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