Despite the heat the Newton Community High School Varsity football team practiced hard and often.

Varsity Football

Sat.     8/28        Prairie Central        T        2:00

Fri.        9/03        Robinson                T        7:00

The 11 and Under Jasper County All-Stars competed in the Cal Ripken Ohio Valley Regional in Logansport, Indiana on July 29 through August 1.  They finished with 2 wins and 1 loss in pool play to advance to the single elimination tournament where they were eliminated by eventual OVR Champion, Crown Point, IN.

In the first game, Jasper County faced a team from Batesville, IN.  Batesville jumped on top of Jasper County with two runs in the top of the second inning and led 2-0 until Jasper County came to bat in the fourth inning.  With the help of five walks and two hits,  Jasper County scored seven runs to lead 7 - 2 after four innings.  Jasper County tacked on five more runs in the fifth inning to win the game 12 - 2.   The game was called after 5 innings due to the 10 run rule.

Jasper Co. Jr. High baseball, softball, and cross country practices will be starting soon. There will be a parent meeting for all three sports on Monday, July 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at Jasper Co. Jr. High. Parents of junior high students who want to participate in baseball, softball, or cross country should attend this meeting. Parents will be able to fill out necessary forms, get practice schedules, game schedules, and pay the $15.00 participation fee. All athletes must have an up-to-date physical in order to begin practice. Physicals may be turned in at the meeting.

JASPER CO. JR. HIGH SOFTBALL PRACTICE

First practice - Monday, July 26 - 8:00 -1:00 a.m. (all practices held at Newton Ballpark). Complete practice schedule will be handed out at parent meeting.

Ross Wolf, a 2001 graduate of Newton Community High School had a lifelong dream fulfilled when he was traded to the Oakland A's for Jake Fox on June 22. Wolf was promoted to the major leagues on July 7 wearing #50.

The 6', 180 lb. right-handed pitcher began his illustrious career in high school. As a senior Wolf was a member of the NCHS 35-4 State Championship team under Coach Steve Schulte. He was named to the MVP team as well as All-Apollo Conference and Decatur Herald & Review Player of the Year honors. He received a scholarship to Wabash Valley College and played one season NJCAA Division I baseball.

On June 29, I had the privilage of sitting down with Dr. Tom Spencer, the founding president of the Jasper County Country Club, to discuss not only the impending closure of Stone's Throw Golf Course, but also how the course grew from vision to reality back in the 1950s. When asked how he was, he told me, "Depressed. I just got back from the golf course, and I got beat." Despite his almost 90 years of age, he is still an avid golfer with a true love of the game and a great sense of humor.

By the time any of you read this, the "new" 9 holes at the course will be closed (the last day was scheduled for June 30), though the club house will honor all events through August 14 before an auction of the property on the 19. As many already know, the "old" 9 holes previously closed after being purchased by Jesse James, whose own house sits adjacent to the course. However, it is importand to remember that nothing is set in stone... yet.

In the early 1950s, after driving past the Olney golf course many times and sometimes playing there, a group of 19 people decided that Jasper County needed its own course. The idea blossomed into a vision, which soon became a project in full-swing.

Despite hot and humid conditions last Saturday, 77 female and 85 male runners competed for the 8th annual Nick's Race at Sam Parr State Park.  The course of 2.85 miles, used by the NCHS cross country team, saw competitors from 7 to 72 covering the scenic terrain.

Carly Niebrugge was the overall female winner as the 15 year old won in 19:19.90 min.  The top three female finishers in age 14 and under were Maddie Green - 21:17.10 min., Michaela Green - 28:31.00 and Halley Powers - 29:36.20

Female 15 to 19 top three were:  Leeann Michl - 20:03.70, Morgan Swingler - 20:40.95 and Joni Hahn - 21:09.56.

Two NCHS baseball players and five softball players were named recently to All Apollo honors in their respective sports.

In baseball, senior Kelby McCoy was selected to the first team. Senior Jared Woodard was named to the second team.

In softball, seniors Amber Shedelbower, Whitney Koebele and Kimberlin Wallace were first team selections along with junior Mallory Kocher. Senior Lauren Gray was a second team selection.

An area golf course that has been open for more than 55 years is scheduled to close at the end of this month.

The last day Stone's Throw Golf Course in Newton will be open is June 30.

General Manager Mickie Zada said Friday afternoon that the course is closing because of "substantial downturn" in business.

The former Laws Creek Golf Course opened in 1954. The old nine holes were closed at the beginning of the season.

Late rally ends season

By TERRY LIDY

The NCHS Lady Eagles were within one strike of making the Flora Sectional finals last Friday. However, a 1-2 pitch by Newton ace Amber Shedelbower was smacked up the middle just out of the reach of Kimberlin Wallace driving in two runs. The dramatic hit turned out to be the difference as St. Anthony's Mary Jo Bushur got the single that turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win for the Bulldogs.

The Lady Eagles scored the game's only tally to that point in the first as Kimberlin Wallace doubled and eventually scored on a fielder's choice in the first.

Lady Eagles win regional

By TERRY LIDY

After winning 102 games in four years at the helm and four straight Apollo crowns, Sara Beam and her Lady Eagles were after the elusive regional title against the Casey-Westfield Lady Warriors. Defeating C-W 6-1 on Senior Day last week, the Lady Eagles were confident that this was to be their day on Saturday at the Robinson 2A Regional.

"We came out fired up after scoring in the first. Once you get our team fired up, we can keep going with hits," commented Sara Beam. "We haven't been playing very well all season, and I think our six seniors decided to pick it up."

Lauren Gray led the offense going 2 for 4 with two batted in. Amber Shedelbower also helped herself with two hits. Kimberlin Wallace added a hit and scored twice. Shedelbower permitted only two hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Lady Eagles win track sectional

By TERRY LIDY

The NCHS Lady Eagles qualified in nine events last Friday and took home two first place finishes along with the team title to be crowned Newton Sectional champions at Chizevsky Field. Newton won scoring 100.5 points to pace the field. Teutopolis was next with 93, Altamont 65, Oblong 56, St. Anthony 49, Red Hill 46.5, St. Elmo 46, Olney 33, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran 20, Robinson 20, Lawrenceville 15, Vandalia 6, Mt. Carmel 4, Flora 4.

Maura Cummins won the high jump going 5-5. The 1600 relay team of Jackie Michl, Lisa Frichtl, Megan Jansen and Maura Cummins also won in 4:17.24 min. Maura Cummins also qualified for the state finals at E.I.U. with a second place in the 400 in 1:02.6 min. Carly Niebrugge made it to the finals with a second in the 800 in 2:34.2 min. The 3200 relay team of Jackie Michl, Lisa Frichtl, Carly Niebrugge and Morgan Swingler finished second in 10:23.89

Eagles win Apollo finale

By TERRY LIDY

The Eagles used the long ball last Saturday and clutch pitching by Jared Woodard and Zak Snearley to sweep the Paris Tigers 6-5 and 8-3 at chilly and windy Boys and Girls Park.

Newton banged out eight hits off Devin Nelbarger and Ethan Mason in the opener including two run shots by Connor Walters in the first and Mark Mammoser in the second to build a 6-2 cushion after three innings. Paris rallied with three in the sixth off winner Jared Woodard. However, Zak Snearley saved the game for Woodard and the Eagles with a scoreless seventh fanning two Tigers. Woodard allowed eight hits over six innings with four walks and six strikeouts.

Besides the homers, Jared Woodard was 3 for 3 at the plate, while Kelby McCoy was 2 for 3. James Lidy had the other Eagle basehit.

4th Annual Golf Outing

The Jasper County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor their 4th Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, June 19 at Stone's Throw Golf Course. This 18 hole 4 person scramble is open to the public. Shot gun start at 8:30 a.m. There is a cost to participate per person.

Payout is based on number of entries the day of the event. There will be proximity contests such as Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Longest Putt, FUNd Raising Games and much more. Lunch of porkburgers and water will be provided by the Chamber of Commerce Board for a donation.

You can sign up as a single or your 4-person Team! Call Stone's Throw for more information or to sign up 618-783-3790.

Eagles divide non-conference games

By TERRY LIDY

In non-conference baseball last week, the Eagles split games with Marshall and Flora from the Little Illini Conference. On Monday, the Eagles disposed of the Marshall Lions at Boys and Girls Park 7-2 as Marc Brandenburg tossed a four hitter against the 14-1 Lions. Brandenburg threw 125 pitches in going the distance with three walks and seven strikeouts.

The Eagles took the lead early as Peyton Wyatt walked, advanced on a ground out by Scott Jansen and scored on a single up the middle by Kelby McCoy. Marshall tied it in the third, but the Eagles forged ahead with a two-run fourth. After Marshall made it 3-2 with a fifth inning tally, the Eagles put up a crooked four spot in the sixth to help seal the victory, the Eagles' 13th of the season.

Eagles win big over T-Town

By TERRY LIDY

In non-conference play last week, the Eagles of Coach Jason Fulton opened the week dropping a 9-4 decision to the St. Anthony Bulldogs. The Eagles were held to five hits in the contest against Tyler Koester and three relievers.

The Bulldogs scored one in the first and added three in the second and two more in the third off Zak Snearley. Snearley pitched six innings allowing 13 hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

The Eagles scored twice in the second to take a 2-1 edge into the bottom half of the inning as A.J. Hyatt drove in a pair of Eagles. However, St. Anthony took the lead for good with a three run second.

Eagles win three games

By TERRY LIDY

In non-conference baseball action between Apollo dates, the NCHS Eagles won three games clubbing Carmi 12-1, West Richland 6-4 and Altamont 22-1 last week.

In the Carmi contest, the Eagles scored in the first four frames to end the game by the 10 run rule. Marc Brandenburg pitched a four hitter using 78 pitches to put away the Bulldogs. The Eagles drilled 12 hits as Peyton Wyatt, Mark Mammoser, A.J. Hyatt and Jared Woodard each had two hits. Woodard clubbed a homer, while Mammoser doubled and Wyatt tripled off Carmi pitching. Kelby McCoy, Connor Walters, and Austin Blair each joined in the fun with singles.

Wallace to play for Lake Land

By TERRY LIDY

Senior outfielder Kimberlin Wallace has signed to play collegiate softball next year at Lake Land College. Wallace a three time All Apollo team selection will play for Coach Nic Nelson. Nelson said, "I have known Kimberlin for several years. She is a great kid and will add speed and a good bat to our team. We need more speed and Kimberlin will provide that as she patrols centerfield for the Lakers. Kimberlin played for me in summer ball so I have a good background of her ability."

Likewise, Wallace picked Lake Land because of Coach Nelson. "They have a great softball program and I can also work on my studies in respiratory therapy."

Eagles continue winning

By TERRY LIDY

The NCHS Eagles upped their record to 6-1 with non-conference victories over Little Illini foes Casey-Westfield and Cumberland.

On Monday at Boys & Girls Park, the Eagles banged out 12 hits and were aided by six Warriors errors in posting a 16-5 win. The Eagles scored three times in the first and the second and added two more in the third before Casey-Westfield rallied with two in the second and three in the third off winner Zak Snearley. Snearley blanked the Warriors over the final four frames to earn his second win of the season.

Eagles Win Opener

By TERRY LIDY

Behind the two hit pitching of Zak Snearley, the NCHS Eagles successfully opened their 2010 campaign at Boys and Girls Park last Friday with a 6-1 victory over Red Hill. Snearley went the distance allowing only a seventh inning run to spoil the shutout. The junior righthander fanned 11 Salukis.

The Eagles scored once in the first and tacked on four more in the second to give Snearley a cushion. A.J. Hyatt led the attack with a single and a double along with three RBI's. Jared Woodard had an RBI double, while Scott Jansen added an RBI single. Zak Snearley also helped his own cause with a single.