Sandburg women’s golf eyes 3rd straight nationals trip

GALESBURG — After advancing to the NJCAA Division II Championship in back-to-back seasons and three times in the last four years, the Sandburg women’s golf team has its sights set on another trip to nationals in 2026-27.

The Chargers begin their new season by hosting the Charger Invite at noon Saturday at Lake Bracken. It’s one of four events on the fall schedule for coach Gail Hannam’s team. The Chargers’ national-qualifying tournament will take place in the spring season.

Sandburg brings back four players from last season’s team that finished 14th at nationals. The Chargers have competed at the NJCAA Championship in 2019, 2023, 2025 and 2026.

RETURNERS

Anna Carroll, sophomore (Milan, Ill./Rockridge)
Jessica Schultz, sophomore (Toluca, Ill./Fieldcrest)

• Placed seventh at the Central District Championship as a freshman, earning a spot on the all-district team.

• Finished 59th at nationals, posting the Chargers’ low score in three of four rounds.
Olivia Seei, sophomore (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo)
• Runner-up at last year’s Charger Invite in her Sandburg debut.
Allie Thome, sophomore (Oglesby, Ill./LaSalle-Peru)

Hannam: “Our sophomores will all be key to our success. Based on summer play, I’m excited to see how Olivia Seei and Jessica Shultz come out of the gate this fall.”

NEWCOMERS

Arabella Alfeldt, freshman (Oakdale, Ill./Nashville)

Isabella Johnston, freshman (Erie, Ill./Erie)

Hannam: “We have two incoming freshmen who will have an impact by providing good depth. Arabella Alfeldt has had a good summer of tournament play and should be ready to go.”

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?

Hannam: “The ultimate goal is to return to nationals. With the sophomores’ experience and two good freshmen, we should have a good shot of attaining that goal.”

TOURNAMENT TO WATCH

Charger Invite at noon Aug. 29 at Lake Bracken 

Hannam: “There will be several Region 4 teams in the field, so even with it being our first tournament, it should tell us where we stand with those teams.”

THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF …

Hannam: “We’ll have a successful season if the sophomores can lower their average from last year and we have good team chemistry.”

HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHARGERS
• Visit sandburgchargers.com for the latest Chargers news, photo galleries and more.
• Sign up for SportReporting to get free text and/or email notifications of Chargers game results.
• Follow @SandburgNJCAA on Twitter.
• Like @sandburgchargers on Facebook.

Event Schedule
08/24/2026 to 08/29/2026

Illini West High School
 

Monday - 08/24/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
1:00 PM-TBA * Golf G V Vs United High School (A) - United High School -
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf B Jv Vs West Central Hs (A) - West Central Hs -
6:00 PM-TBA * Football B Jv Vs Princeville High School (A) - Princeville High School -
Tuesday - 08/25/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf B V Vs Rushville-industry Hs (A) - Rushville-industry Hs -
5:00 PM-TBA * Volleyball G F Vs Western High School (barry) (A) - Western High School (barry) -
6:00 PM-TBA * Volleyball G Jv Vs Western High School (barry) (A) - Western High School (barry) -
7:00 PM-TBA * Volleyball G V Vs Western High School (barry) (A) - Western High School (barry) -
Wednesday - 08/26/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf B V Vs West Hancock - @ Deer Run Golf Course (A) - West Hancock -
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf G V Vs West Hancock - @ Deer Run Golf Course (A) - West Hancock -
6:00 PM-TBA * Cross Country B V Vs Macomb High School (A) - Macomb High School -
6:00 PM-TBA * Cross Country G V Vs Macomb High School (A) - Macomb High School -
Thursday - 08/27/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf B Jv Vs West Hancock (H) - Carthage Golf Course -
5:00 PM-TBA * Volleyball G F Vs Brown County High School (H) - Illini West -
6:00 PM-TBA * Football B F Vs Brown County Jh/hs (A) - Brown County Jh/hs -
6:00 PM-TBA * Volleyball G Jv Vs Brown County High School (H) - Illini West -
7:00 PM-TBA * Volleyball G V Vs Brown County High School (H) - Illini West -
Friday - 08/28/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
7:00 PM-TBA * Football B V Vs United High School (A) - United High School -
Saturday - 08/29/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
8:00 AM-TBA * Volleyball G V Vs Macomb Classic (A) - Macomb -
10:00 AM-TBA * Volleyball G Jv Vs Farmington Jv Tournament (A) - Farmington High School

The freshman volleyball game @ Western on 8/25 has been cancelled by Western as they do not have enough players.  

The JV game will start at 5:00 followed by the Varsity game at 6:00. 

Sandburg men’s soccer set to kick off Zamora era

 Rodrigo Zamora, a Sandburg men’s soccer alumnus who served as assistant coach for the past three seasons, begins his head coaching career with the Chargers’ season opener at 4 p.m. today at Wright. 

Zamora, a Monmouth-Roseville High School graduate who played keeper for the Chargers from 2014-15, takes over a team that saw ample success in his time as an assistant the last three years under Gerardo Ruvalcaba. The Chargers compiled a 35-9-8 overall record and went 8-0-1 in the Arrowhead Conference in that timeframe, including conference titles the last two seasons.

Sandburg is coming off a 2025 campaign in which it finished 12-3-3 overall and entered the postseason on a 12-game unbeaten streak. The Chargers, however, saw their playoff stay end abruptly with a 2-0 loss at home to Triton in the Region 4 quarterfinals.

The Chargers’ first home match is 2 p.m. Aug. 26 against Truman.

RETURNERS TO WATCH

Mateo Figueroa, sophomore forward

• Second-team All-Arrowhead Conference selection last season as a freshman.

• Scored four goals and tallied two assists in 2025.

Ramon Ponga, sophomore forward

• Second-team All-Arrowhead Conference and second-team All-Region 4 as a freshman.
• Scored two goals and had four assists last season.

Tyrese Ogbonna, sophomore defender
• Had a goal and two assists in his freshman campaign.
• Zamora: “Tyrese is a key and influential player. He can help guide the team and bring the freshmen and sophomores together while bringing a competitive mindset to each practice and game.”

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH

Alejandro Cantos Pastor, freshman midfielder

• Zamora: “ He’s a great tactical player, brings composure to our midfield and can play on both the attacking and defensive side.”

Luc Van der Kamp, sophomore defender

• Zamora: “His knowledge and expertise can be valuable to us. He’s a strong defensive player and good leader.”

Noha Mirande Davis, freshman midfielder

• Zamora: “Noha brings a lot of experience, playing in a great league back in France. He’s a solid addition to our midfield with an untiring hunger to help the team, whether defensively or offensively.”

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?

Zamora: “We want to build on the success of the previous season. Learn from the mistakes we made last year and make sure we do not repeat them this season. We look forward to trying to repeat winning the conference and getting farther into the Region 4 postseason.” 

MATCHES TO WATCH

• Aug. 26 at Truman
• Sept. 19 vs. Prairie State
• Sept. 6 vs. Morton (receiving votes in NJCAA Division II preseason rankings)
• Oct. 24 vs. Triton
 

THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF …

Zamora: “If we do things correctly and learn from mistakes from last season. However, the most important thing will be our mindset, making sure we support each other on the field and always giving 100% whether it’s a preseason game or in the playoffs. We want to leave everything on the field to make sure the team succeeds.”

HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHARGERS
• Watch Chargers home matches live and on-demand on the Sandburg YouTube channel.
• Visit sandburgchargers.com for the latest Chargers news, photo galleries and more.
• Sign up for SportReporting to get free text and/or email notifications of Chargers game results.
• Follow @SandburgNJCAA on Twitter.
• Like @sandburgchargers on Facebook.

Sandburg volleyball returns 8 players on 2026 roster

GALESBURG — With eight returning players, the Sandburg volleyball team hopes an experienced roster leads to more consistent success in 2026. 

The Chargers put together a 5-1 home record and 7-3 mark in the Arrowhead Conference in 2025, but Sandburg finished with a 15-23 overall record.

Sandburg opens its 2026 schedule with six matches at the All-In Opening Weekend Tournament from Friday-Sunday in Rockford. The Chargers’ first home contest is 6 p.m. Sept. 9 vs. Kishwaukee.

RETURNERS TO WATCH

Madalynn Knapp, sophomore outside hitter (Gladstone, Ill./Burlington Notre Dame)

• Totaled 213 kills as a freshman, good for third among all Chargers.

• Averaged a team-high 2.34 kills per set in 2025.

• Winkler: “She’s a great all-around player and a powerful hitter.”

Jalie Eller, sophomore outside hitter/right side (Decatur, Ill./St. Teresa)

• Played in every match last season, finishing with 190 kills (1.46 per set) and 360 digs (2.77 per set)

• Winkler: “Jalie is a true leader who leads by working hard every day. She’s a great passer and can score.”

Quinn Rexroat, sophomore setter (Macomb, Ill./Macomb)

• Led Sandburg with 950 assists (7.72 per set) in 36 matches as a freshman.

• Also had a team-best 38 service aces in 2025.

• Winkler: “Quinn is who we’ll count on to do the setting. She has the ability to make our hitters better.”

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH

Mya Hill, freshman outside hitter (Argenta, Ill./Argenta-Oreana)

• Winkler: “Mya has worked hard in the preseason to fill a position she hasn’t played in a couple years. She has impressed us every day with her improvement.

Delaney Tapscott, freshman defensive specialist (Coal Valley, Ill./Orion)

• Winkler: “Delaney is very quick and has the potential to become a great DS.”

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?

Winkler: “I expect our team to give great effort every time we step on the court. We preach attitude and effort.”

MATCHES TO WATCH

• Sept. 2 at No. 14 Sauk Valley

• Oct. 7 vs. No. 14 Sauk Valley

THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF …

Winkler: “It’ll be a successful season if we continue to get better every time we step on the court. Improvement is what we will strive for by the end of the season.”

HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHARGERS
• Watch Chargers home matches live and on-demand on the Sandburg YouTube channel.
• Visit sandburgchargers.com for the latest Chargers news, photo galleries and more.
• Sign up for SportReporting to get free text and/or email notifications of Chargers game results.
• Follow @SandburgNJCAA on Twitter.
• Like @sandburgchargers on Facebook.
• Follow @sandburgchargers on Instagram. 

Event Schedule
08/17/2026 to 08/22/2026

Tuesday - 08/18/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf G V Vs West Hancock - @ Deer Run Golf Course (A) - West Hancock -
Wednesday - 08/19/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf B V Vs Brown County Jh/hs - @ Rolling Greens Golf

Course

(A) - Brown County Jh/hs -

4:00 PM-TBA * Golf G V Vs Brown County Jh/hs - @ Rolling Greens Golf

Course

(A) - Brown County Jh/hs -

Thursday - 08/20/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
4:00 PM-TBA * Golf B Jv Vs West Hancock (A) - West Hancock -
Friday - 08/21/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
7:00 PM-TBA * Football B V Vs Princeville High School (H) - Illini West -
Saturday - 08/22/26
Time Activity Facility Comments
8:30 AM-TBA * Golf B V Vs Macomb - (gary Saunders Invite) (A) - Macomb -
9:00 AM-TBA * Football B F Vs Freshman Jamboree (H) - Football Field -

Illini West Volleyball 2026

  West Hancock VolleyBall Schedule 2026

West Prairie/Southeastern Football Schedule (2026-27)

West Prairie/Southeastern Football Schedule (2026-27)

Team Varsity 2026 Colors N/A

Coach N/A Address Sciota, IL

Overall 0-0 Conference 0-0

League 8-Man Central West (8 Man) Division IL Class 8 Man

Record Breakdown

Home 0-0-0 Away 0-0-0

Hamilton/Warsaw Football Schedule (2026-27)

Hamilton/Warsaw Football Schedule (2026-27)

Mascot Titans Team Varsity 2026 Colors Red, Black

Coach N/A Address 1100 Keokuk St, Hamilton, IL 62341

Overall 0-0 Conference 0-0

League Lincoln Trail-Prairieland - Large

Record Breakdown

Home 0-0-0 Away 0-0-0 

Illini West Football Schedule (2026-27)

Mascot Chargers Team Varsity 2026 Colors Orange, Navy, White

Coach N/A Address 600 Miller Street, Carthage, IL 62321

Overall 0-0 Conference 0-0 State (IL) Rank 304

League Lincoln Trail-Prairieland - Large Division IL Class 2A

Record Breakdown

Home 0-0-0 Away 0-0-0

Zamora takes over as Sandburg men’s soccer head coach

The Sandburg men’s soccer team turned to a familiar face for its new head coach.

Rodrigo Zamora, a Chargers alumnus who served as assistant coach for the past three seasons, has been named the program’s new leader. Zamora takes over for Gerardo Ruvalcaba, who stepped down after spending the last three years as head coach. 

Zamora was an assistant for all three campaigns during Ruvalcaba’s tenure. During that time, the Chargers compiled a 35-9-8 overall record and went 8-0-1 in the Arrowhead Conference, including a back-to-back conference titles the last two seasons. Sandburg won at least 11 games each of the past three years.

As a player, Zamora was a goalkeeper for the Chargers in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. A Monmouth-Roseville High School graduate, Zamora was a three-year varsity starter in goal for the Titans and was team captain as a senior. Overall, he has more than 20 years of playing experience.

After graduating from Sandburg in 2016, Zamora transferred to Western Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor’s in marketing and foreign language as well as a minor in accounting.

In addition to his coaching role, Zamora serves as a public safety officer at Sandburg.

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MAY 12th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, May 12 th , 2026, at
City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Steinkamp, Long, Biondolino and
Walker. City Treasurer Pam Edris was also present.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of April 28 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the Annual
meeting minutes of April 28 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve the April Budgetary Report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Carolyn Cole addressed the Council. She asked that the Council consider allowing
chickens inside the City limits. After discussion the Council decided to have Clerk
Roberts call Hamilton, which allows chickens to see how well it has worked in that
community. The Safety committee will then discuss it before the Council makes a final
decision.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that Jamie Hopkins from Lee Agency met with the
Mayor, Clerk Roberts and the head of Finance to discuss changing to Lee Agency as the
City’s insurance agent. Jamie Hopkins was previously with the company that the City
currently uses as an insurance agent before moving to Lee Agency.

After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Biondolino to
approve hiring Jamie Hopkins from Lee Agency as the City’s insurance agent. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.

City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce
has submitted a permission form for the annual Hancock County Independence Day
parade on July 4 th

.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the permission
form from the Carthage Chamber for the Independence Day parade. All six Aldermen
voted “yes”.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that Chief Himan will be contacting ILEAS in
reference to a potential taser grant. This grant is usually administered in the fall. He also
reported that ammunition has been ordered and received by the City.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Police Department would like to make
the department shotguns “less than lethal”. Alterations can be made to the shotguns that
would make them “less than lethal” and different ammunition is available.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the purchase of
materials up to $250.00 to make the department shotguns “less than lethal”. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that a 3 Day less lethal training is available in
Macomb. The department would like to send officers to this training.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Long to approve sending officers to
the less lethal training in Macomb. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Fire Department held elections for
officers as follows. Chief – Kody Horn, 1 st Assistant Chief – Dirk Tweedell, 2 nd Assistant
Chief – Nathan Reid, President – Keegan Steinkamp, Vice President – Shaun Lohmeyer
and Secretary/Treasurer – Rhea Flambeau.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the Fire
Department officers as listed above. Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Long, Biondolino and
Walker all voted “yes”. Alderman Steinkamp abstained.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that he has contacted possible replacements
for the vacant tree board positions.
Alderman Walker reported to the Council that the Finance Committee discussed the April
bills. Also, Benton Engineering has submitted a bill for engineering on the Second Deep
Well in the amount of $14,421.98.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Long to approve
payment of the April bills including the bill from Benton Engineering. All six Aldermen
voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the City is still waiting on quotes for the new
motor at the sewer plant. He also reported that the Street Department has been working
on reshaping ditches on Wabash and Madison. The Street Department has also been busy
at the Landfill getting all the items on the IEPA’s check list up to compliance.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that Benton Engineering has a Resolution that
needs passed for the City’s Motor Fuel Tax Program. This Resolution is for maintenance
under the Illinois highway code in the amount of $249,000.00.
Motion was made by Alderman Long, seconded by Biondolino to approve Resolution
No. 2026-1 A Resolution for maintenance under the Illinois highway code. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts at 8:26 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

MACOMB MUNICIPAL BAND TO CELEBRATE AMERICA 250
AND COUNTY BICENTENNIAL DURING 2026 SEASON

MACOMB, IL- The Macomb Municipal Band returns this spring to the City Hall lawn located at 232 East Jackson Street. Under the direction of Dr. Mike Fansler and Dr. Bruce Briney, the band will place special emphasis on the McDonough County Bicentennial celebration and the recognition of 250 years of American independence.
City Hall performances on the lawn include the season opener, directed by Dr. Briney, on
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, July 24, the band will perform a tribute to the McDonough County Bicentennial at 7:00 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Fansler. The band will return on Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Fansler. The season will conclude with a final performance directed by Dr. Briney on Thursday, September 24, at 6:00 p.m. The community is encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating during the performances.
The band will also make community appearances during Heritage Days on Thursday, June 25, at 5:45 p.m. to perform “America’s Roots Run Deep,” directed by Dr. Fansler, and at the City of Macomb’s Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4 at 8:00 p.m. on Vince Grady Field, also under Fansler’s direction.

Sandburg youth camps this summer for basketball, softball, volleyball

 Sandburg’s youth sports camps are back again this summer, giving your child a chance to train like a Charger.

Camps are available for basketball, softball and volleyball. Also available this year are a boys elite basketball camp for high school players and a volleyball team camp. All camps take place on the college’s Galesburg campus and are led by Chargers coaches and student-athletes, who’ll teach players fundamentals and instill competitiveness while emphasizing fun. 

Sign up here for your desired camp(s) today. Registration is cashless and takes just a few minutes to complete. Be sure to register early to make sure your child gets a camp T-shirt.

For questions or more information, contact Sandburg’s Workforce Development & Community Education Department at 309.341.3501 or community@sandburg.edu. 

SIGN UP FOR CAMPS TODAY.   

Boys elite basketball camp
June 15
• 1-5 p.m.
• For players entering grades 9-12
• Cost — $50
• Register by May 29 to receive a camp T-shirt.

Boys and girls basketball camp
June 16-18
• Entering grades 3-5 — 9-11 a.m.
• Entering grades 6-8 — 1-3 p.m.
• Cost — $60
• Register by May 29 to receive a camp T-shirt.

Girls softball camp
June 23-25
• Entering grades 3-5 — 9-11 a.m.
• Entering grades 6-8 — 1-3 p.m.
• Cost — $60
• Register by June 5 for a camp T-shirt.

Boys and girls volleyball camp
July 14-16
• Entering grades 3-5 — 9-11 a.m.
• Entering grades 6-8 — 1-3 p.m.
• Cost — $60
• Register by June 16 for a camp T-shirt.

Volleyball team camp
July 14-16
• 5-7 p.m.
• For high school teams
• Cost — $125 per team
• Register by June 16 for camp T-shirts.

Sandburg women’s golf closes national tourney with lowest round of week, places 14th

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Sandburg women’s golf team finished its trip to nationals on a high note.

The Chargers, making their second consecutive appearance at the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship, posted their best score of the week in Friday’s final round and finished 14th as a team for the tournament at Ol’ Colony Golf Complex.

Sandburg closed with a 377 on Friday after putting up scores of 380, 384 and 386 in the first three days. The Chargers finished at 1,527 for the 72-hole championship.

Jessica Schultz placed 59th overall with a 372 total for the week. The freshman from Fieldcrest High School posted the Chargers’ low score in three of the four rounds, including a closing 92.

Freshman Allie Thome was 70th at 386, freshman Olivia Seei placed 72nd at 390 and freshman Anna Carroll was 74th with a score of 395. Sophomore Abigail Strode finished 75th overall with a 397 total. Strode’s 92 on Thursday was the Chargers’ best score of the third round and tied for their lowest of the week.

This marked the Chargers’ fourth appearance at nationals in program history. Sandburg previously went in 2019, 2023 and 2025. The Chargers qualified for the tournament by taking second place in the Central District Championship last month in Shawnee, Okla.

Shelton State shot 1,273 for the tournament to repeat as national champion, winning by 12 shots over Murray State (Okla.). Shelton State’s Katie Hallmark and Wallace State’s Mallory Brooks went to a playoff after finishing tied atop the leaderboard at 16 over par for the tournament.

Sandburg softball’s Pyle, Knapp voted to All-Arrowhead Conference team

GALESBURG — The Sandburg softball team’s top two hitters during the Arrowhead Conference season were voted by league coaches to this year’s all-conference team.

Sophomore Hannah Pyle earned All-Arrowhead honors for the second consecutive season, and she was joined on this year’s squad by freshman Madalynn Knapp.

In 61 plate appearances over 18 conference games, Pyle, an infielder from Economy, Ind., led the Chargers with three home runs, 19 RBIs, 40 total bases, 25 hits and a .678 slugging percentage. Pyle was second to Knapp with a .424 batting average, 1.104 OPS, four doubles and eight extra-base hits against Arrowhead opponents.

Knapp, a freshman outfielder from Gladstone, made significant contributions in her first season at Sandburg. In 60 plate appearances against Arrowhead pitching, the Burlington (Iowa) Notre Dame High School graduate led the Chargers with a .439 average, .467 on-base percentage, 1.133 OPS, 25 hits, 17 runs, eight doubles and 10 extra-base hits.

Knapp finished second to Pyle on the team with a .667 slugging percentage, 11 RBIs and 38 total bases. She was also a perfect 3 for 3 in stolen bases.

2026 ALL-ARROWHEAD CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TEAM
Co-MVPS: Cam Carter (Black Hawk) and Emily Trzynka (Black Hawk)
Pitchers: Cam Carter (Black Hawk), Lauren Harbison (Illinois Valley)
Catchers: Kaitlyn Anderson (Illinois Valley), Madison Hallaron (Kishwaukee)
Infielders: Kaylie Pena (Black Hawk), Lauryn Helmick (Black Hawk), Kennedy Lovell (Black Hawk), Ava Lambert (Illinois Valley), Hannah Pyle (Sandburg)
Outfielders: Emily Trzynka (Black Hawk), Lainey Kunert (Black Hawk), Georgia Gallardo (Kishwaukee), Madalynn Knapp (Sandburg)
Designated player: Sammi Simms (Kishwaukee)

Monday, May 11

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Lewistown High School Home
4:30 PM Girls Varsity Softball Unity HS(Mendon) Varsity Only Home
Tuesday, May 12

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball

Beardstown Middle/Sr. High
School

2:15 PM Away
4:30 PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball Southeastern HS @ Augusta 3:00 PM Away
4:00PM Coed Varsity Track Central (B/G) 2:30 PM Away
Wednesday, May 13

Depart

4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball West Central HS Varsity Only Home
4:00 PM Coed Varsity Track

OPEN
1A IHSA Sectionals (Girls) @
Farmington

1:30 PM Away
4:30 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Rushville-Industry HS 2:30 PM Away
Thursday, May 14

Depart

4:30 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Brown County JH/HS Senior Day Home
4:30PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball

Lewistown High School
Played @ Lewistown HS (2-5
Inning Games)

2:15 PM Away

4:30 PM Girls Varsity Softball

Cancelled-
Monmouth-Roseville HS

Varsity Only

2:00 PM Away

Friday, May 15

Depart

4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball

Havana Jr & Sr High School
Varsity Only

2:00 PM Away
4:30PM Coed Varsity Track Rushville-Industry HS 2:40 PM Away
4:30PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball Abingdon-Avon High School 2:15 PM Away
Saturday, May 16

Depart

10:00AM Boys Varsity Baseball Hannibal High School 7:45 AM Away
12:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball Hannibal High School 7:45 AM Away

Illini West Charger Aiden Hocker talks with Shawn Stewart after the May 5th game vs West Hancock 

Illini West Athletic Events 4/27 to 5/2

Monday, April 27

Depart

4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball Western HS (Barry) 2:15 PM Away
4:30 PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball

Beardstown Middle/Sr. High
School

2:15 PM Away

Tuesday, April 28

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Unity HS(Mendon) 2:45 PM Away
4:00 PM Coed Varsity Track

Beardstown Middle/Sr. High
School

2:00 PM Away

Wednesday, April 29

Depart

4:30 PM Girls Varsity Softball CO-OP Brimfield/Elmwood 1:30 PM Away
4:30PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball

Havana Jr & Sr High School
Played @ LaHarpe

Home

Thursday, April 30

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Macomb Jr/Sr HS Home
4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball Macomb Jr/Sr HS Varsity Only 2:45 PM Away
4:00PM Coed Varsity Track West Hancock 2:45 PM Away
Friday, May 01

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Havana Jr & Sr High School Home
4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball Quincy Notre Dame HS 2:20 PM Away
Saturday, May 02

Depart

Illini West Athletic Events 4/20 to 4/25

Monday, April 20

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Pittsfield HS Home
4:30PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball Cancelled- Rushville-Industry HS 2:30 PM Away
4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball South Fulton Athletics Home
Tuesday, April 21

Depart

4:30 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Canton High School R-5 Home
4:30PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball Quincy Senior HS 2:30 PM Away
4:30 PM Girls Varsity Softball Quincy Notre Dame HS Home
Wednesday, April 22

Depart

No events scheduled
Thursday, April 23

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Alleman Catholic High School Home
4:30PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball Macomb Jr/Sr HS 3:10 PM Away
4:30 PM Girls Varsity Softball

Galva Jr/Sr High School Varsity
Only

Home

Friday, April 24

Depart

4:30PM Boys Varsity Baseball Quincy Notre Dame HS 2:20 PM Away
4:30PM Girls Varsity Softball

Peoria Heights High School
Played in LaHarpe

Home

Saturday, April 25

Depart

9:00 AM Girls Varsity Softball JV Slam (LVC, Liberty, WC) Home
10:00AM Coed Varsity Track Rushville-Industry HS 8:00 AM Away

Sandburg women’s golf earns 2nd straight trip to nationals

It’s back to nationals for the Sandburg women’s golf team.

The Chargers qualified for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship on Tuesday after taking second place in the Central District Championship at Shawnee Country Club.

The Chargers will tee it up at nationals May 12-15 at Ol’ Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa, Ala. It’s the second straight year and fourth time overall Sandburg will head to the national tournament. The Chargers previously went in 2019, 2023 and 2025.

Freshman Allie Thome finished seventh overall to earn a spot on the all-district team. Thome, a product of LaSalle-Peru High School, opened with an 87 on Monday and followed with an 86 in Tuesday’s final round. She recorded the lowest score for the Chargers each day.

Thome had birdies at the par-3 seventh and par-5 13th in the opening round, and she added another birdie on No. 13 in Round 2. Thome also made seven pars in Tuesday’s round.

Sandburg shot 752 for the 36-hole tournament to finish as runner-up and earn one of the three national qualifier spots at stake. The Chargers ended Round 1 in second place after posting a 369. They maintained that standing after shooting a 383 in the final round.

Jessica Schultz (93-98) finished 12th for the Chargers, while Olivia Seei (91-105) was 15th and Anna Carroll (98-99) 16th on the individual leaderboard. Abigail Strode tied for 17th with back-to-back rounds of 100.

Murray State (Okla.) finished at 633 (315-318) to win the district title. Murray State’s Hana Cunnane was the district medalist by five strokes, posting rounds of 76 and 75 to finish 7 over par for the tournament.