Champaign Singles League returns for third season

Set to return June 1 for its third season, the Champaign Singles League offers flexible scheduling, multiple skill divisions, and a pathway to USTA district tennis competition. The league continues to grow for players looking for competitive and need an adaptable schedule.

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by Clark Brooks
Sentinel Sports

CHAMPAIGN - Flexible scheduling, competitive matches and a pathway to district-level play have helped the Champaign Singles League grow into one of the area’s popular summer tennis opportunities as organizers prepare for the league’s third season beginning June 1.

The USTA-run summer league is open to both male and female players, and participants are not required to hold a USTA membership to join. Registration remains open ahead of the season, which runs through Aug. 31.

League commissioner Bret Schrama said the format continues to attract players looking for organized competition without the rigid scheduling often associated with traditional leagues.

“The players set up a date, time and location individually,” Schrama said. “They can opt for shortened match format if they don't have a lot of time or if the weather is really hot.”

The league offers men’s and women’s divisions at the 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 skill levels. The registration fee is $29 per player, and the top two finishers at each level will earn invitations to the USTA Mid-South District playoffs scheduled for September.

While results do not count toward a player’s NTRP rating, scores are entered into the World Tennis Number system.

Last summer, the men’s 3.0 division featured 20 players and was divided into two groups.

“It was broken into two groups,” Schrama said. “So with 10 in a group, each player had nine matches to play.”

The league’s women’s division also returns after completing its inaugural season in 2025. Schrama said organizers are still working to schedule the delayed women’s playoffs from last season.

“We are still planning to hold their playoffs this year sometime soon,” Schrama said. “No dates worked for their group or the Peoria group. Only those two cities are currently participating in the ladies’ league.”

Several local players advanced to district competition last year after finishing atop their respective divisions. In the men’s 3.0 division, Dhruve Ashar and Yannick Kluch earned district berths. Matteo Martinelli and Thomas Wilson advanced from the 3.5 division, while Lorenzo Vergari and Vinod Ramakrishnan represented Champaign in the 4.0 division.

Schrama said players continue to appreciate the league’s affordability, organization and opportunity to compete beyond the local level.

Travis Davis, a longtime USTA player, said the singles format provides a unique test for competitors.

“Playing singles is a great challenge to yourself and it is fun to compete with others,” Davis said. “This league helps challenge your game and lets you meet new opponents.”

Players interested in joining the summer league can contact Schrama at 317-333-3559 or by email at bret@midwest.usta.com.

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TAGS: Champaign tennis league, USTA singles competition Illinois, summer tennis Champaign, district playoff qualification tennis, local sports leagues Illinois

How businesses can improve risk management and build long-term stability

Businesses across Illinois continue to face economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, and evolving regulations that can impact daily operations. Experts say firms that adopt stronger risk management strategies can improve stability, strengthen employee confidence, and better prepare for future disruptions.

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by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Across Illinois communities, businesses continue to balance the pursuit of growth with environments shaped by uncertainty, evolving regulations, and shifting workforce expectations. From small service providers to larger regional employers, firms must navigate risks that extend beyond internal decision-making and into broader economic and social conditions.

These realities make it increasingly important for business leaders to adopt a more deliberate and structured approach to identifying and managing potential challenges before they escalate. Companies that embrace risk management strategies often discover that these efforts lead to more stable operations, improved employee confidence, and greater trust within their communities.

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Photo: TIMO/PEXELS

For some business, bad weather can sometimes disrupt operations, forcing the business and its employees to suffer financially from the loss of income.

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Recognize Your Local Risk Factors

Every business operates within a distinct local environment where regional conditions, infrastructure, and economic trends shape daily operations and long-term planning decisions in meaningful ways. In Illinois, factors such as seasonal weather patterns, transportation networks, and labor availability can introduce variables that directly affect productivity and safety. Taking the time to understand these influences allows firms to anticipate potential disruptions rather than simply reacting to them after the fact.

Leaders who actively evaluate their surroundings often gain a clearer understanding of how external conditions intersect with their internal processes. This can help them uncover vulnerabilities that may otherwise go unnoticed.

For example, they may examine how supply chain delays could impact customer commitments or how workforce shortages could affect service delivery. By identifying these connections early, businesses can begin to develop targeted responses that reduce risk exposure.

Establish Clear Internal Policies

Another way to enhance your firm’s risk management is to establish clear, comprehensive internal policies that set expectations for safety, compliance, and operational conduct across all levels of the organization. When employees understand their roles and responsibilities, they can contribute more effectively to a stable and predictable work environment. This clarity reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings that can lead to preventable incidents.

Consistency across departments also plays a critical role in reinforcing these policies, as uniform standards help create a cohesive operational structure that minimizes variability in how employees perform tasks. When all teams adhere to the same guidelines, the organization benefits from greater predictability and control. This alignment ultimately strengthens the firm’s ability to manage risk effectively.

Assess Your Financial Vulnerabilities

Financial risk represents a critical dimension of overall risk management, encompassing both predictable expenses and unexpected events that can disrupt a firm’s stability. Businesses that take a comprehensive approach to evaluating their financial exposure can better navigate challenges without compromising their long-term goals. This process involves examining everything from operational costs to potential liabilities.

For example, companies with fleets should examine how accidents can affect commercial automobile premiums. In addition to insurance, contingency planning provides an added layer of protection by preparing businesses for scenarios that existing policies may not fully cover.

Establishing financial reserves and identifying alternative resources allows organizations to maintain operations during periods of disruption. This preparation contributes to greater resilience and confidence in the face of uncertainty.

Use Data To Identify Trends

The growing availability of data has transformed how businesses approach risk management, offering new opportunities to identify patterns and make more informed, evidence-based decisions rather than relying on assumptions. By tracking incidents, operational disruptions, and performance metrics, companies can gain a clearer understanding of where risks are most likely to occur. This insight enables more targeted interventions.

Analyzing trends over time allows organizations to move beyond reactive responses and address the underlying causes of recurring issues, leading to more sustainable improvements. For example, identifying patterns in workplace incidents may reveal specific conditions or behaviors that require attention. Addressing these root causes reduces the likelihood of future occurrences.

Strengthen Your Communication Channels

Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful risk management, ensuring that information flows freely among employees, managers, and leadership to support timely decision-making. When individuals feel comfortable sharing concerns or observations, organizations are better positioned to address potential risks before they develop into serious issues. This openness fosters a culture of collaboration.

Leadership plays a significant role in shaping communication practices by setting expectations for transparency and responsiveness in daily operations. Managers who actively encourage dialogue and listen to employee feedback create an environment where they can address concerns constructively. This approach helps build trust within the organization.

Engage Local and Industry Resources

Businesses do not operate in isolation, and many benefit from engaging with local organizations and industry groups that offer guidance, resources, and support related to risk management. Chambers of commerce, trade associations, and public agencies often provide valuable information that can help firms navigate complex challenges. These connections expand access to expertise.

Collaboration within the business community allows organizations to share experiences and learn from one another, creating opportunities for collective problem-solving that benefits the broader region. By participating in these networks, firms can gain insights into best practices and emerging trends. This shared knowledge strengthens overall resilience.

Prepare for Regulatory Shifts

Regulatory requirements continue to evolve across industries, reflecting changes in public policy, safety standards, and economic priorities that can significantly impact how businesses operate. Companies that remain attentive to these developments are better equipped to maintain compliance and avoid disruptions. However, this vigilance requires ongoing effort.

Proactive preparation involves reviewing existing policies and procedures in anticipation of new regulations, allowing businesses to make adjustments before changes take effect. This approach reduces the likelihood of last-minute challenges and demonstrates a commitment to responsible operations. It also helps build credibility with regulators and stakeholders.

Invest in Employee Training

Employee training represents a fundamental component of effective risk management, as well-informed workers are better equipped to recognize and respond to potential hazards in their daily activities. Regular training sessions reinforce key principles related to safety, compliance, and best practices. This ongoing education supports consistency.

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Pavel Danilyuk/PEXELS

Risk management is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Employee training represents a fundamental component of effective risk management. Regular workplace seminars help mitigate losses due to poor employee training and enhances production.

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Your training programs should evolve alongside the business by incorporating new technologies, updating procedures, and educating workers about emerging risks that may affect your operations. By keeping content relevant and engaging, organizations ensure that employees remain attentive and prepared. This adaptability enhances the effectiveness of training efforts.

Review and Improve Your Strategies Continuously

Risk management is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adjustment to remain effective in a changing environment. Businesses that commit to continuous improvement are more likely to identify weaknesses and address them before they lead to significant problems. This proactive mindset supports resilience.

Tracking performance indicators, such as incident rates, financial outcomes, and employee feedback, provides valuable insight into how well current strategies are working. These metrics allow organizations to measure progress and identify areas for refinement. Data-driven adjustments lead to more effective outcomes.

Enhancing a firm’s approach to risk management requires a thoughtful combination of planning, communication, and continuous learning that extends beyond individual policies and into the organization's broader culture. Businesses that invest in these efforts reduce their exposure to potential challenges and create environments where employees and stakeholders feel more secure. This stability will strengthen your operations and allow you to experience more reliable outcomes.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

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TAGS: Illinois business risk management, improving workplace safety strategies, financial planning for businesses, reducing operational risk exposure, employee training and compliance

Ackerman, Ploense and Wells advance out Catlin sectional to state

Three local athletes earned trips to the IHSA Girls Track and Field State Finals during sectional competition Wednesday night in Catlin. Oakwood’s Taylor Wells qualified in two events, while Armstrong’s Ashlyn Ackerman and Heritage’s Bre Ploense also advanced.

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CATLIN - Three area athletes extended their seasons Wednesday night at the IHSA Class 1A Catlin Sectional, earning trips to the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals scheduled for Thursday in Charleston.

Armstrong senior Ashlyn Ackerman advanced in the high jump, while Heritage junior Bre Ploense and Oakwood sophomore Taylor Wells each qualified in running events during competition hosted by Salt Fork.

Oakwood finished tied for 10th place in the team standings with Armstrong and Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman at 24 points. Heritage placed 13th with 18 points.

Bismarck-Henning captured the sectional championship with 118 points. Paxton-Buckley-Loda finished second at 72 points, while Clifton Central took third with 71.

Ackerman secured her return to state competition in the high jump, continuing her senior campaign for Armstrong.

Ploense punched her ticket to Charleston after placing third in the 200-meter dash with a qualifying time of 26.83 seconds. The Heritage sprinter will look to advance into next Saturday’s championship finals.

Wells qualified for state in two events for Oakwood. She earned an automatic berth in the 800-meter run after finishing second in 2 minutes, 24.38 seconds. Wells later added another state qualification by taking third in the 1,600-meter run to secure a second appearance in Thursday’s preliminary races.

The IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals begin Thursday at Eastern Illinois University.

Here is a list of area athletes and their results, competing at the Catlin Sectional.

100M Dash
4. Bre Ploense, Heritage - 13.13
8. Leanne Snow, Oakwood - 13.46
14. Evie Johnson, Oakwood - 13.94
21. Laurilei Pierce, Salt Fork - 14.72
22. Willa Tatman, Heritage - 14.89

200M Dash
2. Brycie Hird, Salt Fork - 26.47
3. Bre Ploense, Heritage - 26.83
15. Leanne Snow, Oakwood - 28.95

21. Sloan Hoyt, Oakwood - 30.89
25. Aleyah Carley, Armstrong - 33.61

400M Run
11. Olivia Cravens, Oakwood - 1:08.46
14. Cala Reifsteck, Armstrong - 1:09.62
24. Willa Tatman, Heritage - 1:14.93
26. Kimber Sands, Heritage - 1:17.95

800M Run
2. Taylor Wells, Oakwood - 2:24.38
13. Emily Lancaster, Oakwood - 2:50.75
17. Aubrey Self, Armstrong - 2:58.80
19. Kimber Sands, Heritage - 3:17.87
24. Miley Pierce, Salt Fork - 3:50.37

1600M Run
3. Taylor Wells, Oakwood - 5:27.75
9. Amber Betzwiser, Oakwood - 6:24.40
11. ra Jones, Heritage - 6:33.08
12. Addyson Tholl, Armstrong - 6:33.33
13. Kayla Wernigk, Armstrong - 6:34.87

3200M Run
4. Addyson Tholl, Armstrong - 13:37.11
6. Emily Lancaster, Oakwood - 13:41.04
7. Amber Betzwiser, Oakwood - 13:42.85
8. Kayla Wernigk, Armstrong - 13:55.21
10. Kira Jones, Heritage - 14:55.15

100M Hurdles
16. Aleyah Carley, Armstrong - 20.63

300M Hurdles
14. Aleyah Carley, Armstrong - 1:03.14

4x100 RELAY
8. Oakwood - 57.71
(Evie Johnson, Kenzie Marcotte, Sloan Hoyt, Leanne Snow)

4x200 RELAY
6. Oakwood - 2:01.04
(Evie Johnson, Kenzie Marcotte, Sloan Hoyt, Leanne Snow)

4x400 RELAY
10. Armstrong - 5:33.70
(Aubrey Self, Kayla Wernigk, Cala Reifsteck, Addyson Tholl)

4x800 RELAY
4. Armstrong - 11:32.85
(Aubrey Self, Kayla Wernigk, Cala Reifsteck, Addyson Tholl)

5. Heritage - 12:33.95
(Kimber Sands, Kiara Jones, Willa Tatman, Reaghan Stierwalt)

SHOT PUT
6. Kalyn Miller, Heritage - 10.24
18. Mady Nicoson, Oakwood - 8.48
19. Emma Koontz, Oakwood - 8.42
20. Adisyn McCarty, Armstrong - 8.28
24. Erika Bonilla, Heritage - 6.89

DISCUS
6. Adisyn McCarty, Armstrong - 29.71
8. Aleyah Carley, Armstrong - 29.31
11. Mady Nicoson, Oakwood - 26.76
17. Kalyn Miller, Heritage - 24.21
27. Erika Bonilla, Heritage - 20.40

HIGH JUMP
3. Ashlyn Ackerman, Armstrong - 1.52
7. Chesney Franzen, Armstrong - 1.37
10. Sloan Hoyt, Oakwood - J 1.37
11. Kenzie Marcotte, Oakwood - 1.32

LONG JUMP
14. Chesney Franzen, Armstrong - 4.05
14. Willa Tatman, Heritage - 4.05

TRIPLE JUMP
7. Chesney Franzen, Armstrong - 9.17

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TAGS: IHSA Class 1A Catlin Sectional results, area athletes qualify for state track, Oakwood Taylor Wells state finals, Heritage Bre Ploense track results, Armstrong Ashlyn Ackerman high jump