Category Archives: WJBC Top Sports

ISU Athletic Director Kyle Brennan receives contract extension

ISU Athletic Director Kyle Brennan receives contract extension

By WJBC Staff NORMAL – Illinois State University on Tuesday announced a contract extension for Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan. According to a news release, the extension runs until June 30, 2027, and includes a yearly salary of $242,892 as well as the eligibility of a bonus for academic and athletic success, not to exceed…MORE

Central Catholic names new athletic director

Central Catholic names new athletic director

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Central Catholic High School has announced the hiring of Nate Thomas as its next athletic director. Thomas begins his duties in July, succeeding Hud Venerable, who retires on June 30 after five years with the Saints. “Nate brings with him experience at the collegiate level and is committed to Central…MORE

Finalists revealed for 2022 State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet

Finalists revealed for 2022 State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet is returning to McLean County. The banquet, which has been hosted since 2008, recognizes high school athletes, coaches, and teams for their accomplishments on and off the field. The State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet committee has revealed…MORE

ISU Athletics announces 2022 Percy Family Hall of Fame Class

ISU Athletics announces 2022 Percy Family Hall of Fame Class

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State Athletics selected it’s group of Redbirds into the 2022 Percy Family Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Marshaun Coprich ’16 (football), 2014 and 2015 All-American and two-time MVFC Offensive Player of the Year Heather Forsyth ’06 (soccer), two-time MVC Player of the Year and four-time All-MVC selection Abby Olson…MORE

Illinois State hires former Redbird for soccer head coach vacancy

Illinois State hires former Redbird for soccer head coach vacancy

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State has filled another vacant head coaching position, as Athletic Director Kyle Brennan announced the hiring of Wisconsin assistant coach Marisa Kresge to be the next soccer coach at ISU. Kresge spent one season as a Redbird in 2016, before heading north to join the coaching staff at Wisconsin.…MORE

Murray State joins MVFC beginning in 2023

Murray State joins MVFC beginning in 2023

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) established Murray State as the 12th member of it’s conference on Monday. “With Murray State becoming the 12th Missouri Valley Football Conference member, we have stabilized and strengthened FCS football in the Midwest and cemented the MVFC’s position as the premier FCS football conference…MORE

Andrew Dakich joins Ryan Pedon’s staff at Illinois State

Andrew Dakich joins Ryan Pedon’s staff at Illinois State

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-Ryan Pedon has hired his second assistant coach to his staff, as Andrew Dakich joins the Redbird program departing from Elon University. “I’m really excited about adding Andrew to our staff,” said Pedon. “Andrew played for us in his graduate year at Ohio State, and I was able to see firsthand his…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…