Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold

The Saints opened strong with a 25-19 first-set win. Columbia responded by taking the next two sets. The runner-up finish capped a standout postseason for Central Catholic.

Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball for a kill

Photo: Alan Look Photography

Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball during the Saints' Class 2A state championship game against Columbia. The junior finished the three-set affair with a team-high 12 kills, seven digs and two aces.

by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine

NORMAL - The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints closed out a remarkable season on the state’s biggest stage, earning a runner-up finish in the IHSA Class 2A Girls Volleyball Tournament. While the final result — a three-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship match — may have stung in the moment, the team’s legacy is defined by the exceptional journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal.

Photo: Alan Look Photography

Saints' Josie Certa passes the ball to an outside hitter during Saturday's IHSA Class 2A title game.

The Saints’ dominant postseason run showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They played as a cohesive unit, displaying skill, balance and resilience throughout the state series. In the championship match, they came out strong, taking the first set 25-19 and dictating the early pace. Though Columbia rallied, the Saints’ numbers reflected their determination. They finished with 36 kills, led by Kampbell Niepagen’s 12. Setter Josie Certa powered the offense with 32 assists, distributing the ball with the precision and chemistry built over months of work.

For Central Catholic, the season was a testament to perseverance, consistency and belief. The 2023 Saints cemented their place among the state’s elite and set a new standard for the program. They returned home with silver medals, but the pride they brought to their school and community shone brighter than any hardware.

The championship stage is more than a showcase of athletic ability. It is where communities rally, memories are made and pride is forged. This Saints team will be remembered for its grit, its unity and the joy it brought to every match.

For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.

TAGS: Bloomington Central Catholic IHSA Class 2A volleyball championship recap, Columbia vs Central Catholic state title match three-set summary, Illinois high school volleyball 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic, Kampbell Niepagen and Josie Certa state championship performance stats, Central Catholic Saints postseason volleyball run 2023 analysis

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Illini Prairie clash: Unity drops heartbreaker to Central Catholic, 34-27

A packed Hicks Field witnessed Unity and Central Catholic battle in a thrilling Illini Prairie Conference matchup. The Saints edged the Rockets 34-27.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With the help of teammate Coleton Langendorf, Unity's Keegan Germano tackles Central Catholic quarterback Matthew Brady for a loss in the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. Scoring the last touchdown of the game, Brady led the visiting Saints to a 34-27 win at Hicks Field on Friday.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity defensive players take a breather on the sidelines while getting advice and instructions from an assistant coach.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central Catholic receiver Crayton Schnierle hauls in long pass between Unity defenders Adam Reedy and Graydin Cler. Schnierle's catch set up BCC's second first quarter touchdown moving the ball from their 18 yard line to Unity's 33.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity fans in the east end zone dance to music during a time out. Over 500 football fans were on hand for an exciting game between the conference's two potential champions this season.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Tre Hoggard is wrapped up from behind by a Central Catholic defender. Hoggard made five catches good for 87 yards and a touchdown for the Rockets.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Crewe Eckstein makes his way into the end zone in the second quarter for a Unity touchdown. Eckstein padded his stats with 151 yards on 17 carries against the Saints. The senior finished the game with two touchdowns.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity fans congratulate wide receiver Tre Hoggard after his touchdown on a 29-yard pass play in the second quarter.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Crewe Eckstein breaks away for a 56-yard romp down the sidelines late in the second quarter.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity student fans show their undying support for the Rockets after a big play.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Blasting his way into the Saints' backfield, Rockets' Coleton Langendorf wraps up Central Catholic's Valshun Powe for a loss in the second half.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity student fans celebrate a first down for the Rockets.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Rockets' Crewe Eckstein barrels his way to the goal line for touchdown, dragging Saints' Greyer Pirtz, who made the initial hit on the eight-yard line, with him into the end zone.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Matthew Brady is hoisted by teammates after scoring a touchdown for Central Catholic. Brady's TD broke a 27-all score with less than two minutes left on the clock. The extra point was good giving his team the 34-27 advantage.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With very little time on their side, Unity crafted an impressive drive down the field toward the east end zone in response to BCC's go-ahead score. Dane Eisenmenger rolls out of the pocket looking to throw to Tre Hoggard. The pass tipped off the fingertips of Hoggard as the buzzer sounded, ending the Rockets' comeback effort. Unity dropped to 2-1 on the season while Central Catholic remains undefeated headed into Week 4 of IHSA football.

Unity vs Central Catholic football photos, Hicks Field Illini Prairie Conference, IHSA Week 3 football gallery, Unity Rockets 2025 football, Central Catholic Saints undefeated season

Niepagen leads Saints into Class 2A championship match at state volleyball

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

NORMAL - Bloomington Central Catholic outside hitter Kampbell Niepagen yells instructions to a teammate during set two of her team's match against Timothy Christian at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals on Friday. Niepagen led all hitters with 13 kills, 2 aces, and a block in the Saints' 25-21, 25-16 win. BCC advanced to Saturday's title game against the winner of the second semifinal between Breese Central and El Paso-Gridley at around 1:15 PM. Below: Saints' Aubrey Campbell receives a serve from the Trojans. The 5'-8" senior was the target of 12 serves and contributed three digs in the victory.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

KEYWORDS: Illini Prairie Conference, IHSA State Volleyball, State Championship, Central Catholic, BCC Volleyball

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Big win over BCC, Spartans now playoff eligible

BLOOMINGTON - St. Joseph-Ogden's Collin Thomey runs out of bounds after hauling in a fourth-quarter interception, returning the ball 18 yards during the Spartans away game at Central Catholic. After the 38-19 victory, SJO moved to 6-0 and remain in a two-way tie (5-0) with Paxton-Buckley-Loda for first place in the Illini Prairie Conference. Below are more photos from last Friday's game.

All photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks