Area Sports
Can’t Wait to be on the Road Again…
By Ray Popkess Willie Nelson’s 1980 road trip anthem seems to be the traveling theme for the Gateway Grizzlies this year. They’ve posted wins in five of their last six road contests, amassing a 25-11 record away from Arsenal BG Ballpark. Their last weekday series culminated in an exciting sweep against the Joliet Slammers, capping…
Read MoreKahoks name Matt Pomerantz as new head baseball coach
By Ray Popkess Collinsville School District announced Matt Pomerantz will be taking the helm for the Kahoks Boys Baseball team. “Matt has a relentless work effort and love for Kahok Baseball. Matt’s understanding of the game, with his passion to make our student athletes better on and off the field, make him an ideal candidate…
Read MoreGateway Grizzlies are Grooving
By Ray Popkess Following the All-Star break last week, the Grizzlies began their third weekend series in July against the Schaumburg Boomers. The team amassed their longest winning streak of the season and currently share a lead of the West Division with the Boomers. Game one was everything you could ask for as a Grizzlies…
Read MoreChicago Bear hosts football camp at Scott AFB
By Ray Popkess There are many good reasons why we sing the national anthem before every sporting event – one of them being the opportunity to honor those that have and continue to serve our nation’s military. The National Football League has gotten to a point where it can honor those military families in many…
Read MoreSix Grizzlies voted 2025 Frontier League All-Stars
By Ray Popkess • The Gateway to the West has once again become the Gateway to the Best some 25 years later — this version falls on the Illinois side of the Mississippi in Sauget. Six Grizzlies have been named to this year’s Midwest Conference All-Star roster. They are sending the most players of any…
Read MoreSports, day trips, unique minor league nicknames
By Mark Jurgena We are headed to Memphis for a couple of days as I try to meet my deadline, which leads me to think about what trips you could take for a day or evening of live sports. Unfortunately, this time, there’s no St. Louis Battlehawks game to go to in Memphis like back…
Read MoreKahok athletic trivia from 2024-25 school year
By Mark Jurgena • It’s the summer, so that means the annual Collinsville Kahoks athletics trivia spectacular! Well, if you can call 10 questions spectacular. Anyhow, the answers for these 10 questions about this past year’s Kahok athletic programs can be found elsewhere in this edition of the Troy Times-Tribune. Let’s get started! Collinsville football…
Read MoreAction heats up at Highland Speedway
By Mark Jurgena • After a rain-soaked spring, the action at the World Famous Highland Speedway is finally heating up at the halfway point of the summer racing scene. Six classes of racing took place on July 5 with six local drivers recording victories. Four drivers from Highland took feature victories on the night with…
Read MoreCarrying on Triad Football Traditions
By Ray Popkess • There’s a fine line between coaching athletes to become the best versions of themselves and conditioning them in the blistering heat of summer just for the fun of it. Head football coach, Calvin Potthast, has found a way to toe this line on the correct side — the side that teaches…
Read MoreWorld of Outlaws Late Models to Highland in August
By Mark Jurgena • The middle of August will once again see a big name series make a stop at the World Famous Highland Speedway. On Aug. 13, the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Models Beat the Heat 40 by BEL-O returns for a second consecutive year of racing. That night WoO Late…
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