Free Press Advocate

Coach says returning state champs still have some work to do

Published by admin on Tue, 08/16/2022 - 2:09pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The football ‘Cats are coming off of a state championship and arguably one of the best overall seasons in the history of the program. They’re hoping this year can lead to another one.
Wilmington football coach Jeff Reents admits they’ve still got some more work to do before that happens.

Bobcats split levels with Miners to start season

Published by admin on Tue, 08/16/2022 - 2:07pm

The Wilmington Bobcats football teams split levels with the Coal City Miners on Sunday as Coal City captured the first two levels while the Bobcats earned wins at JV and Varsity.
The Superlight Bobcats played the Miners tough but couldn’t keep up with them in a 40-20 loss.
The Lightweights were good defensively but just were unable to break through, falling 19-0.
The JV Bobcats turned it around, coming up with a 19-6 win over Coal City to make it a 1-2 record for the day.

Bobcat, cheerleader programs showing growth

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 1:31pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Cheerleaders and players on the Wilmington Bobcats youth football teams are suiting up for the first games of the season on Sunday in Coal City.
Coaches are fired up too with the number of sign-ups they saw for football this year.

‘Cats swinging for the future

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 1:30pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wildcat golfers are gearing up for the 2022 season which opens in one week.
Wilmington had two wins last year after not winning a single match a couple of years before. Their two wins came against Momence and St. Anne in the final two matches of the season

Best Friday night pork sandwich contest is back

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 1:28pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Be sure to go hungry to high school football games this fall because the Pork & Pigskins Championship is back.
The Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Pork Producers Association are partnering together to again award the best pork sandwiches served at football games.

Illinois athletes who set the standard in fall sports

Published by admin on Tue, 08/02/2022 - 2:03pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
They are the best of the best when it comes to high school sports in Illinois. They’re the athletes who have had the most impact when it comes to playting fall sports.
Among the top football players in class 2A, was monster Jacardia Wright. Wright had tree trunk legs and he displayed it on the field at Decatur St. Teresa when he rushed for over 8,000 yards in his four seasons as a Bulldog. He also scored 150 touchdowns.

Young ‘Cats give it their best during tryouts

Published by admin on Tue, 08/02/2022 - 1:59pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Middle school baseball players came out to the Wilmington High School field excited to put their skills to the test during tryouts on Monday. Tryouts are used to find the best possible players for a team and in some cases, there are cuts involved.
In Wilmington’s case, they’re going to have three teams and the right amount of kids to fill with 35 in attendance so cuts won’t be necessary.

Anglers reel in close to $5,000 in tagged fish

Published by admin on Tue, 07/12/2022 - 2:02pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Anglers claimed over $4,200 as nine tagged fish were caught during the 10-day Kankakee River Fishing Derby that ended Sunday.
That money will be handed out Wednesday during awards night at the Bradley-Bourbonnais Sportsmen Club.
“We were above where we expect to be in tagged fish,” said Northern Illinois Anglers Association chairman Ken Munjoy. “It’s exciting to have all those tagged fish to make all those people happy.”
Munjoy said the river’s level was low, making conditions ideal for anglers.

Cup-in-Hand Kickball still looking for teams

Published by admin on Tue, 07/12/2022 - 1:58pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Cup-In-Hand youth and adult tournaments are a little over a week away, and organizers are still searching for teams. The tournament will begin next Friday, July 22 at 4 p.m. and run through Saturday at 9 p.m. when the champions will be determined. It will be played on the South Island ball field with proceeds to benefit the Community Foundation for Wilmington Parks, Recreation and Improvement.

Mud volleyball is back, still looking for teams

Published by admin on Tue, 07/12/2022 - 1:58pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Mud Volleyball tournament will be happening during Catfish Days in a little over a week.
The 20th annual mud volleyball tournament will be held at Route 66 Barr and Grill, 113 E. Baltimore St., Wilmington. The entry fee is $50. Sign up at Route 66 Bar and Grill.
Tournament director Chuck Hairald says he already has six of the same teams from last year. He could use more but right now they could play without more teams and still have more fun than they would with more.