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Book On Illinois High School Football features DuQuoin, Metamora, Geneseo, and St Teresa
Written by Illinois Pigskinfrom the Blog World, WGCY News, Gibson City
Book On Illinois High School Football Published
To coincide with the start of the 2010 Illinois high school football season, a longtime high school sports writer is releasing a book on the history of the sport in Illinois.
The book is Dusty, Deek, and Mr. Do-Right: High School Football in Illinois, by Taylor Bell, the longtime high school sports writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. The title makes reference to Tuscola quarterback Dusty Burk, Pittsfield coaching legend Donald “Deek” Pollard and Evanston coach Murney “Mr. Do Right” Lazier.
“We talked to the great players and the great coaches. We dealt with the great programs and the great teams, not just the large schools but the small schools and the mid-size schools and the great games and so forth,” Bell said.
Many of the stories took place before high school football playoffs began in 1974. Programs chronicled include DuQuoin, Metamora, Geneseo and Decatur St. Theresa, which had great programs in the 1940s and 1950s. The book also discusses winning programs at schools such as East St. Louis, Mount Carmel, and Joliet Catholic.
The book is published by the University of Illinois Press.
Check Out the Book on the U of Illinois Press WebsiteChicago Public Schools looks like they will be able to keep non-varisty sports programs
Written by Illinois PigskinView the article on the Your Season on the Chicago Sun Times
Plans to ax all non-varsity high school sports programs at Chicago Public Schools have been dropped, allowing students to play organized sports this year after all.
The reprieve -- which means student-athletes can begin practice in little more than a week on Aug. 11-- has been welcomed by coaches, teachers, police, parents and students, who feared canceling the programs would leave thousands of students on the streets with nothing to do after school.
Crippling budget woes led the Chicago Board of Education to shut down spring sophomore sports earlier this year, with CPS CEO Ron Huberman warning in March that freshman programs also faced elimination in the 2010-11 school year as administrators struggled to close a $700 million budget shortfall.
CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond said Monday that "no final decision" has been made to save the sports, but "the goal is to restore junior-varsity and sophomore sports to normal levels." The Sun-Times has learned that assurances have been given that the programs can go ahead.
Board members met with principals last Tuesday to confirm that funds would be found, Young Magnet High School Principal Dr. Joyce Kenner said.
Kenner, who also serves on the board of the Illinois High School Association, said, "We're just thrilled that dollars are going to be found and that other funding options are going to be considered to give our children a chance to play sports at all levels.
"It's very, very important to see that our kids stay involved with sports and academics."
Kenner said CPS officials "found some money based on what's happening in Springfield" and would be looking for "innovative ways" to fund the programs.
"This should never happen again," she said. "This had a huge impact on some premier-level athletes."
The news was greeted with relief at sports powerhouse Simeon Career Academy, where basketball coach Robert Smith has helped players develop, including Bulls star Derrick Rose.
"With what is going on in ... Chicago now, I'm happy they did whatever they had to do to find the money to keep it going," Smith said.
"I'm glad I don't have put these young men back on the streets."
Simeon sophomore point forward Jabari Parker said a decision to cancel programs was "selfish" and would have resulted in "a lot more kids getting in trouble."
Chicago Police spokesman Roderick Drew said: "The coaches and students are right. Keeping young people active and engaged in productive activities is one of the best ways to keep them out of trouble."
At Young, sophomore basketball player Scott Kingsley learned from his coach Monday morning that his team's season had been saved. "I was going to go anywhere I had to to play basketball this year," he said. "Basketball is the biggest reason I came to Young."
Kingsley's father, Jim, was so concerned that he contacted the IHSA to see if his son would be allowed to play for another school, and even considered sending him to New Jersey for a year.
"He's a pretty good player and we knew losing the year would be devastating to his development," he said.
Young basketball coach Tyrone Slaughter said, "There were certainly instances where kids decided to go to Catholic schools instead of CPS schools" because of the looming cuts, adding that the news had given him "tremendous joy."
Chicago Teachers Union staff coordinator Jackson Potter said political pressure brought by parents and teachers had brought about the U-turn, and showed that "nothing is set in stone."
Should the IHSA limit the number of paid assistant coaches?
Written by Illinois PigskinAn interesting topic cross my path. It was a blurb on the Suburban Chicago News Website
Should the IHSA limit the number of paid assistants?
An area high-school football coach brought this up, and he has a legit point.
We were talking about the IHSA trying to create a level playing field in all sports, and he noted that there is no IHSA rule regarding the number of paid assistant coaches a school can have in any given sport. Apparently, there's a wide disparity between the number of paid assistants in a variety of sports.
He said he'd like to see the IHSA step in and limit the number of paid staffers as a way of giving all schools a somewhat equal chance at success.
Makes sense, and is somewhat surprising that it hasn't come up for vote among IHSA members.
My Take - I see this as a strong point as an advantage that Northern schools have over Southern or Central Schools. Many coaches do volunteer but the paid staff of some schools might be twice or even five times as large as schools that can't afford to pay assistants. I would like to see this come into effect, even if the initial number is high.
Post Dispatch: SIU set to open new football stadium
Written by Illinois PigskinThe Full Story can be Read on the STL Post Dispatch Website
Having 30 of 35 voters pick his team to win a third straight conference title doesn't faze Southern Illinois-Carbondale coach Dale Lennon. After all, he reckons the Salukis have had a bull's-eye on them a few years now considering they've been to seven straight FCS playoffs — second only to Montana's 17 berths in a row.
What he frets over is the potential distraction of SIUC's first new stadium since before World War II. Much as he likes gazing out his new office window into the gleaming 15,000-seat Saluki Stadium, Lennon said, "What we need to do is keep our feet on the ground."
But what SIUC says is the first new FCS stadium built since 2005 represents a radical change in Carbondale from the dilapidated McAndrew Stadium that was the team's home the last 73 seasons.
The new facility features more than 1,000 chairback seats, a two-story press box with luxury suites, spiffy locker rooms, a 20-by-40 foot scoreboard with video replay and, at last, modern restrooms.
The stadium is the result of the $83 million Saluki Way campaign, which also is going toward renovations of SIU Arena.
Starting with the opener Sept. 2 against Quincy, the changes figure to enhance the fan experience dramatically. While SIUC will be hard-pressed to duplicate last season's 8-0 Missouri Valley Conference mark, Lennon hopes the product on the field can continue to be just as appealing despite the team returning only nine starters.
"We've got to make sure we're focusing on our preparation each week," he said in the league's preseason conference call Monday.
The Southern: Marion's Matt Brown will play a bit part at ISU this year
Written by Illinois PigskinThis story can be read on the Southern's website at http://www.thesouthern.com/sports/article_a26b9648-9ebb-11df-998f-001cc4c002e0.html
Before the season, about every football coach in America thinks his team may be better than the previous season.
Illinois State, which has won one Missouri Valley Football Conference title in 24 years of membership, may make an incredible jump from its 6-5 mark of a year ago. Monday, second-year coach Brock Spack and the Redbirds were picked third in the league's preseason poll by media, sports information directors and the league's coaches.
Two-time defending champion Southern Illinois University and last year's runners-up, South Dakota State, finished ahead of the Redbirds in the poll. SIU got 30 first-place votes and 313 overall points. The Jackrabbits, who return preseason All-America tailback Kyle Minett, got two first-place votes and 252 points.
Illinois State got three first-place votes and 249 points. It was the Redbirds' highest preseason poll finish since 2007, when they were picked second. They finished tied for fifth that year.
With several Football Bowl Subdivision transfers, including two at running back and one at the defensive line, and the preseason all-conference quarterback, Illinois State may do more than live up to the hype.
"We've upgraded the talent level, and our players, the attitude is completely different here now," Spack said. "It is a completely different outlook on this season. The players have a different air about it. The culture is turning here fairly quickly, and we're get-ting excited to get started."
Redshirt sophomore Matt Brown, a Marion High School graduate who was The Southern Illinoisan's Prep Football Player of the Year his senior year, was one of four Redbirds on the preseason team. Brown led the league in passing last year after taking over for the injured Drew Kiel, and has all five starters on the offensive line back with him. However, Spack made it clear Monday there would be a true quarterback race in fall practice with Brown, Kiel and sophomore Matt Lancaster.
The league's bottom five hope to make similar jumps this year.
Missouri State, entering its fifth year under former UNI coach Terry Allen, has 13 senior starters from last year's 3-8 squad. North Dakota State was eighth of nine teams in scoring defense last year, allowing 28.6 points per game, and finished 3-8. The Bison, who have one of the strongest home-field advantages in the league, have two different stretches where they host three straight games.
Youngstown State turns a new corner this week with the first official practice of native son Eric Wolford, who took over for Jon Heacock as the Penguins' new coach following a 6-5 season. Western Illinois also has a new coach, officially, as the interim tag was dusted off associate head coach Mark Hendrickson's title after the Leathernecks' brutal 1-10 campaign.
Even Indiana State, which returns 41 lettermen from last year's last-place squad, could make an impact on this year's Valley race.
"We'll be much improved on defense," said Indiana State coach Trent Miles. "Hopefully, we'll be much improved on offense. We have to do a better job of that. We have to be able to throw the football, and I think we took care of that with a couple of transfers that we brought in."
Telegraph: Salukis find top receiver in former Edwardsville QB Allaria
Written by Illinois PigskinAn interesting article about the Edwardsville High School star converting to WR for the SIU Salukis.
Read this article on the Alton Telegraph Website - http://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/state-43322-allaria-league.html
Salukis find top receiver in former Edwardsville QB Allaria
Joe Allaria has made a smooth transition from valued high school quarterback to vaunted college receiver.
Yet it didn't come easy for the Edwardsville High graduate, a senior at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder had to make the transformation on the fly two years ago.
We're talking about a player that completed 87-of-140 passes for 1,237 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior prep season. Allaria also rushed for 902 yards and 17 TDs at EHS in 2006.
"Joe saw himself as a quarterback and when he lost out in the battle to be the starting one to Chris Dieker, he hungered to get on the field," SIUC coach Dale Lennon said.
Get this: Allaria, a QB coming out of Edwardsville, threw 21 passes in 2007 and 16 more in 2008. He never snagged a pass three years ago but in 2008, the modification began. He caught 28 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Since then, Allaria has developed into one of the Missouri Valley Conference's top receivers. The past season, he snared 52 passes for 697 yards and four touchdowns. So Allaria has gone from SIUC's backup quarterback to a spot on the All-MVC preseason team.
"Joe has embraced being a receiver and it has proven to be a great move for the team," Lennon said. "He is studying the intricacies of the position and he can be a difference-maker for us.
Lennon added, "Joe's an athlete and he may have exceeded the expectations for him. He has been better than good. Joe has made a lot of impressive catches, he's playing with urgency and he's not afraid of anyone."
More big things are expected of Allaria and the Salukis this season. They are heavily favored to repeat as champions of the nine-team league, based in St. Louis. South Dakota State, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State could be SIUC's main competition. A new stadium to showcase in Carbondale adds to the luster.
"SIU went through the league unbeaten (8-0) last year," Missouri State coach Terry Allen said. "When was the last time that happened? They return a number of starters, so they have earned the respect (of other coaches) and should get that."
The Salukis' respect included receiving 30 of the 36 first-place votes. ISU was next with three. North Dakota State, Youngstown State, Western Illinois and Indiana State round out the league.
"The league is very balanced and it's going to be tough from top to bottom," second-year ISU coach Brock Spack said. "But SIU is the team to beat."
Northern Iowa coach Mark Fraley added, "SIU separated themselves last season with the talent they had. They had a very good defense and you need to have that to go undefeated in this league."
Running back John Goode, offensive lineman David Pickard, kicker Kyle Dougherty, defensive lineman Kyle Russo and defensive backs Korey Lindsey and Mike McElroy also figure to spark the Salukis. Goode is a bruising 6-2, 240 junior from Olive Branch, Miss.
Local kids such as East St. Louis lineman Terrence Isaiah and defensive back Nick King, along with Belleville lineman Jason Stegman, should add to the mix. SIUC opens at home Sept. 2 against Quincy and then plays Sept. 11 at Illinois.
"We lost 21 seniors, but we still have experience at key positions," Lennon said. "We'll complement them with younger players."
ISU is leaning on sophomore Matt Brown, a 6-4, 210 sophomore quarterback from Marion, to keep the Redbirds pointed in the right direction. E.J. Jones, a 5-11, 190 senior cornerback from Edwardsville, might have a stake in ISU's fortunes.
"We have 18 returning starters back, so I think we will be better talent-wise than we were a year ago," Spack said. "We expect to be good."
Missouri State's Allen echoed those sentiments. "We think we can be competitive and in the top three teams in the league."
Punter Jordan Chiles of Hillsboro and defensive lineman Phil Terhaar of O'Fallon could boost the Bears.
DuQuoin's Dalton Morgan transfers from EIU to SIU, Salukis add Morgan and 5 others
Written by Illinois PigskinBy Jason Clay www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois football team announced Thursday that they have added six players to its 2010 roster, highlighted by a pair of transfers from the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Carl Harris, a wide receiver from Rutgers, and Myron Walker, a nose tackle from Kentucky, have transferred to SIU and are enrolled in school.
In addition to Harris and Walker, the Salukis have added Harper Junior College linebacker Blair Lane and Dalton Morgan, a transfer from Eastern Illinois. Morgan will have to sit out the 2010 season in compliance with NCAA transfer regulations.
Nico Krajecki, a 6-3, 235-pound tight end from Chicago, Ill. (Fenwick HS) has also joined the team, as has Sammy Biggs. Biggs is a four-time Missouri Valley Conference champion sprinter with the SIU track and field team, but will carry out his remaining year of athletic eligibility with the Saluki football program. Biggs was a member of the football team in 2007 and 2008, but did not see any game action.
Harris is a 6-1, 190-pound receiver from Atlantic City, N.J. He was a walk-on with the Scarlet Knights in 2008 and 2009, but did not see any game action. He will have three years of eligibility with the Salukis.
Walker, a 5-11, 275-pounder from Marrero, La., redshirted at Kentucky in 2009 and will have four years of eligibility. Walker was one of the nation's top 100 defensive tackles listed by Rivals.com and the No. 28 prospect in Louisiana by SuperPrep coming out of Archbishop Rummel High School in 2008.
Effingham Assistant Coach Jason Fox Relieved of Assistant Coaching Duties
Written by Illinois PigskinAssistant football coach Jason Fox of Effingham was relieved of assistant coaching duties because of a career change to junior high principle.
From the Effingham Daily News, Samantha Newburn
EFFINGHAM — Teary-eyed Effingham High School football players and parents pleaded with Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education Monday night to allow high school football coach and former high school Assistant Principal Jason Fox to continue his coaching duties even though he is now junior high principal, but their efforts fell short when the board decided to relieve Fox of his coaching status.
Former and current football players and parents packed the board of education office during the board’s executive session at the beginning of the meeting, waiting to hear the results of whether Fox would be allowed to continue coaching.
Board members unanimously voted to relieve Fox as coach, saying his new position as principal at the junior high school would hinder his ability to dedicate enough time to the football team and to his new position. Fox volunteered his time as coach after he was named assistant high school principal a few years ago, according to Superintendent Dan Clasby.
In March, Fox was named junior high principal for the upcoming school year, taking the place of Scott Holst. Cody Lewis, a science teacher at the high school, was then named high school assistant principal.
The Illinois High School Sports website / discussion board forum collects membership fees and awards scholarships. We applaud IHSS for doing this. Here is their scholarship awards for this year.
The Administrators of IllinoisHighSchoolSports.com met on Sunday, June 13, 2010, in order to decide which applicants would be the benefactors of the $3,100 available. The $3,100, per a decision over the winter months, was to be split into 6-$500 scholarships and the $600 Steve Rheinecker Memorial Scholarship.We are honored, privileged, and proud to announce to the world the 2010 IHSS Scholarship Winners. We thank all applicants for making our decisions the toughest and most thought-provoking possible.
Since May of 2004, IllinoisHighSchoolSports.com has given out over $23,000 worth of college scholarships. We are also EXTREMELY PROUD of our IHSS members who generously support small school athletes throughout Illinois. A BIG THANK YOU to you all, who ultimately provide the funds to award these winners with scholarships through our annual membership fees. Some may not think so, but $10 a year goes a long way in making a difference in the future academic endeavors of seven outstanding young people.
After our announcement and call for scholarship entries, we actually found extra funds that allowed us to add an additional $500 scholarship, so IHSS is awards $3600.
You may notice a decrease in scholarships this year. This is the first time; IHSS has ever had to decrease. We feel there are many reasons for our decreased membership, but we've decided to put our focus into regaining members.
Now, onto the 2010 Scholarship winners. Please see BELOW to see who is taking home a 2010 Scholarship.
Rockford, Illinois
Winnebago High School
Mascot: Indians
Conference: Big Northern Conference
IHSS Affiliation: Drew is the son of IHSS member, rt20.
Bruce Johnson is very familiar with the scholarship process. An IHSS member for many years, he has seen many scholarship winners posted on the forums. He's also seen one of his sons win a scholarship. Graham Johnson was a beneficiary just a couple of years ago.
Now, son Drew goes to college with an IHSS Scholarship in tow.
Drew Johnson is a runner (surprise, surprise to long-term IHSS members). A four-year letterman of both the cross country and track teams, Drew has been a part of a very successful program at Winnebago. He was a co-captain of the cross country teams from his sophomore season until his high school retirement.
When Drew wasn't pounding the pavement, he was assisting the elderly with Nursing Home Bingo and offering his mental acumen as a tutor. He also assisted with: Vacation Bible School at church, the information desk at Rockford Memorial Hospital and clothing drives.
Drew was also involved with the Math Team, WYSE Team and was President of the National Honor Society. This involvement paid extreme dividends as Drew was the valedictorian of the WHS Class of 2010 with a flawless GPA of 4.0 (on a non-weighted 4.0 scale). Drew also rocked a 32 on the ACT.
Because of his academic success, Drew Johnson was named an Illinois State Scholar and took home many honors from WHS in English, math and science.
Johnson will continue his education at Wheaton College in Illinois.
Megan Steward
Salem, Illinois
Salem Community High School
Mascot: Wildcats
Conference: Apollo
IHSS Affiliation: Megan is sponsored by IHSS Member Blitz.
Megan Steward was highly recommended by SCHS administration, faculty and staff.
Steward was highly active on the Wildcats Cheer and Dance teams, participating all four years of her prep career--even serving as Cheer Captain her senior year.
When not rooting on the Wildcats, Megan served as a Peer Helper as well as an editor of the Salemarion--the Wildcat Yearbook. She was an underclassmen editor her junior year, becoming the photo editor for the 2010 book.
It was Steward's community service that really stood out. Megan has served Christmas Dinner at the Salem Community Center for many years, has been Pumpkin Caroling and has visited shut-ins on many, many occasions, has collected food for Haiti and Liberia in addition to domestic food pantries and is a proud blood donor.
Megan Steward plans to attend either Kaskaskia College or Southeast Missouri State University.
Kendall Gibson
Sesser, Illinois
Sesser-Valier High School
Mascot: Red Devils
Conference: Black Diamond
IHSS Affiliation: Kendall is the son of IHSS Member GottaLoveIllini.
Kendall Gibson has had a remarkable senior year. The Red Devils Football team advanced to the 3A Playoffs after an undefeated regular season and, of course, no one in Sesser or Valier can forget about their run to 2nd Place in Class 1A this past hoops season.
While a part of the Red Devils Football and Basketball teams and Waltonville Spartans Baseball Team (S-V co-ops with Waltonville in Baseball and with Woodlawn and Waltonville in Football), Gibson has put together an impressive resume.
He was: IHSA Class 3A Football All-State, All-South, MVP of the Black Diamond Conference, led southern Illinois in passing yards (2009), Class 3A All-State Football Academic Team, Class 1A Basketball All-Tournament Team, SV Holiday Tournament All-Tournament Team, and First Team All-Black Diamond. This in addition to being the team captain in all three sports.
Now, Gibson can count himself as a recipient of an IHSS Scholarship.
Kendall Gibson is much more than just a highly decorated athlete.
Gibson was also a four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and also was a member of FCCLA, the Math Team, the National Honor Society and the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Youth Group. While a member of the group, Kendall has participated in mission trips to the states of Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi.
Gibson will play football at Illinois College.
Mallory Crain
Pawnee, Illinois
Pawnee High School
Mascot: Indians
Conference: Prairie State
IHSS Affiliation: Mallory is the daughter of IHSS Member Pridecoach.
Mallory Crain was very busy on and off the playing surfaces, but still found time to win an IHSS Scholarship.
A four-year participant in volleyball, basketball and softball, Crain was no stranger to accolades. She was a captain of all three teams her senior year in addition to many awards including All-Conference selections in both softball and volleyball.
Mallory also participated in WYSE, Rotary, Band, the Pulse Youth Ministries and was a member of the National Honor Society and Midland United Methodist Youth Group. She was also Student Council President her senior year.
Go grab a soft drink and sit back and relax as we go down the list of Mallory's lengthy list of volunteer activities. For four years she worked a phone bank for the UCP Telethon, has volunteered for Pawnee Youth Summer Baseball & Softball Leagues, Vacation Bible School, Pawnee Softball & Basketball Camps, Christ Event, Project Linus, Bowling for Teens, Habitat for Humanity, St. John's Breadline, Memorial Gardens Fall Festival, placed flags for the observance of Veteran's Day, assisted with the local Food Pantry, helped with church dinners and somehow found 6 days to serve on a mission trip to Ohio.
Mallory also stayed focused enough to finish her high school academic career with a 4.3 GPA (on a weighted-4.0 scale).
Mallory will attend the St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Jordan Bartolazzi
Auburn, Illinois
Auburn High School
Mascot: Trojans
Conference: Sangamo
IHSS Affiliation: Jordan is IHSS Member Trojans10.
Jordan Bartolazzi was everything we look for in an IHSS Scholarship Recipient. A strong work ethic, solid athletic background, dedication to academics and a commitment to volunteerism. We are proud to award Jordan Bartolazzi a 2010 IHSS Scholarship.
While holding down employment at BnD Distribution, Incorporated as a grocery merchandiser, Bartolazzi has seen success in the classroom, community and playing surfaces.
Jordan is a(n): Illinois State Scholar; member of the Chicago Tribune All-State Academic Team; SJ-R Top Teen Award Winner; IHSA All-State Academic Team Nominee; past UIS Student of the Week; past AHS Student of the Month; and past SJ-R Male Scholar Athlete of the Week.
If that isn't a strong enough portfolio, Bartolazzi also competed in track, basketball and cross country all four years. He also participated in Student Council (with 2 years as President), Spanish Club, Business Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club and the National Honor Society.
Jordan is also involved with the Catholic Heart Work Camp, Middle School Tutoring Program, High School Drug Prevention Team, Illinois Teen Institute and Active Catholic Teens Group, among many, many others.
Jordan Bartolazzi will attend Elmhurst College.
Chelsea Hadsall
Macomb, Illinois
Macomb High School
Mascot: Bombers
Conference: Olympic
IHSS Affiliation: Chelsea is Leatherneck's daughter.
Chelsea Hadsall is the Macomb HS Class of 2010 Valedictorian with a 4+ GPA (4.0 weighted-scale) and she scored a 30 on the ACT. Hadsall pretty well had us with her academic accomplishments.
The rest? Well, supporting details for her write-up and a chance for us to brag more about another IHSS Scholarship Recipient.
Chelsea liked to hit the links as a Sectional Qualifier of the Bomber Golf Team for four seasons. She also qualified for state as a junior. While these attributes are nice, she really sets herself apart from many others with the rest of her activities.
As a member of choir and band for four years, Chelsea received many awards from her instructors for dedication, leadership and performance. She even participated in school dramas for three years and was a Thespian for two. She is also a four-year member of WYSE, Scholastic Bowl, Math Team and Student Council serving as vice president her sophomore, junior and senior years.
Hadsall also received Society of Academic Achievement awards; the Principal’s Leadership Award, DAR Good Citizen Award and was an Illinois State Scholar.
Chelsea will attend Millikin University.
Two Football P.A. Announcers’ Clinics Scheduled in Illinois
Written by Illinois PigskinNASPAA - National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers
Sports public address announcers and those who want to learn more about announcing football can attend either of two clinics in Illinois this summer. The cost is $35 for students and $65 for adults.
The first will be at Naperville North High School on Saturday, July 31 from 9:00 a.m. - noon. Host clinician will be Jim Riebandt, Stadium Announcer for the Chicago Bears.
The second clinic will be at Bloomington High School on August 7 from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Host clinician will be Mike Koon, P.A. Announcer for the University of Illinois.
Both events are sponsored by The National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers (NASPAA), the professional association for sports public address announcers
The clinics will address the announcer’s role, P.A. announcing expectations, Do’s and Don’ts of announcing football, how to handle emergency situations, as well as scriptwriting and working with a spotter. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in voice training and announcing exercises. A football official will review new rules changes, officials’ hand signals and ways that officials and P.A. announcers can better work together.
“Sports public address announcers should enhance the spectators’ enjoyment of the game without inserting themselves,” commented Brad Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director. “P.A announcers can also be a force for good sportsmanship and public safety.
Information about the clinics and registration may be obtained at www.naspaa.net.
