SJO Pep Band keeps State Farm Center hoppin'

St. Joseph-Ogden Keeping the atmosphere exciting and electric, the St. Joseph-Ogden Pep ban performed Friday night at the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals.

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CHAMPAIGN - The St. Joseph-Ogden Pep Band was the featured entertainment at the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals on Friday. The band filled the stadium with fun, high-energy music from oldies to popular dance melodies between quarters and during timeouts. Here is a look at band members performing at the State Farm Center at halftime under the direction of music director Nathan Waterson (pictured above).

Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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TAGS: SJO Fine Arts Boosters, St. Joseph-Ogden band, high school pep band, high school muscicans, IHSA basketball entertainment, sports entertainment in Illinois

2025-25 Illini Prairie All-Conference Wrestling Team

St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity dominated Illini Prairie Conference wrestling honors, combining for eight of 15 first-team spots as 22 area athletes earned all-conference recognition.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Cam Wagner wrestles Murphysboro's Julien Tanner durin their first-round 285-pound match at the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals in February. Wagner, who fell 4-1 in his first-ever state appearance, was named to the Illini Prairie All-Conference Wrestling First Team

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ST. JOSEPH - Area wrestling programs made a strong showing on the Illini Prairie Conference postseason honors list this season, with 22 athletes earning all-conference recognition.

St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity led the area contingent, combining for eight of the 15 spots on the all-conference first team.

SJO placed four wrestlers on the top squad, including sophomore Ben Wells at 113 pounds, junior Cam Wagner at heavyweight and senior standouts Coy Hayes at 165 pounds and Vance McComas at 175 pounds.

Unity matched the Spartans with four first-team selections. Seniors Hunter Shike at 144/150 pounds, Abram Davidson at 165 and Chason Daly at 215 earned the recognition, while freshman Hayden Smith rounded out the Rockets’ first-team honorees.

Two additional area wrestlers also earned first-team recognition. St. Thomas More freshman Jamir Woods was honored at 126 pounds, while Rantoul Township senior Brandon Almanza was selected at 165/175 pounds.

Unity added five wrestlers to the second team, highlighting the depth of the Rockets’ lineup this season. Vince Abon, A.J. Daly, Ben Mullins, Devin Glik and Bradley Smith were each recognized for their performances on the mat.

Spartans’ Cam Getty and Nathan Daly also received second-team honors, while Rantoul senior Michael Anthony completed the area’s list of second-team selections.

Several of the conference honorees also competed on the state stage this season. St. Joseph-Ogden’s Wagner and Wells, along with Unity wrestlers Davidson and Daly, qualified for the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals. Unity’s Josh Heath was also a state qualifier and received honorable mention recognition from conference coaches.

Illini Prairie Conference
All-Conference Wrestling Team

1st team:

Nick Litchfield, 132-pounds
Senior, Monticello

Will Osborne, 144-pounds
Junior, Monticello

Lucas Maier, 175-pounds
Sophomore, Pontiac

Brayden Quas, 157-pounds
Sophomore, Pontiac

Jack Voigts, 126-pounds
Freshman, Pontiac

Brandon Almanza, 165/175-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Ben Wells, 113-pounds
Sophomore, St. Joseph-Ogden

Coy Hayes, 165-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Vance McComas, 175-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Cam Wagner, 285-pounds
Junior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Jamir Woods, 126-pounds
Freshman, St. Thomas More

Hunter Shike, 144/150-pounds
Senior, Unity

Hayden Smith, 144/150-pounds
Freshman, Unity

Abram Davidson, 165-pounds
Senior, Unity

Chason Daly, 215-pounds
Senior, Unity

2nd team:

Owen Moser, 175-pounds
Senior, IVC

Aiden Komnick, 120-pounds
Sophomore, Monticello

Kellan Lamb, 126-pounds
Sophomore, Monticello

Drake Weeks, 150-pounds
Senior, Monticello

Max Sinkosky, 175-pounds
Senior, Monticello

Hunter McCullough, 285-pounds
Junior, Pontiac

Andrew Patino, 113-pounds
Sophomore, Prairie Central

Michael Anthony, 215/285-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Cam Getty, 126-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Nathan Daly, 150-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Vince Abon, 106-pounds
Sophomore, Unity

A.J. Daly, 138-pounds
Freshman, Unity

Ben Mullins, 157-pounds
Junior, Unity

Devin Glik, 150/157-pounds
Senior, Unity

Bradley Smith, 190-pounds
Sophomore, Unity

Honorable Mention:

Maison Toliver, 165-pounds
Junior, IVC

Hunter Toliver, 126-pounds
Junior, IVC

Malikai Bremer, 215-pounds
Senior, IVC

Weston Hicks, 138-pounds
Freshman, Monticello

Luke Andruczyk, 144-pounds
Junior, Monticello

Zach Perry, 157-pounds
Sophomore, Monticello

Noah Davis, 138-pounds
Junior, Pontiac

Braden Opperman, 150-pounds
Freshman, Pontiac

Trey Zimmerman, 106-pounds
Freshman, Prairie Central

Elijah Mowery, 190-pounds
Sophomore, Prairie Central

Harley Schultz, 175/190-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Tyler Seals, 165/175-pounds
Junior, Rantoul

Alex Nutter, 215/285-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Alex Mager, 190/215-pounds
Sophomore, Rantoul

Aiden Hundley, 138-pounds
Junior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Yashua Walker, 132-pounds
Freshman, St. Thomas More

Lane Sexton, 157-pounds
Junior, St. Thomas More

Josh Heath, 175-pounds
Senior, Unity

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Illini Prairie Conference wrestling all-conference 2026, St. Joseph-Ogden Unity wrestling honors, area high school wrestling awards Illinois, IHSA state wrestling qualifiers all-conference

Senior Salute Winter warrior Nathan Daly

Senior Nathan Daly finished the season with 31 wins against 12 losses. In his Spartan Senior Salute, the Illini Prairie Conference Second-Team nominee shared a little more about himself.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Wrestling at 150 and 157, Nathan Daly's 31-12 record was key to a successful 2025-26 campaign on the mats for St. Joseph-Ogden. He finished his final season for SJO, placing third at the Ridgeview regionals.

The senior competes in wrestling and golf with the same mental toughness that fuels his goal of one day joining MARSOC during an exciting military career. He keeps things simple when it comes to motivation, saying the reward of a good meal after the work is done is just one thing that pushes him to compete at his best. Before a match, he's blasting “Pocket Full of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield to lighten the mood and locked in. Here is a closer look at Nathan Daly.

Sentinel: What is your dream job or career?

Daly: MARSOC

Sentinel: Where is your favorite place to eat?

Daly: Chili's

Sentinel: Where do you see yourself living in 20 years?

Daly: A small hut in Dagestan herding sheep.

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where are you going and why?

Daly: Canada for hockey games.

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Daly: Couldn’t tell ya.

Sentinel: What was the last movie you watched three or more friends?

Daly: Marty Supreme.

Sentinel: Which is better? Dr. Pepper, Coke or Pepsi

Daly: Coke.

Sentinel: What motivates you to be the best at what you do?

Daly: Eating food when I’m done.

Sentinel: What song gets you hyped before a game or match? Tell us the song title and artist, please.

Daly: Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

Sentinel: What advice would you give yourself if you were a freshman again?

Daly: Don’t take Spanish.

Sentinel: What sports have you played in high school?

Daly: Wrestling and golf

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you have ever received?

Daly: Run through that mfer.

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Season photo gallery

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Season Highlights

150, Defeated Connor Mahaffey (Westville), Fall 01:39
150, Defeated Dukeman, Jaxson (Toledo (Cumberland)), Maj Dec 14-1
150, Defeated Dunner, Nick (Rantoul), Fall 00:53
150, Defeated Forfeit, (EPG), FORFEIT
150, Defeated Forfeit, (Hoopeston), FORFEIT
150, Defeated Forfeit, (Prairie Central), FORFEIT
150, Defeated Hilligoss, Alec (Champaign (St. Thomas More)), Fall 01:43
150, Defeated Martin, G (South Vermillion), Fall 02:53
150, Defeated McLaughin, C (LeRoy), Decision 4-2
150, Defeated Moore, Tyler (Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)), Fall 03:36
150, Defeated Opperman, Brayden (Pontiac), Fall 01:26
150, Defeated Ramirez, Isreal (Clinton), Tech Fall 16-0
150, Defeated Weeks, Drake (Monticello), Fall 08:008
157, Defeated Pamozzo (Clifton central), Fall 1:38
157, Defeated Simpson (Oakwood 2), Fall 00:10
157, Defeated Soto (Peoria), Fall 01:48
157, Defeated Zander, Lazzerick (Centennial), Fall 04:12

Postseason Highlights

Champ. Round 1 - Nathan Daly first-round bye
Quarterfinal - Won by major decision over Connor McLaughlin (LeRoy)(MD 10-1)
Semifinal - Lost by decision to Devin Glik (Unity) (Dec 5-0)
Cons. Semi - Pinned over Nate Godfery (Heyworth) 29-14 (Fall 5:27)
3rd Place Match - Pinned Isreal Ramirez (Clinton) 20-15 (Fall 3:51)

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Season photo gallery

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Class 2A regional basketball scores from around the state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Kaden Wedig drives to the basket during the second half of St. Joseph-Ogden's home game against Central Catholic back on February 13. Wedig and the Spartans were eliminated from the postseason on Friday night after losing their regional championship game to Warrensburg-Latham, 63-44.

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Sentinel area teams

Warrensburg-Latham 63, St Joseph-Ogden 44
Tolono Unity 53, Maroa-Forsyth 49

Other scores from around the state

Aurora Christian 61, Byron 57
Yorkville Christian 80, Chicago Christian 56
Benton 36, Murphysboro 35
IWarsaw 36, llini West 31
Staunton 56, Carlinville 37
Christ the King 62, Holy Trinity 46
Crane Medical 71, Wells 54
Farragut 80, Phillips 71
Breese Central 46, Mater Dei 29
Manual 62, Bloomington C Cath 29
Farmington 72, Sherrard 62
McNamara 66, El Paso-Gridley 52
Johnsburg 56, Richmond-Burton 53
Pontiac 63, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 39
Rockford Lutheran 62, Winnebago 58
Carterville 47, Massac County 45
Nashville 59, Pinckneyville 44
Teutopolis 61, Newton 40
Oregon 68, Mendota 52
Riverdale 71, IVC 54
Fairfield 67, Vandalia 56
Quincy Notre Dame 54, North Mac 49
Rochester 50, Williamsville 41
Wilmington 54, Seneca 43

Spartans' season ends in sectional semifinal loss to Manteno

Manteno's defensive pressure proved too much for St. Joseph-Ogden on Tuesday as the Spartans managed just 10 first-half points in a sectional semifinal defeat. The loss closes out a 20-11 campaign.

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PONTIAC - St. Joseph-Ogden's girls basketball season came to an end Tuesday night with a 44-23 loss to Manteno in the sectional semifinal at Pontiac High School.

The Panthers' stifling defense held the Spartans to just five points in each of the first two quarters, building a commanding halftime lead. SJO struggled to find offensive rhythm in the second half, managing only 13 additional points despite adjustments.

Addi Brooks paced the Spartans with nine points, while Hayden Dahl added seven. Ashlyn Miller connected on a three-pointer in the third quarter, and Timeara Blackburn-Kelley and Ava Alexander each contributed two points in the loss.

Manteno's Emily Horath led all scorers with 19 points, and Maddie Gesky added 18 points in the paint for the Panthers (27-6), who advance to face Pontiac in Thursday's sectional championship game.

The defeat closes the season for SJO (20-11), which featured signature victories over Rochester, Williamsville and Unity. Interim coach Brian Brooks will lose nine seniors from this year's roster, including Kayla Osterbur, Addi Brooks, Ashlyn Miller, Kaitlyn Beyers, Timeara Blackburn-Kelley, Katie Ericksen, Mackenzie Loschen, Lexi Lackey and Kenzie Atwood.

The Spartans return just two juniors—Mia Jones and Hayden Dahl—along with sophomores Bella Frerichs, Megan Kearney, Ava Alexander, Atleigh Miller and Ainsley Dirksmeyer for next season. Interim head coach Brian Brooks was assisted by Bria Cessna and Taylor Howard.

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SJO girls basketball season finale 2025, St. Joseph-Ogden loses to Manteno sectional, Spartans basketball 20-11 final record, Illinois high school basketball sectional results Pontiac

Trippin' Tuesdays | Stone cold Ciota

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden's Orion Ciota celebrates his upset win over Unity's Colton Reed during their match on January 29, 2014. Ciota, who defeated the heavily-favored Reed by pin, helped the Spartans win the senior night match, 62-12. Here are seven more photos from SJO's match against the Rockets.

All photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Memory Monday | Spartans finish third at state basketball tournament

This Memory Monday looks back at the smiles and moments from the St. Joseph-Ogden girls' basketball team's 2019 third-place finish in Class 2A at state.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

NORMAL - St. Joseph-Ogden's Peyton Crowe hugs teammate Bree Trimble after their Class 2A victory over Hillsboro in the third-place game at the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals. The Spartans led by as much as 26 points on their way to the program's best finish in school history. Crowe scored 13 points in the win, while Trimble put a team-high 28 points on the board on the way to a 68-53 win on Saturday. SJO ended 2018-19 season with just one loss after January 1, finishing the season 29-5. The team's 14-game winning streak was interrupted in the state semifinal game against Teutopolis a day earlier.

All photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

TOP LEFT: Getting quality minutes under the lights, freshman Ella Armstrong dribbles to the paint past Hillsboro's Sheridan Lyerla. MIDDLE: Rebounding from their loss to Teutopolis a day earlier in the Class 2A semifinals, Joseph-Ogden's Hannah Dukeman and teammates celebrate ending their season with a huge win. TOP RIGHT: Payton Jacob, also a freshman, loses control of the ball after it was slapped out of her hands by Hillsboro's Nikya Harston. BELOW: With the game well in hand, Armstrong shares a laugh on the bench with teammates. After three more seasons with the Spartans, Armstrong joined the Truman State program for two seasons and transfered to Grandview College where she now a student assistant coach.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team earns third-place trophy at state, SJO history made by girls basketball team, IHSA state basketball 2019, Payton Jacobs makes a pass, Ella Armstrong laughs, Peyton Crowe hugs a teammate