Memory Monday: Volleyball hits the wall at supersectional

We dug back 15 years on an old hard drive to bring this week's Memory Monday feature. On the left, St.Joseph-Ogden's Traesha Worley makes solid contact with the ball for a kill against Mt. Pulaski on November 6, 2004. The Hilltoppers beat the Spartans 25-15, 25-21 to win the Hoopeston Supersectional title Saturday night. SJO, playing an independent schedule this season, finished a marvelous, memorable season with 28 wins and 6 losses. See more photos from this match almost 15 years ago here: Spartans vs Hilltoppers. #MemoryMonday

In the photo above, From the bench, Stacy Buck and coaches [left to right] Megan Blair, head coach Lydia Gard, and Erica Weber keep their attention on different facets of the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team's effort to advance to the IHSA state tournament against a powerful Mt. Pulaski team. On the left, Sarah Thompson passes the ball forward during a heated rally. Mt. Pulaski went on finish the season as the Class 1A runner-up at the IHSA State Volleyball Finals. (All photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

SJO ready for a glorious football campaign

Crayton Burnett looks to make a pass during the St. Joseph-Ogden football team's scrimmage on Friday. Burnett, who saw varsity action toward the end of the season as sophomore last fall, will be the starting signal caller for SJO. The Spartans' passing game is a potential threat with Burnett's arm and this year's stable of receivers. Below: More than 60 or so parents and fans were on hand to watch the varsity squad and scout players run live plays against each other. (All photos on this page by PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

"We don't have one or two leaders. We have a team of leaders right now." St.Joseph-Ogden head coach Shawn Skinner pointed out while talking about the upcoming season before the team introduction later in the gym. The Spartans have 22 seniors on the roster ready to prove themselves and continue to build the program back to its former level of success. Here, Skinner gives instructions to players early on during the scrimmage session.

Ramsey Primmer takes a drink between plays. Skinner said the veteran cornerback has been instrumental in getting a lot of the "young guys" up to speed and ready to play nine weeks under Friday night lights. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Above, left: Spartan cheerleaders perform on the sideline of the practice field. This year's scrimmage session could not be held under the newly installed lights on the field due to track resurfacing. Above, right: Chance Izard moves with the flow of the play while on defense. Izard may well be a strong catalyst for the program to improve on last year's 5-5 finish. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

(Left to right) Max Shonkwiler, Jesse Schluter and Tyler Jones take a moment to smile while waiting for the next stage of the Spartan scrimmage to start. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)