Four Illini Prairie gridiron warriors earn IHSFCA 3A All-State recognition

Four Illini Prairie players make the Class 3A all-state list. Two quarterbacks and a lineman from the Sentinel area will be honored at the state football playoffs.

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URBANA - Three Sentinel area athletes earned All-State recognition from the Illinois High School Coaches Association. Monticello Sages' Nolan Buehnerkemper, St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner, and Unity's Dane Eisenmenger were names among the 18 Class 3A players on this year list.

Rounding out the Illini Prairie Conference selectees is Bloomington Central Catholic's Valshun Powe. While Powe and Buehnerkemper's seasons came to a close after last Saturday's second-round losses, Wagner's Spartans and Rockets' Eisenmenger have unfinished business to attend to this Saturday in quarterfinal action.

Eisenmenger will try to lead the Unity past Williamsville on the road. The Rockets lead the series 3-2 between the two programs since the 2012 season. The winner of the contest will face the winner of the St. Joseph-Ogden and Vandalia. OL - Coleson Miller Sr
WR/TE - Tre Hoggard Sr
WR/TE - Tyler Henry Sr
RB - Crewe Eckstein Sr
QB - Dane Eisenmenger Sr

Wagner and the Spartans enjoy their first home playoff game on Saturday, hosting the undefeated Vandals. Their opponent's 11-0 record won't intimidate SJO, who knocked off the undefeated Benton Rangers with field goal at the buzzer in their first-round playoff game.

Here is a look at our area 3A all-staters.

Dane Eisenmenger

Senior - Unity - QB

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Cameron Wagner

Junior - St. Joseph-Ogden - OL

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Nolan Buehnerkemper

Senior - Monticello - DB/QB/K

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Valshun Powe

Senior - Bloomington Central Catholic - RB/DB

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

The other Class 3A players earning recognition from the coaching association include:

(Name, Year, School, Position)
Grant Bowen, Sophomore - IC Catholic Prep - WR/LB
Hunter Carley, Junior - Richmond-Burton - RB/LB
Caden Considine, Senior - Byron - LB/RB
Kohnor Depew, Senior - Vandalia - WR/DB
Casey Etheridge, Senior - Princeton - RB/DB
Nick Huston, Senior - Monmouth-Roseville - RB/LB
Blake Livdahl, Junior - Richmond - LB/RB
Jimmy Lollar, Junior - Olympia - RB
Levi Mallette, Senior - Hope Academy - OL/DL
Julius May, Senior - Bishop McNamara - RB/LB
Ethan McCommons, Senior - Benton - LB/OL
Matthew Miller, Senior - Williamsville - RB
Andrew Talbert, Junior - Byron - DB/QB
Dylan White, Senior - Durand-Pecatonica - OL/DL

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TAGS: Unity's Dane Eisenmenger named to 3A All-State list, SJO's Cam Wagner makes All-State as sophomore, Monticello quarterback Nolan Buehnerkemper get the nod for all-state

Photo of the Day |Not par for an October round of state golf

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - Riverdale's James Moorhusen (left) and his dad, Mike, head to the club house at the Prairie Vista Golf Course after IHSA officials put first-round action on hold during a brief snowstorm on October 12, 2018, at the IHSA Boys Golf State Finals. The tournament was paused just past the midway point for many golfers due to heavy snow flurries in the Bloomington-Normal area. The tournament resumes on Saturday morning. Moorhusen, a sophomore who helped the Rams win the St. Regional and Freeport Sectional, went on to finish tied for 91st place, shooting a 96 on the second day. Partial scores from the first day were not included in the final tabulation.

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Past Photos of the Day

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TAGS: Photo of the Day, Riverdale sophomore James Moorhusen, Snowstorm cancels IHSA golf, IHSA golf tournament postponed, Port Byron Riverdale golfer at state tournament

Illinois soccer adds seven recruits to 2026 signing class under Katie Hultin

Coach Katie Hultin continues to reshape Illinois soccer with a strong 2026 recruiting class featuring seven promising players.

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CHAMPAIGN - Illinois soccer’s future got a major boost this week as head coach Katie Hultin unveiled a seven-player signing class that stretches from coast to coast — and across the border. The 2026 recruiting class features a diverse group of student-athletes who bring international experience, national recognition, and a shared belief in what Hultin’s program is building in Champaign.

“This group represents everything we value — character, talent, and commitment,” Hultin said in announcing the class. “Each of them brings something unique that will help us continue to compete at a high level in the Big Ten.”

Leading the new class is Abby Anderson, a forward from Surrey, British Columbia. A standout for Unity FC and Surrey United SC, Anderson was named the 2023 Surrey United Female Player of the Year and earned the Dana Cup U17 Best Player Award. She also played for Canada’s U17 National Team pool. “I love the environment and the tight-knit group of kind players and coaches,” Anderson said. “I could definitely see myself growing as a player and as an individual at Illinois.”

From Indiana, Cadence Conrad joins the Illini midfield after a strong run with Indy Premier SC and William Henry Harrison High School. Known for her high work rate and leadership, Conrad said she was drawn to Illinois’ “amazing atmosphere” and “family environment.”

Presli Houk, a dynamic attacking player from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, arrives with a strong scoring pedigree. The Sporting Blue Valley standout has tallied double-digit goals in each of the last three seasons and helped her club capture the 2024 North American Cup title. She’s a two-time All-State selection and a 2026 Top-20 Kansas City soccer prospect.

In the forward group, Avia Hughes from League City, Texas, adds international experience to the mix. A former participant in four U.S. National Team camps and a 2025 Ghana U21 National Team invitee, Hughes brings both flair and discipline to the attack. “Illinois feels like the perfect place for me to continue developing my skills and preparing for the professional level,” she said.

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They’re winners, competitors, and great representatives of what it means to be a Fighting Illini.

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Illinois also landed Sophia McMillan, a multi-sport talent from Inverness, Illinois, who led Sockers FC to a 2023 U19 Girls Academy national championship. A standout basketball player at Fremd High School, McMillan said she wanted to be part of “something special” being built in Champaign.

Goalkeeper Ashley Smith, from Davie, Florida, brings versatility as a two-sport athlete who’s earned All-Broward honors in flag football. She said she was drawn to Illinois’ “strong academic programs” and the team’s focus on developing both the athlete and the person.

Rounding out the class is Noreen Tijhof, a forward and midfielder from Montréal who plays for Académie du CF Montréal. Known for her creativity and balance, Tijhof said she chose Illinois for its blend of “top-tier academics and exceptional athletics.”

With talent from five U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, Hultin’s latest class underscores the growing reach of the Illinois program — and its rising reputation in the Big Ten.

“These players are going to help us take another step forward,” Hultin said. “They’re winners, competitors, and great representatives of what it means to be a Fighting Illini.”

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TAGS: Illinois soccer recruiting 2026, Fighting Illini women’s soccer, Katie Hultin Illinois coach, Big Ten soccer news, University of Illinois athletics

The Sentinel On This Day | November 13

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 13 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

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Sentinel Article Archive for November 13

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Viewpoint | Trump is gutting affordable housing, advocates are pushing for solutions

Experts warn that proposed work requirements and budget cuts to HUD programs could strip families of rental assistance and permanent housing benefits.

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by Farrah Hassen
      OtherWords

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President Trump isn’t only bulldozing the East Wing of the White House with the help of his billionaire friends. The former developer is also taking a wrecking ball to affordable housing.

Amid historically high housing costs, declining wages, and record homelessness, the Trump administration is upending longstanding federal housing policy that serves the nation’s poorest residents. That could be especially devastating in Illinois, which has among the highest rates of homelessness in the country according to federal data.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance programs support over 8 million people — mostly seniors, those with disabilities, and families with children — by providing public housing units or rental subsidies. This assistance has also been shown to improve food security and nutrition for low-income households.

However, ProPublica reports that the Trump administration is planning changes that could take away this support from millions.

One proposed regulation would allow local housing authorities — and even private landlords — to impose work requirements and time limits on public housing and vouchers for families without an elderly or disabled head of household.

While the administration claims this rule would promote “self-sufficiency,” advocates like the National Housing Law Project’s Deborah Thrope argue that these work requirements are actually “a way to strip families of their benefits.”

Most non-elderly, non-disabled households who receive assistance already include at least one person who works. And there’s little evidence that arbitrary time limits or work requirements help move people off subsidies. They certainly don’t make housing more affordable.

This draft rule reflects the Trump administration’s larger approach to housing: Punishing those in need but failing to address affordability — the primary driver of homelessness.

Today, a person who works full-time at minimum wage cannot afford a safe place to live almost anywhere in the country. Many are forced to rely on safety net programs — like rental assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid — that Trump is slashing to prioritize tax breaks for billionaires.

Already, Trump’s 2026 budget proposes to cut federal rental assistance by a devastating 43 percent. The administration is also seeking to dramatically cut federal funds for permanent housing to prevent homelessness.

According to internal HUD documents obtained by Politico, the department intends to cap 2026 funding for permanent housing projects, cutting spending by over half and moving funds instead to transitional housing assistance with work or service requirements.

If implemented, these cuts could result in over 170,000 people losing housing assistance and falling into homelessness. Without permanent housing and supportive services, which evidence has repeatedly shown is the most effective way to solve homelessness, more people will end up being shuffled between temporary shelters or forced to live on the streets.

Investing in temporary shelter over permanent housing is wasteful and ineffective. It’s a Band-Aid for our country’s larger failure to ensure adequate housing as a human right and a basic need for all people.

In fact, Trump’s gutting of housing assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP directly violates our rights to housing, health care, and food, which are all recognized under international law as among the universal human rights that governments must protect. These are not bargaining chips to be used and abused by out-of-touch politicians.

Our government refuses to recognize these rights because, under our current economic system, the wealthy see social goods like housing as commodities to be bought up at the expense of working people.

We can overcome these policy choices that favor the wealthy by demanding that our government invest in social programs through taxing the rich.

We should double down on real housing solutions, like increasing federal rental subsidies and enhancing tenant protections. We also need publicly funded housing (or “social housing”) that exists outside the private market and remains permanently affordable.

In the world’s wealthiest nation, our needs and fundamental human rights should never be defunded or negotiated away to subsidize billionaires, the bloated $1 trillion Pentagon budget, and earmarks for a cruel mass deportation and detention system.

The foundation for our nation’s housing policies should be built on the human right to housing, not the private profit of billionaires and real estate speculators.

OtherWords columnist Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst, and educator. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

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TAGS: Trump housing policy, affordable housing cuts, HUD rental assistance, homelessness crisis, federal housing proposals

IHSA state volleyball semifinal streaming schedule this Friday

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Stockton volleyball players celebrate their 2-1 win over Hartsburg-Emden during semifinal action at the 2024 IHSA state volleyball championships. The Lady Blackhawks dropped the first set 11-25, then stormed back to win the last two 25-20, 25-21 to advance to the Class 1A title game. The team is back at CEFCU again this year in the program's second state finals appearance.

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NORMAL - If you can't make it to the CEFCU Arena to watch semifinal championship on Friday, you can catch all the action online via the NFHS Network. Viewers can subscribe to watch games on various platforms, including computers, mobile devices, and third-party apps like Roku and Apple TV.

Below is Friday's broadcast schedule. Click the image to watch the game.

Nov 14, 2025 - 10:00 AM EST

2025 IHSA 1A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1
Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School
vs
Stockton High School

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Nov 14, 2025 - 11:30 AM EST

2025 IHSA 1A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2
Tremont
vs
Cissna Park

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Nov 14, 2025 - 1:00 AM EST

2025 IHSA 2A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1
Columbia
vs
Rockford Christian

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Nov 14, 2025 - 2:30 AM EST

2025 IHSA 2A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2
Central Catholic
vs
Riverdale

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Nov 14, 2025 - 5:00 AM EST

2025 IHSA 3A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1
Nazareth Academy
vs
Providence Catholic

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Nov 14, 2025 - 6:30 AM EST

2025 IHSA 3A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2
University
vs
Prairie Ridge

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Nov 14, 2025 - 8:00 PM EST

2025 IHSA 4A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1
Benet Academy
vs
Lockport Township

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Nov 14, 2025 - 9:30 PM EST

2025 IHSA 4A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2
Marist
vs
Fremd

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The Sentinel On This Day | November 12

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 12 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

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Sentinel Article Archive for November 12

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10 reasons to watch the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger tennis tournament

Challenger tournaments like the Paine Schwartz Partners event at Atkins Tennis Center are training grounds for future ATP stars. Spectators can learn valuable lessons on footwork, shot selection, and composure under pressure.

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URBANA – Watching Challenger matches is like getting a free clinic on the foundational, battle-tested skills that form the bedrock of professional tennis — skills that can dramatically improve any recreational player’s game.

Sure, watching Grand Slam tennis is inspiring, but Challenger-level matches are hidden gems for picking up tips to strengthen your tennis toolbox. Players ranked inside the top 500 are incredibly skilled, fit, and dedicated to their craft. They’re grinding to make a living from the sport while doing everything they can to reach the ATP elite.

Each Challenger match is an inexpensive master class in the gritty, practical side of tennis — and class is in session this week at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger at Atkins Tennis Center.

Ignore the 120 mph serves, the squeak of shoes as players slide across the court, and the occasional errant shot rocketing toward your head. Here are 10 reasons a high school or competitive adult player should catch at least a couple of matches:

1. See Rising Stars Before They’re Famous

Challenger events are the proving ground for future ATP Tour champions. Ben Shelton, Kevin Anderson, Sam Querrey, Marcos Baghdatis, and Kei Nishikori all played Challenger matches at Atkins Tennis Center before breaking onto the big stage.

2. Watch Diverse Playing Styles

The Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger draws veterans, journeymen, and young prospects every year. This mix exposes fans to a wide range of tactics, strategies, and styles. You’ll see a full toolbox of shots used with purpose: heavy topspin to push opponents back, biting slice to change rhythm, well-disguised drop shots, and aggressive approaches. It’s a reminder that winning isn’t just about hitting the ball hard — it’s about disrupting your opponent’s timing and comfort zone.

3. Get a Closer Fan Experience

Small venues like Atkins mean courtside seats where you can hear player-coach conversations and maybe even meet the athletes afterward — something that rarely happens at Grand Slams unless you have serious connections.

4. Study Footwork

While Challenger players may not have the explosive speed of the top 10, their movement is still world-class. Watch how they use small adjustment steps to position for every shot, recover after every rally, and almost never get caught flat-footed — a common flaw among club players.

5. Enjoy Global Flavor

Challenger tournaments span five continents, showcasing international talent and diverse playing philosophies. This year’s field includes players from Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Turkey, and Spain.

6. Learn How to Play Big Points

At 30-30, break point, or in a tiebreak, Challenger players don’t go for miracle winners. They simplify their game, get that first serve in, and aim for high-percentage targets. They trust their fundamentals when it matters most — a lesson any player can apply.

7. Improve Your Doubles Game

Watch how doubles partners function as one. You’ll see nonstop communication through hand signals, words, and intuitive movement. Notice how they support each other and cover the court so efficiently. Doubles is all about strategy and anticipation — formations like the I-formation and Australian are used constantly to outthink opponents. It’s a live master class in teamwork and tactics.

8. Study the Serve

Power matters, but variety wins points. You’ll see players use slice and kick serves to open the court or jam the returner with body serves. This is even more important in doubles, where the goal is to set up a partner for an easy putaway volley or overhead. Watching how pros use serve placement and spin to build points is a lesson that will pay off for any player looking to level up.

9. Observe Net Play

This might be the best reason to watch pro doubles live. You’ll see perfectly angled drop volleys, lightning-quick reflex exchanges, and body volleys under pressure. Pay attention to how players move with the ball and close down space — it’s a clinic in anticipation and aggression. Nothing matches the thrill of a perfectly timed poach.

10. Affordable and Accessible

Admission to the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger is just $10 a day — a bargain for a front-row seat to professional tennis and a master class that could help you win more points (and maybe more matches).

Here’s the schedule for Wednesday at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger, held at Atkins Tennis Center.

ORDER OF PLAY - WEDNESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2025

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on the Schwartz Court:

[5] Mats Rosenkranz (GER) vs [Alt] Adhithya Ganesan (USA)
[3] Mitchell Krueger (USA) vs Darwin Blanch (USA)

Not Before 15:00
[WC] Adam Jilly (HUN) vs Alex Martinez (ESP)

Aidan McHugh (GBR) or [Q] Jeremy Zhang (AUS) vs [4] Murphy Cassone (USA)

Not Before 18:00
After Rest - Kenta Miyoshi (JPN)/Oliver Okonkwo (GBR)
        vs [WC] Sasha Colleu (FRA)/Adam Jilly (HUN)

Followed By
After Rest - [WC] Mathis Debru (FRA)/Jeremy Zhang (AUS)
        vs [3] Alfredo Perez (USA)/Jamie Vance (USA)

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on the Goldenberg Court:

Lui Maxted (GBR)/Joe Tyler (GBR)
        vs Ryan Seggerman (USA)/Keegan Smith (USA)

Anthony Genov (BUL)/Enzo Wallart (USA)
        vs [2] Pranav Kumar (USA)/Noah Schachter (USA)

Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) vs Jay Friend (JPN)

[4] Tom Hands (GBR)/Mats Rosenkranz (GER)
        vs Arda Azkara (TUR)/James Hopper (GBR)

[1] Scott Duncan (GBR)/James Mackinlay (GBR)
        vs Isaac Nortey (GHA)/Leonardo Vega (USA)

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TAGS: Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger, Urbana tennis, Challenger Tour Illinois, Atkins Tennis Center, professional tennis education

The Sentinel On This Day | November 11

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 10 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

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Editor's pick from this day ~

SJO stuns Chicago Christian to win Elite 8 title

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

PALOS HEIGHTS - Just as her older sister in 2016, Kennedi Burnett will play volleyball on the state's biggest stage under the bright lights of Redbird Arena. The opportunity would not have been possible had it not been for St. Joseph-Ogden's smoldering turnaround midway into the second set of their supersectional match against Chicago Christian last Friday.

St. Joseph-Ogden punches ticket to state volleyball appearance.

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Sentinel Article Archive for November 11

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