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The SASA Spirits/Xtreme 98 U12 girls soccer
team won their fourth straight KSHE-95 3 vs.
3 tournament in Collinsville last weekend.
The girls won all five games and outscored
the opposition 46-5. Team members, all
from Rochester, are, front (L-R): Baylee
Smith, Becca Jostes; back: Ally Milnes,
Kelsey Builta, Kenzie Minor and Coach Jeff
Smith.
team won their fourth straight KSHE-95 3 vs.
3 tournament in Collinsville last weekend.
The girls won all five games and outscored
the opposition 46-5. Team members, all
from Rochester, are, front (L-R): Baylee
Smith, Becca Jostes; back: Ally Milnes,
Kelsey Builta, Kenzie Minor and Coach Jeff
Smith.
The public is invited to an open house for the
new Rochester Athletic Complex Friday,
August 27 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The event will
be held prior to the first Rochester High
football game as a member of the Central
State 8 Conference against Lincoln that night
at Rocket Booster Stadium. The RHS Student
Council’s “Rocketpalooza” will also be held
from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on the tennis courts
adjacent to the RAC, featuring inflatables,
games, face painting, food, contests and
activities for all ages.
new Rochester Athletic Complex Friday,
August 27 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The event will
be held prior to the first Rochester High
football game as a member of the Central
State 8 Conference against Lincoln that night
at Rocket Booster Stadium. The RHS Student
Council’s “Rocketpalooza” will also be held
from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on the tennis courts
adjacent to the RAC, featuring inflatables,
games, face painting, food, contests and
activities for all ages.
Rochester goalkeeper Ty
Beard makes a save in the
Rockets’ season-opener win
over Lincoln. Beard has
recorded shutouts in each of
the first three games this
year for the 3-0 Rockets.
Beard makes a save in the
Rockets’ season-opener win
over Lincoln. Beard has
recorded shutouts in each of
the first three games this
year for the 3-0 Rockets.
The Rochester School District honored Hall
of Fame track and field coaches Bill Derks
and Robin Taft by officially naming the track
at Rocket Booster Stadium Derks-Taft Track
at a ceremony Friday evening. Holding the
display banner are RHS students Winnie
Nuding and Bri Lacy. (Brubaker photo)
of Fame track and field coaches Bill Derks
and Robin Taft by officially naming the track
at Rocket Booster Stadium Derks-Taft Track
at a ceremony Friday evening. Holding the
display banner are RHS students Winnie
Nuding and Bri Lacy. (Brubaker photo)
Rochester head coach Derek
Leonard accepts a hug and
the game ball from senior
Blake Gand after the Rockets
knocked off SHG 13-10
Friday, ending the Cyclones’
59-game conference winning
streak. (Brubaker photo)
Leonard accepts a hug and
the game ball from senior
Blake Gand after the Rockets
knocked off SHG 13-10
Friday, ending the Cyclones’
59-game conference winning
streak. (Brubaker photo)
Rochester rolled past Auburn in two games
for the Sangamon County Tournament title
Monday at Riverton, 25-21 and 25-11. The
Lady Rockets are, front (left to right): Head
Coach Steph Zeidler, Kortney Cunningham,
Alecia Mantei, Erin Mileham, Lindsay
Shackelford, Aidan Faloon, Linsey Torchia,
Jordan Luster; back: Coach Lindsay Hearne,
Sela Cronin, Jordan Fosen, Katie Kruger,
Taylor Arnold, Samantha Ward, Brooke
Pasley, Rylee Alewelt and Gabby Oldani.
for the Sangamon County Tournament title
Monday at Riverton, 25-21 and 25-11. The
Lady Rockets are, front (left to right): Head
Coach Steph Zeidler, Kortney Cunningham,
Alecia Mantei, Erin Mileham, Lindsay
Shackelford, Aidan Faloon, Linsey Torchia,
Jordan Luster; back: Coach Lindsay Hearne,
Sela Cronin, Jordan Fosen, Katie Kruger,
Taylor Arnold, Samantha Ward, Brooke
Pasley, Rylee Alewelt and Gabby Oldani.
Headed to the IHSA Girls Class A State
Tourney is the Rochester High School girls
golf team after the Lady Rockets won both
the Regional and Sectional titles this past
week. The six-player team, none of whom are
seniors, includes (left to right) Hailey
Williams, Sarah Barris, Paige Beeve, Morgan
Alewelt, Abby Alewelt, Jocelyn Matsen and
(back) Coach Jeff Hill. (Ekey photo)
Tourney is the Rochester High School girls
golf team after the Lady Rockets won both
the Regional and Sectional titles this past
week. The six-player team, none of whom are
seniors, includes (left to right) Hailey
Williams, Sarah Barris, Paige Beeve, Morgan
Alewelt, Abby Alewelt, Jocelyn Matsen and
(back) Coach Jeff Hill. (Ekey photo)
Girls golf team 10th at State
The Rochester High School girls golf team, making their first trip ever to the State
Tournament, finished in tenth place in the Class 1A tournament held at Red Tail Run
in Decatur last Friday and Saturday. The Lady Rockets didn’t play their best on Friday
and as a result, their 414 total left them last among the 12 teams. But on Saturday,
the girls played much better, shooting 30 strokes better at 384, to finish with a two-
day total of 798. Among all the teams at State, Rochester made the most
improvement from Friday to Saturday, though Freeburg, which finished fourth overall,
was 29 shots better. The good day lifted the Lady Rockets, none of whom are
seniors, up to tenth place. Jocelyn Matsen, as she did all season, led Rochester at
State with rounds of 101-86 for a 187 total, which was good for a 46th place tie in the
individual standings. Morgan Alewelt tied for 71st with rounds of 103-96 for a 199
total. Paige Beeve shot 200 with rounds of 105-95, followed by Sarah Barris with 217,
107-110, and Abby Alewelt with 220, 113-107. Gina Dannenberger played Friday,
shooting a 105 (56-49), and Hailey Williams played Saturday, shooting 124 (58-66).
On Friday, Rochester’s low four scores were Matsen (50-51-101), M. Alewelt (51-52-
103), Dannenberger (56-49-105) and Beeve (48-57-105). The 414 total left the Lady
Rockets 10 strokes behind 11th place Stillman Valley heading into the final 18 holes.
But on Saturday, Matsen led the charge with an 86 (41-45) that included three
birdies, all on par-4 holes, the 6th, 10th and 16th, and five pars. Beeve was 10 shots
better with a 95 (49-46)that was only spoiled by a nine on the par-5 18th. She played
the first five holes on the back nine in one over par. The Alewelt sisters also
improved on the second day, with Morgan shooting 96 (51-45) and Abby a 107 (47-
60). The Lady Rockets’ 384 score on Saturday was the sixth best out of the 12 teams.
Final team results were:
1. St Thomas More 352-343 - 695; 2. Massac County 366-364 - 730; 3. Nashville 376-
358 - 734; 4. Freeburg 391-362 - 753; 5. Bishop McNamara 384-370 - 754; 6. Quincy
Notre Dame 395-385 - 780; 7. Byron 394-388 - 782; 8. Westmont 402-385 - 787; 9.
Stillman Valley 404-390 - 794; 10. Rochester 414-384 - 798; 11. Gibson City 400-400
- 800; 12. Camp Point Central 395-406 - 801. Elizabeth Curtiss of Byron was the girls
individual champion with 81-75 - 156.
The Rochester High School girls golf team, making their first trip ever to the State
Tournament, finished in tenth place in the Class 1A tournament held at Red Tail Run
in Decatur last Friday and Saturday. The Lady Rockets didn’t play their best on Friday
and as a result, their 414 total left them last among the 12 teams. But on Saturday,
the girls played much better, shooting 30 strokes better at 384, to finish with a two-
day total of 798. Among all the teams at State, Rochester made the most
improvement from Friday to Saturday, though Freeburg, which finished fourth overall,
was 29 shots better. The good day lifted the Lady Rockets, none of whom are
seniors, up to tenth place. Jocelyn Matsen, as she did all season, led Rochester at
State with rounds of 101-86 for a 187 total, which was good for a 46th place tie in the
individual standings. Morgan Alewelt tied for 71st with rounds of 103-96 for a 199
total. Paige Beeve shot 200 with rounds of 105-95, followed by Sarah Barris with 217,
107-110, and Abby Alewelt with 220, 113-107. Gina Dannenberger played Friday,
shooting a 105 (56-49), and Hailey Williams played Saturday, shooting 124 (58-66).
On Friday, Rochester’s low four scores were Matsen (50-51-101), M. Alewelt (51-52-
103), Dannenberger (56-49-105) and Beeve (48-57-105). The 414 total left the Lady
Rockets 10 strokes behind 11th place Stillman Valley heading into the final 18 holes.
But on Saturday, Matsen led the charge with an 86 (41-45) that included three
birdies, all on par-4 holes, the 6th, 10th and 16th, and five pars. Beeve was 10 shots
better with a 95 (49-46)that was only spoiled by a nine on the par-5 18th. She played
the first five holes on the back nine in one over par. The Alewelt sisters also
improved on the second day, with Morgan shooting 96 (51-45) and Abby a 107 (47-
60). The Lady Rockets’ 384 score on Saturday was the sixth best out of the 12 teams.
Final team results were:
1. St Thomas More 352-343 - 695; 2. Massac County 366-364 - 730; 3. Nashville 376-
358 - 734; 4. Freeburg 391-362 - 753; 5. Bishop McNamara 384-370 - 754; 6. Quincy
Notre Dame 395-385 - 780; 7. Byron 394-388 - 782; 8. Westmont 402-385 - 787; 9.
Stillman Valley 404-390 - 794; 10. Rochester 414-384 - 798; 11. Gibson City 400-400
- 800; 12. Camp Point Central 395-406 - 801. Elizabeth Curtiss of Byron was the girls
individual champion with 81-75 - 156.
50-17: The
ultimate
payback
Sometimes in sports, as in life, you
get a second chance. The
Rochester Rockets certainly made
the most of theirs. (more)
ultimate
payback
Sometimes in sports, as in life, you
get a second chance. The
Rochester Rockets certainly made
the most of theirs. (more)
Rochester High School held a special
ceremony Friday for six senior members of
this year’s Class 4A state champion football
team as they signed letters of intent to
continue their football careers at the
collegiate level next year. Among the signees
were, left to right: Kyle Lomprez (Quincy
University), Dan Camp (Quincy University),
Ryan Broglin (Lindenwood University),
Michael Gunter (Eastern Illinois University),
Taylor Hill (Western Illinois University) and
Riley McMinn (University of Iowa).
ceremony Friday for six senior members of
this year’s Class 4A state champion football
team as they signed letters of intent to
continue their football careers at the
collegiate level next year. Among the signees
were, left to right: Kyle Lomprez (Quincy
University), Dan Camp (Quincy University),
Ryan Broglin (Lindenwood University),
Michael Gunter (Eastern Illinois University),
Taylor Hill (Western Illinois University) and
Riley McMinn (University of Iowa).
RYAA spring
registration
set for
Thursday, Feb.
17
The Rochester Youth Athletic
Association will be conducting
registration for the spring soccer,
baseball and softball seasons
Thursday, February 17 from 6:30 to
8 p.m. in the Community Room of
the Rochester Village Hall. Parents
will be able to register their
children for RYAA sports online
using a credit/debit card. Parents
can either register their children by
clicking on the “Register Online”
button on the right hand side of the
www.ryaasports.org homepage, or
printed forms can be downloaded
and sent to the address listed.
Soccer registration will be held for
all players from three to 14 years
old. Players ages 3-6 will register
through the RYAA and their games
will be played on Thursday or
Friday nights at Rochester Park.
Players ages 7-14 will sign up
through the YMCA but the forms
can be dropped off at the February
17 registration night. RYAA
baseball and softball registrations
will be open for all age brackets.
Practices will begin the week of
April 11 with games to be played
from May 9 through the end of
June. A coaches meeting will be
held in mid-March. Registrations
received after March 6 are subject
to a $10 late fee and will not be
guaranteed requested team
placement. Parents are uged to
help the RYAA better
accommodate the growing number
of players by getting registrations
in early. Registration forms for all
sports will be available on
registration night or can be
downloaded from the RYAA
website at www.ryaasports.org.
YMCA forms can also be found
online at www.springfieldymca.org.
registration
set for
Thursday, Feb.
17
The Rochester Youth Athletic
Association will be conducting
registration for the spring soccer,
baseball and softball seasons
Thursday, February 17 from 6:30 to
8 p.m. in the Community Room of
the Rochester Village Hall. Parents
will be able to register their
children for RYAA sports online
using a credit/debit card. Parents
can either register their children by
clicking on the “Register Online”
button on the right hand side of the
www.ryaasports.org homepage, or
printed forms can be downloaded
and sent to the address listed.
Soccer registration will be held for
all players from three to 14 years
old. Players ages 3-6 will register
through the RYAA and their games
will be played on Thursday or
Friday nights at Rochester Park.
Players ages 7-14 will sign up
through the YMCA but the forms
can be dropped off at the February
17 registration night. RYAA
baseball and softball registrations
will be open for all age brackets.
Practices will begin the week of
April 11 with games to be played
from May 9 through the end of
June. A coaches meeting will be
held in mid-March. Registrations
received after March 6 are subject
to a $10 late fee and will not be
guaranteed requested team
placement. Parents are uged to
help the RYAA better
accommodate the growing number
of players by getting registrations
in early. Registration forms for all
sports will be available on
registration night or can be
downloaded from the RYAA
website at www.ryaasports.org.
YMCA forms can also be found
online at www.springfieldymca.org.
Rochester High School’s Class 4A state
football champions were honored as one of
the nation’s top teams by MaxPreps and the
Army National Guard between games Friday
night at the Rochester Athletic Complex.
football champions were honored as one of
the nation’s top teams by MaxPreps and the
Army National Guard between games Friday
night at the Rochester Athletic Complex.
The Rochester 7th grade girls won the
Sangamon County Tournament title Monday,
defeating Glenwood 25-21, 25-15 in the
finals. Team members are, front (L-R): Kara
Burke, Madeline Butcher, Theresa Shaff,
Kelsey Builta, Amanda Williams, Ally Milnes,
Vanessa Robbins; back: Coach Steph
Zeidler, Kaitlyn Lewis, Carly Ross, Hannah
Blanshan, Falon Wilson, Jaycie Joslin,
Morgan Savage, Sam Churchill, Chloe
Rickman and Coach Abby Wacaser.
Sangamon County Tournament title Monday,
defeating Glenwood 25-21, 25-15 in the
finals. Team members are, front (L-R): Kara
Burke, Madeline Butcher, Theresa Shaff,
Kelsey Builta, Amanda Williams, Ally Milnes,
Vanessa Robbins; back: Coach Steph
Zeidler, Kaitlyn Lewis, Carly Ross, Hannah
Blanshan, Falon Wilson, Jaycie Joslin,
Morgan Savage, Sam Churchill, Chloe
Rickman and Coach Abby Wacaser.
STATE CHAMPIONS - Rochester’s 7th grade
girls won the school’s first ever state
championship in volleyball Tuesday at
Bloomington with an inspired 25-16, 25-22
victory over Champaign Edison. The Jr.
Rockets ended the season with a 25-2
record and include, front (L-R): Vanessa
Robbins, Theresa Shaff, Ally Milnes, Kelsey
Builta, Madeline Butcher, Kara Burke, Morgan
Savage; back: Hannah Blanshan, Amanda
Williams, Jaycie Joslin, Kaitlin Lewis, Falon
Wilson, Carly Ross, Samantha Churchill,
Chloe Rickman and Coach Steph Zeidler.
girls won the school’s first ever state
championship in volleyball Tuesday at
Bloomington with an inspired 25-16, 25-22
victory over Champaign Edison. The Jr.
Rockets ended the season with a 25-2
record and include, front (L-R): Vanessa
Robbins, Theresa Shaff, Ally Milnes, Kelsey
Builta, Madeline Butcher, Kara Burke, Morgan
Savage; back: Hannah Blanshan, Amanda
Williams, Jaycie Joslin, Kaitlin Lewis, Falon
Wilson, Carly Ross, Samantha Churchill,
Chloe Rickman and Coach Steph Zeidler.
Rocket
Football golf
outing set for
June 10
The 17th annual Rochester
Rocket Football Golf Scramble will
be held Friday, June 10 at Lincoln
Greens Golf Course. Registration
starts at 10:30 a.m. and play
begins with a shotgun start at
12:30 p.m. The entry fee is $80 per
player, which includes greens
fees, one-half cart rental, tee
favors, meal and drink tickets.
Players must be at least 21 years
of age. A dinner will be held
following the scramble at Lincoln
Greens. Hole sponsorships are
also available for $100. Entry forms
should be returned to Andy Lunt,
129 Mill Street, Rochester, IL
62563. Questions can be directed
to Lunt at 899-2108 or Coach
Derek Leonard at 498-9761.
Football golf
outing set for
June 10
The 17th annual Rochester
Rocket Football Golf Scramble will
be held Friday, June 10 at Lincoln
Greens Golf Course. Registration
starts at 10:30 a.m. and play
begins with a shotgun start at
12:30 p.m. The entry fee is $80 per
player, which includes greens
fees, one-half cart rental, tee
favors, meal and drink tickets.
Players must be at least 21 years
of age. A dinner will be held
following the scramble at Lincoln
Greens. Hole sponsorships are
also available for $100. Entry forms
should be returned to Andy Lunt,
129 Mill Street, Rochester, IL
62563. Questions can be directed
to Lunt at 899-2108 or Coach
Derek Leonard at 498-9761.
Coach Derek Leonard addresses his state
championship team after the Rockets held
on to defeat Richmond-Burton in a 42-39 title
game classic Friday at Memorial Stadium in
Champaign. Leonard challenged the
returning members of the team to go for a
“three-peat” in 2012. (Milner photo)
championship team after the Rockets held
on to defeat Richmond-Burton in a 42-39 title
game classic Friday at Memorial Stadium in
Champaign. Leonard challenged the
returning members of the team to go for a
“three-peat” in 2012. (Milner photo)
Rochester’s 7th grade girls captured the
Class 4A state championship last Thursday
by defeating Normal Kingsley 36-23 to finish
the season with an unbeaten 28-0 record.
The Jr. Rockets are, front (left to right):
Maddie Ashbaugh, Savannah Barris, Nichole
Robinson, Aubrey Magro, Sydney Kollins;
middle: Selena Barton, Emily Torricelli, Chloe
Simpkins, Ali Bortmess, Madison Faulkner;
back: Head Coach Ken Teubner, Camryn
Sapetti, Abby Blatz, Angela Perry, Lyric Boone,
Katie Nika and Assistant Coach Sarah Ryan.
Class 4A state championship last Thursday
by defeating Normal Kingsley 36-23 to finish
the season with an unbeaten 28-0 record.
The Jr. Rockets are, front (left to right):
Maddie Ashbaugh, Savannah Barris, Nichole
Robinson, Aubrey Magro, Sydney Kollins;
middle: Selena Barton, Emily Torricelli, Chloe
Simpkins, Ali Bortmess, Madison Faulkner;
back: Head Coach Ken Teubner, Camryn
Sapetti, Abby Blatz, Angela Perry, Lyric Boone,
Katie Nika and Assistant Coach Sarah Ryan.
The Rochester Wrestling Club took first place
at the Clinton Challenge Sunday, December
18. Team members are, front (L-R): Tyler
Gade, Camden Huston, Jacob Timmons,
Zach Gleeson, Colten Stock, Anthony Magro,
Colin Ripperda, Brett Gade, Cole Wiggins;
row 2: Cooper Schramm, Zane Weidener,
Jack Bruso, Grant Ripperda, Jack Perry,
Brayden Corbett, Tristen Edwards, Jace
Benton; row 3: Mason Ross, Braden Stock,
Camden Ramsey, Henry Patterson, Dylan
Ford, David Yoggerst, Ben Grimes, Alek
Votava, P.J. Jersynski; back: Coaches Tony
Magro, Chris Gleeson, Keith Ripperda, Del
Ford, Randy Bruso, Jim Ross, Ryan Wiggins
and Kevin Gade.
at the Clinton Challenge Sunday, December
18. Team members are, front (L-R): Tyler
Gade, Camden Huston, Jacob Timmons,
Zach Gleeson, Colten Stock, Anthony Magro,
Colin Ripperda, Brett Gade, Cole Wiggins;
row 2: Cooper Schramm, Zane Weidener,
Jack Bruso, Grant Ripperda, Jack Perry,
Brayden Corbett, Tristen Edwards, Jace
Benton; row 3: Mason Ross, Braden Stock,
Camden Ramsey, Henry Patterson, Dylan
Ford, David Yoggerst, Ben Grimes, Alek
Votava, P.J. Jersynski; back: Coaches Tony
Magro, Chris Gleeson, Keith Ripperda, Del
Ford, Randy Bruso, Jim Ross, Ryan Wiggins
and Kevin Gade.