Christmas time is almost here! Exciting. (I guess)
Galesburg Internship: Part 6
Weather got colder which was expected, and even some snow fell recently.
Galesburg Internship: Part 5
The weather as of early November is finally where it should be for this time of year (chilly). However it's been a BEAUTIFUL autumn and thank goodness for no snow yet. Sports will slow down briefly with high school football almost over (there's still a few teams in our area remaining in the playoffs) but will pick back up again with basketball coming by the middle of the month. Still have been part of some cool things recently as far as the news stuff goes.
By the way you can now click on the photos and view them full screen with caption (or lightbox as the cool kids call it). You can also hover over the picture for caption info now instead of just seeing it right below the image.
Galesburg Internship: Part 4
Another two weeks has passed and it's that time for another blog post. The first two pictures were part of a story that news sources all over the world picked up thanks to the AP, but I didn't submit my photos for them (I let my co-worker have the fame). Here's the latest.
Shawn Whirl, center, walks out of the Henry C. Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg, Ill., with his mother Erma at left, his fiancée Gloria Castaneda, second from right, and attorney Tara Thompson on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015. In 1990, Whirl was tortured by a Chicago detective working under disgraced former Chicago police commander Jon Burge. Whirl was tortured until he confessed for the robbery and murder of a Chicago cabdriver, and in 1991 he was sentenced to 60 years in prison. However, in August 2015 his murder conviction was overturned by a unanimous appellate court and Whirl was cleared of all charges on Oct. 13.
Shawn Whirl embraces his fiancée Gloria Castaneda after talking to the media following his release from the Henry C. Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg, Ill., on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015.
Galesburg High School student Eric Thompson repositions hanging paper flowers in his Housing and Interior Design class Oct. 14. Students in the class redesigned their teacher's room over a period of time.
Jim Nesci, of Homer Glen, Ill., shows off his near 9-foot alligator Bubba to students at Lombard Middle School in Galesburg, Ill., on Oct. 15. Nesci brought several cold blooded creatures for the students in a class to touch and get a close-up view of.
A crescent moon is seen over the Knox County Courthouse's clocktower in Galesburg, Ill., on Oct. 15.
Lake Forest College quarterback Sean Dickson just gets off a pass as Monmouth College linebacker Michael Smith goes for a tackle on Oct. 17 at April Zorn Stadium in Monmouth, Ill. The Fighting Scots beat the Foresters 38-7.
Luke Sanburg, 4, of Rolling Meadows, Ill., looks out the window while on a combine ride Sunday with his sister Julia, 5, and their father Paul during the 10th annual Twin Rivers: Harvest of Hope Foods Resource Bank Harvest Celebration on Oct. 18 at Nelson Farm near Galesburg, Ill.
Bruce Courtright, of Oneida, Ill., unloads harvested corn from his combine into a grain truck during the 10th annual Twin Rivers: Harvest of Hope Foods Resource Bank Harvest Celebration on Oct. 18 at Nelson Farm near Galesburg, Ill.
A speaker recalls on her domestic violence experience during the 22nd annual Take Back the Night Rally on Oct. 20 at the Lake Storey Pavilion in Galesburg, Ill.
Gabby Nunes, 6, of Galesburg, Ill., tries to blow out her candle during the 22nd annual Take Back the Night Rally's candlelight vigil on Oct. 20 at the Lake Storey Pavilion in Galesburg, Ill.
Galesburg goalkeeper Jonathan Whittle, right, blocks a header from Dunlap's Clint Koehler during a Class 2A regional semifinal match on Oct. 21 at Charger Field in Orion, Ill. The Streaks lost to the Eagles 7-0.
Fall colors are vibrant in Monmouth Park on Oct. 22, in Monmouth, Ill.
Jon Rekash, center right, sits for a photo with his family on the porch of their house in Abingdon, Ill. On June 6, 2015, Jon, who had just became a full-time police officer with the Abingdon Police Department, went out one night to ride his motorcycle. Later that night, he woke up laying in a ditch and couldn't move. The accident has left him in a wheelchair but he says his faith in God and Jesus Christ has kept him alive, and the community of Abingdon has been supportive for him as he continues to recover.
Mercer County's Ben Nichols (12) makes a leaping catch over a United's Derek Hart (87) during a game Oct. 23 at George Pratt Memorial Field in Aledo, Ill. The Golden Eagles beat the Red Storm 27-0.
Spirit team members perform a fire trick during halftime of the Mercer County Golden Eagles-United Red Storm football game on Oct. 23 at George Pratt Memorial Field in Aledo, Ill.
Galesburg Internship: Part 3
Things are still going wonderful in the Galesburg area since the last blog post. Every day I wake up blessed to be living here and working in a small town with a big heart.
Knoxville's Chloe Palmer (6) and Nicole Lehman (19) defend a shot from Brimfield-Elmwood's Alannah Chaney (5) during the game Sept. 28 at Knoxville High School in Knoxville, Ill. The Blue Bullets lost to the Indians in two sets, 25-15 and 25-22.
Ryan Holder, of St. Louis, does an act with tigers during the Kelly Miller Circus's performance Oct. 2 at the Calvary Assembly of God's church grounds in Galesburg, Ill.
Princeville High School's mascot greets Joe Duttlinger (66) on the bench during the Princes' game against the United Red Storm on Oct. 2 in Princeville, Ill. Duttlinger had left the game early with an injury, and the Red Storm beat the Princes 21-14.
A participant in the annual Life Chain sits along Broad Street in Galesburg, Ill., on Oct. 4.
Douglas Hooks, right, production manager at WestRock in Galesburg, points out areas of interest to U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, while on a tour of the plant Oct. 5. Bustos toured WestRock as part of her "Manufacturing Triangle Tour" and to call for a long-term highway plan.
A pink sky illuminates Lake Storey in Galesburg, Ill., on Oct. 6.
The sun sets along Fremont Street in Galesburg, Ill., on Oct. 8.
Julie McCurdy, left, of Moline, Ill., has a laugh while her daughter Macy, 5, struggles to carry a giant pumpkin on Oct. 10 during the Giant Pumpkin Festival at Country Corner Farm in Alpha, Ill.
Galesburg Internship: Moving right along
The last couple weeks since the previous post have been not as hectic but still productive as ever. I love the Galesburg area and the people I've met here. It's not even been a full month since I've moved here but I believe things are going to get even better as time goes on.
From left to right, Bob Clark, Greg Vickers Sr., and Roy Ewalt, all of Galesburg, Ill., pray at the conclusion of the first Bible study class on Sept. 14 at the Knox County YMCA in Galesburg, Ill.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan steps off his bus after arriving in Williamsfield, Ill., on Sept. 15. Duncan visited the town's school as part of his sixth annual "Ready for Success" back-to-school tour.
Williamsfield Fire Protection District firefighter Tony Byrd uses a pike pole to clear out debris after the extinguishing of a garage fire at 215 N. Poplar St. in Williamsfield, Ill., on Sept. 16.
Aaron Rider, of Hugo, Okla., also known as "Melvino the Clown" in the Kelly Miller Circus, performs a juggling trick for children at Galesburg Christian School on Sept. 17. The performance addressed the importance of education and as a way to bring awareness that Calvary Assembly of God in Galesburg will be hosting the Kelly Miller Circus in October.
Paul Reuschel, of Macomb, Ill., tees off during a “Cubs vs. Cards” superball golf tournament on Sept. 17 at Bunker Links Golf Course in Galesburg, Ill. Reuschel was a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs from 1975 to 1978, and is the brother of Rick Reuschel, who is also known as "Big Daddy.”
Participants walk the one-mile route during the 23rd annual Doggie Jog on Sept. 19 at the Prairieland Animal Welfare Center in Galesburg, Ill.
Max, a 7-year-old yorkie, frolics through the grass during the 23rd annual Doggie Jog on Sept. 19 at the Prairieland Animal Welfare Center in Galesburg, Ill.
Biscuit, a 12-year-old labrador, takes a drink of water during the 23rd annual Doggie Jog on Sept. 19 at the Prairieland Animal Welfare Center in Galesburg, Ill.
Lukas Villarreal, left, of Henderson, Ill., overtakes two other racers during the AMA District 17 Illinois State Motocross Championship on Sept. 20 at the Galesburg Motorcycle Club near Rio, Ill.
Craig Lee, of Ottawa, Ill., goes airborne during the AMA District 17 Illinois State Motocross Championship on Sept. 20 at the Galesburg Motorcycle Club near Rio, Ill.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, D-Champaign, speaks at a news conference on Sept. 21 in Alumni Hall at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. Frerichs visited the campus to urge Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly to approve Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant funding.
South Fulton's Trace Hood leaps into the arms of his father, Don, after the Rebels defeated the Abingdon-Avon Tornadoes 32-26 on Sept. 25 at Western Illinois University's Hanson Field in Macomb, Ill.
Dave Snyders, of Alton, Ill., makes popcorn on Sept. 26 during the 44th annual "Jordbruksdagarna" (Swedish for "earth work days") in Bishop Hill, Ill. Snyders runs Pioneer Karmel Korn, in an attempt to recreate how early pioneers made popcorn, by mixing oil and sugar in an iron kettle.
The Nordic Dancers, of Chicago, perform on Sept. 26 at the 44th annual Jordbruksdagarna in Bishop Hill, Ill.
Galesburg Internship: Diving Right In
Greetings from Galesburg, Illinois! In case you've been living under a rock, I was selected to be The Register-Mail's photo intern for the fall/early winter, but I was guaranteed to be kept around until I find a bigger opportunity. It's been a busy internship so far, with lots of things going on in the area.
I was also given the opportunity to ride in a Stearman biplane during the Fly-In that happens here every year, but the photos from that ride will be in a separate blog whenever I get time to put it together.
Chris Spears, of Knoxville, Ill., gives a neck rub to his dog Rossi, a 9-year-old Czech shepherd, during a welcome home ceremony for the two on Sept. 4 at the Connie Nott Canine Area at Inbinder Park in Galesburg, Ill. Spears, who is currently a police officer in Abingdon, Ill., reunited with Rossi at the ceremony, who both served overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rossi is a former Navy K-9.
Galesburg's Anastasia Beetler, left, and Kaitlyn Pendergast compete in the varsity girls race on Sept. 5 during the Silver Streaks Invite at Lake Storey in Galesburg, Ill. Pendergast took fifth place in the race and the girls team finished in sixth overall.
Local Boy Scouts of America members carry a large U.S. flag down East Main Street in Galesburg, Ill., during the 123rd annual Labor Day Parade on Sept. 7. Galesburg's parade is the second oldest in the nation.
The ROWVA High School Marching Band performs in the 123rd annual Labor Day Parade in Galesburg, Ill., on Sept. 7.
A trio of Stearman biplanes roll over the flight line during Day 2 of the 44th annual National Stearman Fly-In on Sept. 8 at Galesburg Municipal Airport.
Bailey Ripka, 9, carries a basket filled with monarch butterflies near Gale Elementary School in Galesburg, Ill., on Sept. 8. Students at the school released more than 70 monarch butterflies which are migrating to Mexico for the winter.
Josie Parish, 9, left, and Bailey Ripka, 9, interact with a monarch butterfly near Gale Elementary School in Galesburg, Ill., on Sept. 8.
A Knox College student dressed as a Yip Yip from Sesame Street waits to greet passing students during Pumphandle at Old Main on the campus of Knox College on Sept. 9. Pumphandle is an annual event on the campus, where all faculty and students greet each other the day before the fall term begins.
Chuck Schulz, a professor of physics at Knox College, high fives students during Pumphandle at Old Main on the campus of Knox College on Sept. 9.
A Stearman biplane sits in the flight line during Day 4 of the 44th annual National Stearman Fly-In on Sept. 10 at Galesburg Municipal Airport. The biplane, owned by Wallace Lail of Duluth, Ga., has a Snoopy (of Peanuts) decal on the front, which was hand-painted by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz.
Galesburg VFW Post 2257 Quartermaster Dan Jacobs plays "Taps" during the post's annual remembrance of the 9/11 attacks on Sept. 11. The ceremony included a reading of names of local men that died in the War on Terror, a 21 gun salute and the display of a U.S. flag that flew over Afghanistan.
Abingdon-Avon quarterback Bo Glaser looks for an open teammate during the Tornadoes' game against North Fulton on Sept. 11 in Abingdon, Ill. The Tornadoes won 38-20.
Jerry Rhoads, of Saint Joseph, Ill., makes a new spinning top during the Galesburg Civic Art Center's 29th annual Art in the Park on Sept. 12 at Standish Park in Galesburg, Ill.
Carleton College's Chris Madden (1) runs with the ball as Knox College's Sam Coffey (5) closes in during the Prairie Fire's home opener against the Knights on Sept. 12 at Knox College's Stisser Field. The Prairie Fire defeated the Knights 23-20.
Cierra Hambsch, of Galesburg, Ill., nears the finish line with her team Galesburg FFA, or "Flooded Farm Animals", during the 22nd annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta on Sept. 13 at Lake Storey in Galesburg, Ill.
Chad Thompson, a fifth grade teacher at Gale Elementary School in Galesburg, Ill., gathers ducks during the 20th annual Galesburg Public Schools Foundation Duck Race on Sept. 13 at Lake Storey in Galesburg, Ill.
Summer Shootings
Now that I've got your attention with that blog title, it's been a painful summer with attempting to get my first photographer gig post-graduation, but no success. That doesn't mean I've stopped shooting completely, though.
Milton Barbee, center, of Decatur, Ill., jokes around while being recognized during the Mercy Gardens' graduation of its first class on Jul. 10 at the Good Samaritan Inn in Decatur, Ill. Mercy Gardens, a horticulutral job skill training program, is a partnership with the Good Samaritan Inn and Decatur Is Growing Gardeners (DIGG), and helps individuals change their lives around to learn new skills.
Vanilla Ice performs at the 2015 Decatur Celebration's Funfest Stage on Aug. 8 in Decatur, Ill.
Blues Traveler vocalist and harmonicist John Popper performs at the 2015 Decatur Celebation's Show Stage on Aug. 8 in Decatur, Ill.
Softball and Spot News
I'm finishing my final semester in school strong, but sometimes I'm not able to get out and photograph. However, I was able to shoot a SIU Softball doubleheader on Saturday and the aftermath of a house fire in Carbondale on Sunday. Enjoy the pictures!
Southern Illinois' Katie Bertelsen (27) fields a ground ball to Shaye Harre (25) for an out during Game 1 of a doubleheader against Drake University at Charlotte West Stadium. Drake beat SIU 3-2.
Southern Illinois' Kelsey Gonzalez slides into third during Game 1 of a doubleheader against Drake University at Charlotte West Stadium. Drake beat SIU 3-2.
Southern Illinois' Merri Anne Patterson (1) and Kelsey Gonzalez (7) can only watch the ball go over the outfield wall for a Drake University home run during Game 2 of a doubleheader against Drake University at Charlotte West Stadium. Drake beat SIU 4-1.
Drake University's Laura Brewer (3) is congratulated by her teammates after a home run during Game 2 of a doubleheader against Southern Illinois at Charlotte West Stadium. Drake beat SIU 4-1.
During the extinguishing of a house fire on 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale, the Carbondale Police Department brought residents of the house food and drinks. Six people and a dog were inside the house, nicknamed "Animal House", when the owner of the Dairy Queen next door notified them that the house had caught on fire. Other than a minor injury to a firefighter, no other serious injuries were reported.
Carbondale Fire Department firefighter Ryan Hall works to put out the remains of a house fire at 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale.
Carbondale Fire Department firefighters Chad Hicks (left) and Jay Crippen (right) work to put out the remains of a house fire at 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale.
Carbondale Fire Department firefighter Bradley Lam checks for hotspots on the roof of 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale.
Carbondale Fire Department firefighter Bradley Lam checks for hotspots on the roof of 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale while another firefighter rolls up a fire hose next to the back wall of the house.
Carbondale Fire Department firefighter Wesley Clemmons (left) and Assistant Chief Stephen McBride talk after putting out a house fire at 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale.
Residents watch the Carbondale Fire Department put out the remains of a house fire at 208 W. Hospital Drive in Carbondale.
Preps Basketball: Decatur MacArthur vs. Lincoln
I kicked off my first day of Spring Break by photographing my old high school's (MacArthur) basketball team in action. They were playing Lincoln for the Mount Zion Regional championship at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill.
MacArthur head coach Ron Ingram calls out a play during the Generals' regional championship game with the Lincoln Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
Lincoln's Aron Hopp (5) drives to the basket during the Railers' regional championship game with the Decatur MacArthur Generals at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
Lincoln's Payton Ebelherr (14) tries to pick off a pass from MacArthur's Dallas McClain (1) during the Generals' regional championship game with the Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
MacArthur's Shawntrez Spates (11) tries to get around Lincoln's Will Cook (3) during the Generals' regional championship game with the Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
MacArthur head coach Ron Ingram talks to his team during a timeout of the Generals' regional championship game with the Lincoln Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
MacArthur celebrates their Mount Zion Regional championship win against the Lincoln Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
MacArthur's Kamari Jones (22) receives a hug after the Generals' regional championship game with the Lincoln Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
MacArthur's Kamari Jones (22) celebrates after the Generals' regional championship game with the Lincoln Railers at Mount Zion High School in Mount Zion, Ill. MacArthur won 57-38.
Wrapping up the Year
Well it's been a great 2014 and I finished my fall semester at SIU Carbondale not too long ago. So I thought I would share my favorites from the year, it has been quite a ride. Here's to 2015!
Carbondale Community High School's Will Meador keeps his eyes on the clock while holding down Cahokia High School's Deairis Tipler during a first round match of the 132-pound tournament on Jan. 11 at Carbondale Community High School in Carbondale, Ill.
Kamdyn Mathews, 4, of Carterville, Ill., participates in an exercise during a preschool dance class on March 18 at Willow Street Studios in Carbondale, Ill.
Shannon Lambert, 2, of Marion, Ill., receives her dogtags after she and her father Nicholas participated in the "Run for the Warriors" 5K on March 22 at SIU Carbondale's Campus Lake.
SIU Carbondale students and community members pose for a "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" group photo on Aug. 18 in front of Grinnell Hall.
Evan Ehrenheim, center, receives high-fives from cross-country teammates Oscar Medina, left, and Juan Carrera, right, on Sept. 17 while jogging on Dogwood Drive in Carbondale, Ill.
Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, embraces Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, after both won their respective races on Nov. 4 (Election Day 2014) at the Elks Lodge in Murphysboro, Ill.
The Rev. Joseph Brown, a SIU Carbondale professor of Africana Studies, consoles student Ben Smith during a "die-in" demonstration on Dec. 9 at the Student Center.
Election Day 2014
Been very busy lately, so no blog post of my work from October. But here is a special treat! I was able to cover Election Day this year and it was quite exciting.
Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and her husband Rick arrive at the Elks Lodge in Murphysboro, Ill., to cheers and applause from supporters. Terri Bryant defeated Bill Kilquist (D-Murphysboro) to win the 115th House District.
Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) embraces her mother, Susan Bear, of Atlanta, Ga.
Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) answers questions from local media before delivering her victory speech.
Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) walks through the aisle of supporters after winning the Illinois 12th Congressional District against Bill Enyart (D-Belleville). Bost is the first Republican to represent the Illinois 12th Congressional District since 1993, and is the first Republican in 70 years to serve Southern Illinois in Congress.
Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) embrace.
Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) gives his victory speech. "I thank you so very much for the opportunity to serve you," Bost said. "I have had one of the best staffs that I could ever ask for to put this together."
Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) answers questions from local media after delivering his victory speech.
Late September
Here's stuff I've shot in the "second half" of September.
Jon Hall, of Sesser, Ill., mixes a drink on Sept. 20 at Saluki Bar N' Grill in Carbondale, Ill. The bar changed its age limit to 21 and up on Sept. 14.
Michael Milligan, of New York, acts out a scene from his one-man play "Mercy Killers" on Sept. 22 at Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library.
Dan Andree, left, Jon Goldfine, center, and Ben Wright, of Henhouse Prowlers, perform at Hangar 9 on Sept. 27. The band, of Chicago, has been playing bluegrass music for more than 10 years.
Running back Brayden Bisaillon, left, and quarterback Blake Hicks have replaced former running back Phillip Frangello and quarterback Michael Aschemann on the Carterville Lions this season, jumping out to a 5-0 start. Bisaillon and Hicks believe they can bring Carterville its first state championship since 1996.
Early September
Here's some stuff I have shot earlier this month.
Haley Johnson, 16, of Pinckneyville, Ill., helps douse participants with color powder during the "Color Me for Light" 5K Run on Sept. 1 at the Williamson County Fairgrounds in Marion, Ill.
Joel Swearingen, left, of Lesterville, Mo., waits for Vincent Saitta, right, of Leslie, Mo., to search the bore of a cannon during an Artillery Safety School group cannon drill on Sept. 6 at Fort de Chartres in Prairie du Rocher, Ill.
Evelyn Eddings, 9, of Anna, Ill., receives a lesson from her instructor Ramona Twellman on Sept. 7 at Giant City Stables in Makanda, Ill.
Daniel Martinez, one of six freshmen on the SIU men's tennis team this season, was born in Quito, Ecuador, but then moved to San Antonio where he began playing tennis. The only left-handed player on the team, Martinez hopes to contribute as much as he can.
Evan Ehrenheim, center, receives high-fives from cross-country teammates Oscar Medina, left, and Juan Carrera, right, on Sept. 17 while jogging up Dogwood Drive in Carbondale, Ill.
First Couple Weeks
So I'm back at Southern Illinois University for my senior year and still am working for the Daily Egyptian (it'll be my last semester there so in the spring I can focus on my academic studies and possibly string for The Southern Illinoisan). Here's some stuff I've done for the paper in the last couple weeks! Hope to post a lot this fall semester.
George Brozak, director of athletic bands at SIU, leads the Marching Salukis in rehearsal at Altgeld Hall on Aug. 14. The Marching Salukis have over 200 members this year.
SIU students participate in the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" rally on Aug. 18 in front of Grinnell Hall. The rally shed light on the recent violence outbreaks in Ferguson, Mo., and the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was shot by a St. Louis County police officer on Aug. 9.
Alan Elliott, of West Frankfort, Ill., preps a whole hog on Aug. 25 at 17th Street Bar and Grill in Marion, Ill. The restaurant hosts a weekly High on the Hog event every Tuesday at its Marion location and every Thursday at its Murphysboro location.
Learning the Ropes
I got the chance to meet Herald & Review photographer Danny Damiani to job-shadow him and find out how a typical day goes for him. I shot a few assignments with him, and here are some of my selects from the shoots.
Vietnam War veteran Ron Stephens, of Decatur, Ill., begins his journey with fellow veterans Scott Hartman and Cody Floyd after leaving Dale's Southlake Pharmacy on May 24. Stephens kicked off his Warrior Walk for the third year in a row, heading for a final destination of Elwood, Ill.
From left to right, Ron Stephens, Scott Hartman and Cody Floyd, all veterans, converse as they begin their journey towards Elwood, Ill., on May 24 in Decatur, Ill.
Decatur Park District employees Jessica St. Pierre, left, and Britney Munos go over front desk responsibilities during opening weekend on May 24 at Fairview Pool.
Jill Bundy, of Decatur, Ill., helps her daughter Miracle Schafer, 3, take off her socks before swimming on May 24 at Fairview Pool.
Champaign Saint Thomas More's Michaela Ward, left, and Mount Zion's Morgan Engmann fight for possession during the sectional championship game on May 24 at Walter Boyd Field in Maroa, Ill. The Braves lost to the Sabers 3-2 as Champaign Saint Thomas More claimed their first sectional title in program history.
Mount Zion's Jenna Platzbecker keeps the ball in play during the sectional championship game against Champaign Saint Thomas More on May 24 at Walter Boyd Field in Maroa, Ill. The Braves lost to the Sabers 3-2 as Champaign Saint Thomas More claimed their first sectional title in program history.
What I've Been Up To Lately
I've been pretty busy since my previous blog post so here's some stuff I've shot for the paper over the last few months. Finally the spring semester is winding down and it's been a good one!
Kamdyn Mathews, 4, of Carterville, Ill., participates in an exercise during a preschool dance class on March 18 at Willow Street Studios in Carbondale, Ill.
Shannon Lambert, 2, of Marion, Ill., receives her dogtags after she and her father Nicholas participated in the "Run for the Warriors" 5K on March 22 at SIU Carbondale's Campus Lake in Carbondale, Ill.
Aaron Connor, of Murphysboro, Ill., fishes during the fifth-annual Saluki Bassers Veterans Appreciation Fishing Tournament on April 13 at Lake of Egypt in Marion, Ill.
Tye Sturgeon, of Batesville, Ark., spends time with his horse Edward on April 25 at the Randolph County Fairgrounds in Sparta, Ill. Sturgeon hopes to ride across 48 states with Edward to benefit Western Wishes, a non-profit organization that helps children and young adults who are victims of severe spinal cord and head injuries as well as survivors of cancer.
MBB: SIU Salukis vs. Bradley Braves (Pink Out Game)
The Southern Illinois Salukis men's basketball team went pink on Tuesday, Feb. 18, as they faced the Bradley University Braves. Here are some selects!
Southern Illinois guard Desmar Jackson dunks the ball.
Southern Illinois guard Jalen Pendleton holds onto the ball while being triple teamed.
Southern Illinois guard Tyler Smithpeters celebrates with teammates on the bench after hitting a three point shot.
Southern Illinois guard Desmar Jackson is helped up after getting fouled.
Southern Illinois fans cheer during the final seconds of the game. SIU won 75-64 and it has gave them the sixth seed in the Missouri Valley Conference.
WBB: SIU Salukis vs. Northern Iowa Panthers
It's been a while since I last shot basketball and I was able to photograph a game on Thursday, Feb. 6, thanks to a co-worker at the student newspaper who had an extra press pass. Here are some selects!
Southern Illinois forward Dyana Pierre shoots over Northern Iowa's Jen Keitel.
Southern Illinois guards Jordyn Courier and Hannah Shores double team Northern Iowa guard Madison Weekly.
Southern Illinois guard Carlie Corrigan wrestles away the ball while being double teamed by Northern Iowa's Stephanie Davidson and Amber Sorensen.
Southern Illinois guard Sidney Goins puts up a hook shot over Northern Iowa's Brittni Donaldson.
Southern Illinois forward Dyana Pierre disputes a call with the official.
Northern Iowa's Stephanie Davidson, left, and Hannah Schonhardt, right, help Jen Keitel get back up to her feet after taking a charge.
Murdale Wrestling Tournament
Probably one of my favorite assignments I've shot for the student newspaper so far, plus it was my first time shooting high school wrestling, ever. On Jan. 11 the 53rd annual Murdale Wrestling Invitational was held at Carbondale Community High School in Carbondale, Ill., featuring 18 high schools from the southern Illinois and St. Louis area. Originally I came up with this tournament as a sports feature but one of the new sports reporters was tacked alongside me to cover this wrestling tournament. Here are some selects.
Murphysboro High School's Dylan Chambers is medically attended to during a first round match in the 132-pound tournament.
Carbondale High School's Will Meador wraps his ankle prior to his first round match with Cahokia's Deairis Tipler.
Carbondale High School's Will Meador looks at the clock while holding down Cahokia's Deairis Tipler in a first round match of the 132-pound tournament.