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 16 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.
Editor's pick ~
As youth find their way in a digital age, the threat of online harassment continues to grow. A study earlier this year raises concerns that cyberbullying may be significantly more likely to influence suicidality.
ST. JOSEPH - Vandalia receiver Kohnor Depew is turned upside down after a hit by St. Joseph-Ogden's Kodey McKinney on a pass play late in the fourth quarter. The catch would have put the Vandals in a short field situation where they had been successful in scoring earlier in the Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game. The Spartans rallied back from a 21-17 first half deficit to defeat Vandalia and extend their playoff run. Next Saturday, the SJO hosts Unity, who beat Williamsville 42-7. The two programs last met in a semifinal game a decade ago.
Past Photo of the Day
TAGS: Kodey McKinney breaks up pass play, St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans advance to 3A semifinals, SJO wins home playoff game against Vandalia
The Saints opened strong with a 25-19 first-set win. Columbia responded by taking the next two sets. The runner-up finish capped a standout postseason for Central Catholic.
Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball during the Saints' Class 2A state championship game against Columbia. The junior finished the three-set affair with a team-high 12 kills, seven digs and two aces. by Alan Look Best Look Magazine
NORMAL - The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints closed out a remarkable season on the state’s biggest stage, earning a runner-up finish in the IHSA Class 2A Girls Volleyball Tournament. While the final result — a three-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship match — may have stung in the moment, the team’s legacy is defined by the exceptional journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal.
Saints' Josie Certa passes the ball to an outside hitter during Saturday's IHSA Class 2A title game.
The Saints’ dominant postseason run showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They played as a cohesive unit, displaying skill, balance and resilience throughout the state series. In the championship match, they came out strong, taking the first set 25-19 and dictating the early pace. Though Columbia rallied, the Saints’ numbers reflected their determination. They finished with 36 kills, led by Kampbell Niepagen’s 12. Setter Josie Certa powered the offense with 32 assists, distributing the ball with the precision and chemistry built over months of work.
For Central Catholic, the season was a testament to perseverance, consistency and belief. The 2023 Saints cemented their place among the state’s elite and set a new standard for the program. They returned home with silver medals, but the pride they brought to their school and community shone brighter than any hardware.
The championship stage is more than a showcase of athletic ability. It is where communities rally, memories are made and pride is forged. This Saints team will be remembered for its grit, its unity and the joy it brought to every match.
For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.
TAGS: Bloomington Central Catholic IHSA Class 2A volleyball championship recap, Columbia vs Central Catholic state title match three-set summary, Illinois high school volleyball 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic, Kampbell Niepagen and Josie Certa state championship performance stats, Central Catholic Saints postseason volleyball run 2023 analysis
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 16 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.
