You've seen Albert Pujols amazing 700th home run by now? But did you ever see his 1st pro home run? In his first pro game? Pujols- known as Jose Pujols that day- cranks a home run for the Peoria Chiefs on opening day- April 6, 2000 at Kane County
Peoria Illini standout Da’Monte Williams joins a new team! Monte is sworn in as a new Peoria Police officer. Congrats— seems like ideal job for a lockdown defender
Illinois Coach Brad Underwood stopped at Prairie Central Coach Darin Bazzell’s home today to offer his condolences over the deaths of the two PC Hawks standouts. That’s My Coach!
Heartbroken. My Hero died today. My father left Sweden as a little boy after his Father died in a mining accident. He lived amazing life in America. His 62 years of marriage taught me the meaning of love. He loved God, Family, Travel, Golf and the Badgers. I miss him so much
Normal West jv girls basketball team involved in an I-74 bus crash coming home from game in Champaign. Interstate has been closed near Downs...
sending prayers to all involved.
Give your high school athletic director a socially distanced air high five or fist bump today. High School AD's are the unsung heroes of prep sports every day---and they will be super busy the next 48 hours! Rooting for all of you
This is Michael Jordan's 1st game as a Bull-- 1984 exhibition at Peoria Civic Center- LOOK at all the empty seats--just 2,000 fans there. Of course, we were all busy at some amazing Peoria hotel parties in 1984
Wisconsin Badgers starting lineup and age-
Trice 24, Ford 24, Potter 22, Reuvers 22, Davison 21.
Chicago Bulls starting lineup and age-
LaVine 25, Markkanen 23, Carter 21, White 20, Williams 19
Da’Monte Williams gets his Peoria Police badge today. But he must finish police training first- that training will take Monte back to Champaign in September
So sad to hear Washington High Coach Kevin Brown passed away last night. Kevin was old school- he demanded effort, defense and accountability---often controversial--there was no doubt how much he loved Jodi, his players and basketball. RIP to a winner and great friend
In 7 years, he’s brought the energy and sellout crowds back to State Farm Center, he’s brought Big Ten titles and all-Americans back to Champaign! Now after 19 years, Illini are back in Sweet 16! Thanks, Brad!
Shot clock is coming to Illinois high school basketball!
IHSA board of directors approves experimental use of shot clock in both boys and girls hoops this season. Experimental use will be in in regular season tournaments and shootouts.
Having a hard time covering high school sports this week---keep thinking about Livi Sonetz. I LOVE prep athletes who play the game with the passion of a kid and love their teammates like family! That was Livi.
Heaven has a great new teammate!
Emotional/amazing night.
Quincy Notre Dame star Tucker Tollerton died Saturday night in a car accident--QND's 1st pitch tonight with was with no Centerfielder. Later, Tucker's replacement in CF- Jake Schisler cracked a home run! QND wins to go to State- Prayers For QND!
Stay strong for each other, Normal West Wildcats!
It was a joy to see Charlie at every game--my prayers go out to his family and the Normal West family. RIP Charlie
As more schools wrap up this unique school year this week...a STANDING OVATION for teachers, staff and administrators for navigating our kids through this most challenging of years. HEROES all of you! Enjoy the summer!
Illinois High School coaches planning a "Let Us Play" rally at the State Capital Saturday at 1 pm. Their message will be "Let Us Play and Let Parents Decide". This parent appreciates that message
I understand everything is hard to understand now--but hard to believe the Illinois State at Illinois football game is off...but the Illini can safely travel to New Jersey to play Rutgers a month later.
I applaud IHSA-
Glad we will have some fall sports.
Glad we will have all sports.
NEED everyone to wear a mask and do our best now to make it all happen for our kids
For decades, I have said the IHSA Individual Wrestling Finals is best event run by the IHSA. My new answer is IHSA Cheerleading State Finals--the energy in that building, the teams & fans cheering for each other and the UNREAL athleticism of the cheerleaders is simply amazing
Metamora's Tyson Swanson is about the coolest customer I've ever seen on the court....but he may have "trash-talked" after the game. Tyson's right!
His response to Chicago Simeon fans chanting "Over-rated!"
AMAZING Night at Normal West as LOVE fills the gym for Normal West game and to honor Charlie Crabtree and support Coach Price and everyone involved in the bus accident. WELL DONE, WILDCATS! Love is always the answer
I never thought the Washington Tournament of Champions could top Zion! But WOW what an inspiring fan favorite show by Hansel-Emmanuel Donato!! I think he’s still signing autographs
Hey Playoff Football Teams--Enjoy your playoff pairings parties---Buy your Playoff T-Shirts- Love every minute of practice this week!
One of the best things about high school football is you have to earn the right to play in the Postsason! So Enjoy your Accomplishment!
Prayers and thoughts to the Prairie Central Hawks community. You are such a strong and amazing community of support---you need to be there for each other now more than ever.
Couple weeks ago, Pontiac beat Prairie Central in an amazing Sectional Title Basketball rivalry game. Today, the Pontiac team stopped at Prairie Central to offer support and prayers to the Hawks. MUCH More than a Rivalry
Yes, I am Peoria Illini biased- BUT- I think Da’Monte Williams should have been 1st Team All Big Ten Defense and Academic All Big Ten! One smart young man! More with Monte at 6 on 25 News
ISU Redbirds return to Horton Field House today for a 3 pm game. Here’s a look back at when Michael Jordan soared for 71 points in a 1985 Horton Field House exhibition game!
Tessa lost the battle to cancer today. But she dies a Champion- a brave fighter who inspired so many. Team Tessa spirit will live forever! My prayers to Tessa’s family, friends, teammates and to all at Dunlap High
Feel so bad for Roanoke-Benson, Peoria Notre Dame, Peoria Manual, Lincoln and Normal West. Their seasons were such a great story- and now we don’t get the final chapter
So bummed there’s no Illini game in the Big Dance- but Adam Miller made me feel better today. He knows his next game is wearing Orange and Blue and he can’t wait
At it's best, high school sports and a state tournament run can lift the spirits of a school and a town in a most memorable and unique fashion and provide athletes with lifetime memories and confidence--the loss of state tournaments is far greater than financial.
RIP Chuck Thome--
last summer in Cooperstown, Chuck told me "I lived the life every little league Dad dreams of!" Prayers to Jim and the entire Thome family.
In the past 72 hours, I have been to 3 visitations for 3 wonderful high school student-athletes. Truly Heartbreaking. But beautiful to see all the rival prep teams at the visitations. The past few days are a powerful reminder to take nothing for granted and HUG your kids.
The death of Mitch Janssen is simply heartbreaking. A truly unique person- a fierce competitor on the field- but genuine, thoughtful young man off field. He soared as he chased his dreams. Prayers to his family and the Bradley and Princeville community. Heartbroken
So sad to hear Pekin's Kelly Cash had passed after a long, heroic battle with cancer. Kelly Taphorn was one of the greatest athletes in Pekin High history in track and volleyball. And an all-American parent cheering on her kids. Prayers go out to the Cash and Taphorn family
ZERO coverage of Saturday high school basketball in today's Journal Star. Disappointed in the coverage and my subscription---but mostly disappointed for the high school athletes
I just can't stop thinking about the tragedy involving Washington High students. I'm sure the Washington High parents are as shook up as the students. Panthers give Mom and Dad a big hug tonight. I know I'm going home to hug my kids. God Bless You Panthers--stay strong
Several Quincy Notre Dame players pointed out a bird that perched atop the Centerfield Light pole to watch over the team that lost its centerfielder and the team that played so inspired tonight. In the final inning- the bird left & appeared headed to Peoria and the State Finals