Illini soccer team opens season with a shutout
Ranked #4 in the nation, Scott Aikman has sights set at Cincy tennis invite
Champaign tennis veteran Scott Aikman poses for a photo at Atkins Tennis Center on Tuesday. He and doubles partner Terry Warner are ranked #4 in the nation. The pair will play at the home of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday and Monday in an invitational tournament with 15 other top doubles competitors in the 70+ age group.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
CHAMPAIGN - As the summer sun sets over Mason, Ohio, one of America's oldest tennis tournaments—the Cincinnati Open is in full swing. First held in 1899, this storied event is not just a footnote in tennis history; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the dreams and triumphs of countless athletes. Now, as it embarks on its 125th year in 2024, the Cincinnati Open is poised for a renaissance, returning to its original name and solidifying its status with a bold 25-year commitment from Beemok Capital to keep the ATP Masters 1000 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. This Sunday and Monday, Champaign's Scott Aikman will play on the same courts Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime posted wins earlier today for a shot at the Grand Prix Masters doubles title in the 70+ division on Monday. He hopes that area tennis fans and players who will attend Sunday's semifinal and Monday's pro finals will stop by to cheer him on in his bid for another tennis title. Aikman, who is 77 years old and stands at an impressive 6'4", embodies the spirit of a seasoned tennis competitor. He used to run a restaurant but retired seven years ago. Aikman has spent decades traveling the world, chasing tennis balls across various locations such as the sun-soaked courts of South Africa, the bustling streets of Mexico City, and the iconic avenues of Paris and Barcelona. To Aikman, a tennis racquet is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a passport to adventure. Recounting stories of spontaneous matches with newfound friends in foreign lands. “I’ve even bought a racquet just to play while I’m traveling—there’s always someone looking to hit.” Aikman’s journey into the world of tennis began at the age of 12 in Terre Haute, Indiana. “There wasn’t much to do as a kid,” he recalls, his eyes lighting up at the memory. “The junior high school had tennis courts, and we spent all day playing.” That passion has only grown over the decades, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. “I’ll be turning 78 this November,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “That gives me one more year in the 75s before I move up to the 80s. I’m looking forward to it!” While many may shy away from the physical demands of the sport, Aikman thrives on it. “I love the activity,” he said with a smile. “Running around, reaching for balls—that’s what keeps me young.” Aikman hasn't the faintest urge to make the switch to pickleball. “I have absolutely no interest in that. They just stand there,” he laughed. With 65 years of experience, Aikman has a wealth of knowledge to share with younger players. “Keep hitting the ball, have fun, and treat each point like it’s a new one,” he advises. “I’ve seen players get down on themselves after losing a point. If you lose a few, just let it go and move on to the next.” Aikman will team up with Terry Warner, from Saline, MI, for the invitation-only tournament this weekend. "We met at a tennis tournament and played together," explaining how the two joined up to become a formidable doubles pair. "We played well together during that and decided we would play again." The duo, who have won titles or placed in the top three in a half dozen tournaments, are ranked #4 Nationally in 75s. They teamed up, playing their last three tournaments together on clay courts in Pinehurst and Virginia Beach.
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Spartans prepare for new tennis season
Champaign - Sara Kearney swings at a ball during the St. Joseph-Ogden tennis team's second practice of the season. The Spartans will host six home matches out of 17 varsity contests this season at Atkins Tennis Center. SJO's girls' tennis program opens its fifth season at home on August 22 against Maroa-Forsyth.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
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Illini's Miyoshi wins back-to-back titles at ITA Nationals
SNS Sports – Illinois' Kenta Miyoshi successfully defended his title at the ITA National Summer Championships, winning the men’s singles tournament for the second consecutive year. Having strong summer season, he secured his spot in the ITA National Summer Championships after he won an ITA Summer Masters Series event in Madison, Wis., in July.
Surviving his semifinal match against No. 3 seed Lucas Brown from Texas 6-3, 6-7, 10-2, the Japanese native punched his ticket to the title match for a rematch against Florida State’s Jamie Connel.
In 2023, summoning every ounce of tenacity he could muster, Miyoshi won their earlier meeting 2-6, 6-4, 10-7. On Tuesday, took command early and delivered a 6-3, 6-3, decision over Connel on Tuesday at the Leftwich Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Memphis.
During his sophomore season, all eyes will be on the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar who ended with a 27-9 record in singles and 18-10 record in doubles. Miyoshi finished his sophomore year undefeated in singles during Big Ten play with a 6-0 record and ended the 2023-24 season with a 10-match undefeated streak in doubles.
Kenta Miyoshi tosses the ball for a serve at the 2023 Illini Open. The Fighting Illini junior won his second straight ITA National Summer Championship title on Tuesday.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
From paralympian to coaching powerhouse, Illinois' Adam Bleakney to coach at 2024 games
Champaign - As the 2024 Paralympic Games prepare to take center stage in Paris on August 28, one man stands ready to lead Team USA's wheelchair track and road racing team to glory: Adam Bleakney. A three-time Paralympian himself, with a silver medal from the 2004 Games in Greece, Bleakney has been at the helm of the University of Illinois wheelchair racing program since 2005, molding champions and shattering records along the way.
Bleakney's journey into the world of wheelchair racing began after a life-altering spinal cord injury when he was just 19 years old. "I was looking for something to redirect my energy, and I was drawn to wheelchair marathoning," Bleakney shared with the University of Illinois News Bureau. With unwavering determination, he took on the challenge of the Chicago Marathon a mere year after his injury, setting the stage for a remarkable career as an athlete and coach.
Under Bleakney's guidance, the University of Illinois has become a breeding ground for Paralympic excellence. His athletes have amassed an astonishing 55 medals across four Paralympic Games, setting 14 world records on the track in the process. They've also dominated the world's most prestigious marathons, claiming victories in Boston, London, Chicago, and New York City.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has recognized Bleakney's exceptional leadership, naming him Paralympic Coach of the Year three times. His impact on the sport is undeniable, and it's no surprise that all nine wheelchair racing athletes representing the United States in Paris have a connection to the University of Illinois. The majority of these elite competitors have honed their skills at the university's state-of-the-art facility in the Rehabilitation Education Center, one of only eight U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training sites in the country.
As the Paralympic Games approach, all eyes will be on Bleakney and his team of exceptional athletes. With his proven track record of success and the unwavering support of the University of Illinois behind them, there's no doubt that Team USA's wheelchair racers will be a force to be reckoned with in Paris. The world will be watching as they push themselves to new heights, chasing gold and inspiring a new generation of athletes to follow in their tracks.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Paralympic racer Susannah Scaroni, rolls down Washington Street in Urbana during the 2024 Illinois Half Marathon. The University of Illinois graduate in nutritional sciences will assist athletes with nutrition at the upcoming games later this month. She won the title, crossing the finish line at 50:08, ten minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.
Singing the blues
URBANA - Lead singer Ben Jenkins belts out soulful notes while singing with the Wise Guys at the 6th Annual Prairie Crossroads Blues Festival on Saturday. Also appearing on stage during the day were Rory Book and The Volumes, Cobalt Blues Band, and Funky Mojo Daddy. Over 200 music lovers filled the parking lot next to Bunny's Tavern, enjoying Jenkins and his fellow musicians on a beautiful fall day.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Back-to-school | Experts offer four tips to keep the stress lower than in the past
Photo: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
SNS - As summer draws to a close, millions of students across the country are preparing to return to the classroom, marking a significant and often emotional transition. The annual back-to-school season stirs a mix of excitement, anticipation, and understandable anxiety, not only for students but also for parents and caregivers. The role of families during this period is far from passive. Experts emphasize that parents and caregivers play a crucial role in easing the transition back to school, with proactive preparation serving as a key strategy to mitigate stress. "Parents are not just bystanders in this process," said Dr. Raymond Garcia, Chief Medical Officer for Rosecrance Behavioral Health. "Their involvement can make a significant difference in how smoothly the new school year begins."
Every child deserves the mental health support they need to succeed
Mental preparedness and emotional support, experts say, are essential components of a successful start to the academic year. Establishing these elements early can create a foundation of hope and optimism for students, easing the transition and helping them face the challenges ahead.
To assist families in this process, Rosecrance experts offer the following recommendations:
- Reestablish routines early: Begin setting regular bedtimes and wake-up schedules before the school year starts to help students adjust gradually.
- Tour the school: For students entering a new school, visiting the building and meeting key staff members can alleviate anxiety and make the first day less daunting.
- Involve students in preparations: Engaging children in tasks like shopping for school supplies can help build excitement and a sense of ownership over the new school year.
- Communicate openly: Encourage conversations about school-related concerns and hopes both before and after the year begins. Listening to children’s experiences and feelings can provide crucial support during the transition.
Guest Commentary |Cutting ties with a friend or relative is difficult
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
We live in an age of addiction and dysfunctional personalities. Lives and families are shattered every day by drug addiction, gambling addictions, pornography, alcoholism and more. Some people have anger issues and live daily lashing out at people and loved ones. Many people have serious mental health issues and need help and often refuse to get help. All of these issues and many more can be impactful on friendships and relationships. It takes a lot of patience and work to survive such a relationship.
Sometimes we hang in there because we feel it’s the noble thing to do. We try to stick with our kids and be there when they need us. We try to hang tight with our parents in their golden years just in case they need us. We stick with a spouse or significant other out of love or a commitment to see life through to the end.
Most of the time we don’t give in unless someone becomes very bad, mean, evil, or is totally wrecking our lives. When this happens then we have to make a decision. How do we stay in relationship with this person? The individual could be a friend, spouse, significant other or a relative. Most people try for a long time but there comes a point if someone is totally wrecking your life then you have to have a serious discussion with the person. If this doesn’t work then you have to go a different direction. You have to make a new plan Stan, as Paul Simon said in a song.
As a Christian, I know God doesn’t give up on us and we don’t give up on people.
Often making a decision to cut ties with a friend or relative is difficult and painful, but there comes a time when mental sanity requires that you make the difficult decision. Once you have made it then there is usually a feeling of relief. Some guilt may follow but not likely if you tried to be a good and fair person and extend as much grace as possible.
No one goes into marriage thinking about divorce but on occasion the battle to make it work is like saving the Titanic from sinking. It’s not going to happen.
This happens with friends, children, and even parents. I agree, “Nothing is Impossible with God.” Keep in mind that you aren’t God and while you may be committed to him in faith, it takes two people to make a relationship work.
it's true that winners never quit and quitters never win but winners don’ beat their heads on a fence post either. Try hard. Work hard. Forgive multiple times. Extend grace. Pray. Look to the Bible for guidance. Get counsel. Have long talks. Cry. Try begging. If your life is still swirling downward because of the negativity involving “whoever” the other person is then, “hop on the bus Gus, and drop off the key Lee,” as Simon also said.
As a Christian, I know God doesn’t give up on us and we don’t give up on people. This doesn’t mean we have to be in union with them or continue to be abased personally by their actions.
Live in peace, joy and harmony with all people, as much as possible and all times, if possible, Just realize that maybe pushing a rope is not easy. Changing the course of the Mississippi River might be easier and some people you simply have to release to God and walk away.
He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Moving in: How to build connections in your new community
SNS - Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with the challenge of knowing how to build community connections. Establishing these connections is crucial for creating a sense of belonging and developing a supportive network in your new environment.
When you feel connected to your community, you’re more likely to feel at home and less isolated. Building relationships with neighbors, joining local groups, and participating in community events can significantly enhance your experience in a new city. These connections provide emotional support, practical help, and opportunities to engage in social activities, all contributing to your overall well-being and happiness.
Once you’ve settled in, attending local events is a fantastic way to build connections in your new city.
Whether it’s finding a friendly face to share a cup of coffee with or someone to rely on in times of need, the benefits of fostering community connections are immense. Here are practical steps to help you quickly and effectively build these essential ties in your new city.
Ease Your Move In and Engage with the Community
Build Community Connections: Join Local Groups and Organizations
After you unpack and settle into your new home, joining local groups and organizations can be a great way to build community connections. You can join various groups depending on your interests and hobbies. Hobby clubs, such as book clubs, gardening groups, or cooking classes, offer a chance to meet people with similar passions. Sports teams and fitness classes, like soccer leagues, running clubs, or yoga sessions, provide opportunities to stay active while socializing. Volunteer organizations are another excellent option, allowing you to contribute to the community while connecting with like-minded individuals.
Finding and joining these groups can be straightforward, with a few practical tips. Start by checking community bulletin boards at local libraries, coffee shops, and community centers for flyers and announcements. Online platforms like Meetup, Facebook, and local community websites are valuable resources for discovering local groups. Attend local events and ask residents about groups they are part of. Don’t hesitate to contact organizations or group leaders to express your interest. You'll quickly become a part of the community by actively seeking out and participating in these groups.
Attend Community Events
Once you’ve settled in, attending local events is a fantastic way to build connections in your new city. These events, such as festivals, markets, and town meetings, are crucial in fostering a sense of community. They provide opportunities to meet new people, learn about local culture, and discover community resources. Whether you’re interested in art fairs, music festivals, or local farmers' markets, there’s always something happening that can help you feel more integrated into your new surroundings. Town meetings are especially valuable as they offer insights into local issues and allow you to voice your opinions and participate in decision-making.
Shoppers try on jewelry at the Red Ember Forge booth at the Crystal Lake Park Art Fair on August 3. There are always events in a community that can help newcomers meet new people and start networking with residents with similar interests. Art fairs and community festivals are great places to make new friends.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Finding information about upcoming events can be simple with a few strategies:
- Community Bulletin Boards: Check bulletin boards at local libraries, coffee shops, and community centers.
- Local Newspapers: Browse the events section in local newspapers or online editions.
- Social Media: Follow local community groups, pages, and event listings on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- City Websites: Visit the official city or town website for a calendar of events and activities.
- Word of Mouth: Talk to neighbors and new acquaintances about events they recommend. Regularly attending these events, you stay informed and find countless opportunities to meet people who might share your interests, such as gardening tips or home renovation ideas, enhancing your sense of belonging in the community.
Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media and online platforms play a significant role in helping newcomers connect with community members in a new city. These tools make finding local groups, events, and activities that match your interests easier. Platforms like Facebook have numerous community groups where residents share news, recommendations, and social gatherings. Joining these groups can provide insights into local culture and events, helping you feel more at home.
Dancers learn the art of Flamenco during a workshop at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana in March 2023. Finding groups that match your social interest is relatively easy, thanks largely to groups posting activities on social media.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Nextdoor is another valuable platform specifically designed for neighborhood connections. It allows you to communicate with nearby residents, share resources, and stay updated on local happenings. Meetup is ideal for finding social groups and activities based on your hobbies and interests, whether a book club, hiking group, or a professional network.
Engage with Neighbors
Building relationships with your neighbors can greatly enhance your sense of belonging after moving to a new city. Engaging with the people who live around you not only creates a friendly atmosphere but also establishes a support network. Here are some effective strategies and activities to help you connect with your neighbors.
Initiating Conversations
Starting a conversation with neighbors can be as simple as a friendly greeting. Introduce yourself when you see them outside or during casual encounters in common areas. Ask about local recommendations, such as good restaurants or parks, to show interest in their opinions. Sharing small favors, like offering help with carrying groceries or lending a tool, can break the ice and open up further dialogue. Hosting a casual get-together at your home, like a coffee morning or a barbecue, provides a relaxed setting for more in-depth conversations.
Participating in recreational sports groups is a great way to have fun and meet new people.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Neighborhood Activities
Participating in neighborhood activities is a great way to foster connections. Block parties are an excellent opportunity to meet multiple neighbors in a festive environment. You can suggest organizing one or join if there's already a plan. Local gatherings, such as community clean-ups or holiday celebrations, also unite neighbors. Joining or forming a neighborhood watch group can build camaraderie and contribute to the safety of your area.
Participate in Local Initiatives
Getting involved in community projects and initiatives can significantly impact your sense of connection in a new city. These activities allow you to contribute positively to your surroundings and help build stronger ties with residents. For example, participating in local beautification projects, such as park clean-ups or tree planting, can bring you together with neighbors who share a common goal.
Volunteering at community centers or local schools provides opportunities to meet people and make meaningful contributions. Joining neighborhood safety initiatives, like a watch group, promotes a safer environment and fosters trust among residents. These efforts can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper sense of community. Much like creating cozy spaces in your home, participating in local initiatives helps you feel more settled and integrated, making your new city feel like home.
The Importance of Building Community Connections
Knowing how to build community connections in a new city is essential for creating a sense of belonging and developing a supportive network. Engaging with neighbors, joining local groups, attending community events, utilizing social media, and participating in local initiatives can significantly enhance your experience and make your new city feel like home. These connections provide emotional support, practical help, and opportunities for social interaction, contributing to your overall well-being and happiness. Don’t hesitate to take the first step – introduce yourself to a neighbor, attend a local event, or join a community project.
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