Area Sports
Hosting a sleuth of Grizzlies
By Ray Popkess As the network of global sports gradually enlarges, the world for athletes becomes smaller and smaller. Travel is often an afterthought behind cheering for our favorite team or players, since there’s always some kind of travel involved from a fan perspective. But athletes will always get the short end of the straw…
Read MoreGrizzlies clawing for first place
By Ray Popkess Gateway turned in another solid week after notching four of six possible wins during their homestand in as many games. They currently sit second in their division behind the Schaumburg Boomers a measly 1.5 games. They’ve all but locked up a Wild Card spot in the Frontier League playoffs but still have…
Read MorePomerantz begins as new baseball coach at Collinsville
By Mark Jurgena Collinsville High School has announced that Matt Pomerantz will be the new head coach of the Collinsville baseball program. He succeeds Brett Swip in the position. “I’m really, really excited,” said Pomerantz. “Being a former alum and being around the game of baseball and just overall being around the kids I’ve had…
Read MoreHighland Speedway races toward championship night; World of Outlaws raced Aug. 13
By Mark Jurgena The second-to-last night for points at the Highland Speedway took place on Aug. 9 for the Josh Melton Memorial Night. On Saturday, three series completed their seasons while three others prepped for their final week. Championship night In the Micros, Chad Elliott of Cottage Hills beat runner-up Cole Tinsley of Bonne Terre,…
Read MoreRedbird Recap; Cardinals perch at .500 plus City SC’s woes
By Mark Jurgena It was crowded around the streets of St. Louis on the evening of Aug. 9 as we can attest. Heading to a comedy show at Enterprise Center, getting there at 6:50 and sitting in traffic, at stoplights etc., until 8:10. We did enjoy it, though, there was just no parking to speak…
Read MoreGrizzlies take series vs. Mud Monsters, swept in Pennsylvania
By Ray Popkess A rough stretch at home last week did not hold down the Grizzlie gang, as they rebounded against the Mississippi Mud Monsters and took the series before heading on the road again. In the opening game of the series, the pitching staff consisting of Lukas Veinbergs, Alvery De Los Santos, Matt Hickey…
Read MoreKnights set to Scrimmage
By Ray Popkess Preseason football is finally upon us, even if football weather may not be. Triad held its tryouts earlier this week in preparation for the annual Powerade Scrimmage. The scrimmage will take place this Friday evening, Aug. 15 at the high school. Attendees are encouraged to bring electrolyte-enriched sports drinks to compensate for…
Read MoreTough stretch for Gateway Grizzlies
By Ray Popkess Christmas in July yielded a lump of coal for the Grizzlies last week, as Arsenal BG Ballpark hosted fans for their Christmas-themed promotion while the Joliet Slammers were in town. The opening game of the series spelled bad luck for Gateway. Despite coming within one run after digging themselves into a 3-0…
Read MoreIDNR welcomes Amateur Trapshooting Association to Sparta
By Ray Popkess Competitors from all corners of the Earth have gathered in Southern Illinois for the 126th consecutive Grand American World Trapshooting Competition. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) 1,600-acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta has hosted the Grand American since 2006. The largest and oldest shooting event of its kind,…
Read MoreWrestler Taylor Dawson recognized by Collinsville City Council
By Ray Popkess Mayor Stehman began last Tuesday’s Collinsville City Council meeting with a proclamation honoring Taylor Dawson and her historic state wrestling championship for the 2024-2025 season. On March 1, 2025, Dawson captured the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Championship in the 140-pound division, becoming the first female state wrestling champion in Collinsville High School…
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