BUFF Strong, Week 6

This past weeks recipient of the BUFF Strong award was Trenton Kuhlman. He has set himself apart from the other participants with his efforts, essecially during the running and conditioning at the conclusion of each camp day. He is a natural runner but, he continues to push himself to improve. He has been fun to watch mature in his self discipline and motivation to succeed. Congratulations to Trenton.

Pike Valley DP girls Champions!


Pike Valley Lady Panthers 10 and under Designated Pitch Softball Team completed their 3rd straight undefeated season by claiming their 3rd Belleville City Recreation League Title.
2011 was a dream season for 10 year olds, Brailyn Carlgren, Mekenzie Ehlers, Tory Isaacson, Kinzey Langston, Gentry McGregor and Karisma Vignery. They started calling their coach in March; all of them had the same question “When is softball practice?”
This would be the final season of Designated Pitch Softball for these young ladies, and they had set a goal as a group. Pull off the most difficult feat in any sport, not only winning their 3rd straight title, but to go undefeated for the 3rd straight year as well.
Joining them in their quest were team mates from the previous championships, Brianna Sjolander, Jessica Jensen, Cajsa Carlgren, Taylor Swanson, Kaylee Bray, and  Natalee Bray. And 4 new faces,  Josiah Field, Kaylee Larson, NaNa Johnson, and Khloe Langston.
After a couple of months of practice the team started the season in June, winning the first game of the year on the road. They then won 2 games at home, before finishing the season with 4 straight road wins and the Championship. Although many games saw 1 or 2 girls gone for different events over the summer the girls all pulled together and filled in to put together a memorable season winning all 7 games by at least 6 or more runs. They even managed to turn a double play or two during the season. They learned how to work together in a run down or “Pickle”,  although unsuccessful at getting the runner out, they were all very excited that they knew how to do it. Everyone hit the ball very well, with all girls scoring at least 8 runs apiece. Knocking coach down with a line drive always brought a smile to their faces.
Their coaches were, Troy Isaacson, Bob Sjolander, Allison Carlgren, and Brandi Bray
Coach Isaacson was often overheard telling anyone who would listen, “These young ladies make my job as a coach easy, they always come prepared to learn, and have fun playing softball. They have been a joy to coach and I really appreciate how they help each other with everything, and play so well as a team. We try to emphasize that in the beginning, and these girls have really bought into that. I hardly ever see them squabble on or off the field. They truly are a Team and for the most part I believe they are all  friends as well. Of course a lot of the credit for their success should go to their parents and even the grandparents as well, getting them to practice and games, playing catch or throwing batting practice, all this is made possible through their hard work and dedication to the kids. We will definitely miss the leadership of the 6 girls moving up to Junior girls next year, but with the valuable experience the other 10 girls gained and a few new faces as well, coupled with the desire and talent they have, I know we can be just as successful next year. Go Lady Panthers!”

BUFF Strong, Week 5

This past week we had 2 people receive the BUFF Strong Award.  Jeff Hadachek and Lane Shoemaker both have show consistent effort and focus throught the past 5 weeks of the program. They are both similar in that they are more the silent leader.  They put their heads the the grindstone and simple do the work to improve themselves.  They are consistently respectful of the leaders of the program and of their teammates.  Congrats to Jeff and Lane for their consistent BUFF Strong effort. 
Thanks Eric for recongnizing our student athletes!

HS Girls Basketball

The RC Lady Buffs won the Clay Center summer league for the 2nd year in a row.  On Monday, July 11, they defeated Beloit 35-20 in the semifinals, and then, in a rematach of last winter's substate championship game, defeated Washington Co 47-31.  The Buffs really clamped down on defense in the second half, pitching a shut out over the last 10 minutes!  Congrats to the Lady Buffs!

Pictured Back row:  Coach Jake Lull, Kayley Johnson, Kiara McCall, Catelyn Crim.  Middle:  Bryn Hobelman, Joni Sheets.  Front:  Saren Hobelman, Devin Nutsch, Abbey Anderson

BCC hosts 4th of July Scramble

18 teams played in the annual Couples Scramble on July 4th, braving the heat with cold drinks and good times!

1st Flight
Whit & Shelley- 35
Aaron & Kayley- 36
Brady & Pat- 38

2nd Flight
Roger & Jean- 40
Randy & Charlene- 41
Dan & Monica- 41

3rd Flight
Charlie & Deb- 47
Steve & Renee- 47
Mike & Beth- 48

Summer basketball

Congrats to the RC JH girls basketball team who finished 2nd in the Bennington League Tourney!

(Click for full size)