Ten local players earn all-conference volleyball recognition in Illini Prairie Conference

The all-conference list reflects depth across local programs, with STM accounting for half of the area selections.

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URBANA - The Illini Prairie Conference released its all-conference volleyball teams last week, and 10 players from St. Thomas More, Unity, and St. Joseph-Ogden earned postseason recognition for their performances throughout the fall.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Jillian Schlittler

St. Thomas More led the area with five selections after finishing 23-13 and second in the league at 7-2. Seniors Campbell Phillips and Cassidy Monahan were named to the First Team, helping the Sabers post wins over four of the five Champaign County opponents on their schedule. Their only local loss came in a narrow 2-1 setback against St. Joseph-Ogden. Senior Sophia Hill earned a Second Team spot, while senior Audrey Gooding and junior Juju Kerr collected Honorable Mention honors.

Unity had two players represented on this year’s list. Senior Jillian Schlittler, who guided the Rockets to a regional championship, earned First Team honors. Sophomore Olivia Williams added an Honorable Mention nod. The Rockets started hot with wins over Bismarck-Henning, LeRoy, and Mattoon before their season ended in the sectional semifinal against Class 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

SJO's Emma McKinney

St. Joseph-Ogden placed three players on the all-conference lists. Senior Emma McKinney was named to the Second Team, while juniors Hadley McDonald and Emerson Williams received Honorable Mentions. The Spartans closed the season at 13-21 but earned notable wins over Danville, Kankakee, and Rock Island.

Below is the complete list of Illini Prairie Conference all-conference honorees for the 2024 volleyball season.

First Team All-Conference

Name - Grade - School
1 Kampbell Niepagen Jr. BCC
2 Kayt Miller Jr. IVC
3 Mady Melton Sr. MHS
4 Cassidy Monahan Sr. STM
5 Rosie Krenz Sr. BCC
6 Trinity Cheek Jr. PTHS
7 Jillian Schlittler Sr. UNITY
8 Aubrey Fair Sr. BCC
9 Paige Young Sr. PC
10 Campbell Phillips Sr. STM

Second Team All-Conference

Name - Grade - School
1 Jayce Taylor Jr. IVC
2 Ashley Stiverson Sr. MHS
3 Addison Hoeniges Sr. BCC
4 Ellie Dirks So. PBL
5 Morgan Dewald Sr. PTHS
6 Miranda Hari Jr. PC
7 Emma McKinney Sr. SJO
8 Kendall Fair Jr. BCC
9 Airiana Bell Sr. RHS
10 Sophia Hill Sr. STM

Honorable Mention

Name - Grade - School
1 Trinity Miller Sr. PTHS
2 Olivia Williams So. UNITY
3 Kyah Creek Sr. PC
4 Audrey Gooding Sr. STM
5 Juju Kerr Jr. STM
6 Regan Baker So. BCC
7 Josie Certa Sr. BCC
8 Addison Finet Sr. MHS
9 Josie Roseman Sr. RHS
10 Hadley McDonald Jr. SJO
11 Emerson Williams Jr. SJO

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TAGS: illini prairie conference volleyball awards, st thomas more five all-conference players, unity rockets volleyball first team schlittler, st joseph-ogden volleyball all-conference honorees, central illinois high school volleyball postseason recognition

Vermillion’s defense leads Oakwood to convincing win at Arcola

Oakwood opened the season with a 43-15 road win over Arcola, a sharp reversal from last year’s loss. Senior Caydence Vermillion led the way with 14 points, six steals and six rebounds. Emma Koontz contributed a double-double.

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ARCOLA - Oakwood opened its girls basketball season with a dominant 43-15 road win over Arcola on Monday evening, a complete turnaround from last year’s 50-18 loss to the Riders. The Comets controlled both ends of the floor from the start, setting the tone defensively and never allowing Arcola to find rhythm in the half court.

The defensive pressure was anchored by senior Caydence Vermillion, whose active hands and anticipation disrupted Arcola’s ball movement throughout the night. Vermillion finished with six steals in 28 minutes and added a game-high 14 points. She also pulled down six rebounds, helping Oakwood outwork Arcola on the glass and limit second-chance scoring opportunities.

Oakwood’s rebounding edge was strengthened further by junior forward Emma Koontz, who controlled the paint with 11 rebounds while adding 10 points. She also contributed three blocks, cutting off drives and forcing Arcola to settle for tough shots. With Koontz anchoring the interior and Vermillion generating turnovers on the perimeter, the Comets held Arcola to nine points in the first half and just six in the second.

Offensively, Oakwood found a steady balance. Along with Vermillion and Koontz, Mady Nicoson chipped in six points to go with two rebounds and two assists, helping keep the ball moving and the offense organized. The Comets consistently converted turnovers into transition opportunities, which widened the margin early and kept the lead comfortable throughout the game.

The win gives Oakwood an encouraging start following last year’s 10-22 finish, offering signs that the roster’s defensive intensity and improved rebounding could play a larger role this season. The Comets return to action Saturday, Nov. 22, when they host Casey-Westfield, the same team that edged them 24-21 last year.

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TAGS: Oakwood girls basketball season opener, Arcola vs Oakwood game recap, Illinois high school basketball defensive performance, Oakwood Comets basketball 2025, Casey-Westfield vs Oakwood preview

Health & Fitness |Leafy greens shown to slow aging, boost heart health and improve longevity

Despite rising obesity, fresh produce in the U.S. is safer than ever thanks to strict standards and food safety systems

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Photo: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash

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Family Features - As concerns about childhood obesity and chronic disease reach crisis levels, public health experts are urging Americans to eat more fresh produce.

For the first time in history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight - a reversal driven largely by diets dominated by ultra-processed foods and a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to UNICEF. It's not just an issue impacting children. In the United States, adult obesity rates have hovered at approximately 40% from 2021-2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fresh produce in the United States has never been safer with extensive federal requirements for leafy greens. Farmers and produce companies have also taken food safety concerns seriously, investing heavily in prevention, testing and traceability systems. Many farmers and food companies voluntarily comply with industry-wide standards. For example, in California, the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) sets measurable and verifiable standards for the produce industry, further enhancing food safety.

The numbers tell a compelling story about both safety and benefits. Americans consume 130 million servings of leafy greens every day, according to the Western Growers Association. Meanwhile, the evidence linking leafy green consumption to better health outcomes continues to mount.

Research published in the journal "Neurology" found eating approximately one serving per day of leafy greens was associated with slower cognitive decline - equivalent to being 11 years younger in age. A study by the "Institute for Functional Medicine" discovered diets rich in leafy greens sparked DNA changes that reversed biological aging by up to 3.23 years.

The cardiovascular benefits extend beyond mortality reduction. A study published in the "European Journal of Nutrition" found consuming 1.5 cups of leafy greens daily could help prevent heart disease in older adults. As has long been documented in medical literature, consuming more fruits and vegetables is associated with lower mortality rates.

"This isn't just about adding years to your life; it's about maintaining quality of life and independence as we age. It's also important to remember that," said Dr. David Acheson, a medically trained food safety expert who previously served in leadership at both the FDA and USDA.

Access to fresh produce has also never been more convenient or varied. From bagged salads and pre-cut vegetables to ready-to-eat fresh cut fruit bowls or vegetable trays, there are countless ways to incorporate healthy foods into diets. These options reduce barriers to healthy eating by eliminating prep time and providing portion-controlled servings that help minimize food waste while making nutritious choices more accessible. This means the real challenge is translating this abundance of fresh produce into better dietary habits and improved public health.

In a nation grappling with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline, doubling down on fresh produce isn't just good advice. It's a public health imperative.

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TAGS: fresh produce health benefits, leafy greens cognitive decline research, obesity prevention through diet, food safety standards for produce, cardiovascular benefits of leafy vegetables

The Sentinel On This Day | November 18

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 18 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 ~

Pleasant Plains evades loss to SJO

SJO's Timera Blackburn-Kelley and Addisyn Martinie try to wrestle the ball away from Pleasant Plains' Anna Weber during second-half action of their non-conference game on Saturday. St. Joseph-Ogden (0-1) lost ...

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November 17 Archives

November 19 Archives

Photo of the Day |Takedown season underway

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGH - Loyola Academy's Kai Calcutt tries to avoid a takedown on a shot by Joliet Central's Charles Walker during their 215-pound Class 3A title match at the IHSA Boys Wrestling State Final back in February. Calcutt, a junior and the defending champion, lost the match by a 7-5 decision. Heading into the title match, Calcutt rolled through the bracket, spending just five minutes on the mat total against his first three opponents. The IHSA wrestling season started a week ago Monday. Look for him back in title contention after finishing with a 40-2 record last year. The match season for IHSA wrestling starts this Monday around the state.

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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

Guest Commentary |Find motivation and overcoming depression

According to Glenn, solutions for depression may be found by seeking medical help but also in a number of other areas.

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Photo: Yuris Alhumaydy/Unsplash

SAD is caused by lack of sunlight and physical activity. Other contributing factors can include hormonal imbalances, Vitamin D deficiency and neurotransmitters imbalance. Young and senior adults are often impacted more, worsening struggles with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and burnout during the winter season.

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by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Glenn Mollette

It’s not difficult to become unmotivated in life. The death of a spouse, health debilitation, financial hardship and many more reasons can take the wind from our sails. About 18-20 percent of Americans routinely struggle with depression. In 2024, one in five Americans reported taking medication for depression. About 31 percent of women and 15.6 percent of men reported taking medication for depression.

Depression zaps us of our energy and drains us of our motivation. When we are depressed, it’s difficult to do homework, rake the leaves, perform well at work or often just get up from the sofa. Regardless of the cause, it’s not a fun or productive state of life.

This time of year, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is also known as the winter blues. SAD is caused by lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.

Young and senior adults are impacted. Young adults struggle with depression, anxiety and burnout. Too often there is a lack of purpose or direction. They face unrealistic expectations or pressure to succeed. Young adults struggle with social media comparison, boredom and lack of personal engagement. Poor physical health and fear of failing also are major contributors to depression and lack of motivation.

Seniors are impacted by aging, health decline, retirement or loss of purpose. Social isolation, loneliness, grief, chronic illness, medication side effects, cognitive decline and fear of death can, to some extent, plague all of us.

Solutions for depression may be found by seeking medical help but also in a number of other areas. Consider regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, prayer, meditation, yoga, deep breathing and more social involvement/connections. Spend time with loved ones, pursue hobbies and other creative activities.

Do what you can do. You may not be material for the NBA, NFL or PGA, but that’s okay. Find what you can do, which is not everything, or even a lot of things, but it is some things. Don’t worry about what you can’t do and do what you can do.

Do what you enjoy. Life is seldom a daily 24-hour party but there should be some fun along the way. Whatever it is, find some time to fit it into your schedule. It could be anything from playing cards, gardening, taking a walk or cooking. whatever it is, try to find a way to fit it in. It can be anything that will help you to cast off that heavy blue feeling that is draining the life out of you.

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About the author ~

Glen Mollett 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.

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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.

The Sentinel On This Day | November 17

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 17 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 ~

What da funk? A stinky body can be a sign of a health issue

Death, taxes and body odor.

They’re things we can all expect in life, no matter how clean you are. But health care providers want you to know when body odor is a sign of a more serious health problem.

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November 16 Archives

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Tips for parents to minimize stress and maximize joy during the holidays

Here are a few practical strategies to avoid holiday stress and maintain your emotional well-being in case you hit a bump or two along the way.

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Photo: Nicole Michalou/PEXELS

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Family Features - Stress and parenting go hand in hand, but during the holiday season, many parents find their stress levels rising to new heights. Between coordinating schedules, shopping, traveling and managing children's expectations - plus the disruption to the school routine that everyone had finally settled into - the season can feel more like mayhem than merry.

However, by thoughtfully planning and implementing a few practical strategies, parents can protect their well-being and support their families. Early childhood experts from The Goddard School share guidance to help parents stay grounded and make the most of their meaningful family moments this holiday season.

Clarify Priorities

One of the most empowering steps is to decide in advance what truly matters to your family. Consider:

• Which traditions or gatherings are nonnegotiable?
• Are there holiday events you can skip this year without regret?
• What obligations are you taking on out of habit rather than genuine desire?

By reducing the number of "must-do" activities, you can avoid overextending your family. It's OK to decline invitations when your calendar is already full.

Establish a Budget

Holiday spending can weigh heavily on your mind. Create a family holiday budget that includes gifts and activities, then stick to it. Use the opportunity to teach your children about responsible spending and gratitude. Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often those made with time, attention or creativity, not the highest price tag.

Set Boundaries

Stress often arises when family dynamics, expectations or traditions clash. You can reduce this by setting boundaries and communicating them early. Speak openly with the relatives and friends you'll see about what's comfortable for your family and what isn't (e.g., physical space, travel, topics to avoid). Let your children know what to expect, as the lack of routine during this time can be particularly challenging. Modeling clear boundaries helps your children learn to express their own needs, too.

Prioritize Your Physical and Emotional Health

Amid the hustle, your own basic care often slips, but your well-being is key to being present for others. Consider establishing routines, such as: * Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever possible. * Nutrition: Keep healthy staples in the mix, even if treats abound. * Movement: A short walk, stretch breaks or gentle exercise may help reset your nervous system. Stepping outside can be especially helpful.

Also, if illness strikes, listen to your body and give yourself permission to pause. Pushing through tends to backfire.

Design a Stress Rescue Plan

Even the best-laid plans don't prevent tension or unexpected emotional triggers. Anticipate stress by creating fallback strategies. For example, plan to use a playlist, a quick breathing exercise or a sensory object to help you regroup when your stress escalates. These strategies work for children as well.

If you're worried about unwanted questions - such as a family member asking about politics or your plans to have another child - rehearse your response in advance with a friend. When these stressful moments arise, having a toolkit gives you a sense of control.

Unplug and Be Present

Screens are omnipresent. While they serve a purpose, they can be an unwelcome distraction, especially when you're spending time with loved ones you don't get to see often. Try to designate screen-free times, such as during meals, after dinner or when gifts are being exchanged. Use screens intentionally, such as video calling out-of-town family members, rather than passively scrolling. Focus on in-person connection by playing games, telling stories, making crafts or taking walks. Remember to lead by example, as your children are watching. Being fully present at key moments is the one gift your family will remember above all else.

As the holidays approach, the pressure to do it all can loom large. By clarifying priorities, setting boundaries and safeguarding your health, you can minimize stress and maximize joy. That said, even with careful planning, things can go off course, and that's OK. Practice self-compassion and allow for imperfections. Enjoy every laugh, surprise and even the occasional moment of calm.

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Tags: Listen to your body if you get sick, create fallback strategies in case plans fail, Don't worry if things to go perfect, Many parents find their stress level rise during the holiday season, Giving meaningful gifts are better

Cissna Park advances to state volleyball finals with semifinal win over Tremont

The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.

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NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.

While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.

Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.

Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.

The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.

With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.

Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.

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PrepSports Coverage

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Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball

Dominance Defined: Mirkovic’s Monster Double-Double Leads Illinois Past Colgate

Illinois improved to 4-0 after beating Colgate behind a dominant double-double from David Mirkovic.

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Illustration: Alan Look Photography

CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois men’s basketball team notched an 84-65 win over Colgate on Nov. 14, 2025, improving to 4-0 on the season. While the final score reflected a balanced team effort, forward David Mirkovic delivered the night’s defining performance, showcasing a level of interior dominance rarely seen in the college game.

Mirkovic controlled the paint and established himself as the premier player on the floor throughout his 38 minutes.

His final stat line underscored his efficiency and relentlessness. He finished with 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting and went 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. He also pulled down 21 rebounds, posting a massive double-double that neutralized Colgate’s interior presence.

Eight of his rebounds came on the offensive end, creating several second-chance opportunities that fueled Illinois’ scoring runs and wore down the Raiders’ defense. He added three assists, strengthening his impact as a complete offensive contributor.

The performance was a definitive statement, reinforcing his status as one of the Illini’s most reliable forces and a player capable of carrying the team through challenging stretches as Illinois continues its early-season momentum.

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.

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TAGS: David Mirkovic double-double Illinois vs Colgate basketball recap, Illinois Fighting Illini 4-0 start 2025 season game summary, Colgate Raiders vs Illinois dominant interior performance Mirkovic, Illinois basketball standout player stats David Mirkovic 2025, NCAA men’s basketball early season Illinois vs Colgate analysis

The Sentinel On This Day | November 16

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.

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Editor's pick ~

Cyberbullying more likely to make victim suicidal

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.

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Photo of the Day |Spartans turn Vandals playoff hope upside down

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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.

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Past Photo of the Day

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TAGS: Kodey McKinney breaks up pass play, St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans advance to 3A semifinals, SJO wins home playoff game against Vandalia

Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold

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.

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Photo: Alan Look Photography

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.

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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.

Photo: Alan Look Photography

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