november 2011

November 2011, Vol. 5 No. 3

November 2011 Pages.indd 1 12/7/2011 9:29:48 PM

2 l November 2011 l sisportsconnection.com


sisportsconnection.com l November 2011 l 3

Publisher/Editor Jim Muir

Account Executive Cheryl Hughey

PhotographersChristopher KaysCeasar Maragni

Contributing WritersTeri CampbellJohn D. HomanRoger LipeCeasar MaragniJim MuirMike Murphy

Joe SzynkowskiNathan WheelerTom Wheeler

Graphic DesignerRhonda Ferguson

For more information regarding Southern Illinois Sports Connection call Jim at 618-525-4744. For advertising information, call Cheryl at 618-353-8515.

sisportsconnection.com

The Line UpNovember 2011

Volume 5, No. 3

Columns

Publisher’s Greeting 5In Focus 6JALC Journal 9On the Sidelines 10From Where I Sit 31Faith on the Field 33RLC Report 34Trifecta 36Murf’s Turf 41

Features

Strong Finish 12Greatest Basketball Game. . . 16Work in Progress 18Out of the Doldrums 21Reflections 23No Limits 24First Person 39Softball Winterland 40

2221 10

12

18

24


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a winner all his life and is a great

addition to SIU. We also have features

on Marion golfer Jarret Brewer and

Murphysboro’s Drew Novara.

And of course as always we have

our usual selection of columnists

that as always are spot-on in their

sports observations. One column

in particular– Faith on the Field --

really stands out this month. Roger

Lipe, a monthly contributor to SISC,

is director of the Southern Illinois

chapter of Fellowship of Christian

Athletes. In a column titled ‘Jesus as

a good luck charm’ Lipe tackles the

subject of athletes and public displays

of their faith. It’s a really interesting

topic and one that is sure to spur some

discussions.

As we approach the end of another

year let me again say a thank you to

all our loyal readers and advertisers

for their continuing support. God

Bless you all and I hope you enjoy this

month’s magazine.

All the best to you,

Jim Muir

Publisher

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Greetings and welcome to the

November issue of Southern Illinois

Sports Connection.

We make the transition this month to

basketball and an invitation to our readers to

share some of their greatest memories. In this

month’s edition on page 16 is a short story

that asks you to share the greatest basketball

game or the greatest individual performance

on the hard court that you witnessed. It doesn’t matter if it’s from 50 years

ago or last week, we want to hear from you.

I would like for you to either email or snail mail those to me and then

we plan on printing them in the January, February and March magazines.

And as I mentioned in the story some of these recollections will be biased

depending on where you live, that’s understood.

It should be great fun to recall some of the great games and individual

talent which should spark even more discussion about unforgettable games

and players.

In this month’s magazine we have some features that I think you will

enjoy. Our cover story is one of the most inspiring I’ve come across in our

five years of putting SISC out each month. Sam Kuhnert is a 19-year-old

Du Quoin resident and a 2011 high school graduate. Kuhnert was a three-

sport athlete at Du Quoin and helped lead the Indians baseball team to a

second-place finish in the 2011 IHSA Class 2A state tournament. Following

a remarkable baseball season Kuhnert realized a lifelong dream to play

college baseball when he signed with Greenville.

While that in itself is a nice bio for any high school athlete the fact that

Kuhnert accomplished all that with one hand makes his story nothing short

of remarkable. But, it’s what Kuhnert is accomplishing away from the

playing field that makes his story even more compelling. Kuhnert’s story is

a great example for young athletes and parents about hard work, the will to

win and overcome obstacles, no excuses and most importantly the strength

of the human spirit. It’s a must read.

We also have feature stories on Benton native Ron Smith returning

to SIU to help resurrect the Saluki basketball program. Smith has been



eventually zapped “The Greatest”, of his strength. The monster plays no favorites when choosing victims.

As I was watching the Cardinals’ recent phenomenal, improbable, against-all-odds run to their 11th World Championship, I was intrigued by the many fans with their fi ngers crossed, eyes closed and in prayer-like stances. For Cardinals fans it was prayers answered. For Rangers fans, it’s wait until next year again. Gary Carter and his loved ones are praying for a different kind of victory one not fought in ball parks, but hospital corridors. Let’s pray that he too has a phenomenal, improbable run ... and like the Cardinals, beats the odds.

traveled. Even though the tumors have gotten much smaller, the treatment itself has left Carter with blood clots in his lungs and legs. That alone causes Carter to endure daily injections into his stomach to help prevent more clots.

As we’ve seen in the past with other sports heroes, while they may at times look and seem invincible in their respective arenas, they’re not immune to the illnesses and heartache of mere mortals.

Lou Gehrig was Major League Baseball’s ‘Ironman’ until arterial lateral sclerosis crippled, then killed him. While few were able to defeat Muhammad Ali in the ring, it was Parkinson’s disease that

Nicknamed “The Kid” by fellow players and managers because of his joyful approach to the game,

Gary Carter was one of the best catchers of his era. The Hall of Fame player was also known for his never give up attitude both in the dugout and on the fi eld. His family, friends, former teammates and fans hope that Carter can maintain that attitude and will to win, as he battles an opponent that all too often doesn’t offer second chances or extra innings.

This past summer headaches and balance issues led Carter to specialists who discovered multiple brain tumors. Subsequent biopsies revealed the tumors to be glioblastoma, an aggressive, fast-moving brain cancer. Since then he has undergone an equally aggressive chemotherapy protocol that has zapped his once mighty strength.

One cancer specialist speaking about Carter’s tumors said that with most patients in that situation, following successful chemo treatments shrinking the tumors, that the average life expectancy is about fourteen months. Glioblastoma is the same type of cancer that claimed the lives of former major leaguers Bobby Murcer, Dan Quisenberry and Tug McGraw.

Despite the grim diagnosis facing Carter, in an online journal his daughter Kimmy says that her dad is approaching it all with courage and determination. She also reported the last week of October that after several months of treatment, the tumors had shrunk by 70%. But, as anyone who has battled the monster knows, it’s rarely a road easily

By Ceasar MaragniIn focus



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By Teri Campbell JALC Journal

The John A. Logan College volleyball team completed regular-season play on

October 29 with a record of 17-12. The Lady Vols went 7-1 in Great Rivers Athletic Conference action and 3-1 in Region 24 play to claim both titles. This is Logan’s second straight conference championship and third consecutive region crown.

“The season was an uphill struggle early on,” said Bill Burnside, third-year head coach of the Lady Vols. “We had a lot of returning hitters, but we had a freshman setter in Bailey Cook (Salem) so it took some time for the players to start connecting and for Bailey to get up to speed with the college game. We also played one of the most challenging schedules we’ve ever played. We took some losses, but the tough competition forced us to play at a higher level, and we’ve gotten better as the season progressed.”

On offense, Cook leads Logan with 8.8 assists per set. Outside hitter Allison Krips, a sophomore from Dexter, Mich., averages a team-high 2.3 kills per set for the Lady Vols, Marion product Michelle Lazorchak, a sophomore middle hitter, adds 2.1, and sophomore outside hitter Jasmine Garnett (Marion) provides 1.9. Lazorchak leads the team in hitting effi ciency at 41 percent while middle hitter Holly Schweigert, a sophomore from Festus, Mo., averages 39 percent.

Logan Volleyball Earns Conference and Region Crowns

Defensively, Lazorchak is best on the team in blocks with one per set. Sophomore right side hitter Julie Huelsmann from Breese leads Logan with 3.8 digs per set, Krips contributes 3.1, and Taylor Gleuk, a sophomore libero from Jackson, Mo., supplies 3.0.

“We have a really balanced attack,” Burnside said. “Everyone has a role to play and everyone contributes. Our sophomore class has been especially productive. Those players have been the basis of our success the past two years. They’re a close-knit group on and off the court and I think that has led to our positive results.”

The Lady Vols head into postseason play at the district tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Nov. 4-6.

“Like last year, we’ll be the No. 1 seed from our region in the district playoffs,” Burnside said. “Nothing is guaranteed, but if we play up to our potential, we should make it to the championship match. If we make it there, we’ll meet the winner from the other region, which will almost certainly be Iowa Western, who is ranked No. 8 in the country right now. It’s a powerhouse team and it’s the

one that knocked us out of the playoffs last season. We will defi nitely be the underdogs in that matchup, but we’re working hard and we’re going to give them our best shot.”

For more information on Logan’s volleyball team, visit the John A. Logan College athletics website at: www.jalc.edu/athletics.



Woodward went to Iowa State on a football scholarship and then transferred to SIU-Carbondale where he was a two-year starter for the Salukis. Woodward obtained his bachelor’s degree from SIUC in physical education in 1981 and then earned his master’s degree in sports’ management in 1998 and a specialist certificate in 2000.

To say that Woodward had a busy schedule during his 21 years of coaching would be an understatement. Woodward started his coaching career at Mt. Vernon High School where he served as an assistant in four sports that included football, boy’s track, girl’s basketball and boy’s basketball. He was also head track coach at Mt. Vernon for two years. After a five year stint at Mt. Vernon Woodward headed to Saline County where he was head football and boy’s track coach for three years at Eldorado High School. He was also head basketball coach for one year at Eldorado.

After three years at Eldorado, Woodward spent one year at Anna-Jonesboro as football and boy’s/girl’s track coach before moving to Murphysboro where he served as boy’s football coach and athletic director for 10 years.

“I was very fortunate to be around some very good head coaches that helped guide me through my career when I was younger and who laid the foundation for me as a coach,” said Woodward. “I was also

W ith a career as a high school and college athlete in the 1970s and a coaching career

in Southern Illinois from 1981 to 2000 and president of the IHSA Board of Directors since 2004 it’s a fair statement to say that sports has been a constant for Jim Woodward since he was a youngster.

Woodward, who also serves as superintendent at Anna-Jonesboro High School, recently spoke at the Mt. Vernon Teacher’s Conference where during a question and answer session it was apparent that sports is still a passion for him.

“Sports have been a huge part of my entire life,” Woodward said. “I have been very fortunate and athletics is the reason I am where I am today. I was going to be a carpenter coming out of high school and then I started getting some offers to play sports and that’s the only reason I went to college.”

Woodward attended Granite City North High School for three years and then transferred to Collinsville where he graduated in 1975. He played for Granite City in the first-ever IHSA football playoffs in 1974 and was also a state track meet qualifier in the discus. Woodward was a three-sport standout at Collinsville where he competed in basketball, track and football and was named Senior Athlete of the Year.

fortunate to get involved in a lot of different coach’s associations. Certainly, sports and activities have been a very big part of my educational career.”

Woodward has been superintendent at A-J High School since 2001 and was first elected to the board IHSA Board of Directors in 2003 representing Division 7 in Southern Illinois. He was elected vice president of the board in October 2004 and president in 2005. Woodward, who has served seven consecutive one-year terms as president, said his role with the IHSA has allowed him to stay involved with sports and help set policy on a statewide basis.

“From Chicago to Cairo the IHSA is actively involved,” said Woodward. “I have to remind people all the time that Illinois is a big state and what might be good for one part of Southern Illinois may not be good for another part of Southern Illinois and what might be good for one school might not be good for another school. When you put that on a statewide basis it really comes into play. This is a very diverse state and there are a lot of different things that feed into the decisions that we make at the IHSA.”

Jim and his wife, Carmen, are parents of two children.

By Jim MuirOn the Sidelines with SISC



FEATUREFEATURE

By Jim Muir

Drew Novara is a great example that in sports it matters more how you finish than how you

start.Novara recently signed with

Southern Illinois University to play golf for the Salukis an accomplishment that even the 18-year-old Murphysboro senior still has trouble comprehending.

While some golfers start hitting the links when they’re five and six years old Novara first started playing golf shortly before his freshmen year of high school. And in less than four years the personable Novara has earned a full-ride scholarship to play collegiate golf.

Novara is quick to pass around the praise for his accomplishments.

“I’m very excited about competing at the college level,” said Novara. “I have had a lot of help from Coach Steve Stewart and assistant Coach Matt Decker. “They have done a great job to try and prepare me mentally and physically to compete at the next level.”

Novara said his decision to choose SIU over other schools came down to what seemed like the right fit.

“The decision was between SIU and two other good schools and I was having trouble deciding so I put down on paper what I liked and disliked about all the schools and while in my head it was a tough decision when I looked at it on paper SIU was clearly the right fit for me. I really got along and like Coach (Leroy) Newton and the golfers that I got to meet. Everything just fell

Strong Finishinto place for me and I’m really excited about going there.”

Novara noted that he was somewhat of a late starter to the game of golf but fell in love with the sport after he started actively competing.

“The only golfing I ever did when I was young was with my grandpa, who was a golfer, and I would go with him and chip or putt a little bit,” said Novara. “Other than that I played baseball and basketball all my life. The only thing I knew about golf was that you had to hit the ball with the club and try and get it in the hole.”

Novara said it was a suggestion by Stewart to hook up with a well-known Paducah golf instructor that really changed his game.

“After my freshmen year I went to Paducah and had some golf lessons

Drew Novara didn’t take up the game of golf until he was a freshmen but came on strong during his high school career

Novara in action at this year’s SIRR Conference tournament. In the background is two of Novara’s biggest supporters, grandparents Andy and Jane Novara.



FEATURE

“I feel like there has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders by going ahead and getting it done and signing with SIU as early as I did. I’m just very excited about the opportunity.”

– Drew Novara, Murphysboro senior –



Feature continued. . .

with Nick Mills, who is an instructor,” said Novara. “And he changed my golf swing almost overnight and he’s been helping me for the last three or four years. I can’t thank him enough for the hard work he put in helping me with my swing.”

From that trip to Paducah Novara quickly established himself as one of the area’s top golfers garnering back to back Southern Illinois River to River Ohio Division championships both his junior and senior years.

Stewart said plain old-fashioned hard work and great family support were the keys to Novara’s success.

“I’ve never had any player in 20 years of coaching golf work any harder than Drew,” said Stewart. “The strides that he has made in the last three years have been nothing short of outstanding. He took advantage of every opportunity to get better. Along with being a three-sport athlete he took time to work on his golf game at Paducah during the winter and that’s where you improve.”

Stewart said he is confi dent that Novara’s best golf days are ahead of him.

“Drew has really only played competitively for the past three years and everything is right there for him,” said Stewart. “It’s going to be fun to watch him progress at the collegiate level.”

The longtime Murphysboro golf coach added that he has never seen an athlete enjoy daylight hours more than Novara.

“Drew hated for the sun to go down because that meant he had to leave the golf course,” said Stewart. “And he couldn’t wait for the sun to come back out so he could get back out there the next day. He has put in a lot of hours and his family has put in a lot of hours for him and it’s a wonderful thing for him to be able to compete at the next level.”

Novara, who is the son of Murphysboro athletic director Len Novara, said following his dad around as a youngster helped develop his love for all sports.

“Ever since I was able to walk I’ve had a baseball, basketball or soccer ball in my hands,” said Novara.

Novara was a reserve on the 2010-11 Murphysboro Red Devils basketball team that fi nished the year with a 35-1 record and a second place fi nish in Class 2A.

“It was an incredible experience,” said Novara. “The guys I got to practice

“I’ve never had any player in 20 years of coaching golf work any harder than Drew. The strides that he has made in the last three years have been nothing short of outstanding. He took advantage of every opportunity to get better. Along with being a three-sport athlete he took time to work on his golf game at Paducah during the winter and that’s where you improve.”

– Steve Stewart, Murphysboro golf coach –



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Novara was a reserve on last year’s 35-1 Murphysboro basketball season calling the state tournament run a “once in a lifetime experience.”

against every day were just great. We all got along well and the trip to Peoria was a once in a life experience.”

During his senior season Novara said he felt pressure about his as yet undecided future college plans.

“There were times during some of the matches where I put some pressure on myself to try and shoot under par because I wasn’t sure if schools would be looking at that,” said Novara. “I feel like there has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders by going ahead and getting it done and signing with SIU as early as I did. I’m just very excited about the opportunity.”



win over Pinckneyville in a sectional championship might not be a remembered game to Panther fans but it’s a cherished moment for fans from Washington County.

And of course vice versa – a Pinckneyville victory against the Hornets is

probably not something that Nashville

f a n s

remember with good thoughts.

So, in an effort to rekindle some of the great moments – and there are many – in Southern Illinois high school basketball we want to hear from you about the best game or the best performance ever. Maybe you can’t narrow it down to only one game,

By Jim Muir

Remember your wedding anniversary … sometimes? Remember something you read

only yesterday … not always. Remember what you had for dinner last night … occasionally. Remember the final score and every detail of high school basketball game or an unforgettable individual performance from 20 years ago … it’s seared in your mind.

While many of us have trouble remembering special anniversary dates, places and times the details of a basketball game or a performance by a player from decades ago spring from our mind like it happened only yesterday. And any time high school basketball fans get together the subject of the greatest game or the greatest performance always seems to pop up and lead to some intriguing and compelling conversation.

As we roll into yet another high school basketball season SISC is reaching out to basketball fans to relive some of those exciting games and performances that are etched in your memory. And, we want to record them in both our magazine and on our website so our faithful readers can cuss and discuss those wonderful moments.

Much like beauty, the recollection of these games and performances will be in the eye of the beholder. In short, a Nashville

The Greatest Basketball Game or Performance Ever?SISC is picking the brain of rabid Southern Illinois basketball fans to chronicle the greatest game or personal performance ever

FEATURE

so in that case submit two or 10. We plan to print them all.

Here’s how it will work.

We’re asking SISC readers to email or snail mail us with the details of the games

or the performance that stands out in your mind as one of the greatest ever. Maybe it was Cobden’s triple overtime sectional victory over Pinckneyville in 1964 that sent the Appleknockers to the Sweet 16 or maybe it was Greg Starrick scoring 70 points in a

single game back in 1967. Those are only two of countless gems that

are remembered in the legend and lore that makes Illinois high school basketball the

best in the nation.

So, the question is: What is the greatest

game or the greatest performance that you have witnessed. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Send to:Email – [email protected] – SISC PO Box 174 Sesser, IL 62884



FEATURE

By Joe Szynkowski

The 200-plus miles of highway that separates Normal from Marion can seem painfully long

or surprisingly short. Jarret Brewer has experienced both extremes.

As a sophomore for Marion’s boys golf team in 2010, Brewer struggled through windy conditions to shoot an 88-83 – 171 at the IHSA Class 2A state tournament in Normal. The performance landed Brewer into a tie for 55th overall, a finish that made for a long ride home.

As a junior for the Wildcats in October, Brewer thrived through similar conditions to shoot 75-73 – 148. The Marion junior edged Woodstock Marian’s Luke Waggoner in a one-hole playoff to win the 2A state championship. This year’s ride home seemed a little shorter.

“It was extremely surprising coming home to just a huge convoy of people,” said Brewer, Marion’s first-ever individual state champion. “I really didn’t know what to expect. Golf is such a peripheral sport at the high school level. It was really cool to get that big welcome with open arms when I got home.”

Brewer’s performance at state capped off an impressive post-season run in which he also won regional and sectional

championships. He was the first Southern Illinois boy’s golfer to win an individual title since Massac County’s Mason Jacobs won his third in a row in 2007.

“I’m reminded of it every day,” Brewer said. “The school has really taken a lot of pride in it. Marion has a lot of good golf history and it’s humbling to be in such great company. It’s been a really fun experience.”

A change in strategy is what helped Brewer bounce back from his disappointing state finish as a sophomore. The wind wrecked havoc on Brewer’s golf game in 2010, forcing him to adjust before returning to Illinois State University’s Weibring Golf Club this year. He put in long hours over the offseason adjusting the trajectory of his drive and learning when to lay-up on certain holes instead of attacking the pin. If he was going to miss greens, he told himself, he was going to miss below the hole to avoid having to make challenging downhill putts.

“Those were two extremely windy, tiring days,” said Marion boys golf coach Stan Stout of the state tournament. “I was most proud of him for sticking with his game plan for 36 holes. He concentrated on every tee ball, even if it meant coming up short of the green and chipping it up.”

Brewer entered the final round of the state tournament three strokes off the lead. But he put together a solid second day that

featured three birdies on the front nine and seven pars on the back. With very few updates on his tournament s t a n d i n g throughout the second day, Brewer finally received word

that he had climbed to within two strokes of the leader with two holes to play.

While Waggoner – the state runner-up – bogeyed his last two holes, Brewer parred them to force the playoff. Another par on the extra hole sealed the title. “Slow and steady wins the race up there,” Stout said. “Even as a sophomore, he had as much game as anybody up there. He just maybe didn’t know quite how to manage it.”

To fix that problem, Brewer has surrounded himself with Southern Illinois golfing giants. He has worked on his short game and wedge approach with Steve Lotz, head PGA professional and owner of St. Louis-based Tower Tee Golf Instruction. Brewer has also honed his swing mechanics under the tutelage of fellow Marion native Jason Stilley, a PGA Tour professional and director of golf at Country Club of Paducah. Steve Heckel – Crab Orchard Country Club owner and director of golf – has also provided instruction to Brewer.

“He’s very motivated and very analytical,” Heckel said. “He’s an easy young man to teach. You show him something and he is going to try his best to do it.”

Heckel said Brewer’s swing was already in good shape when the two started working together last year. Heckel’s role was teaching the youngster some of the sport’s subtleties. “Mechanically, he swings the club about as good as anybody you’re ever going to see,” Heckel said. “I have worked more on his attitude with him. He had a little bit of a reputation of letting one poor shot affect the rest of his round. We had some discussions about how to monitor his emotions and play over some of the mistakes.”

Brewer made a serious effort to do just that during this year’s postseason. He used his regional win at Mount Vernon’s

“Those were two extremely windy, tiring days,” said Marion boys golf coach Stan Stout of the state tournament. “I was most proud of Jarret for sticking with his game plan for 36 holes. He concentrated on every tee ball, even if it meant coming up short of the green and chipping it up.”

– Marion golf coach Stan Stout –



“It was extremely surprising coming home to just a huge convoy of people. I really didn’t know what to expect. Golf is such a peripheral sport at the high school level. It was really cool to get that big welcome with open arms when I got home.” – Jarret Brewer talking about Marion’s first-ever individual state championship –



Green Hills and his sectional victory at Springfi eld’s Panther Creek Country Club as emotional tune-ups for his trip to Normal.

“I really didn’t have any expectations going up there,” Brewer said. “Obviously, you’re not going up there to do bad on the fi rst day. I just wanted to stay within striking distance. You can’t win it on the fi rst day, but you can sure as heck lose it.”

Brewer’s main goal is to become a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Heckel won’t be surprised if that objective is reached. He says Brewer not only possesses the swing and poise to succeed, but also the ability to be a positive role model for those trying to emulate him.

“He was in for a lesson this summer and a young man was watching him swing,” Heckel recalled. “He was watching his every move. I took Jaret aside and told him, ‘These kids know who you are. They know you win golf tournaments, they see you on TV and read about you in the newspapers. You’re setting examples right now, whether you know it or not.’ Here is a young man in high school and he is already having such a big impact on young people. He gets it.”

Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for SISC. He can be reached at [email protected].

How Brewer can repeat

Jarret Brewer knows he will have the bulls-eye on his back next season. The 2A state-champion from Marion High School will be a senior come 2012, and is highly motivated to repeat. If history is any indication, Brewer will put in long hours to reach his goals. After fi nishing a disappointing 55th at the IHSA state tournament as a sophomore, he retooled his swing and also dropped 35 pounds. Marion’s fi rst individual golf state champ is already working hard to improve his game during the offseason that began just weeks ago. Here’s how:

Wedge Game (Marion Golf Coach Stan Stout)

“He is working on his game from 100 yards in. He usually leaves himself with 60 to 100 yards out and he needs to work on getting those wedge shots to within 10 feet. He walks away with a ton of pars, but he can get those balls in a little closer and turn them into birdies.”

Poise Under Pressure (Stout)“Next year he will be pursued by

colleges, and will need to show them a complete game when they start looking at him. He will need to perform under the pressure that he puts himself under. He’s

got the skills and his short game will take him to the next level. He averaged 37 for the entire year. Knocking those balls a little closer could get him 34s.”

Staying Grounded (Crab Orchard Golf Club Owner and Director of Golf Steve Heckel, also one of Brewer’s instructors)

“He has an open mind and seeks out quality instruction. He’s a fi ne young man from a fi ne family. He has all the qualities to succeed at every level.”

-Joe Szynkowski


“He’s very motivated and very analytical. He’s an easy young man to teach. You show him something and he is going to try his best to do it.” – Steve Heckel, Crab Orchard Country Club owner and director of golf –



By Joe Szynkowski

Ron Smith grimaced at the grumblings directed at Southern Illinois University men’s

basketball coach Chris Lowery after the Salukis finished 13-19 last season and 5-13 in the Missouri Valley Conference. It was the program’s worst finish in 25 years. Disapproval of SIU’s coach filled the airwaves and bombarded message boards.

The numbers – and the criticism – seemed to be piling up on Lowery.

Smith, who as an SIU assistant recruited Lowery and coached him for four years, knew that if anyone could stay positive through adversity, it would be Lowery.

“Chris is one of my guys. You really live and die with all of them,” said Smith, who was hired in March as associate head coach

Out of the DoldrumsRon Smith trying to rejuvenate SIU basketball for a second time

for his second stint at SIU. “It’s painful to see any of them not be successful. It’s painful to hear that criticism.”

Smith, a native of Benton, helped rejuvenate the SIU program in the late 1980s and early 90s as an assistant coach under Rich Herrin. His experience turning the Salukis around is one of the main factors in SIU’s decision to bring Smith back as Lowery’s top assistant this season.

“I think when you’re athletic director, you always hear names being brought up for people you would bring in if you had the opening,” said Mario Moccia, SIU’s athletic director. “He has always been somebody that other people have talked very highly of.”

Smith boasts 34 years of coaching experience and helped the Salukis win four MVC titles and earn two NCAA tournament

berths (1993-94). He coached at Northern Iowa (1998-2001) under Sam Weaver and Greg McDermott, and followed McDermott to Iowa State, where he served as director of basketball operations for four years. Smith moved to Florida in 2010 to start a business coordinating tours for collegiate all-star squads.

“He knows the culture here and what it takes to win,” Moccia said. “He is a guy who is always enthusiastic and always upbeat. He has really given a jolt and excitement to the staff and players. We’ve kind of come out of the doldrums.”

Smith recently took a breather from breaking down tape the day after SIU’s exhibition opener – a win over Illinois-Springfield – to talk with SISC about rejoining the Saluki coaching staff.

FEATURE

Ron Smith, right, is pictured with SIU assistant coach Brad Korn.



area and the murals. There are a lot of things that make us attractive to recruits now, too, with the locker room and facilities. And the coaches get to enjoy all of that plus the office space. I’ve been fortunate enough to coach in a lot of nice places and this is second to none.

SISC: What can you tell me about playing for Rich Herrin at Benton and coaching with him at SIU?

RS: He is just such a great competitor with a great passion for the game. It really spills over to not only the players, but the coaching staff, too. He came to my home town of Benton to coach when I was six years old, so he’s really the coach I grew up knowing. He provided me with a great deal of opportunities as a player and a coach that I never would have had. I will be forever grateful to him.

SISC: What do you remember about recruiting coach Lowery?

RS: In that class we wanted a true point guard. I remember him coming in and thinking that a lot of places were going to pass on him because of his size. On his official visit, he did as much selling of himself to us as we did to him about the program. He understood how the process worked and what he needed to do.

SISC: So with your SIU past and your relationship with Chris, just how painful has it been watching him struggle the past few years?

RS: It’s like having it happen to one of your own kids. You just want to protect him from it. But one thing about Chris, he’s a tough, tough guy.

SISC: What will it take to get the Salukis back?

RS: You just have to keep working hard and have faith that there are good things around the corner. Basketball has so few pieces to the puzzle. If you change out a few pieces, things may not work out. It’s not like other sports where you have a lot more players. But that’s what makes basketball so special. If you get the right pieces, you can get better in a hurry.

Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for SISC. He can be reached at [email protected].

like I missed a beat.

SISC: How much of a role in recruiting did you play and was that an easy fit to join what Lowery and (SIU assistant) Brad Korn were trying to accomplish?

RS: We all have our own strength in different areas. Coming in here recruiting-wise, Chris and Brad had a really good base of what they were working from as far as where all of the local Midwest guys were at. I’m helping take a look down the road for the class of 2013 and 14, cross-checking them and things like that. I think a lot of good staffs work that way.

SISC: I know there is a new attitude around the program this year, and you were one of the key pieces they felt could help provide a spark. Can you describe the aura around the team coming into the season?

RS: There is a really good feeling around the team this season. We have a lot of good things going on here. We hit a little bit of a downtick the last few years compared to what fans have been used to for the past six, seven, eight years. I’ve seen the same situation happen to a lot of programs. You can’t panic. You just have to maintain your focus on the good things.

SISC: One of those good things is probably the facilities that the team, coaches and fans get to enjoy now. Can you compare them to what you remember from your first stint?

RS: It is such a great upgrade. From a fan standpoint, there are the chair seats, video board, the banners, the concourse

SISC: It was a nice start to the season last night, how does the tape look?

RS: There are a lot of teaching moments, a lot of things that our guys can learn from. We really enjoy this team because they bring a lot of energy each and every day. They put forth the effort and are willing to learn.

SISC: How was it for you getting back into the swing of game-time action?

RS: I was only off the sideline for about nine months and during that time I probably watched as much or more basketball than I had in previous years. You don’t have to be on the floor every day to see things and understand the game. It doesn’t really feel


Ron Smith coached at both Benton and SIU with Rich Herrin and three former Benton standouts followed suit. Pictured l-r, Rich Herrin, Randy House, Jay Schafer, Kai Nurnberger and Smith.

Sporting Saluki-maroon again, Ron Smith is pictured in the renovated SIU Arena.



In an attempt to clear my head here are some rambling thoughts on a few sports-related issues …

So, the NBA players and owners have settled their dispute and will head back to ‘work’ on Christmas Day with some primetime games including the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, Miami at Dallas, Chicago at the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando at Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State.

Let me sum up my feelings in two words – ‘big deal.’

As you’re well aware a labor dispute stopped play and now the NBA plans to come back with a reduced 66-game schedule and make a big splash on Christmas Day.

My take on the lockout that resulted in the loss of the pre-season plus 16 regular season games can be summed up quite easily: With the current bleak economic situation across the nation and with poverty and unemployment at record levels it’s a slap in the face to the average NBA fan that billionaire owners and millionaire players can’t decide how to split up $9 billion – which is basically what the lockout and subsequent strike was about.

I think it would be poetic justice for fans to stay away in mass on December 25 and thumb their nose at yet another example of greed in professional sports.

And speaking of greed …Let me preface my thoughts by

admitting that I’m a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and have been since I was a kid. And secondly, I’m a huge Albert Pujols fan and have been both amazed and thrilled at watching his exploits on the baseball diamond.

So, with those thoughts in mind it’s a certainty that I’ve watched the developing story concerning Pujols’ free agency … better known as the “Albert Sweepstakes.”

I have to admit that my thought process has changed as I’ve watched this story unfold. First, I was upset that a deal couldn’t be reached before the start of the 2011

season and cringed throughout the season when the subject even came up. I have to believe that there were other Cardinals’ fans that felt like I did.

The final regular season game was a love-fest by St. Louis fans with three rousing ovations for Pujols in what could have been his last at-bat. Then it happened again in the Philadelphia series and again in the Milwaukee series and yet again in the World Series against the Texas Rangers. It was an emotion-filled scene every time Pujols came to the plate.

Then came the bittersweet end of the glorious regular season that resulted in the 11th World Series title for the Cardinals and also the beginning of free agency for Pujols, who at age 32 is arguably the best hitter in baseball.

But as the story dragged on and as details began to emerge about the teams in the “Albert Sweepstakes” I felt my feelings start to change when a new suitor showed up to try and lure No. 5 away from Busch Stadium. I believe my friend Scott Wuerz, a reporter for the Belleville News-Democrat and a frequent guest on my weekly “Saturday Morning Talking Sports” show, summed it up best.

Noting the length of time that Pujols has been in St. Louis, Wuerz gave this analogy when Pujols was being wined and dined by the Miami Marlins and give a tour of the new digs in South Florida.

“It’s like your wife of 11 years telling you that she wants to date-around for a while to see if she wants to stay married to you,” said Wuerz. “There’s a feeling like we’ve all been jilted.”

So, here are a couple thoughts on the “Pujols Lottery.” First, I don’t think the Cardinals should break the bank to retain his services nor do I think they should offer him a 10 year contract. I do think he should be the highest paid player in baseball but there is no way that in a decade a 42-year-old Pujols should be making $30 million a year.

Lastly, I did an interview with a

professional baseball player and one of the questions I asked was how MLB players are paid. It’s just something I was curious about. He told me that they are paid every two weeks from April 1 through September 30, or for six months. So, using that info let’s plug in a $30 million contract. In short, Pujols would be paid (minus taxes) $2.5 million every two weeks during the course of the season. That breaks down to $164,835 per game or $18,315 per inning, again minus taxes.

I’m a St. Louis Cardinals’ fan and I’d like to see Pujols stay in St. Louis but I just wonder how much fan adoration is enough adoration and how much money is enough money?

I was happy to see Chicago Cubs’ Ron Santo elected to the MLB Hall of Fame. Clearly, the late Santo’s numbers were good enough that his induction is somewhat of a no-brainer.

But, it certainly is a good argument that if Santo’s numbers were good enough to be in the HOF in December 2011 they were good enough in 2000 or 2001 or any other year for that matter. The point I’m making is that while it’s a big deal for Santo’s family and for Cubs’ fans everywhere the person who would have enjoyed it most – Ron Santo himself – is not present.

As far as I’m concerned Santo’s selection to the Hall of Fame is akin to picking the same lottery numbers every day for years and years and then those numbers hitting … shortly after you die.

ReflectionsBy Jim Muir



By Jim Muir

Tell Sam Kuhnert that he can’t do something and it’s a good bet that he’ll prove you wrong. The 19-year-old Kuhnert has spent his lifetime making people eat their words about his ability to participate in sports beginning

in T-ball. In fact, it’s something he relishes.“I don’t think there are any limits in my life,” said Kuhnert. “And I love for

people to doubt me so I can prove them wrong. That was favorite thing, that’s what drove me, to prove people wrong who put limits on me.”

A three-sport athlete – baseball, basketball and football – at Du Quoin High School, Kuhnert earned 11 letters for the Indians and was a mainstay on the mound for the high school baseball team that fi nished second in Class 2A baseball in 2011. Kuhnert is currently pitching at Greenville College on a baseball scholarship.

While those facts by themselves are stand-alone proof about the athletic talents of the personable Kuhnert, the fact that he was born without a left hand make words like ‘remarkable,’ ‘extraordinary’ and ‘exceptional’ seem inadequate when describing the off-the-charts accomplishments of the Du Quoin native.

Showing that ‘no-limits’ mentality Kuhnert laughs when he points out that while

No LimitsDespite being born without a

left hand Sam Kuhnert excelled

in sports at Du Quoin High School

and has now reached a lifelong

dream of playing college baseball

Sam with his game face on in Little League

FEATURE



“I was one of those kids that didn’t play with toys … it was always basketball, football, baseball. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love sports.”

Kuhnert said one of his fi rst realizations that he was different came in his pre-school days when he also learned that other kids could sometimes be cruel.

“I’ve always called it a ‘nub’ and I’ve never heard it called anything else,” Kuhnert said when asked what was the proper way to refer to his missing left hand. “When I was real young kids would make fun of me, mainly I think because they didn’t know how to react to the fact that I

was different. With help from my parents I always got through the tough times. I learned from an early age that ‘this is the

made him know I could succeed.”Kuhnert said Shane Boyett, a former

Du Quoin football standout and an integral member of the 1988 Indians state championship run, was also a big inspiration to him as a youngster. Boyett, also has only one hand, but was one of Southern Illinois’ top receivers.

“My parents got Shane to help me learn to tie my shoes,” said Kuhnert. “I was in the fourth or fi fth grade and all I could wear was Velcro because I couldn’t tie my shoes with one hand. Shane showed me how to do it … and from then on he was my idol. He’ll never know the inspiration that he provided me because he was an athlete and didn’t let a missing hand stop him.”

Du Quoin High School baseball coach Tim Craft said Kuhnert always gave “maximum effort.”

“First of all Sam has a big heart and that’s something that you sometimes can’t measure in an athlete,” said Craft. “He is the kind of kid that is always, and I mean always, going to give you his best effort all the time.”

Love at first sight

A 2011 high school graduate Kuhnert says he can’t recall a time when he wasn’t in love with all things sports-related.

“I’ve always loved sports,” said Kuhnert.

battling to compete with one hand he also had to battle more than a few naysayers along the way.

“Doctors told me I would never play sports and I proved them wrong,” Kuhnert said. “Then I was told I would never continue playing sports after grade school and I proved them wrong. And then after junior high school I was told I would never be able to play at the high school level because the game gets faster and I proved them wrong. And then there was a bunch of people that told me I would never make it to the college level and they were wrong too. Every step of the way my teammates never, ever saw me with a disability and just accepted me as who I am.”

Calling his parents “special people” Kuhnert said he realizes now that it had to be diffi cult for them to allow him to participate in sports knowing that with a missing hand their son was facing an uphill climb and a possible failure.

“They have just been so supportive,” said Kuhnert. “They never once told me that I couldn’t compete in any sport that I tried. They were the ones that never doubted me and always found ways to help me do things. They also instilled in me that I had to work twice as hard as other people to be on a level playing fi eld. My dad used to tell me that I ‘had a look in my eye’ that

“First of all Sam has a big heart and that’s something that you sometimes can’t measure in an athlete. He is the kind of kid that is always, and I mean always, going to give you his best effort all the time.”

– Tim Craft, Du Quoin High School baseball coach –

Kuhnert played offensive line for the Du Quoin Indians while earning 11 letters in all sports during his high school career.

Kuhnert showed his ‘no limits’ mentality at an early age.



way God made me and it’s not going to change so I had to get used to it and make the most of the situation.”

And make the most of it he did. Kuhnert said with the help of his dad he learned there are ways and techniques to compensate for the missing hand. As a youngster Kuhnert studied video of former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott, who also had only o n e hand. Abbott, a left-hander, would hold his glove on his ‘nub’ throw the ball and then quickly get the glove back on his left hand so he would be in a fi elding position.

“My dad showed me videos of Jim Abbott so I watched and studied him and I would practice with my dad and he would hit me ground balls and I would make the play and throw the ball to him and he would throw it right back at me and I learned how to get my glove back on quickly.”

Kuhnert said the fact that he had to compensate also provided a burning motivation.

“I’ve always had a dream of playing sports in college … ever since I was a little boy,” said Kuhnert. “I would always dream I was a college athlete or I was Michael Jordan or Dennis Rodman playing basketball or Jim Abbott on the mound. Sports have always been a big part of my life and it’s just something I worked hard at every day. Sometimes I worked harder at sports than I did my education because I just loved it so much.”

While Kuhnert was born without a left hand he was born with athletic ability and size. Kuhnert was 6-feet-2 in seventh grade, 6-feet-4-inches in eighth grade


Kuhnert was a mainstay on the 2011 Du Quoin Indians baseball team that picked up a second place trophy in Class 2A.

Kuhnert said his favorite place on the baseball fi eld is standing on the pitcher’s mound.



and grew to 6-feet-7-inches and 210 pounds coming out of high school.

Kuhnert said all his coaches, from grade school through high school, were supportive of his desire and dedication and never treated him like he was any different. He gave high praise to Du Quoin Middle School coach Ryan Heape for the role he played in his development.

“Coach Heape really helped me out in basketball,” said Kuhnert. “He would stay after with me at practice. He got a reaction ball and he would throw it to me and I would have to catch it and then we would switch over to a basketball. He really helped me and gave me confi dence.”

Heape said Kuhnert never saw himself as anything but an athlete – period.

“Sam never saw himself with any limitations and his teammates didn’t either,” said Heape. “He was always the fi rst one to practice and the last one to leave. I think Sam is a great example that the only limitations you have is the way you approach what you’re doing. With Sam and his parents there were no excuses.”

A dream-come-trueWhile Kuhnert competed in football

and basketball in high school he quickly admits that his favorite sport is baseball and his favorite spot on the fi eld is toeing the rubber on the pitcher’s mound.

“I’ve played the outfi eld and other positions but my favorite place is on the

si connection.com

Kuhnert, pictured with current Illinois coach Bruce Weber, won the ‘Hustle’ award at a camp at SIU during Weber’s tenure at Carbondale.

Kuhnert played basketball three year in high school, foregoing the sport his senior year to concentrate on baseball.

Kuhnert and his Indians’ teammates make a triumphant return to Du Quoin with the second place trophy in the Class 2A baseball state tournament.



like a little school girl. It was such an accomplishment and all my hard work paid off in that moment. It was the most exciting moment in my life. And it was like God blessed me in that very moment. It was just an incredible feeling when I found out I would be playing baseball at the collegiate level.”

Camp No Limits provides inspiration

“The summer before my senior year I was able to attend Camp No Limits – it’s a camp for children like me – to work with children and teach them sports,” said Kuhnert. “I’ve always wanted to be a coach and pass my knowledge of the baseball on and when I heard about this camp there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to go and help others.”

Kuhnert said he approached the camp with the goal of helping youngsters with ‘nubs’ learn about the physical aspect of sports and also to help prepare them mentally and emotionally for what was ahead.

“I already knew that confidence could carry you a long way and I wanted to help instill confidence in them so that they could succeed and once they found that confidence nothing could hold them back,”

pitcher’s mound, that’s the place that I feel the most comfortable,” said Kuhnert. “I just love being there and having the game in my hand. Whenever I would get in a jam I would use the motivation of not wanting to leave the mound to work myself out of the jam.”

Kuhnert said the offer for a baseball scholarship from Greenville was truly a dream-come-true.

“I got the call that they (Greenville) wanted me to sign with them and I was jumping up and down like a kid and actually knocked a clock of the wall and broke it,” said Kuhnert. “I was screaming

said Kuhnert. “It was just an amazing experience for me.”

And from inspiration NubAbility is born

Calling his missing left hand a ‘nub’ is something that Kuhnert refers to as easily and casually as he would talk about his eyes, his feet or even his very-talented right arm. And it was the week spent at Camp No Limits that inspired Kuhnert to take that


“Sam never saw himself with any limitations and his teammates didn’t either. He was always the first one to practice and the last one to leave. I think Sam is a great example that the only limitations you have is the way you approach what you’re doing. With Sam and his parents there were no excuses.”

– Ryan Heape, Du Quoin Middle School coach –

During his week at the No Limits Camp Kuhnert (with his new friends) formed the ‘Nub Club.’



term – ‘nub’ – and use it to provide support, confidence and love to children who had also had to learn the hard way about that little three-letter word that still, even in 2011, still carries a stigma.

Shortly after his experience at Camp No Limits Kuhnert and while still in high school, Kuhnert founded NubAbility, a non-profit organization that helps youngsters with disabilities.

“I really felt like God was speaking to me and letting me know that this is what I was supposed to be doing,” said Kuhnert. “NubAbility is geared to help small children with nubs gain confidence and to help older athletes with such things as weightlifting. In order to be an athlete, it doesn’t matter what sport, you have to lift weights and that was something that was difficult for me in high school just because of the balance aspect.”

Kuhnert said he is currently in discussion with Greenville about holding a first-ever NubAbility camp this summer that will focus on football, basketball and baseball. Kuhnert created a NubAbility Facebook page and the response was overwhelming.

“It just took off,” he said. “So, I know that there is a need for this not just in our area but nationally. Since then I’ve had contact with other athletes, both boys and girls, across the country that have faced some of the same obstacles.”

“Again, I believe this is what God has in mind for me … otherwise why would NubAbility be taking off like this,” said Kuhnert.

Showing a sense of humor that has sustained him through difficult times Kuhnert talked about a moment at Camp No Limits that provided a light-hearted moment for a group of youngsters all with nubs.

“There were several youngsters that didn’t have a hand like me and we started the ‘Nub Club’ and when we would get in a huddle instead of sticking our hands in like teams do we all stuck our nubs in,” laughed Kuhnert.

While Kuhnert maintains a positive, upbeat attitude he admits that there have been difficult and trying times.

“I got discouraged because of the way kids would treat me sometimes,” Kuhnert said. “But, it made me emotionally stronger and I was able to handle more. I learned to laugh about it myself and the way I see it this is the way God made me so I’m very comfortable with it.”

When asked about his future Kuhnert applied the ‘no limits’ philosophy to his answer.“I’m hoping to spread my NubAbility camps around the country and pass on the

knowledge of what I’ve learned through the years growing up,” said Kuhnert. “This summer I’m going on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and I hope to help kids there. It’s looked down on there and children and families are ashamed. I plan on bringing NubAbility shorts and work them to let them know they don’t have to be ashamed. I want to help all children understand that it is possible to do all things even with one hand. And at some point in my life I want to coach baseball at the college level.”

Kuhnert is quick to point out that Phillipians 4:13 is a bible verse that he has relied on – a bible verse that perfectly fits a young man with one hand that excels in sports, has a blazing fastball and a passion to help other nubs.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Kuhnert said matter-of-factly reciting his favorite verse. “I know that this is how God created me and just like the verse says … I also know that ‘through Christ’ I can do all things.”



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selling insurance for Afl ac and enjoys what he is doing. Speaking to schools and organizations about his experience helps him stay strong and it is something he loves to do.

“It helps kids “he says. Morris told the large contingent

of educators at Mt. Vernon that more information about teen suicide can be found at www.kidsunder21.com.

Congratulations Jeff, a job well done.

From Where I SitBy Tom Wheeler

Most kids dream of playing at state. They dream of being the state basketball champions,

maybe going 35-0 on the year and being ranked number one in state all year. They dream of being the starting point guard and playing with a really good player who is also a great person, maybe good enough to be Mr. Basketball in Illinois. Some dream of going on to play college ball, starting every game, being All- conference and even Academic All American.

Then they dream of becoming a coach like their dad, then moving into administration, marry a coach’s daughter, who was also a talented athlete, and along the way have two precious children.

For everyone who knows Mcleansboro’s Jeff Morris, they also know this was not a dream but it was Jeff’s life. Everyone who watched Jeff grow up knew he was always something extraordinary. He was always smiling, a great athlete and student and a leader on and off the fl oor.

What most fans did not know is what Jeff showed on the outside was not what Jeff was feeling on the inside. In fact this ‘dark’ side caused Jeff to lose his job as high school principal and his wife of 19 years while he suffered from severe depression and constant thoughts of suicide

At the Mt. Vernon Teachers Conference this year Jeff spoke to an over fl ow crowd about his situation. He was honest and he courageously answered all questions backing away from nothing that was asked. This was the fi rst time he had told his story in front of so many people that he knew and knew him.

“I never felt I was doing a good job as a principal. I was a perfectionist and wanted everything to be perfect. I kept hunting for a better job for my family, to make more money to keep moving up,” said Morris. “Believe me, being a principal is the toughest job in the educational system. I kept these feelings of depression hid, I put up a good front but I thought of suicide

constantly. To think of suicide is common, but when it stretches to weeks upon weeks you’re in trouble.”

Jeff admitted that he had tried suicide four times in the last ten years. “It got so bad, after being hospitalized for exhaustion that I didn’t know who to turn to. I pulled out my insurance card and found a number to call which gave me help. I found that talking to my parents and getting on proper medication has saved my life. Mental illness is a disease; it needs to be treated with the same attitude.”

He had advice for teachers.“If you suspect a student is hurting, ask

him point blank, it may hurt their feelings but it’s better than something happening to them,” he said. “12 students a day will die of suicide, another 100-200 will attempt suicide.”

Jeff Morris is a winner. He has always been a winner, whether its beating Mt Pulaski for the Illinois state championship or beating a terrible disease called depression. He’s out of education now,

A Winner



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The list could go on for a good while…

The principle to consider is at what point does ritual overtake relationship? When does one substitute device over devotion? We must be mindful of the propensity of the human heart to seek advantage over one’s opponent and to use whatever means are necessary to win. Be careful to not let sincere expressions of faith and trust in Christ Jesus become perverted and reduced to mindless ritual or foolish superstition.

I really don’t think the Lord cares one way or

another about who wins any particular

sport contest. I do, however, s i n c e r e l y

believe that it very much matters

to Him how we compete and how we

express our devotion to Him by how we apply our faith in

Christ in the sporting world. Let’s not reduce Jesus to being a good luck charm. Rather, let’s honor Him as the Lord God of creation and experience his life, love, presence and pleasure as we refl ect His nature in sport.

Faith on the FieldBy Roger Lipe

The batter steps into the box with one foot, pulls the crucifi x from within his jersey,

presses it to his lips and then prepares to hit. The running back takes a knee on the sideline, removes his helmet and bows his head. He silently prays for God’s help in securing a win and then makes the sign of the cross at his chest. The sport chaplain paces the sideline with his lucky Bible securely nestled in his beltline asking God for a victory and a championship, oh yeah, so the Lord would be glorifi ed and so on.

Each of these situations stands right on the edge, if not slightly over the edge, of treating Jesus as a good luck charm. I have personally witnessed these and more like them. I have found the same occasionally in my own heart and have been convicted of my own foolishness. The men and women of sport are certainly prone to superstitions and we who serve Christ in sport are not immune to the culture’s bent.

Let’s consider more expressions of “religion” in sport which can either be genuine devotion or may be superstition. Some may be both.

Kissing one’s cross or crucifi x necklace prior to a sport activity, like a plate appearance in baseball

Saying the Lord’s prayer prior to games

Carrying a Bible on the sideline

Praying a particular prayer or uttering a “can’t fail” prayer cliché on the pitch

Writing scripture references or entire verses on one’s shoes, wrist bands, eye black, tape or even in tattoos

Pointing to the sky in celebration of a big play

Attending pre-game chapel

Asking the team chaplain to pray with me prior to a big game

Wearing a WWJD bracelet

Wearing one’s “lucky tee shirt” from a Christian sport camp

under his team

jersey or kit

Jesus as a Good Luck Charm



RLC Report By Nathan Wheeler

Warriors reload for 2011-12 basketball at Rend Lake College

Rend Lake College basketball is rebuilding as the Warrior and Lady Warrior seasons get

underway the fi rst week of November. Out of the 26 players active on the combined rosters, fi ve are sophomores. And of those fi ve sophomores – all of whom are Lady Warriors – one is a returning player.

Simply put, no one knows what to

expect as RLC gets ready to take the hardwood for another exciting season. That includes Lady Warriors Head Coach Ashley Allen.

“It’s exciting,” Allen said. “It’s nerve-

racking because it’s a whole new team and that makes it tough, but exciting at the same time.”

Allen said her team is learning to play

with each other and play all 40 minutes. “If you let down for 10 minutes you

can lose and that’s what happened to us last year.”

Guard Raven Phillips of Olive Branch,

Miss., is the returning sophomore and will be expected to provide tremendous leadership on and off the court. She is joined by sophomores Janie Conner of Ina at point guard; Jessica Hobson of Hopkinsville, Ky., at guard; Patrice Hutchinson of Indianapolis at point guard; and Kandice Travis of Cahokia at guard/forward. The freshmen class includes Detroit guard Britnee Bishop, point guard Malyra Carter of East Chicago, Ind., 6-1 center Kalen Hoskins of Mt. Vernon, guard Melanie Rhine of Nashville, Ill., guard Terran Scott of Granger, Ind., and

6-0 Cahokia forward Fredricka Walker. Reminiscent of last season, the Lady

Warriors are already down to eight for Friday night’s game against Lindenwood. Rhine, who is also on the RLC volleyball team, will not be available, and Travis and Hobson are injured.

This year, defense is the key, according

to Allen. “We are small so we are really going

to have to get after people and make them uncomfortable to guard us. We are going to have to hang our hats on defense.”

The Warriors kick off at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 3, by hosting the junior varsity squad from Mid-Continent University. The Lady Warriors will also start its season at home with the junior varsity team from Lindenwood University at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

The dry-erase board has been wiped

completely clean on the men’s side as head coach Randy House has built a 15-man roster made up entirely of freshmen, and added new assistant coaches in former Warrior Tommy Holder and Ward McDaniel. Size-wise, Rend Lake as a

whole is an inch taller from last year and has gained about 13 pounds on average.

Local talent for the Warriors includes

6-2 guard Kevon Fortney and 6-5 guard/forward Cameron Tucker, both of Mt. Vernon; and 6-3, 200 pound guard/forward Dawson Verhines of Woodlawn. Also from Illinois are Metropolis’ Corey Ayala at guard, 6-8 center Vennis Brown from Colp, Campbell Hill’s Dennis Froemling at guard and Jesse Smith at point, and Chicago products in 6-4 guard/forward Dominique Bolden and 6-1 point guard Ameer Weeks.

Those joining the Rend Lake ranks

from out of state include 6-5 forward Noel Allen from Guttenburg, N.J., 6-5 forward Dorvontis Gordon from Indianapolis, 6-6 forward Cody Hanner from Harviell, Mo., 6-1 point guard TeNale Roland of Louisville, 6-7 forward Derrick Williams from Monticello, Ark., and 6-4 Michigan forward Larry Johnson Jr. – son of former NBA great and fi rst-round pick Larry Johnson whose professional career spanned a decade.

The Warriors will continue its

November schedule at St. Louis Community College on Nov. 9, back home



against Illinois Central and Greenville J.V. on Nov. 11 and 16, and away at Parkland on Nov. 19. From there it’s a home game with Danville Area on Nov. 20, and on the road with Shawnee on Nov. 29.

The Lady Warriors’ November schedule continues with Three

Rivers at home on Nov. 8, in Cincinnati against Schoolcraft and Cincinnati State on Nov. 11 and 12, and back home with McKendree J.V. on Nov. 16, Cincinnati State on Nov. 19 and McKendree J.V. on Nov. 30.

For complete schedules and more news about roundball at Rend

Lake, visit online at www.rlc.edu/warriors.

WE’RE HERE ALL YEAR.BECAUSE TAXES DON’TTAKE THE REST OF THE

YEAR OFF.

101 WEST MAIN STREET • BENTON, ILLINOIS 62812

Phone: 618-439-4641 • Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

After Tax Season

Wed 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

or By appointment

©2010 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

Available at participating offices.

WE’RE HERE ALL YEAR.BECAUSE TAXES DON’TTAKE THE REST OF THE

YEAR OFF.

101 WEST MAIN STREET • BENTON, ILLINOIS 62812

Phone: 618-439-4641 • Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

After Tax Season

Wed 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

or By appointment

©2010 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

Available at participating offices.

101 West Main Street • Benton, IL 62812618-439-4641

Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After tax season - Wed. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

or by appointment



TRIFECTATRIFECTAacademics • leadership • athletics

Celeste Herrmann – MarionCeleste Herrmann – A three year member of the Marion High School tennis team, Celeste Herrmann has

won the Most Improved Award both her sophomore and junior year. Herrmann plays the No. 4 singles position and placed second in the South Seven Conference. Herrmann is a member of Tri Hy Y and Sophisticats and is a member of the high school choir while carrying an impressive 3.60 GPA (4.0 scale). During her spare time Herrmann does volunteer work at the Marion VA Hospital and also at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center.

Marion tennis coach Carrie Watson said Herrmann has achieved much through hard work.“Three years ago if you would have told me that Celeste would be one of my top players I would have

never believed you. This young lady had not played very much tennis before entering high school. But through hard work, taking private lessons, participating in the tennis programs sponsored by the SIU tennis teams, and listening to her coaches then applying what we did in practice to matches has turned her game around. Herrmann is a very determined and competitive individual. This shows off the court in her academics as well as on the court. She enjoys life and her huge smile and sense of humor conveys this. She is truly a great addition to our team and time with Celeste is always an experience.”

“Three years ago if you would have told me that Celeste would be one of my top players I would have never believed you. This young lady had not played very much tennis before entering high school. But through hard work, taking private lessons, participating in the tennis programs sponsored by the SIU tennis teams, and listening to her coaches then applying what we did in practice to matches has turned her game around. Herrmann is a very determined and competitive individual. This shows off the court in her academics as well as on the court. She enjoys life and her huge smile and sense of humor conveys this. She is truly a great addition to our team and time with Celeste is always an experience.”

Joshua Tharp – West FrankfortJoshua Tharp is a three-sport standout at West Frankfort High School while still maintaining a better-than-perfect

GPA of 5.02 on a 5.0 scale. Tharp ranks 5th in his class of 108 students while maintaining a rigorous athletic and extra-curricular schedule.

West Frankfort wrestling coach Rick Arrington said Tharp is a joy to coach.“Josh is a great kid, probably one of the best I’ve ever coached,” said Arrington. “He is just a great athlete and is

always putting in extra time and always gives a maximum effort. He’s a straight-A student and always works hard in practice. He’s a natural leader to everybody on the team. He’s the kind of kid that you wish was your own and if I had 20 more like him I wouldn’t need to do anything else in practice every day.”

Grab your copy of Southern Illinois Sports Connection

today or Visit our website:

sisportsconnection.com

October 2011, Vol. 5 No. 2



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Paterno was an idol in Pennsylvania and in much of America. Being an idol is a dangerous thing. Just look at Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson. Human beings were not created to be worshipped. The little New Testament book of 1 John ends with these words: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” We know John defi nitely meant to not worship idols, but one has to wonder if the Spirit was also warning us of the danger of becoming one.

Paterno’s name has been removed from the championship trophy, but what about the statue in front of Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley? I once heard it is wise to choose dead people for your heroes, because living people can still fail miserably. Sadly, we have just witnessed a monumental example of the wisdom behind that counsel.

Brett Maragni is a former Benton resident and is currently senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel of Jacksonville, Florida. His website is www.pastorbrett.com.

Well beyond retirement age, Paterno marched into the record books with victory after victory. As the legendary coach clung to his job into his mid-80s, I began to think that the only thing that would put any stain on his legacy would be an inability to know when to hang it up.

In the midst of an uncharacteristic run of mediocrity a few years ago, the Penn State athletic director and president tried to get Paterno to step down. The game had passed him up, the critics were saying, and his win-loss record seemed to confi rm those accusations. Paterno reminded his “superiors” who really called the shots at Penn State University and stayed on as head coach.

Through many years of winning games and impacting lives, Parterno had accrued an almost limitless reservoir of power in State College. The tragedy is that the same power he tapped to keep his job is the same power he should have fl exed to bring justice to the victims of alleged child molester Jerry Sandusky.

Whether Paterno was passing the buck or overseeing a cover-up is unknown at this point. Either way, it was a gross misuse of his seemingly limitless power. His journey from successful coach to adored icon to worshipped idol placed him in rarifi ed air. His massive misjudgment on this one issue, however, ended up being a costly mistake for Paterno, for the university, for justice, and perhaps, for more victims.

Commissioner Jim Delany announced recently that former Penn State coach Joe Paterno’s

name would be removed from the Big Ten Football Championship trophy.

For the fi rst time in its storied history, the Big Ten will feature a championship game to cap off the regular season. The trophy to be awarded to the winner of that game had been named the Stagg-Paterno Trophy, but now it will just be the Stagg Trophy, according to the Big Ten commissioner.

The story of the removal of Paterno’s name from the trophy is really just a footnote in terms of its importance in the ongoing saga of the Penn State scandal. But it is also a poignant symbolic reminder of the epic fall of Paterno in the public’s eye because of the epic fail in his leadership in private some nine years ago, and perhaps going back even further.

Nearly 20 years ago I read Paterno’s autobiography, “By the Book.” I came away from that reading with a profound respect for Paterno’s example of weaving the glamorous job of coaching college football with the honorable goal of molding young men with values rooted in the Judeo-Christian worldview. As the years rolled by and JoePa ascended to the peak of wins and respect, I viewed his “success with honor” tradition as a beacon of hope for fans like me, who were skeptical of all the recruiting violations, booster favors and questionable academics.

First PersonBy Brett Maragni



FEATURE By Fred Huff

(Tim Branon and Keith Kessler) Centralia; Southern Illinois Dirt Dawgs (Matt Knox) Woodlawn; Midwest Express (Tom Hasenstab) Red Bud; Bluff City Sox (Bryan Roady) Brighton and SI Athletes (Scott Hutchinson) Johnston City.

Teams in the 16-and-under include:

Southern Steel (Tom Hasenstab) Red Bud; Downstate Rippers 96 (Bill Sona and Kevin Deaton) Carterville; Southern Illinois Lady Bullets (Scott Ingram) McLeansboro; Southern Express 96 (Theron Rushing) Carbondale; Clarksville Patriots (Nick Robard) Clarksville, Tenn.; Southern Impact (Bill Asbury) Du Quoin; St. Louis Fusion (Henry Goff) Collinsville; West Frankfort Blitz (Jeff Piersol) West Frankfort; Southern Storm (Jim Barton) Benton and Dream Team (Lou and Selise Ridolfi ) Mayfi eld, Ky.

While Asbury is the originator and leader of the event, he is assisted by more than 150 volunteers who contribute hours and hours of their time. In addition, Jo Dodd is the Special Olympics Illinois leader headquartered in Carbondale.

Three other tournaments are scheduled for later in the winter months. A tournament for boys’ teams is set for Jan. 21-22 before an Illinois High School Association girls tournament is scheduled for March 23-24 and a girls fastpitch tournament March 31-April 1.

The tournament also benefi ts from three major sponsors including Knight Hawk Coal, LCC, McDonalds (the Short family) and Ward Chrysler (Mark Ward).

Fans may purchase tickets for the event on a single-session or tournament basis.

Event organizer Bill Asbury and his daughter Brenna are pictured in front of the huge softball advertising the January event. Photo by Christopher Kays


Softball in mid-January? In Southern Illinois? You’ve got to be joking. And, of course, there is

a catch. It’s being played indoors.

One of the area’s more recent -- and highly successful -- happenings is the Girls Indoor Winter Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament scheduled for Jan. 13-15 at the Du Quoin State Fairground’s Southern Illinois Center.

The “SI Center”, as it is becoming more commonly known as, is the huge -- and attractive -- building located just south of the main grandstand and is accessible just off of route 14.

The brainstorm of Du Quoin’s Bill Asbury, the event is in its third year and is a benefi t for special Olympics of southern Illinois. Last year it raised more than $75,000 for “Special Olympics Illinois” and is hoping to hit the six-fi gure mark this year.

Sixteen teams are entered in this year’s tournament, all guaranteed of playing three games on the two dirt diamonds set up inside the SI Center. It may lack some of the pizzaz of a modern outdoor stadium, but it’s non-stop action complete with seating for 2,000 fans, concession stands,

vendors of all types, raffl es and ceremonies to match. Games are set for Friday (Jan. 13) evening and all day Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 14 and 15).

Participating teams, all having paid a $400 entry fee, are in three age categories . . . 12 years and under, 14-and-under and 16-and-under.

Teams and their coaches in the 12-and-under category include:

Southern Illinois Dirt Dawgs ‘99 (Jimmy Dodd) Marion; Southern Illinois Dirt Dawgs Melcher (Mark Melcher) Marion; Illinois Eclipse (Shayne Hutchinson) Johnston City; Hopkins County Heat (Scott Miller} Madisonville, Ky.; Southern Express 99 (Jeremy Anderson) Carbondale; Southern Illinois Dirt Diamonds (Darren Hill) Du Quoin; Downstate Rippers (Allen McCree) Creal Springs and Southern Express 2000 (Eric Goins) Goreville.

Teams in the 14-and-under category include:

Dirt Diamonds 98 (Jeff Robinson and Brad Geary) Du Quoin; Dirt Diamonds 97 (Jason Rolla) Sesser; Southern Illinois Lady Bullets (Quentin Sullivan) McLeansboro; Centralia Super Sonics



Murf’s Turf

wildly the famous Jim Edmonds catch and the eventual win that pushed the Birds into the World Series.

There have been so many other

memories I cherish as a Cardinals’ fan that I wonder when I became the cynical grouch. Watching the seventh game made me think of my mother, father, step-father, brother and many friends that I shared the Red Birds with over the years.

I understand a little better now. Baseball is more than a game, its part of the things memories are made of.

Let’s Meet Here Next Month

6. I had been out to my son’s concert and had to get up very early the next morning so I went to bed. (I can blame most of this to the “old age” thing I referred to at the top of this column.)

I did listen and watch Game 7. I tried to take in every inning. I even had my teenage daughter, Natalie, sit on the couch and watch most of it with me. I thought during the game about all my memories that the Cardinals played major roles. I remember well my dad taking me out of school for a World Series game in St. Louis against the Boston Red Sox in 1967.

Spending the weekend with the guys in St. Louis 20 years later and watching Tommy Herr belt a 10th inning grand slam to complete a ridiculous comeback against the Mets. As Herr rounded the bases, fans showered the fi eld with souvenir seat cushions that had been given out before the game.

I was in old Busch Stadium the

night Mike Laga hit a ball out of the stadium. My young son and I attended the fi nal game Ozzie Smith played in as a Cardinal in 1996.

My buddy and I walking around old Busch Stadium during the fi nal game of the 2004 NLCS against the Houston Astros and looking out at the new stadium being built, then celebrating

Getting older is tricky. Sure, there are the surprise aches and pains and wondering why,

when you want to go the bathroom you can’t and sometimes you have to when you don’t want to. They say with age comes experience but I am battling a demon called cynicism.

In 2006 when the Cardinals won the

World Championship, I didn’t listen or watch any of the World Series. I kept thinking St. Louis backed into the Playoffs and weren’t the best team in baseball. Flash forward to 2011 and the Cards are 10.5 games out at Labor Day and I am proclaiming to anybody that will listen that the Cards are done … fi nished … toast.

Well, we all know what happened.

However, something else happened during the 2011 World Series; I battled my inner cynic and won.

Part of it was friends and co-workers who get so giddy during the baseball season anyway and when the Cards made their miracle run they went absolutely bonkers. I kept huffi ng and puffi ng but couldn’t believe what was happening. I didn’t fully come around because I didn’t want the big disappointment if it didn’t happen. I would be ready with the big ‘I TOLD YOU SO.’

Here’s another confession. I did not see the end of the now famous Game

By Mike Murphy

Battling My Inner Cynic



2. Played baseball and basketball in college, but didn’t play football.

3. Three sons won 11 varsity letters at DuQuoin, (1982-88)

Jason Karnes, varsity football coach at Herrin High School

1.Quarterbacked Du Quoin to the state championship in 1992

2.Bad shoulder stopped a baseball career with the New York Yankees

3.Advise for coaches: keep it simple and make good choices

Jarrod Karnes, varsity defensive coordinator at Murphysboro High School

1.Started coaching career as a baseball coach at Meridian high School

2.Played in same backfield with brother Jason at McKendree University

3.Last time Murphysboro beat Du Quoin at Du Quoin was Jarrod’s senior year

David Lee, basketball guru of Southern Illinois

coach Rich Herrin just to name a few.This year’s event turned into a ‘family

affair’ as Wheeler outdid himself by landing members of two families that are synonymous with athletic success. Joining Wheeler on the panel was former Du Quoin coach Bob Karnes and his sons Jason and Jarod, who coach football at Herrin and Murphysboro respectively. Also on the hot seat was former McLeansboro and West Frankfort coach David Lee, his son Darin who had great success at Nashville before moving on to Collinsville, Roger Lee, veteran track/cross country coach at Hamilton County High School and Brad Lee, superintendent of Carmi White-County High School.

During the event Wheeler compiled a ‘bet you didn’t know’ list about his guests.

Bob Karnes, legendary football coach of Southern Illinois

1. Son Jeff passed on coaching to become a doctor at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

For nearly a quarter of a century local sports guru Tom Wheeler takes two days in October and

turns it into a treat for coaches, officials and plain old sports fans from throughout Southern Illinois.

A former teacher and coach and a monthly contributor to SISC, Wheeler heads up a coaching/physical education panel at the annual Mt. Vernon Teacher’s Conference, held on the campus of Mt. Vernon High School.

And to say that Wheeler has been innovative and creative would be an understatement. During his 23 years of bringing guest speakers to the annual event Wheeler has brought the who’s who of Southern Illinois sports to the two-day conference. The list includes McLeansboro’s Carl Mauck, former Du Quoin and SIU standout Nick Hill, Nashville and former San Francisco pitcher Kirk Rueter and former Benton and SIU

The four Lees (left to right) Roger, David, Darin and Brad, share a lighthearted moment during the Mt. Vernon Teacher’s Conference.

FEATURE



2.Spent a semester at the Air Force Academy

3.Advise to coaches: take care of business in the classroom

Roger Lee, veteran cross country/track coach at Hamilton County High School

1.Ran a 4:14 mile in college at the Florida State Invitational

2.Member of Hall of Fame at Flager College, St. Augustine, Florida

3.Advice to coaches: give the kids a

1.Was a walk-on at SIU who became MVP of the basketball team

2.Was going to assist Jerry Sloan at University of Evansville prior to the 1977 plane crash that killed the entire Aces team but Sloan switched to the Utah Jazz

3.Athlete of the year at SIU as a senior

Darin Lee, varsity basketball coach at Collinsville High School

1.Only year as an assistant was a year at Rend Lake College

A Family Affair

chance to be kids

Brad Lee, Superintendent at Carmi White County High School

1.Had a tryout in St. Louis with the Cardinals thanks to scout Virgil Melvin

2.Taught Uncle David about the importance of ‘fi rst day of deer season.’

3.Advice for coaches: Spend time on fundamentals “because there is no short cut to success.”

The three Karnes (l-r Jarod, Bob and Jason) are pictured at the Mt. Vernon Teacher’s Conference where the subject of high school football was at the top of the list.



Physical Therapy Needed.You don’t think about physical therapy… until you need it! When you do, think

NovaCare Rehabilitation first. Our experienced clinical team will create an

individualized treatment plan that will help reduce pain and prevent re-injury

while achieving each patient’s specific goals. Whether you’re a student athlete,

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Rehabilitation will get you back to the activities you enjoy!

Our Services Include:• Physical Therapy• Occupational Therapy• Athletic Training• Aquatic Therapy• Vestibular

Rehabilitation• Graston Technique• Work Conditioning/

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Carbondale • 618.529.3201

Marion • 618.997.9497

Mt. Vernon • 618.242.1100

McLeansboro • 618.643.2143

Nashville • 618.327.4969

West Frankfort • 618.937.6200


Sports are a great way for teens to stay physically fit while learning important life skills. But, sports also putthese young athletes at risk of injury, especially concussions. A recent study found that 47 percent of highschool football players suffered a concussion each season, according to statistics gathered by the NationalCenter for Injury Prevention.

What is a concussion?A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or joltto the head or body. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to bea mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

What are the signs and symptoms?You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up

right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days after the injury. If an athlete reports one or moresymptoms of concussion listed below, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, keep the athlete out of play andseek medical attention right away.

Signs Observed byFamily/Friends/Coaches

Symptoms Reported by Athlete

• Appears dazed or stunned• Is confused about assignment or position• Forgets an instruction• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent• Moves clumsily• Answers questions slowly• Loses consciousness (even briefly)• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

• Headache or “pressure” in head• Nausea or vomiting• Balance problems or dizziness• Double or blurry vision• Sensitivity to light or noise• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy• Concentration or memory problems• Confusion• Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

How to prevent a concussionEvery sport is different, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.• Use the proper sports equipment, including personal protective equipment. In

order for equipment to protect you, it must be:o The right equipment for the game, position, or activityo Worn correctly and the correct size and fito Used every time you play or practice

• Follow your coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.• Practice good sportsmanship at all times.

Head injuries are very serious, please seek medical attentionimmediately.

If you have any further questions about concussions or other sports related injuries, you can contactone of the certified Athletic Trainers of NovaCare Rehabilitation at 618-216-2583!

Information provided by the U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, Centers For Disease Controland Prevention. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/Concussion



Physical Therapy Needed.You don’t think about physical therapy… until you need it! When you do, think

NovaCare Rehabilitation first. Our experienced clinical team will create an

individualized treatment plan that will help reduce pain and prevent re-injury

while achieving each patient’s specific goals. Whether you’re a student athlete,

professional athlete, a weekend warrior or a working professional, NovaCare

Rehabilitation will get you back to the activities you enjoy!

Our Services Include:• Physical Therapy• Occupational Therapy• Athletic Training• Aquatic Therapy• Vestibular

Rehabilitation• Graston Technique• Work Conditioning/

Hardening

NovaCare Rehabilitation… Recovery Starts Here!


Benton • 618.439.3399

Carbondale • 618.529.3201

Marion • 618.997.9497

Mt. Vernon • 618.242.1100

McLeansboro • 618.643.2143

Nashville • 618.327.4969

West Frankfort • 618.937.6200




For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

The staff of High Road Publications would like to take this opportunity to wish all our faithful advertisers and loyal readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy

and Prosperous New Year!

May the joy and excitement of the holiday season be felt by you throughout the coming New Year.

Don’t forget that Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

God Bless You!

Jim MuirOwner, Publisher

High Road Publications



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november 2011

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