DANVILLE — Catlin Crozier has a message for whomever wants to listen: Write about the Schlarman Hilltoppers, but don’t write them off.
“It’s going unbelievable,” the first-year Schlarman football coach said. “I couldn’t ask for better kids. They work hard, don’t complain, don’t argue. They are the true definition of a team. They help each other out.”

What happens when seven area entries win state championships AND five other entries place second?

First, it means that particular area is extremely strong.

Second, it means little chance for coverage for all of the other deserving medalists from third to nine.

Wondering:

Why does it work for high school coaches to work on a contract from one year to another, but not for the same principle to be applied at the college level?

OK, I'll admit it. After 3 1/2 decades covering high school athletics, I'm pretty sure I've seen it all at one time or another, even if I don't always remember the when and the where.

Hannah Deterding is one of the hidden stories within the University of Illinois volleyball team.

Another deadline has passed. Another football game has been covered. Another story has been written.

It's time to reflect, time to ask, "Why do I do this?"

DANVILLE — The roster shows 23 seniors. Last year’s total offense leader is back. So is an all-conference offensive lineman.
But it will be a new-look Danville High School football team which will open the season at 7 p.m. on Friday at Whitesell Field against Urbana. Five offensive starters are back. Just four regulars return on defense.

HOOPESTON — When 22 prospects showed up for the first day of Hoopeston Area’s football practice, second-year coach Michl Kearney decided it was time to get to work.
Besides the coaching portion of his job, he set out to expand the roster. Within a week, there were 31 Cornjerkers at practice.

MILFORD — Nate Albaugh found an advantage not available to many first-year coaches. The Milford/Cissna Park football coach already knew some of his squad members before they came to a practice.
Seniors Jake McCann, Travis McKay and Aaron Virklan were line starters for the Bearcats in 2009, when MCP was 8-2 and qualified for the playoffs. Albaugh was the head coach that fall.

DANVILLE — Schlarman High School will field a veteran football team this season.
Twelve seniors are on the roster and, overall, coach Mike High has the luxury of 14 lettermen.
He doesn’t have much else. The total turnout is 21 students. If there weren’t so many experienced players, that could be a problem.