End of the Year Sports Recap

By Grace Bowermaster

The 2018-2019 school year has proven to have promoted growth and fostered success both academically and athletically. Numerous achievements throughout the year have been awarded and recognized, with these past few months being no exception.

The Princeville academic challenge team competed in the annual Academic Challenge contest, formerly known as WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering). This was the first year the contest was held at its new location, Eastern Illinois University.

The Academic Challenge consists of multiple tests in various subjects. Students complete the test and receive a score based on their performance.

This year, PHS produced astounding results, and took first in state overall.

“I had a lot of fun, it was a great experience,” stated senior member Isaac Glenzinski.

Another big achievement for Princeville, sophomore Taryn Steidinger took first place in biology for the second year in a row.

The competition was a major success for PHS, and was a great opportunity to showcase the academic ability its students possess.

The PHS boys baseball team’s season came to a close with a 6-5, 8 inning loss to ROWVA/WIlliamsfield in the regional semifinals. This was an unfortunate defeat for the Princes, however, with an overall record of 21 wins and 8 losses, their final loss was no representation of what the boys accomplished during the season.

For example, the team can now add “setting a state record” to their list of achievements. In their double-header against Annawan-Wethersfield, the Princes hit not one, not two, but five home runs in a row, setting a state record for most consecutive home runs in a game. Justin Janssen, Matthew Butterfield, Adam Snedden, Brady Miller, and Cobee Craig were each responsible for one of those runs.

Earning yet one more home run that inning, this impressive event also set the team up to tie the state record for most home runs in an inning.

The team went 11-4 in the Lincoln Trail Conference. Special recognition was given to many players this year. 

Janssen and Snedden earned first team all conference, Craig received second team all conference, Miller was named a second team all conference pitcher, and Butterfield was awarded honorable mention all conference.

In addition, Janssen, Snedden, and Butterfield, along with Finley Crear, were selected to play in the 2019 McDonald's all star game. The game will be held on June 11th at 5 p.m. at Dozer Park.

Janssen and Snedden were also selected for the Illinois Coaches Association Senior game.

“The boys had a great year!” stated PHS baseball coach Chris Delbridge. “It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but they never stopped fighting. This was one of top 3 or 4 seasons in the history of PHS baseball. I’m very proud of the boys and all they accomplished and we wish the seniors the best as they move on to college.”

The junior varsity baseball team accomplished a great season as well, with a final record of 14 wins and 2 losses.

Achieving a great run in the postseason, the PHS softball team had many triumphs of their own.

Facing Henry-Senachwine in the regional semifinals, the Lady Princes dominated 10-0. This victory advanced them to the regional championship, where they would face Ridgewood.

The team came ready to win, and defeated the Ridgewood Rebels 2-1, earning them the title of class 1A regional champions.

Although an exciting victory, the Lady Princes, along with their coach, Chad Gardner, are no strangers to regional titles. 2019 marked the 7th year in a row that Coach Gardner and the Lady Princes have won their regional.

The team went on to face Illini Bluffs in the sectional semifinal. The girls fought hard, but ultimately lost 7-1.

It was a great season for PHS softball. They achieved  and overall record of 14 wins and 15 losses, and went 7 and 6 in the Lincoln Trail Conference.

The PHS track team was also on fire this season. Both the girls and boys teams turned in outstanding performances at every meet.

The girls earned first place in the Lincoln Trail conference. The boys took second in their LTC, although only one point away from the first place team.

The end of the season brought many triumphs for the track team. The girls had seven runners advance to state. Grace Dearing, Carrie Gill, Jesenia Horton-Meza, and Libby Martin qualified in the 4x100 meter relay. Cassie Berchtold and Natalie Giffin were alternates for the event. Sorin Hilsabeck advanced in the 3200 meter run.

Dearing also qualified in the 200 meter dash, and Martin in the 100 and 400.

The girls preliminary race was held on May 16th. Princeville had four runners competing. One runner, Sorin Hilsabeck, ran at the state finals on May 18th in the 3200.

The boys took their turn at state the following weekend, and Princeville brought ten runners to the competition.

Carter Johnson, Peyton Martin, Adam Snedden, and Cody Thole qualified in the 4x100 meter relay. Jack Arnett was an alternate for the event. Johnson also qualified in high jump, Thole in the 300 meter hurdles, and Snedden in the 100 and 200.

A 4x400 meter relay consisting of Grant Hunt, Carter Johnson, Adam Snedden, and Cody Thole also advanced, as well as a 4x800 meter relay featuring Briar Hilsabeck, Denver Hoerr, Luke Pipkins, and Hunter Stahl.

After competing in the preliminaries on May 23rd, the 4x100 relay team, as well as both of Snedden’s solo events advanced to the state finals on May 25th.

The boys 4x100 meter relay team had an outstanding performance at the finals, earning fourth place in state and making school history. Their relay time of 43.57 seconds is a new PHS school record.

“It was a fun, exciting experience,” said Thole. “When you make it to state, you’re competing against the best of the best. And for a small town like Princeville to have that many kids do so well is awesome.”

PHS is very proud to boast the accomplishments made by students not only this spring, but all year. As a new school year approaches, the possibilities for success are endless.