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 ~
~ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Taylor Freeman fields a ball while a Westmont baserunner attempts to take third base.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More photos coming soon! Check back again in two days.
