Free Press Advocate

VanDuyne jumps at the opportunity to coach the Wildcats

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:51pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Former Reed-Custer volleyball coach Kelly VanDuyne is taking over as the volleyball coach at Wilmington High School.
When previous coach Alexis Gilbert left for Manteno, the position opened up for VanDuyne who had been yearning to coach again.
“I’ve been out for about two and a half years and I was starting to get the itch to coach again,” said VanDuyne. “A position opened up at Wilmington and I just felt it was the right time to come back especially now when I can coach in my own hometown.”

Kankakee River Fishing Derby to kick-off Friday

Published by admin on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:49pm

The Northern Illinois Anglers Association said fishing conditions are perfect for the 39th annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby that is set to open Friday with six noteworthy additions.
The 10-day derby gives lucky anglers a chance to hook some cash as long as they pre-register and catch a tagged fish from the river or its tributaries between the Indiana state line through Wilmington.
There will be about 88 tagged fish or about two fish per mile each worth a minimum of $500 each.

Josh Cumming Memorial Softball Tournament underway

Published by admin on Tue, 06/21/2022 - 2:17pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The 11th annual Josh Cumming Memorial Softball Tournament is underway in Carbon Hill featuring a 16-team field.
The tournament, which coincides with Carbon Hill’s Homecoming celebration, is named in honor of Josh Cumming, the tournament director’s son who died during a pedestrian/train accident. It features some of the best slow pitch softball players in the area.
“I wish every year he was still around to play in it but it’s great to keep it going for him,” said tournament director Todd Cumming. “I do what I can for the town.”

Wildcats win one in Braidwood Shootout

Published by admin on Tue, 06/21/2022 - 2:14pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington boys basketball team went 1-4 during the 26th annual Braidwood Shootout this past week.
The Wildcats started out strong, getting a 63-53 win over Westmont to advance into the winner’s bracket.
That’s where El Paso Gridley was waiting to bump them to the consolation bracket, thumping the ‘Cats 84-35.
That pushed them to the consolation bracket against Momence and the Redskins walloped them 39-17.

Lady ‘Cats capture sixth place in the Braidwood Shootout

Published by admin on Tue, 06/21/2022 - 2:13pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington girls basketball team went 2-2 to earn sixth place in the fifth annual girls Braidwood Shootout.
The Lady ‘Cats began with an impressive 39-36 victory over a tough Seneca team. That put them in a good position to place high but their next opponent just had to be Peotone.
The ‘Cats offense went to sleep and the eventual champion Blue Devils came out scoring at will in a 62-9 rout.

The defending state champion Wildcats look to repeat, they’ll be tested early on

Published by admin on Tue, 06/21/2022 - 2:12pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
It’s never too early to talk Wildcat football now that the the 2022 schedule has been locked in and the first game is 11 weeks away.
The defending Class 2A state champions will open their season at home on Aug. 26.
If the ‘Cats advance into the playoffs they will be seeing familiar foes closer to home as opposed to what was being proposed.

Wildcat flag football camp attracts over 80

Published by admin on Tue, 06/14/2022 - 2:05pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The popularity of Wilmington football got a lift with the 2021 State Championship as the ‘Cats welcomed 82 youth campers to their annual flag football camp that was held this past week. There’s little doubt that even youngsters love Wilmington football.

Castle, Del Angel power Illinois Stars to three wins in five games

Published by admin on Tue, 06/14/2022 - 2:04pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
Two Wilmington softball players competed in their first tournament for the Illinois Stars 18U travel team and helped them win three out of five tournament games.
The Illinois Chill froze the Stars, no-hitting them in a 10-0 shutout on Sunday.
Raena Del Angel and Jess Castle were both hitless in the game. Castle pitched a third of an inning of relief, giving up two runs on two hits while walking one.
Illinois Stars 0
Illinois Impact 4
The Stars were limited at the plate by Illinois Impact 18U on Saturday.

Wildcats 13-U captures Bracket Buster Tournament championship

Published by admin on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 3:00pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington Wildcats 13U Wildcats captured the Bracket Buster Tournament title as they went 5-0 on their way to a championship over the weekend in a tournament that was held in Rantoul, IL.
The ‘Cats used a three-run sixth to edge Sage 7-5 on Sunday in the Bracket Buster Championship game.

Wildcats 13-U captures Bracket Buster Tournament championship

Published by admin on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 3:00pm

by shawn long
Sports writer
The Wilmington Wildcats 13U Wildcats captured the Bracket Buster Tournament title as they went 5-0 on their way to a championship over the weekend in a tournament that was held in Rantoul, IL.
The ‘Cats used a three-run sixth to edge Sage 7-5 on Sunday in the Bracket Buster Championship game.