Richardson leads Comet Cross Country team at Tuscola Regionals

TUSCOLA - The Oakwood Comets girls cross country team concluded their regional campaign with a fifth-place finish at the IHSA regional meet held at Wimple Park last Saturday. The team advanced to Saturday's sectional meet at Lake Land College in Mattoon.

All five scoring runners for Oakwood achieved PRs at the regional meet. Sophomore Callie Richardson led the charge, securing a seventh-place finish with a time of 18:37.25, a nearly 10-second improvement over her previous best.

Juniors Bracie Hird (20:59.99) and Taylor Wells (21:00.51) followed closely, placing 27th and 28th respectively. Hird shaved over 15 seconds off her previous best, while Wells, in only her third varsity race, continued her impressive development. Sophomores Taylor Remole (21:11.96) and junior Zoe Moudy (23:01.73) rounded out the scoring five, both achieving significant PRs. Moudy's improvement was particularly noteworthy, dropping over six minutes from her season debut.

The team's combined score of 124 points placed them behind regional powerhouses Unity (40 points), St. Joseph-Ogden (70 points), Paxton-Buckley-Loda (94 points), and Urbana University (106 points).

The Comets turn their attention to Saturday's IHSA Class 1A Sectional meet at Lake Land College. While the competition will be fierce, the team's recent performance suggests they are well-positioned to make a strong showing to qualify for the state meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria on November 9.

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Keywords: Oakwood Comets cross country, IHSA regional meet, Class 1A Sectional, Detweiller Park, personal records, state meet qualification.

St. Joseph-Ogden outlast Unity in three-set battle to secure regional title berth

Emma McKinney (left) and Reese Wheatley celebrate a point for the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team in their home match against Maroa-Forsyth. McKinney was credit with 23 assists and led the team in digs in SJO's regional semifinal against Unity on Tuesday.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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OAKWOOD - In a high-stakes, do or stay home, semifinal showdown, St. Joseph-Ogden eked out a three-set win over Unity on Tuesday at the Oakwood Regional, outscoring the Rockets 25-17, 19-25, 25-16 to secure their spot in Thursday’s regional title game against St. Thomas More. Despite Unity's strong season-ending push, the Spartans’ balanced attack and relentless defense proved decisive.

St. Joseph-Ogden (18-18), who came into the match with momentum from a two-game win streak, saw strong play from outside hitter Tinley Ideus leading the offense, forcing Unity’s defense to work overtime. Ideus, a standout for SJO, amassed 10 kills and added 10 digs, demonstrating her versatility and impact on both sides of the ball. Senior Ava Seggebruch complemented Ideus with seven kills and 10 digs.

Unity, however, did not go down easily. After falling in the first set, the Rockets adjusted their defensive strategy. Their efforts paid off in the second set, where they clawed back, winning, 25-19. Capitalizing on their defensive stands and taking advantage of Spartan errors, Unity found its footing to force a third set.

But the Spartans regrouped for the final frame, tightening up defensively and refocusing on their attack. Junior Emma McKinney played a critical role as a setter, tallying 23 assists for the evening and orchestrated an offense that saw contributions from multiple hitters. Ally Schmitz added four kills and nine digs, while Addi Childers and Reese Wheatley, who led in team blocks with two, each chipped in two kills, ensuring that SJO’s attack remained dynamic and unpredictable.

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Ava Seggebruch pass the ball during SJO's home match against Maroa-Forsyth. The Spartans face a formidable St. Thomas More squad in their regional title match.

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Defensively, Katie Ericksen anchored the back row for the Spartans, tallying nine digs and serving two aces to keep the Rockets off balance. Ultimately SJO sealed their advance, winning the set with a 25-16 win.

Tuesday’s victory was particularly sweet for St. Joseph-Ogden, as Unity had previously bested them in straight sets, 25-23, 25-18, on September 24. This time, with a title game on the line, the Spartans showed marked improvement in their attack and defensive consistency, areas that had hampered them in the previous encounter. The win sends St. Joseph-Ogden to Thursday's regional final against a formidable opponent in St. Thomas More, who triumphed over Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin in their own semifinal matchup.

The Sabers will present a stiff challenge for SJO, having defeated the Spartans convincingly, 25-10, 25-12, earlier in the season. However, with renewed confidence and a balanced lineup, the Spartans look ready to give St. Thomas More a tougher contest this time around. Thursday’s title game, set for 6 p.m., will likely be an intense matchup as the Spartans seek their first regional title since their 2022 three-set win over BHRA.

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Editor's correction: In our original story, we wrote that SJO had not won a regional title since "their 2019 trip to the Class 2A Final Four". That was incorrect. The article has been updated to reflect the Spartans won their most recent title in 2022 at the Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin regional.

Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball, Unity Rockets, Oakwood Regional volleyball, Tinley Ideus, Ava Seggebruch, St. Thomas More volleyball, Illinois high school volleyball playoffs

Stress-free Thanksgiving tips for those short on time this holiday season

StatePoint - While gathering for Thanksgiving is intended to be a joyous occasion, everyone who has hosted the feast knows it can also come with a lot of stress, and expenses.

The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.

That’s because this holiday season, Sam’s Club’s private brand Member’s Mark is unveiling an innovative pre-cooked Thanksgiving meal that is ready to serve in under two hours, priced under $100 for up to 10 people and available to be delivered. Crafted with mindfully made premium ingredients, the meal offers convenience without compromising quality, ensuring a stress-free, memorable and delicious Thanksgiving. Here are the traditional Thanksgiving favorites that the meal includes:

• Member’s Mark Smoked Turkey

• Member’s Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

• Member’s Mark Pumpkin Pie

• Member’s Mark Sweet Potato Mash

• Member’s Mark Brussels Sprouts

• Member’s Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls

• Member’s Mark Macaroni and Cheese

• Member’s Mark Cranberry Crunch Salad

Along with purchasing a convenient Thanksgiving meal, here are a few additional ways to eliminate stress around holiday prep:

1. Start Early: Get your shopping and other hosting tasks done in advance. For example, don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to tidy up your home. Doing a deep clean in advance can help ensure your kitchen is organized and ready for the big day, and that guests feel comfortable and welcomed. Set the table and do any decorating you have planned the evening beforehand.

2. Save on Festive Flair: You can further reduce costs by going DIY with items like centerpieces and seasonal wreaths, or by shopping with retailers offering great value, such as Sam’s Club, which provides solutions for flowers, décor, wine and other hosting essentials.

3. Rely on Friends and Family: Even if you have the main meal covered, it’s still nice to get a little help from guests, who will likely ask if they can bring something. Don’t be shy about asking them to contribute an appetizer or beverage.

For more information on the Member’s Mark Holiday Meal, visit samsclub.com.

By eliminating holiday hassles, you can focus on what really matters, giving thanks and spending time with the people you care about.

Franzen leads Spartan girls at regional cross country meet, next stop sectionals for SJO

TUSCOLA - St. Joseph-Ogden’s girls’ cross-country team secured a second-place finish at the Tuscola Regional on Saturday at Wimple Park, earning a spot in the upcoming sectional meet at Lakeland College. Senior standout Savanna Franzen led the Spartans, placing fourth overall with a time of 18:11.90. Her strong performance continued a season that saw her receive an offer to run at Eastern Illinois University.

Franzen was supported by two standout freshmen, Grace Bressner and Tessa Walker, who both ran career-best times. Bressner finished sixth with a time of 18:29.91, while Walker placed eighth, clocking in at 19:09.89. Their impressive performances highlight the team's youthful depth, which has bolstered St. Joseph-Ogden’s success this season.

Sophomore Abigail Bello also set a personal record, finishing 19th with a time of 20:19.70, further helping the Spartans secure their second-place team finish. Senior Sydney Steinbach rounded out the team’s scoring, placing 42nd with a time of 22:22.94.

Unity High School claimed the team title with 40 points, led by individual champion Kate Foltz, who dominated the race with a time of 16:02.82. Unity’s Emily Decker and Mackenzie Pound finished second and third, respectively, helping secure the top spot. St. Joseph-Ogden followed in second with 70 points, while Paxton-Buckley-Loda came in third with 94 points.

Franzen’s leadership, combined with the rapid development of Bressner and Walker, has provided St. Joseph-Ogden with a strong mix of experience and youth. Heading into the Cumberland Sectional next weekend, the Spartans will rely on this balance to compete for a state meet berth.

The competition at Lakeland College will be fierce, with Unity once again looking like the team to beat. However, if Franzen continues her strong season and the team’s younger runners build on their regional performances, St. Joseph-Ogden is well-positioned for success.

St. Joseph-Ogden will aim to extend their season at the sectional meet, with a potential return to Detweiller Park for the state championships.

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Unity claims another cross country regional title, Rockets positioned to make it a four-peat at state

TUSCOLA - The Unity girls' cross country team secured yet another triumph on Saturday, winning the Tuscola Cross Country Regional at Wimple Park. The Rockets, defending three-time Class 1A state champions, extended their dominance with a first-place finish, posting a team score of 40 points, well ahead of second-place St. Joseph-Ogden’s 70. Paxton-Buckley-Loda rounded out the top three with 94 points.

Unity’s success was built on a balanced performance from its top runners, as five Rockets finished in the top 15, showcasing the depth and strength of the team. Senior Emily Decker led the charge for Unity, finishing second overall with a time of 17:11.44, just over a minute behind Tuscola’s Kate Foltz, who claimed first place in 16:02.82. Decker’s commanding performance set the tone for Unity's steady climb toward another potential state championship.

Following Decker, Unity’s junior standout Mackenzie Pound crossed the line in third place, clocking in at 17:51.90. Pound’s continued improvement this season has made her a key asset for the Rockets as they gear up for another postseason run.

Unity’s depth shone through with senior Josie Cler finishing 10th (19:21.96) and fellow seniors Ashlyn Denney (19:49.92) and Camryn Reedy (19:50.54) closely following in 13th and 15th places, respectively. Rounding out Unity’s top seven were Molly Baxley (20:20.06) in 20th and Grace Wherley (20:29.00) in 22nd, further solidifying the Rockets’ dominance in the regional field.

With clear blue skies and a crisp 40-degree temperature, the fall weather created ideal conditions for the athletes at Wimple Park. Unity capitalized on the fast course, maintaining strong positioning throughout the race. Decker’s aggressive start, coupled with Pound’s steady pace in the middle stages, helped Unity quickly take control.

While Unity's runners were focused on team success, Foltz of Tuscola delivered an individual performance for the record books, finishing nearly a minute faster than any other competitor with a time of 16:02.82. Her dominance gave the home crowd plenty to cheer for, even as Tuscola finished seventh overall.

St. Joseph-Ogden, paced by Savanna Franzen’s fourth-place finish (18:11.90) and Grace Bressner in sixth (18:29.91), tried to keep pace with Unity but ultimately couldn’t match the Rockets’ depth. Paxton-Buckley-Loda’s Audrey McCoy (19:16.19) and Urbana University’s Clara Knutson (19:33.73) also finished strong, earning spots in the top 20.

Unity’s team-oriented approach, coupled with standout performances from its top runners, has put the Rockets in prime position for another state title. Having finished first or second in six of the last eight seasons, Unity is once again reloaded to make a deep postseason run.

The state meet is just weeks away, and Unity’s continued dominance at the regional level serves notice the Class 1A programs across the state.

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Keywords: Unity girls cross country, Tuscola regional results, Illinois high school cross country, Class 1A state champions, Unity Rockets cross country, 2024 cross country

Uni-High girls finish fourth at Tuscola cross country regional

TUSCOLA - The Urbana University girls cross country team placed fourth at the regional race held at Wimple Park in Tuscola on Saturday.

Despite the crisp fall weather, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, the Illineks' top three runners set personal bests in the three-mile race.

Freshman Clara Knutson led the way for Urbana University, finishing 12th overall in 19:33.73, breaking her previous best of 19:54.8. Cadence Scheunemann, a sophomore, also set a new personal record, placing 17th in 20:01.33, improving upon her previous best of 20:31.2. Junior Ella Ylagan rounded out the top three for the Illineks, finishing 18th overall with a time of 20:05.78, surpassing her previous best of 20:10.7.

Urbana University's other two scoring runners were Shriya Nagaraj (32nd, 21:12.66) and Julia Smith (41st, 22:16.49).

Unity won the team title with a score of 40, followed by St. Joseph-Ogden (70), Paxton-Buckley-Loda (94), and Urbana University (106). The top seven teams advance to next Saturday's sectional race at Cumberland High School, including runners from Oakwood, St.Thomas More, and Tuscola.

Top 20 Finishers

1. Kate Foltz, Tuscola (16:02.82)
2. Emily Decker, Unity (17:11.44)
3. Mackenzie Pound, Unity (17:51.90)
4. Savanna Franzen, St. Joseph-Ogden (18:11.90)
5. Ellie Emberson, Fisher (18:20.76)
6. Grace Bressner, St. Joseph-Ogden (18:29.91)
7. Callie Richardson, Oakwood (18:37.25)
8. Tessa Walker, St. Joseph-Ogden (19:09.89)
9. Audrey McCoy, Paxton-Buckley-Loda (19:16.19)
10. Josie Cler, Unity (19:21.96)
11. Kyla Franckey, Paxton-Buckley-Loda (19:31.36)
12. Clara Knutson, Urbana University (19:33.73)
13. Ashlyn Denney, Unity (19:49.92)
14. Maddison DeOrnellas, Paxton-Buckley-Loda (19:50.27)
15. Camryn Reedy, Unity (19:50.54)
16. Leah Phipps, Chrisman (19:58.32)
17. Cadence Scheunemann, Urbana University (20:01.33)
18. Ella Ylagan, Urbana University (20:05.78)
19. Abigail Bello, St. Joseph-Ogden (20:19.70)
20. Molly Baxley, Unity (20:20.06)

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Keywords: Urbana University girls cross country, Regional cross country race, Personal bests, Top 20 runners, Unity High School, St. Joseph-Ogden

Area football playoff schedule

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Running back Garrett Richardson carries the ball in the Unity's home game against IVC. Richardson and the Rockets travel to Roxana to take on the Shells in round one of the 2024 IHSA football playoffs. Below is a list of locations and game times for Sentinel area football programs.

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Friday, November 1

@ Cumberland .::. 7 pm
(6) Toledo (Cumberland) (7-2)
(11) Tuscola (5-4)

@ Elmwood-Brimfield .::. 7 pm
(4) Elmwood-Brimfield (8-1)
(13) Oakwood (5-4)

@ Mahomet-Seymour .::. 7 pm
(3) Mahomet-Seymour (7-2)
(14) Sacred Heart-Griffin (5-4)

Saturday, November 2

@ Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley .::. 1 pm
(3) Gibson City (Melvin-Sibley) (8-1)
(14) Salt Fork (5-4)

@ Monmouth-Roseville .::. 4 pm
(6) Monmouth-Roseville (8-1)
(11) Paxton-Buckley-Loda (6-3)

@ St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 2 pm
(1) St. Joseph-Ogden (9-0)
(16) West Frankfort (5-4)

@ Roxana .::. 2:30 pm
(8) Roxana (7-2)
(9) Unity (6-3)

@ Monticello .::. 2 pm
(6) Monticello (7-2)
(11) DuQuoin (H.S.) (6-3)

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