Graduation Day: The photo gallery

Last month on May 19, 118 seniors became SJO alums. While we wanted to publish this page and memorable photos sooner, we haven't quite acquired all the resource we need yet. Without further adieu, here are l2 photos from that milestone day.

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John Ward and Jack Cook enter the main runway during the processional at the St. Joseph-Ogden 2019 Commencement Exercise on Sunday. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Principal Gary Page III makes his opening remarks at the beginning of St. Joseph-Ogden's 2019 Commencement Exercise. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Parents, siblings, family and friends packed the St. Joseph-Ogden gymnasium to watch the Class of 2019 commencement exercise. The audience listens as Principal Gary Page III extols on the academic achievement displayed by this year's senior class. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Dwight Colvin, a three-sport athlete who while continue both his education and athletic career at McKendree College, receives his diploma and warm handshake from St. Joseph-Ogden Board of Education president James Rein. Photo by Clark Brooks

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All smiles with diploma in hand as walks across the stage, Keely McCorkle prepares to shake hands with superintendent Brian Brooks. Photo by Clark Brooks

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One of many messages displayed on mortar boards at the 2019 St. Joseph-Ogden Commencement Exercise. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Freshly minted SJO grad and two-sport athlete Joel Orcutt grins for a photo after receiving his diploma at graduation. Photo by Clark Brooks

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A couple of parents eagerly photographs as students walk down the steps to the stage at graduation. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Seniors Sully Alwes, Gage Atwood and Cassidy Bagby mug for the camera during their commencement ceremony at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. In the final quarter of their high careeer, Atwood and Bagby earned a 3.75 GPA to be named to the High Honor Roll list. Alwes also earned honor roll recognition with a GPA greater than 3.25. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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In a storm of confetti, St. Joseph-Ogden students celebrate the end of their high school career. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Flanked by her cousins Lindsey and Sydney Kelso, Kassandra Kelso poses for a quick smartphoto photo after returning her robe. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Sally Manalo poses for a photo with her parents, Nelson and Jamie, in the auxiliary gym after Sunday's graduation ceremony. Photo by Clark Brooks

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Photos displayed on this page are available for order here.

SJO plyometric training camp is a must do for future prep athletes

The summer camp that every junior high student should take part in is Carle Sports Medicine Plyometric Training Camp. The camp is led by St. Joseph-Ogden athletic trainer Casey Hug.

The camp which is already under way runs from June 11 to July 30 twice a week every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 – 4:30pm. There will not be a session on July 4 due to the holiday. Each session is an hour long under expert supervision.

The camp is designed to introduce and teach proper exercise techniques to young athletes and focus on building a foundation to develop explosive movement, agility, and better neuromuscular control.

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St. Joseph-Ogden's Maclayne Taylor fires a shot during their Class 2A third place game against Hillsboro at the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals on Saturday. Taylor led the Lady Spartans to the program's first Final Four appearance. She is a prime example of how pylometrics can elevate a players athleticism. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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"Proper form and control are very important," Hug points out. "Most athletes, regardless of age, lack proper hip and core strength, which makes it nearly impossible to do these exercises properly."

He added,"Most people associate core strength with doing sit ups and having a six pack. At this camp we try to work on hip, glutes, and low back strength as well."

When it comes to explosive athletes, the St. Joseph-Ogden athletic program has enjoyed more than their fair share.

Pylometrics are exercises that train an athlete's muscles to exert maximum force in short intervals of time. The goal is to increase speed, agility and strength, especially from a resting position. Explosive movement starts from having a strong, well coordinate group of core muscles working together.

Sometimes referred to as "pylos", Pylometric training focuses on learning to move from a muscle extension to a contraction in a rapid or "explosive" manner, such as in specialized repeated jumping on to platforms or over barriers.

When it comes to explosive athletes, the St. Joseph-Ogden athletic program has enjoyed more than their fair share.

"As far as explosive athletes the one that sticks out to me is Maclayne Taylor," said Hug. He pointed out there are drills performed at the camp named after her. "She did this camp for four to five years and then has helped me as an instructor the last few years.

In addition to Taylor there are three other athletes from this spring season that epitomizes the benefits of pylometric training. Bailey Dowling, Hannah Dukeman and Atleigh Hamilton are at the top of his list.

Dowling currently holds the IHSA state record for the most career home runs and will play on the United States Junior National softball team. Earlier this week she was recognized as Gatorade's Illinois Softball Player of the Year. Dowling, who is the first SJO player to earn such national recognition, earn the same honor in 2018.

Hamilton is also headed for the IHSA record books. She is back-to-back Class 1A Long Jump champion. She went 18 feet-7.75 inches, three more than her nearest competitor, at last month's state track meet in Charleston.

A two-sport athlete and leader on the basketball court, Dukeman's balance and footwork is exceptional. On the diamond she is tied for 13th in IHSA records for runs batted in an inning. She also tied for second for most doubles in a softball game with four.

"We have a lot more kids that are explosive, but these are the ones that stick out against all the competition across the state," said Hug about the Spartan program.

Another is Adam Rose, who holds the baseball school record for the most stolen bases.

Although the first week of camp is in the books. It is not too late for kids who are starting 4th grade through the 9th to start their plyo training. To register now or for more information, email Casey Hug at casey.hug@carle.com.

"I believe that plyometrics are important but making sure they are doing them with proper form/control is more important," Hug emphasized. "It doesn’t matter how high you can jump if you don’t know how to land."