Photo of the Day | Hardy hurdles to fifth place at state

Central hurdle specialist finishes in the top five at IHSA state meet.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Charleston - Central's William Hardy clears a hurdle while running in the 110m hurdles finals at the 2026 IHSA Boys Track & Field State Finals. Hardy, a senior who will continue his athletic career at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, finished 5th in the race and improved personal record to 14 seconds, flat, in the event. Hardy also qualified for the 300m hurdles, setting a new PR at 37.36 on Friday. A day later, he finished 5th in the finals with a time of 37.72. The senior was the first Maroon to score points for Central at a state track event since the school moved up to the 3A division.

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Past Photos of the Day

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TAGS: Photo of the Day for June 8, Central Maroons track & field, Central senior William Hardy, Hardy finishes fifth in 110 and 300m hurdles at state, Will Hardy competes at state track meet in two events

Hoggard, Henry and Huchel to represent area in Illinois Shrine Game

Three area football standouts will represent their schools and communities in the 52nd Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game, a statewide all-star event benefiting Shriners Children's hospitals.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Wide receiver Tre Hoggard tries to shed a Central Catholic tackler while carrying the ball during last fall's regular season conference game. Hoggard was one of the Rockets' key threats on both offense and defense.

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by Sentinel News Service
OurSentinel.com

BLOOMINGTON - Three area football standouts will take the field one final time as high school athletes later this month when they participate in the 52nd Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Unity wide receiver Tre Hoggard, Villa Grove defensive back Aidan Henry and Oakwood defensive back Tyler Huchel have been selected to represent the area in one of Illinois' most respected all-star football traditions. All three players will suit up for the Red Team in the game scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington.

Kickoff is set for 11 a.m., with pregame festivities beginning an hour earlier.

The annual Shrine Game brings together many of the state's top graduating football players while raising funds and awareness for Shriners Children's hospitals in Chicago and St. Louis. This year's roster includes 97 standout athletes from across Illinois.

For the players, the event offers one last opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the state's best talent while representing their schools and communities. For organizers, the game remains focused on a mission that extends well beyond the football field.

The Illinois High School Shrine Game serves as a fundraiser for Shriners Children's, a network of hospitals and outpatient facilities that provides specialized pediatric care regardless of a family's ability to pay or insurance status. The healthcare system treats children facing orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and other complex medical needs.

Last year's game generated nearly $16,000, with every dollar directed toward patient care programs.

"The mission of the Illinois High School Shrine Game is to provide a memorable experience for players, families, Shriners and Shrine Kids while raising awareness and support for the life-changing care provided by Shriners Children's," organizers said.

The event has become one of Illinois high school football's longest-running traditions. Now entering its 52nd year, the game is jointly presented by the Illinois Coaches Association and the Shriners of Illinois.

This year's banquet speaker will be veteran coach Barry Creviston, who recently completed his 33rd season on the sidelines. Throughout his coaching career, Creviston had the opportunity to coach alongside three of his sons, all of whom participated in the Illinois High School Shrine Game.

Fans wishing to attend can purchase tickets for $12 at the gate. Complete team rosters and additional event information are available through the Illinois High School Shrine Game website.

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TAGS: Illinois High School Shrine Game 2026 roster, Tre Hoggard Unity football Shrine Game, Aidan Henry Villa Grove all-star football, Tyler Huchel Oakwood football Shrine Game, Illinois football all-star game benefiting Shriners Children's

Legacy remembered: Spartans win 2006 state softball title

EAST PEORIA - Twenty years ago this past weekend, the St. Joseph-Ogden softball team captured the first state championship in program history.

The Spartans earned their spot in the title game with a thrilling one-run victory over Westmont, then claimed the championship with another nail-biter against Casey-Westfield. The game's lone run came in the fourth inning when Sarah Thompson scored on a single by fellow senior Jessica Redden.

As St. Joseph-Ogden celebrates the 20th anniversary of that historic achievement, take a look back at photos, memorable moments and exciting slideshow from the Spartans' state-title run, preserved in the PhotoNews Media image archives.

Members of the championship team included Dana Peters, Stacy Ferguson, Morgan Brown, Aubry Welch, Emily Benting, Sarah Thompson*, Taylor Freeman, Abby Williams*, Jessica Redden, Stacy Buck, Morgan Finn, Brittany Morgan, Lindsey Barron, Ashley Runck, and Rachael Jannusch. The Spartans were led by coaching legend Randy Wolken. He was assisted by Bob Biehl, Leonard Winchester, and Meredith Anders.

~ Slideshow ~

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~ Photo Gallery ~

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Sarah Thompson starts her swing at a pitch from Westmont's Michelle Hletko in their Class 1A state semifinal game at Eastside Centre. The Spartans won the opener 1-0, knocking off the #2-ranked team in the state. Thompson secured one hit in her three appearances at the plate. The senior collected 47 hits and scored 26 times in the 36 games she played in the 2005-06 season.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Taylor Freeman takes a swing at a Westmont pitch. Freeman, who played at shortstop, struck out once and earned a walk on second trip to the plate. Heading into the state finals, the junior led the team with 57 hits and scored 31 times during the season.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Nearly 200 St. Joseph-Ogden students and parents traveled to Eastside Centre to support the softball team's quest for the program's first state title. Later, the Spartan nation was not disappointed. [Left to right] Ryan Bensyl, Nick Krisman, Mark Gones, and Jesse Grice St. are all juniors at Joseph-Ogden ham it up between innings from their hilltop seats.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Jessica Redden and the 2006 Spartan softball team celebrate their 1-0 semifinal victory over Westmont. SJO scored one run on three hits to punch their ticket into the Class 1A title game against #1-ranked Casey-Westfield.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Taylor Freeman fields a ball while a Westmont baserunner attempts to take third base.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Spartans' Brittany Morgan swings at Westmont pitch. The junior smacked the ball for a single that drove in the game-winning run in the first inning courtesy of teammate Abby William.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Emily Benting flashes a smile at the chants from her dugout while waiting for her next pitch from Westmont pitcher Michelle Hletko.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

(left-right) Stacy Buck, Ashley Runck, Morgan Brown and Brittany Morgan sing the school song with St. Joseph-Ogden fans and spectators after the team's 1-0 state semifinal victory on June 3, 2006.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph resident and mother of outfielder Sarah Thompson cheers on the Spartans during their semi-final game against Westmont. St. Joseph-Ogden advanced to the championship game at 7 p.m. to face Casey-Westfield for the Class A softball title after 1-0 win over the Sentenials. Earlier in the season, the #1 ranked Warriors defeated SJO 1-0 and 7-3.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

SJO catcher Brittany Morgan tosses the ball back to the pitcher late in the game. Earlier in the game, Morgan, who led the team with three home runs during the season, drove in the game winning run on a single.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Spartans' Taylor Freeman taps a teammates hands during team introductions before the start of the Class 1A state title game against Casey-Westfield. Heading into the state finals, Freeman led the team with 57 hits in her 117 appearances at the plate.

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More photos coming soon! Check back again in two days.

IHSA state softball scores

Final scores from the 2026 IHSA Softball State Finals at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.

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Thursday, June 4

Class 1A:
Dakota 2, Okawville 1
Waltonville 2, Gardner-South Wilmington 1

Class 2A:
Seneca 8, IC Catholic 6
Carterville 3, Williamsville 0

Friday, June 5

Class 1A:
Gardner-South Wilmington 10, Okawville 5

Class 2A:
Williamsville 15, IC Catholic 6

Class 3A:
Antioch 6, Dunlap 1
Glenwood 9, Fenwick 3

Class 4A:
Lincoln-Way West 2, Marist 1
Mundelein 13, Oswego 3

Saturday, June 6

Class 1A Championship Game:
Dakota 2, Waltonville 1

Class 2A Championship Game:
Carterville 3, Seneca 1

Class 3A Championship Game:
Antioch 7, Glenwood 2

Class 4A Championship Game:
Lincoln-Way West 6, Mundelein 1

Fenwick 1, Dunlap 0
Marist 6, Oswego 0

She's Barry good, Unity track star poised for third-peat at state

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Mendon Unity's Saylor Barry floats down the runway, leaping 5.77 meters — 18 feet, 11.25 inches — to defend her 2024 state title in the long jump at the IHSA Girls' Track & Field State Finals at O’Brien Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus in 2025. Becoming the first two-time state champion in Mustang school history her junior year, as a senior she is on the way to a historic three-peat after leading the field yesterday with a leap of 5.76 meters in the event during the Class 1A preliminary competition. On May 4, Barry signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career in track and field at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

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TAGS: Unity Mustangs' track star competes at state meet, Saylor Barry leads the field in Long Jump, returning long jump state champion, Class 1A long jump, IHSA state track report

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

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

Photo of the Day | Wait a second: Knights finish #2 at state track

Becca Richtman (right) and Carly Elliott mug for the camera while waiting to enter O'Brien Field at the 2016 IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Charleston - Kaneland's Becca Richtman (right) and Carly Elliott mug for the camera while waiting to get on the field for the team awards announcement at the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals on May 21, 2016. The Knights finished second in Class 2A with 53 points behind Cahokia. Elliot represented her team in Saturday's championship races on the 4x100 and 4x200 squads, which finished second and fourth, respectively. Richtman ran anchor on the Knights' 4x800 relay, finishing fifth to earn team points.

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Past Photos of the Day

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TAGS: Photo of the Day for April 29, girls state track meet, Kaneland second place finish at state, 2016 Kaneland girls track team second in Class 2A, Knights' track stars Becca Richtman and Carly Elliott

Nice try, but not this time

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden's Will Haley tries to slide under a tag at third on a steal in the team's home game on Monday against Warrensburg-Latham. In a similar play in the first inning on a wild pitch, he was safe and later scored the Spartans' second run in the inning. This time, Cardinals' catcher Eastyn Mckenzie made the throw on the money to Brody Brown for the out. Haley finished the game with one hit, one run and one RBI in SJO's 8-1 home victory over the Cardinals. The Spartans (8-1) travel to Pleasant Plains today for another non-league game and face St. Thomas More on the road tomorrow for their first Illini Prairie game of the season.

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Wayback Wednesday | Lady Spartan Classic 2004

Three seniors, one final home meet and a wonderful spring day. The Lady Spartan Classic brought together top area track and field athletes on May 7, 2004, at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Under clear skies, competitors raced, jumped and threw for podium finishes.

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ST. JOSEPH - Step back to a picture-perfect evening at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, where the Lady Spartan Classic brought together some of the area’s top track and field talent on May 7, 2004. Under clear, sunny skies, athletes from across the region competed for podium spots in a full slate of events, from sprints and hurdles to throws and distance races. The meet also marked senior night for three Spartans, adding a meaningful sendoff to their final home appearance.

This Wayback Wednesday gallery revisits 12 moments from a day defined by fierce small-school competition, athleticism and perfect conditions for a high school track meet. Participating schools included the host, St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity, Tuscola, Deland-Weldon, Fisher, Monticello, Argenta-Oreana, East Central, Bloomington Central Catholic, St. Thomas More, and Schlarman.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo from the 2004 Lady Spartan Classic track meet at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

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Photo of the Day | Ready to run, focused before the big race

Lead-off runner Sonia Slusarczyk, from Lyons Township High School, focuses on her start at the 2016 state track meet.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Charleston - Lyons' lead runner Sonia Slusarczyk focuses on her upcoming run before the starter's gun goes off for the Class 3A 4x400-Meter Relay championship race at the IHSA Girls Track and Field State Finals on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Slusarczyk, a sophomore, along with junior Maggie Caplice, Tara Schwarz, a sophomore, and senior Luci Lussier finished the race with a time of 4:03.09 in ninth place. The Lions finished tied for 58th place in the final team standing.

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Past Photos of the Day

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TAGS: Photo of the Day for April 8, Lyons track team competes at 2016 IHSA Girls State Track Meet, PhotoNews archive photos, Lions' track team at state, Sonia Slusarczyk runs at state track for the Lions

St. Joseph-Ogden post 8-1 win over Warrensburg-Latham

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Spartans' Tyler Wright unloads a pitch in the top of the seventh inning for a waiting Warrensburg-Latham batter. Wright closed out the game, giving up one hit and no runs to help St. Joseph-Ogden pick up a home win over the Cardinals, 8-1. The Spartans (8-1) take the field again on Wednesday in a non-conference road showdown at Pleasant Plains. Want to see more photos from this game? Fill out our photo request form.

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