Coal City Courant

Coalers will rely on speed, athleticism

Published by admin on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 5:39pm

BY SHAWN LONG
STAFF WRITER
    The Coal City varsity football team are looking to get to the playoffs this year and  may have just enough star power to make that happen.
    “We had a very positive summer,” said head coach Dan Hutchings. “Everyone was in the weight room and showing up for our camps so we had a good summer and look forward to a positive year.”

JV Miners shutout ‘Cats

Published by admin on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 4:19pm

    The Coal City Miners junior varsity team got its season started with a win, shutting out the Wilmington Bobcats, 12-0.
    The offensive line and Owen Franklin were opening truck sized holes for the running backs as Wilmington did not know what hit them.
    Miner running back Nathan Grant had two big touchdowns and the defense stonewalled the Bobcats on every drive, getting their first shutout of the year.
    The JV Miners (1-0) will host Manteno Sunday, Aug. 19.

Coalers lose veterans but gain talented underclassmen

Published by admin on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 4:16pm

by Shawn long
staff writer
    The Coal City varsity boys soccer team is returning some star talent for the 2018 season.
    The Coaler kickers finished last season 12-8, having an over .500 or better record for the first time since 2002.
    For third-year coach Steven McClearly and assistant Todd Painter, there is a lot to look forward to just glancing at the roster.
    “We are hoping to keep our record over .500 for the second straight year,” said McCleary. “We are also hoping to be at the top of our conference standings at the end of the year.”

Coaler golfers finish third during Indian Invite

Published by admin on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 4:15pm

By shawn long
staff writer
    Matt Micewitz led the Coal City golf team in their third place medal by being one of the top golfers during the Indian Invite.
    “Overall, it was a good start to our season,” said golf coach Harlan Kennell. “It featured many non conference and conference teams to get a sense where everyone was at and we have such a balanced team this year with multiple golfers that can contribute so I couldn’t be happier with how we did.”

Youth football gets running during Jamboree

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 3:10pm

by shawn long
staff writer    
    Reed-Custer hosted the youth football program jamboree where all levels of the Comets, Wilmington, Coal City, Peotone and Manteno teams met at the Comet’s field on Saturday, depite the 90-degree heat.
    The Jamboree consisted of two teams on each end of the football field. Each mini scrimmage started by playing defense for 10 minutes, then switching to offense for 10 minutes.

CC golfers ready to get into the swing of things

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 3:07pm

by Shawn long
staff writer
    The Coal City varsity golf team looks to build upon last year’s success when the open their season Thursday.
    Harlan Kennell begins his second year as the head coach, looking to mirror year one.
    Before the head coaching job, Kennell was an assistant under David Sinkular for 12 years. Now, with one year under his belt, he’s eager to

Tarman, McVey lead Surface Ride team during state qualifier

Published by admin on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 5:11pm

by shawn long
staff writer
    The Surface Race Team, a BMX bicycle racing team based in Coal City, competed in a state qualifier meet in Farmer City, IL with 16 or 17 riders placing.
    They raced on a 1/4-mile dirt track that had three turns, obstacles and jumps.
    There were 45 heats for the 206 riders who showed up for the event. Riders had to place among the top two in two different heats, or motos, in order to qualify for the main  event.

Bobcats, Miners and Comets suit up for the season

Published by admin on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 5:08pm

by Shawn long
staff writer
Cheerleaders and players on the Coal City Miners, Braidwood Junior Comets and Wilmington Bobcats youth football teams are suiting up.
Coal City and Braidwood held their first practices on Monday, while Wilmington started putting on the pads Tuesday.
Coaches were eager to get started this week. Bobcat vice president Joey Rivera said he loves the feeling of getting to teach someone from the ground level up.

Coaler trio proving their worth during travel season

Published by admin on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 5:06pm

by Shawn Long
staff writer
    Three Coal City High School baseball players have had an impressive summer, suiting up for the Go Pro 16U Daly team of Plainfield, which recently won three straight to added to their near spotless record.
    Payton Hutchings, Jack Bunton and Tyson Spencer been big contributors to the summer travel team.
    Go Pro 16U Daly recently shutout the Louisiana Knights thanks to an excellent start from Cooper Herold.
    They started it out in the first inning jolting the boards for four runs.

Camp gets Lady Coalers swinging

Published by admin on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 3:47pm

by shawn long
staff writer
    Lady Coaler volleyball players got back into the swing of things by attending the Coal City High School vball camp last week.
    “The  challenge with the younger girls is that they are so nervous to come into high school,” said head coach Pam McMurtrey. “And they are nervous about the upper classmen. Once they get here, that’s why I like working all summer, they get to know our upperclassmen on a personal level and get to grow with them through camp all summer.”