Rangers wrestlers compete in Super Duals in Champaign

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Staff Report

The Benton Rangers wrestling team competed in the prestigious Super Duals, New Years challenge held at Huff Hall on the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign. The Rangers placed 16th in the 33 team dual tournament in which Benton finished 3-6.
POOL 5
Benton 48 – Bismark-Henning 34
Benton 23 – Vandalia 57
Benton 48 – Normal- University High 18
Benton 18 – Coal City 54
Championship Bracket
Benton 34 – Auburn 33
Benton 18 – Wilmington 60
Benton 37 – Monmouth-Roseville 39
Benton 30 – Oregon 30
Benton 25 – Clifton Central 52

Benton had four standout performances with Chase Worthey(120), Chris Worthey(126), Peyton Smith(132), Daniel Krug(138) all going 8-1 in the tournament.
The dual tournament featured 10 of the top 16 class A schools in the state as ranked by Illinois Best Weekly(Illinois’ wrestling paper)
 
Also, Benton’s Chris Worthey(126) was named to the 10 member “Toughman Team”.
 

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

Logan women shoot way past SIC

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

BY JOHN D. HOMAN
Logan Media Services

CARTERVILLE – The second half of the season started on a positive note for the John A. Logan College women’s basketball team as the Volunteers shot their way past Southeastern Illinois, 94-75.

Logan, now 8-4 overall and 2-1 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference, knocked down 32-of-64 shots from the field or 50 percent, including 10-of-20 from beyond the three-point arc.

Five players reached double figures for the Vols as led by sophomore forward Kyra Navarrete with 21 points on 7-of-8 sniping from the field and 5-of-5 marksmanship from the free-throw line.

“Considering that we had two weeks off, I thought we played pretty well,” Navarrete said. “Good conditioning is definitely a factor. We ran the floor well.”

Navarrete said the Vols may have a busy week, but are up to the task.

“I think we’re going to have a good week. We just need to carry over our momentum from tonight’s win to Wednesday night when we play Kaskaskia.”

Freshman guard Mystri Jodie followed with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 from the charity stripe. Freshman BreAnn Denny contributed 13 points. Freshman Aneta Sloma chipped in 12 and sophomore Autumn Miller had 10. Freshman Jessica Hirsch of Du Quoin was solid off the bench with eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers and Salem product Marissa Nix, another freshman, added eight, as well. Freshman Briya Wilborn tallied four.

The Falcons, 3-8 overall and 0-4 in the GRAC, got 28 points from Kenyatta Drake on 11-of-17 shooting from the field and 6-of-9 free tosses. The only other Southeastern player in double figures was Irina Perkins with 15.

Logan head coach Marty Hawkins was impressed with his team’s win.

“We put a lot of points on the board here tonight,” he said. “We shot the ball very well in the first half against their trap, which left our shooters to get our feet set from the outside. We have some good stationary shooters.”

Hawkins said it was important to get the second half of the season started with a win.

“Absolutely,” he said. “We have three games this week, so we need to get things started by taking care of business on our home floor.

The Vols play host to Kaskaskia Wednesday at 5:30. It will be “Marion Night” at the games with free admission to all students and residents of the Marion Unit 2 School District.

Filed Under: College Sports, Uncategorized

Logan men explode offensively against SIC

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

BY JOHN D. HOMAN
Logan Media Services

CARTERVILLE – Marion product Aaron Adeoye led four players in double digits with 16 points Monday as John A. Logan College raced past visiting Southeastern Illinois, 87-59.

Adeoye, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward, was a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. Freshman center Kaylen Shane chucked in 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and did a great job of using his body to shield the defender and get his shot off cleanly in the paint.

Sophomore forward Jamie Jones (Herrin) received additional playing time and rewarded head coach Kyle Smithpeters with an 11-point effort that included 3-of-5 shooting from long distance and 2-of-2 free throws. Freshman James Williams chipped in 10 points. He was 2-of-2 on triples and 4-of-4 from the line. Freshman Jay Johnson collected nine points.

Freshman Sondale Conner totaled seven points and yanked down a team-high nine rebounds. Freshman DeVaughn Johnson also flipped in seven points. Freshman Pierre House (Murphysboro) accounted for six points and five rebounds. Redshirt freshman Connor Wheeler of Du Quoin netted five points and turned in another solid effort from the point.

Freshman Michael Schmidt only scored two points, but led the team in assists with six in a reserve role. Freshman Julian Hernandez also had two points.

As a team, the Vols were a sizzling 30-of-52 from the field for 57 percent and 5-of-10 on 3-pointers for 50 percent. They were also a more than respectable 22-of-30 from the line for 73 percent. Logan also won the battle of the boards (41-to-21).

The Falcons, 2-8 overall and 1-3 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference, were paced by D’Markian Salle with 11 points. Isaiah Thomas came off the bench to notch nine. Jamie Carr finished with eight.

Logan improves to 2-1 in the GRAC and is 7-4 overall.

Smithpeters was pleased to see the Vols break a three-game losing streak in style.

“I have to tip my hat to the kids. They came out, competed and took care of business,” he said. “We finally put a good team away early on. I’m very pleased with the win. The effort was great.”

Smithpeters said the Vols have concentrated hard on improving defensively.

“I think a lot of the guys have taken our words to heart. They’re not freshmen anymore. And tonight, they did a lot of things to show that they have matured.”

Shane said he was proud of his teammates for turning in such a stellar performance after a lengthy layoff.

“I thought we played well,” he said. “Our guards did a great job of getting the ball to me inside and I did my best to finish.”

Jones was happy to contribute from three-point range.

“It felt great. I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said. “You never know when you’ll get another one, so it felt great to knock the shots down. I’ve been staying after practice and taking as many shots as I can. Coach (Smithpeters) told me to keep working on my defense. Hopefully, I did a pretty good job of that tonight.”

Adeoye said he thought the Vols played hard right out of the gate against Southeastern.

“That’s the way we’ve been going in practice, competing and playing hard. That’s the way to get back on the winning track. We were ready to play tonight.”

Adeoye said he didn’t realize he led the team in scoring.

“It always feels good when your shots fall. I was attacking the boards and doing all I could to help our team win. We need to string some wins together and get a streak going.”

The Ball State transfer said he is looking forward to competing Wednesday night at home against Kaskaskia College as part of “Marion Night” festivities.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It should be fun. I’ve changed a little bit. My game is more diverse now than it was a couple of years ago in high school. I would hope the fans turn out and like what they see from me.”

Filed Under: College Sports, Uncategorized

Lady Warriors beat No. 16 SWIC at home

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – The Rend Lake College Lady Warriors basketball team beat Southwestern Illinois College, 55-52, Monday night in Ina. According to the National Junior College Athletic Association website at www.njcaa.org, SWIC is ranked 16th in the nation among NJCAA DI women’s basketball programs. The Lady Warriors improve to 9-5 with the win and will play Wednesday at Southeastern Illinois College. For all things athletic at The Lake, visit RLC online at www.rlc.edu/warriors.

Filed Under: College Sports, Uncategorized

OBITUARY – MARY BYMASTER – VALIER

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Mary Bymaster, 79, of Valier, died January 6, 2013 at Herrin Hospital.

Mary was born October 25, 1933 in Sesser to Pete Gobtop and Laura Opal (Vanlandingham) Gobtop. She married George William Bymaster and he preceded her in death on Jan. 25, 2006.

Mary worked as a homemaker.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl and Tom Hodge, of Austin, Texas, Pamela and Stephen Miller, of Valier, Illinois, Jeffrey and Tina Bymaster, of West Frankfort, Illinois and by a daughter-in-law Kathy Bymaster of Altamont, Illinois.

Also surviving are grandchildren Chris, Christy, Kelly, Kayla, Kevin, Jennifer, Mary, Brian, Jimmy, Chris, Amanda, Ashley, Amy, Alison and Jeffrey. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren.

Mary is also survived by three brothers, William Gobtop, of Missouri, Randall Gobtop and Cliff Gobtop, both of Macedonia, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one son, George Bymaster; one grandson Kenneth; brother and sister-in-law Ron and Brenda Gobtop and one sister Dolores Razor.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, Illinois.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Illinois.
For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Federal mediator enters Ewing-Northern labor impasse

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

A federal mediator will meet Thursday night with school administration and teachers at Ewing-Northern Grade School in hopes of ending a labor impasse that threatens to stop classes for 227 students in grades K-8.

Teachers at Ewing-Northern have worked without a contact since August 30 and filed an intent to strike notice with the state in November. The 15 teachers at the school, located in northeast Franklin County, are represented by the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT).

Keith Griffith, field director for IFT, said he is in hopes that an agreement can be reached through mediation but declined to comment about specifics until after Thursday’s meeting.

Kristin Ing, superintendent of Ewing-Northern also declined comment and said the school board had designated Collinsville attorney Barney Mundorf, a partner in the firm of Guin, Martin and Mundorf as a spokesperson for the school district.

When reached by telephone Mundorf said the ongoing labor stalemate boils down to what the district can afford to pay, given the problems with decreased state funding and the difficult local economy. Mundorf said teachers have been offered a raise based on the ‘step process’ – a method school districts use to give annual pay increases based on years of service and advanced education.

Mundorf said based on the step process the lowest paid teacher at the school, who earns $32,100, would receive a 3.77 percent increase while the highest paid teacher, who earns $61,161 would receive a 1.25 percent increase. Mundorf said the sticking point that threatens to stop classes is over an additional 1.5 percent that the union is asking for in addition to the step increases.

“I want to emphasize that I believe teachers work hard,” Mundorf said. “But, I am surprised that they would threaten to strike over the amount of money involved here.”

Mundorf pointed out that Ewing-Northern is looking at declining state aid and in belt-tightening mode like many other Illinois school districts. Mundorf said Ewing-Northern ended the fiscal year with $400,000 surplus in its education fund but quickly added that the school district will receive $80,000 less in state aid this year and a projected $105,000 less in the 2013-14 school year.

“Right now the board is taking the approach that it is not going to spend the education fund down to zero and then address a budget problem,” said Mundorf. “I remain hopeful we can reach an agreement.”

The mediation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Ewing-Northern Grade School.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, Uncategorized

OBITUARY – JAMES “LUKE” ROBINSON – ROYALTON

January 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

ROYALTON – James “Luke” Robinson, 88, of Royalton died on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at his grandson’s home in Mulkeytown, Illinois.

Mr. Robinson was born on November 13, 1924 in Royalton to Luther Whitley Robinson and Willie Claire (Carr) Robinson. He served in the Navy during World War II and was of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Robinson worked at Menard Correctional Center for 15 years and also worked as a police officer in Royalton, Hurst and Bush and as worked as a coal miner.

He married Peggy (Sterns) Robinson and she proceeded him in death.

Mr. Robinson is survived by his daughter, Peggy Walker of Mulkeytown, and grandchildren Taffi Robinson Simone, Jason and wife Krystie Walker and Keith Walker. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Addison Claire Walker, Evan Lucas Walker, Autumn Rose and Savannah Rose. He is also survived by a sister, Sara Loeh, of Zeigler.

Mr. Robinson was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three children, Cheryl Robinson, Frank Robinson and Raymond “Buster” Robinson and one brother, Raymond Robinson.

A memorial service will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at 6 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Sister Linda Godfrey will officiate with interment at a later date at Hallidayboro Cemetery.

There will be a dinner at the home of Jason & Khrystie Walker on Highway 148 after the memorial service.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of the services.

For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Warriors wrestling goes 1-2 at Campbellsville U Duals

January 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Rend Lake College Warriors finished with a win and two losses in its first wrestling duals of the 2012-13 season, the Campbellsville University Duals on Saturday in Kentucky.

Taking on Darton College early at Powell Athletic Center, RLC got wins from Eric Tozzi (Ramseur, N.C.) at 141 pounds, Skyler Procasky (Belleville, Ill.) at 149, Justin Cash (Franklin, Tenn.) at 157, Juan Stimpson (Asheboro, N.C.) at 174, Austin Warren (Newburgh, Ind.) at 197 and Coltyn Pease (Pittsfield, Ill.) at heavyweight to lead the Warriors to a 35-24 victory. Cash and Warren won by decision – 7-3, 6-0 respectively – while the rest of the Warriors won by fall.

Rend Lake lost to host CU 32-6 with Tozzi, Pease and Jameel Carter (Chicago) at 125, picking up wins. Tozzi won a 4-1 decision over Brandon Westerman and Pease won by forfeit. Carter took a 6-5 decision from Jarvis Elam.

In the third round of dual matches, it was the University of the Cumberlands defeating RLC 44-11. Tozzi extended his win streak with a 17-1 technical fall against Calon Perkins, Cash got a 6-2 decision over Javier Arellano, and Warren beat Eddie Bernal in a 4-2 decision.

In other duals during the day:
Indiana Tech 40, Darton College 12
University of the Cumberlands 38, Lindenwood-Belleville 6
Indiana Tech 42, Lindenwood-Belleville 9
University of the Cumberlands 34, Darton College 8
Campbellsville University 44, Lindenwood-Belleville 6
Complete results are available HERE.

The Warriors will be back in action on Jan. 11 at the NWCA National Wrestling Open in East St. Louis. RLC will then head to Central Missouri State University’s Roger Denker Open, Jan. 13, in Warrensburg, Mo.
For all things athletic at The Lake, visit RLC online at www.rlc.edu/warriors.

Filed Under: College Sports, Franklin Co. News, Uncategorized

BMS boys start 2013 with a pair of wins

January 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Benton Middle School eighth grade team got the 2013 portion of its schedule off to an excellent start with a 61-29 victory over Christopher.

The Junior Rangers showed no ill effects following a three week layoff through the Christmas holiday racing out to a 16-8 first quarter lead en route to a 32-11 halftime score.

BMS 8th grade coach John Cook said he was pleased with his teams’ performance after the 21-day holiday break.

“Going in I expected there to be a little rust and fatigue,” said Cook. “I saw some fatigue but not much rust. I thought we did an exceptional job on the defensive end holding Christopher to only three field goals in the first half. Our guards played tight on their three-point shooters and our big men did a great job of hedging and communicating on ball screens.

Cook pointed out that Christopher began the game in a triangle-and-two defense guarding Benton’s leading scorers Derek Oxford and Austin Wills man-to-man to slow their offensive output.

“I thought Tyson Houghland and Gehrig Wynn stepped up for us, combining for 17 first half points, and forced Christopher to go back to their base 2-3 zone defense in the second half,” said Cook. “I expect more teams to start playing gimmicks against us in the second half of the season but I also expect us to show teams that we aren’t a one or two-dimensional team. We have a lot of depth.”

The 8th grade team was paced in scoring by Oxford who scored 21 points and also led the team in rebounding with nine. Houghland also turned in a solid outing hitting double figures with 12 points. Rounding out the Benton scoring was Jordan Richey with six points, Austin Wills, Oliver Davis and Gehrig Wynn with five points each, Blane Pankey with three points, Scott Mosely and Troy Tillman with two each. Also seeing action in the 8th grade game was Hamilton Page, Jourdan Garbo, Parker Williams and Brett Bonenberger.

BMS was also victorious in the 7th grade game notching a 47-22 victory over the Bearcats. Benton jumped out to a 13-4 first quarter score and then outscored Christopher 15-5 in the second frame to take a 28-9 halftime lead. Benton upped the advantage to 37-12 after three quarter and coasted to the victory. Benton’s 7th grade team is now 9-2 overall with the win.

Brett Bonenberger led the way for coach Andy Davis’ team with 14 points followed closely by Blane Pankey who added 12. Also scoring for Benton was Drew Owens with six points, Triston Summers and Mason Wills with 4 each, Parker Williams with three, Hamilton Page and Parker McGuire with two each. Also seeing action in the 7th grade contest was Gehrig Wynn, Eldon Owens, Joey Craig, Robbie Moore, Braxton Lutz, Ethan Kreiger, Branden Luster, Peyton Mosely, Logan Darr and Jordan Bowlin.

Both BMS teams are back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 8 when they host Harrisburg. The 7th grade game begins at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity game following.

Filed Under: Benton Junior High Sports, Junior High Sports, Uncategorized

OBITUARY – ANTHONY “TONY” GERDGEN – SESSER

January 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

SESSER – Anthony “Tony” Gerdgen Jr., 95, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Mount Vernon Health Care.

Tony was born in Yukon, Penn., to Anthony Gerdgen and Barbara (Ivanovick) Gergden. He was a factory worker and member of Sesser VFW and St. Mary Catholic Church in Sesser. He was also an Army veteran of World War II and of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

He is survived by two nephews, Ron and Donna Perjenski of Mount Vernon, and Tom and Shirley Perjenski of Waltonville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Perjenski and Barbara Comazzi. Also preceding him in death was two brothers, George Gerdgen and an infant brother.

Funeral services will be at 12 noon Wednesday, Jan. 9, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser, with Father Peter Balili officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the church.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized
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