 16-18), and then the Florida State Seminole Intercollegiate (Feb. 24-25), the South Florida Invitational (March 12-13), the William & Mary Kingsmill Intercollegiate (March 25-27), the Arkansas State Red Wolves Intercollegiate (April 2-3), and wrapping up the regular season at Purdue’s Boilermaker Invitational (April 14-15).

“Out of our 10 regular-season events, we are traveling to eight different states, including tournaments on the west coast, east coast and the Midwest,” coach Fetcho said. “When it comes time for the NCAA Regionals, you could be shipped anywhere in the country, so we want to prepare ourselves for any situation, as our goal is an NCAA postseason.”

SIU men’s golf is excited to announce that it will host the MVC Championships (April 23-24) at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

“This will be a great way for our fans and supporters to get out and cheer us on as we usually don’t have an opportunity to host an event,” said Fetcho.

The Salukis hope to continue on to the NCAA Regionals (May 14-16) and the NCAA National Championship (May 25-30).

 

 

Z-R Junior High Softball splits at Marion Tournament

by Steve Dunford

The Zeigler-Royalton Junior High Girls Softball team posted a 2-2 at record at the Marion softball tournament yesterday.

They had a tough draw in the opening round, as they lost to Class L Marion, 7-0.  Z-R coach Amy Garmane commented they came up short at the plate, but played flawless defense.

In the consolation quarterfinals, the Tornadoes defeated Goreville 7-5.  Coach Garmane said it was a great team effort.

In the consolation semi-finals, Z-R beat Adams out of Creal Springs 10-4.  In the consolation championship game, the Tornadoes fell to Herrin 5-1.

Coach Garmane had this to say after the four games, “Overall I am very pleased! I see great things happening this season. Thank you to everyone today for your support today!!! Rest up, we have 4 games this week.”

The Tornadoes will play Monday at home against Goreville at 4:00 p.m.

SCOUT DAY SET FOR SEPT. 9 VS. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE

by John Lock, Associate Sports Information Director, Southern Illinois University

Scout Day Brochure

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Saluki Football program will host Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops during its season opener on Sept. 9 vs. Mississippi Valley State. Scouts and their parents can receive $8 tickets to the 6 p.m. game, and troops will receive in-game recognition and special SIU patches for their members.

Troops also have the option to purchase $18 tickets that include a food and drink voucher and a 710 team store coupon. For more information, contact Bryce Williams at 618-453-1803.

Washington, Bats Power Miners Past Otters

Miner lefty Chris Washington, who pitched seven strong innings, allowing only two runs in last night’s victory against Evansville. (SI Miners photo)

EVANSVILLE, IN – The Southern Illinois Miners got seven stellar innings on the mound from left-hander Chris Washington and used a five-run third inning to surge ahead of the Evansville Otters en route to a 9-2 victory at Bosse Field in Evansville on Saturday night, evening the weekend series at one game apiece.

Neither team scored in the first two innings, but the Miners would send eight men to the plate in the third frame against Evansville starter Trevor Walch (0-2) to break the game open. London Lindley led off with a double and after Romeo Cortina walked, a passed ball moved the runners to second and third base. Two batters later, an RBI groundout by Craig Massey brought home the game’s first run for a 1-0 Miners lead. Nolan Earley followed with a walk before an RBI single by Ryan Lashley doubled the lead to 2-0, and James Alfonso followed with a three-run home run, his first with the Miners, to push the advantage out to 5-0.

Southern Illinois added on in the next frame on an RBI single by Massey for a 6-0 lead to back Washington (3-3), who pitched seven innings in the game and allowed just five singles and two earned runs, which Evansville scored in the fourth inning, on an RBI single by Alejandro Segovia, and in the sixth inning, on a sacrifice fly by Dane Phillips, to cut the Miners’ lead to 6-2.

But Southern Illinois responded in the seventh inning when with a man on base, Craig Massoni hit a two-run home run over the left field fence to make it 8-2. They would also add on in the ninth inning on a two-out RBI single by Lindley for the final margin. Brett Wiley led the way with three hits in the 11-hit attack for the Miners, while Massey, Massoni and Alfonso added multiple RBIs to the winning effort.

The Miners will now go for a series win in the rubber match on Sunday at 5:05 p.m., starting Matt Parish on the hill against former Miner Hunter Ackerman.

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 Frontier League East Division Champions and the 2012 Frontier League Champions. They have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception, and also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, contact the Rent One Park box office at (618) 998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.

Brown Dawg’s Kids Club To Debut At Fan Fest On August 24th At Saluki Stadium

by Tom Weber – Associate Athletic Director/Communications

CARBONDALE, IL— The brand-new Brown Dawg’s Kids Club makes its official debut on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the seventh-annual Saluki Fan Fest. A free event open to the public, Fan Fest takes place on the field at Saluki Stadium from 6:30-8 p.m. Prairie Farms will be serving free ice cream while supplies last.

Photos by SIU Media Services

The first 200 children (age 12 and under) to register for Brown Dawg’s Kids Club will receive a free membership t-shirt and laminate pass, which entitles the member to a host of benefits.

Saluki football players and coaches, cheerleaders, shakers and mascots will be on hand greeting fans and serving as host of activities for the whole family. Saluki Athletics hopes to see all Saluki fans at the seventh-annual Fan Fest. Below are highlights of the event:

FREE Brown Dawg Kids Club membership and t-shirt
FREE ice cream, chocolate milk, juice and giveaways provided by Prairie Farms, while supplies last
FREE Schedule Posters and Cards
Inflatables and bounce house
Players and coaches available for autographs
Saluki Shakers, Cheerleaders and mascots Grey Dawg and Brown Dawg on-hand
Saluki football players will lead drills in throwing, catching and kicking as well as a football obstacle course
Dress Like a Saluki photo opportunities
LEGO-building station

Get Your Tickets!

Season-ticket holder ticket pick-up and refreshments in north end zone Saluki Football Tag Day – Fans have the opportunity to purchase 2017 Season Tickets.

Tickets for all Saluki home games on sale.

About Brown Dawg’s Kids Club

*Free Membership!
*Exclusive Kids Club laminate membership to wear
*Free Kids Club t-shirt to first 200 members who sign up. (Shirt must be picked up at Kids Club table at Fanfest on Aug. 24 or at a home Football game).
*Face-painting station at the Kids Club table so you can really show your Saluki pride!
*Entered into a drawing to be Kid Captain of the Game at Saluki Football or Men’s Basketball game.
*Free admission to Saluki Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball and Baseball games, by wearing your Kids Club laminate.
*Free reserved ticket to Football game on Nov. 4 versus Missouri State, in which members are invited to help form the pre-game tunnel on the field.
*Free general admission ticket to Men’s Basketball game on Dec. 19 versus North Carolina A&T, in which members are invited to help form the pre-game tunnel on the court.
*Brown Dawg’s Kids Club is proudly sponsored by 710, Southern Illinois Healthcare and the Bank of Carbondale.

 

 

 

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