Author: princetonmays

Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton will host its annual Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Show and Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12. (Earleen Hinton)
Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton will host its annual Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Show and Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
Admission is free. All three buildings at the fairgrounds will be full, with more than 150 tables of spring decor, Easter presents and handmade craft items, among other items. Vendors will be setting up outside too. All of the inside spaces are sold out but there still is room for outdoor vendors.
See the Bureau County Fair Facebook page or bureaucountyfair.com for more information.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Registration is open for the Illinois Valley Youth Football League season for kids entering grades 5-8 this fall. Sign-up forms are available at Heartland Bank & Trust in Spring Valley. Deadline to have registration forms in with physicals is June 30.
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Princeton Club 56 made an All Night Bus Trip in April, including a group of 48 students and leaders on this trip. (Photo provided by Carmen Grey)
There has been a long standing outreach ministry to teenagers in Bureau County.
That mission is continuing with a new name.
Princeton Club 56 has been launched with a mission of sharing God’s love with students and helping them grow in their faith.
Sue Scruggs, Chuck Warren, Linda Fine and Barb Jesse, the Princeton Club 56′s board of directors, decided that the ministry needed to be supervised by the local board of directors and that all the funding should stay in Bureau County.
To accomplish this, the board left Young Life in late 2022, and created a new, local nonprofit organization. Princeton Club 56 was officially incorporated in the state of Illinois in August 2023 and was officially approved as a 501c3 nonprofit organization by the IRS in October 2023.
The board hired Buc and Carmen Grey on Feb. 1. Buc Grey is full time with Princeton Club 56 as area director, and his wife, Carmen, is the part-time office administrator. The Greys have a history of youth ministry, starting in the 1990s in West Virginia and then continuing in Princeton from 2002-2022 with Young Life.
Princeton Club 56 offers many programs for students in junior high, senior high and college age, including:
Junior High Club: After-school outreach club for students at Logan Junior High during the school year 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons.
Senior High Club: For high school students during the school year on Wednesday nights at the youth room at New Hope Church, 30 N. Sixth St.
College/young adult Club: For young adults that meets on Sunday nights.
Weekly small group discussions for all ages that meet throughout the year.
Summer and Fall camping trips.
Khristian Whitfield, a young adult volunteer leader with Princeton Club 56, summed up the ministry.
“We are there to share with students love and open arms just as God has for us no matter who it is that may need it,” Whitfield said. “I want to make sure that everyone knows that Club 56 is going to be a place where people of God will share His Word and love one another for a long, long time.”
Princeton Club 56 Fiscal Year Budget for 2024 is $140,000. There are two main yearly fundraisers for the ministry, a banquet and a golf event. All money that is raised through the banquet and golf outing stays local.
There are many local individual donors and businesses, community groups and churches that support Princeton Club 56.
Those who would like to contribute, may send a check to Princeton Club 56 at P.O. Box 56, Princeton, IL, 61356. Your contribution is tax deductible.
To see more pictures and to follow Princeton Club 56 on social media go to their Facebook page at Princeton Club 56 and Instagram at Club 56 Princeton. For more information about Princeton Club 56, contact Buc Grey at 815-878-5874 or email at princetonclub56@gmail.com.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The city of Ottawa announced Thursday the arrival of a new Amazon Last-Mile Delivery Facility, set to be constructed in the Ottawa Industrial Park. (Scott Anderson)
The city of Ottawa on Thursday announced the arrival of a new Amazon last-mile delivery facility, bringing 100 or more jobs, set to be constructed in the Ottawa Industrial Park.
The 50,800-square-foot warehouse will be an addition to Amazon’s regional logistics network, helping streamline package delivery to residents and businesses across the region.
It wasn’t out of the dark, by any means. It has a lot to do with the hard work that our economic development team does in promoting the sites. They were looking for a facility in this area that meets these requirements, [and] we responded and were able to land it.”
This facility that will create about 100 jobs, with the added positions of contracted drivers of the vans, will operate as a “last-mile” hub, where large volumes of parcels will be sorted and dispatched into separate delivery trucks, allowing for efficient and timely delivery to nearby areas. Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty said there will be less than 15 semitrailer deliveries between 6 and 8 a.m. Anywhere from 100 to 150 vans will leave the site at 10 a.m., and the facility should be empty by noon. Those vans are expected to return at about 6 to 8 p.m.
The construction of the warehouse recently began, marking a milestone in Ottawa’s ongoing efforts to foster economic growth and enhance infrastructure, the mayor said in a Thursday news release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amazon to Ottawa,” Hasty said. “This new facility will not only create jobs but also place Ottawa at the heart of a cutting-edge logistics network, benefiting both our community and the broader region.
“I’m glad that they chose Ottawa, and we’re looking forward to this being a good stepping stone for other development in our industrial park.”
The Ottawa City Council in August approved the sale of a piece of property at U.S. Route 6/Route 71 and Technology Drive but did not provide any details at the time of the sale. Hasty said at that time that the agreement with Ryan Companies U.S. Inc. contained a nondisclosure clause, and that the city would “hopefully very soon” be able to disclose the nature of the transaction.
Hasty said the city advertised openings in the industrial park on several websites. That caught Amazon’s attention, so the merchandising giant approached Ottawa.
“It wasn’t out of the dark, by any means,” Hasty said. “It has a lot to do with the hard work that our economic development team does in promoting the sites. They were looking for a facility in this area that meets these requirements, [and] we responded and were able to land it.”
Hasty said there were “no incentives that were offered” in the acquisition. As the property is located in both a tax increment financing district and an enterprise zone, there were incentives available. However, Hasty said the city “did not enter into any kind of a TIF agreement with Amazon, nor did they apply for any enterprise zone credits.”
The new facility represents a strategic investment in Ottawa’s industrial sector and is expected to generate a range of employment opportunities, from warehouse operations to delivery services, the city said.
“Since this is a last-mile delivery hub, most of its traffic is lightweight vehicles – delivery vans and so forth – so there will not be an insane amount of heavy trucks coming and going. It will be mostly delivery vehicles.”
Ottawa officials said they are committed to supporting Amazon through every phase of development, ensuring a seamless construction process and integration into the local economy.
“This last-mile facility will allow us to better serve customers in Ottawa and the surrounding region,” said Kyle DeGiulio, senior manager of economic development for Amazon. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the city of Ottawa and look forward to sharing more details about this facility and the good jobs we’ll offer in the future.”
The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce issued a statement of congratulations Thursday.
“Congratulations to the city of Ottawa on this exciting announcement,” Ottawa Area Chamber Executive Director Jay McCracken said. “Our Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working closely with the city of Ottawa and Amazon as we continue to support business growth and development in our Ottawa area.”
The city of Ottawa on Thursday announced the arrival of a new Amazon last-mile delivery facility, bringing 100 or more jobs, set to be constructed in the Ottawa Industrial Park. Crews were busy at the site Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. (Derek Barichello)
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Award winners for the 2024 volleyball season for the Princeton varsity team are (from left to right) are Ellie Harp (Leadership, unanimous all-conference), Ava Kyle (Most Improved), Camryn Driscoll (Most Valuable Defense, Hustle/Attitude), Caroline Keutzer (Most Valuable Offense) and Kathy Maciczak (Sportsmanship). (Photo provided by Andy Puck)
The Princeton Tigresses held their 2024 volleyball awards night.
Award winners as voted by the players are:
Freshmen: Hustle/Attitude went to Kaylyn Friel, Leadership went to Jocelyn Strouss, Most Improved went to Alice Scruggs, Most Valuable Offense was awarded to Payton Brandt, Most Valuable Defense went to Payten Harden and Sportsmanship was awarded to Olivia Mabry.
Award winners for the 2024 volleyball season for the Princeton sophomores are (from left to right) Bella Clevenger (Most Valuable Defense, Maegan Du Preez (Hustle/Attitude, Most Improved, Sportsmanship) and Danika Burden (Most Valuable Offense) . Not pictured is Kiyrra Morris (Leadership). (Photo provided by Andy Puck)
Sophomores: Maegan Du Preez was named for sopomore Hustle/Attitude, Most Improved and Sportsmanship. Other sophomore award-winners were Kiyrra Morris (Leadership), Danika Burden (Most Valuable Offense) and Bella Clevenger (Most Valuable Defense).
Award winners for the 2024 volleyball season for the Princeton freshmen are (from left to right) Payten Harden (Most Valuable Defense), Olivia Mabry (Sportsmanship), Alice Scruggs (Most Improved), Kaylyn Friel (Hustle/Attitude), Payton Brandt (Most Valuable Offense) and Jocelyn Strouss (Leadership). (Photo provided by Andy Puck)
Varsity: Caroline Keutzer was named Most Valuable Offense while Camryn Driscoll was named Most Valuable Defense. Other varsity award winners were Driscoll (Hustle/Attitude), Ellie Harp (Leadership), Ava Kyle (Most Improved) and Kathy Maciczak (Sportsmanship)
In addition, Harp was recognized for unanimous Three Rivers East All Conference Selection, All-Conference Academic and PHS Leadership Award
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The 2022 class of Princeton High School pose for a final class picture prior to commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Prouty Gymnasium — 120 received diplomas. (Mike Vaughn)
Princeton High School conducted its 2022 graduation ceremony May 21, with 120 students receiving diplomas. During the ceremony, the school presented various commencement awards.
The Justus Stevens Templeton and Anne Gridley Templeton Awards were presented to Jackson Dressler and Courtney Atkinson. They are given each year to the senior boy and girl who are voted by their classmates to be the best citizens. Points taken into consideration are leadership, initiative, service, loyalty, self-discipline, ability to get along with people and devotion to duty.
The Lillian Hoover Memorial Award was presented to Mark Williams Jr. This award is given to the senior student who has shown the best achievement in science, biology, chemistry and physics.
The Kevin F. Jensen Memorial Award was presented to Mark Williams Jr. This award is given to the most outstanding senior mathematics student.
The Roger Isaacson Award was presented to Madelynn Neff and Brandon Stopka. This award is given to the junior boy and girl showing the most scholastic improvement over the previous year.
The Donnabelle Fry Scholarship was presented to Andrea Imsland. This award is presented to a graduating senior who has shown outstanding musicianship, leadership and loyalty in the Princeton High School Choral Department and who will continue to pursue his or her education in the field of music.
The Mary Kaar Juettemeyer (Class of 1922) English Award was presented to Hannah Muehlschlegel. This award is given to the senior student who plans to enroll in college with a major in English. She has shown deep interest in the field of language arts, is able to interpret literature and is proficient in expressing thoughts and concepts in the oral and written form.
The American Legion Award was presented to Hannah Muehlschlegel and Reid Orwig. This award is given to the senior girl and boy voted by their classmates to have been outstanding school and community citizens.
The Ozella Seward Music Scholarship was presented to Courtney Atkinson. This award is given annually to a music student of the senior class selected as the most promising music student and who intends to continue his or her music training and education beyond the high school level.
The All-Around Achievement Award by the H.A. Clark Fund was presented to Katie Bates and Mark Williams Jr. This award is given to the senior boy and girl who have made the best all-around achievement for their entire high school career. Selection is made by a faculty vote, taking into consideration the following attributes: character, dependability, scholarship, physical development, athletic skill, popularity, leadership, initiative and practical usefulness to the school and community.
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Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski smiles while chatting on his phone during Election Night on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at his home in Peru. (Scott Anderson)
Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski faced off against former Police Chief Doug Bernabei for the mayoral seat on Tuesday.
According to unofficial results, Ken Kolowski held a 1,679 votes to 561 votes lead with all precincts counted.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone that voted,” he said. “Getting reelected is special because that means that the citizens like what we are doing.”
Both candidates agreed during the mayoral forum in February the race would not become contentious but within the last few weeks – Bernabei and Kolowski have begun firing shots at each other on social media.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Kolowski said. “At times, I had to defend myself and I didn’t like it, but I had to defend myself and fight off the lies. I didn’t like it and I apologize for it. But, I had to defend myself.”
Bernabei said that while this campaign became ugly at times he hoped the two could move past it as it would be good for the city of Peru.
“While we have some different approaches, I feel in my heart that he truly loves the city of Peru,” he said. “The people clearly agree with that and he earned his victory.”
Bernabei said that Kolowski clearly earned the trust and admiration from the citizens of Peru.
“When someone is able to do that they deserve to be rewarded with such a mandate for reelection,” he said. “I called Mayor Kolowski and was the one ironically to inform him of the results. I told him he should be proud of his accomplishments over the last four years.”
Kolowski said the city already has “exciting” things in the works over the next four years; more jobs, more retail.
“There’s just so much going on that’s in the works right now,” he said. “And again having the experience helps…I always preach that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back.”
“The city of Peru is most important to individuals,” Kolowski said. “You just got to do your job and have fun. Keep pushing forward and that’s what we’re doing, and that’s why we’re being successful right now. Because we’re a team.”
Peru Mayoral Candidate Doug Bernabei chats with others while looking at election results on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Right Spice in Peru. (Scott Anderson)
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The following property transfers were recorded Nov. 18-30, 2024, at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office. (BCR file)
The following property transfers were recently recorded at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office:
Nov. 18
Rhodes Garland to Ashton Gagliardo, Melanie Malooley Thompson and Keeley Thompson, warranty deed, Lot 1 in Block 14 in Greenwood’s Addition in Spring Valley, $68,000.
Jean Larson (tr) and Frances Larson Trust to Douglas and Jodie Dewey, trustees’ deed, parts of Section 19 in Manlius Township, $251,750.
Brett and Jenna Barkman to Gina and Mark Hansen, warranty deed, part of Section 17 in La Moille Township, $22,000.

Nov. 19
Illinois Valley Cellular LLC to Rabe Custom Solutions LLC, warranty deed, part of Section 36 in Dover Township, $28,000.
Ralph and Rebecca Rediger to Dana and Robert Wojcik, warranty deed, Lot 431 in Greencroft Phase IV Subdivision in Princeton, $210,000.
John Schroeder to Exeter Acres LLC, warranty deed, parts of Section 7 in Berlin Township and part of Section 8 in Berlin Township, $1,867,300.
Milton Behrens II, David Behrens and Deborah Bissey to Troy Sims, warranty deed, part of Section 34 in Concord Township, $76,000.
Ann Krivograd (tr), John Krivograd (tr), Ann Krivograd Trust and John Krivograd Trust to Kaliesha and Travis Miller, trustees’ deed, part of Section 32 in Mineral Township, $315,500.
Harriet Primo and Lea Ann Stone to Josie and Timothy Ouart, warranty deed, parts of Section 24 in Mineral Township, $85,000.
Farms State Bank & Trust Co. (tr), George Huseman (decd) and George Huseman Trust to Ashtyn Hanabarger, trustees’ deed, Lot 4 in Homeway Fourth Addition in Walnut, $53,000.

Nov. 20
Elaine and Vincent Virden to Devan Munoz, warranty deed, Lot 3 in Block 10 in Ladd, $130,000.
Luke Sovine to Donald Williams, warranty deed, Lot 8 in Block 103 in O’Beirne’s Second Addition in Spring Valley, $140,000.

Nov. 22
Andrea and Kevin Platt to Joseph Henley, warranty deed, Lot 11 in East Addition in Tiskilwa and part of Lot 207 in Steven’s Addition in Tiskilwa, $146,000.
Fritz Apartments LLC to Ian Fritz and Cassandra Simons, warranty deed, Lots 1, 2 and 3 in Block 7 in West Addition in Princeton, $75,000.
Cynthia and James Schulte to Ida and Richard Vary, warranty deed, part of Section 8 in Walnut Township, part of Section 17 in Walnut Township and part of Section 18 in Walnut Township, $842,095.

Nov. 25
Jennifer Kilgore to Christine and Jay Borsom, warranty deed, parts of Section 4 in Princeton Township, $230,000.
TLK Holdings LLC to Christopher Wagner, warranty deed, Lot 8 in Block 47 in Ladd, $75,000.
Nickole Davenport to Karen Tomaszewski, warranty deed, Lot 6 in Block 5 in Second Park Subdivision in DePue, $45,000.

Nov. 26
DAR LLC, David Reich (tr) and Steve Reich Trust to IL Legacy Farm LLC, warranty deed, parts of Section 3 in Leepertown Township and parts of Section 4 in Leepertown Township, $990,000.
Good Roots Property Rentals LLC to Peter Rousonelos, warranty deed, part of Lot 5 in Block 14 in Sheffield, $65,000.
Randy Bardell (adm) and Merle Bardell (decd) to Abigail Knobloch and Cody Williams, administrator’s deed, part of Section 31 in Bureau Township, $249,000.

Nov. 27
Bureau County Sheriff, Christen Hurley and Rocket Mortgage LLC to Rock River Housing Trust, sheriff deed, Lots 1 and 2 in Block 9 in Manlius, $29,241.
Sharon Smith (tr) and Sharon Smith Trust to Eugene and Stephanie Unger, trustees’ deed, Lots 5 and 6 in Block 5 in West Addition in Princeton, $100,000.
Dawn Alberty, Madonna Marenda and Daniel Mini to Amy Swanson, warranty deed, Lot 8 in Block 6 in Riva’s First Addition in Dalzell, $75,000.
Donna Hansen (ex), Elfriede Stier (decd) and Kevin Stier to Laura Doyle, executor deed, part of Section 15 in Manlius Township, $95,000.
Roger Swanson (decd) and Ronald Swanson (ex) to Austin and Elizabeth Maske, executor deed, part of Lot 26 in Princeton, $200,000.
Daniel and Helen Conner to Austin Wicaryus, warranty deed, parts of Section 9 in Walnut Township, $169,500.
Nationstar Mortgage LLC and Servicelink LLC (AIF) to Gary Campell, Linnea Campbell and Peter Campbell, warranty deed, part of Section 34 in Arispie Township, $115,600.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Angela Adams (left) announces True Leaves Bookshop, which she co-owns with her husband Matthew (right), will relocate to the former Sash Stalter Matson building on Park Avenue West in Princeton during an open house on Friday, March 22, 2024. The building will join the Bureau County History Center campus later this year. (Julie Barichello)
The Bureau County History Center is revitalizing the Sash Stalter Matson Building in Princeton, formerly the Matson Public Library, and Friday it announced True Leaves Bookstore will be a partner in that remaking.
True Leaves Bookstore, which opened in October in downtown Princeton, will lease the main floor of the building. The business is projecting to reopen in its new space in June.
“We are beyond excited to bring True Leaves, Bureau County’s only bookshop, to the historic Sash Stalter Matson building,” said co-owner Matthew Adams. “So many folks have shared fond memories of time spent at the Matson Public Library and we hope to honor those experiences by what we bring to the community.”
True Leaves co-owner Angela Adams said the move will allow the business to expand its retail offerings and host events, such as open mics, poetry slams or book signings, among others.
“We’re eager to become a gathering place for the community,” Angela Adams said.
Volunteers from the Princeton Veterans Group and Flags of Freedom have been working on the building since January.
“We couldn’t be more excited to reopen the building,” said Lex Poppens, executive director of the Bureau County Historic Center. “We’ve been working hard to give it a new purpose. Having a bookshop as a tenant makes perfect sense.”
As a nonprofit, having a tenant will allow the history center to have a revenue stream. The history center also will provide the bookstore with gift shop products to sell.
The building is undergoing a cosmetic renovation, Poppens said.
“Our goal is to have the building functioning again,” he said. “The volunteers have put in well over 850 hours to clean, paint and get the lower level ready for events and general use. When we were approached by True Leaves, they jumped in and helped get the floor ready.”
The next areas of focus will be restoring the west stair well, which was damaged from a broken water line in 2014. In addition, the top floor was once dedicated as an auditorium and would be an ideal large event space. Work will begin to restore both as soon as funds become available, Poppens said.
Construction on the former library began in 1912. It opened in April 5, 1913. Architectural firm Patton and Miller, which worked on the Matson building also worked on some Carnegie libraries. The Princeton Public Library moved out of the building in 2007. In December 2013, Robert Sash donated the building to the Bureau County Historical Society.
Robert Sash said it was important when he donated the building, it be dedicated in his grandparents memory.
“Both sets of my grandparents were lifetime residents of Bureau County, having raised their families in Tiskilwa,” Sash said. “Both of my parents, Donald Sash and Janice Stalter graduated from Tiskilwa High School along with their siblings. I grew up very closely with my grandparents who were very involved in my own development and upbringing. They very significantly installed a ‘sense of place’ and local history in me and I knew that I would return to Bureau County on a full-time basis once my professional career ended. Recognizing them through naming the Matson building for them is a very appropriate acknowledgement of their long time history with the county and their long term impact on passing on its history to their families. It’s an honor for me to be able to help preserve the history of this beautiful building by recognizing them.”
True Leaves will continue to operate from 950 N. Main St., Suite A, until it makes the move.
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Princeton junior Casey Etheridge (bottom) takes a shot during the IHSA Class 1A state tournament on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 in Champaign. Etheridge placed fourth at 165 pounds. (John Morris)
Last year as a sophomore, Princeton’s Casey Etheridge made it to the blood round at the IHSA Class 1A state tournament, but he lost that match to leave him just shy of a state medal.
This season, Etheridge found himself in the same position.
This time, Etheridge won his quarterfinal wrestleback to guarantee he’d earn a medal, and he went on to place fourth at 165 pounds.
“It’s a great feeling considering last year I made it to the blood round and lost, so I wasn’t able to place,” Etheridge said. “But this year I was in the same spot, and I was able to finish and complete my goal of placing at state this year.”
Etheridge was one of two medalists for Princeton along with freshman Kane Dauber, who took fifth at 132. The Tigers also had three other wrestlers come within a victory of a medal in junior Augustus Swanson (120) and seniors Ace Christiansen (144) and Cade Odell (285).
Princeton senior Cade Odell (top) wrestles during the IHSA Class 1A state tournament on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 in Champaign. (John Morris)
“They all competed really hard,” Princeton coach Steve Amy said. “I’m proud of all of them. Draws could have been a little better, but you’ll have that. It’s the state tournament, everybody is good.”
In the blood round, Etheridge defeated Coal City junior Brock Finsh by 10-1 major decision.
“I just tried to stay on my offense and keep attacking and trust myself because my coaches always tell me not to get in my head and let myself affect how I wrestle,” Etheridge said. “I just kept wrestling, and I was able to win the match.
“I was very relieved and happy because at the beginning of the season that was my goal to medal at state and have the honor of being on that podium.”
Etheridge then beat Mercer County junior Eli Burns by 13-6 decision to advance to the third-place match.
“I tried to come in with the same mentality [as the blood round],” Etheridge said. “I wrestled him at the beginning of the season, and I knew he got better since then, so I came in and tried to attack. I didn’t wrestle my best match ever, but I still was able to pull out the win.”
In the third-place match, Etheridge had a rematch with Northridge senior Adam Haddad, who defeated Etheridge by 7-3 decision in Thursday’s first round. Haddad beat Etheridge by 13-4 major decision in the third-place match.
“I tried taking a different approach, realizing I’ve wrestled him before so I knew how he wrestled,” Etheridge said. “I wanted to come in stronger and with a better mentality. Obviously, I didn’t leave with the win, but I was happy with how I ended up wrestling at the tournament.”
After losing the first match to Haddad, Etheridge bounced back to win four straight matches to earn his medal.
“I wasn’t too happy with myself the rest of the day [Thursday], but the next day I had a quick opening round [a pin in 1:20 of Shelbyville junior Ryne Peavler], and that helped me get my mentality back up and ready to go for the next couple matches, and I kept wrestling like I should, and I kind of went on a roll there.”
Princeton freshman Kane Dauber (right) wrestles during the IHSA Class 1A state tournament on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 in Champaign. Dauber placed fifth at 132 pounds. (John Morris)
Dauber won his opening match Thursday before losing in the quarterfinals to fall into wrestlebacks.
The freshman pinned Oakwood senior Tyler Huchel in 5:22, then edged Wheaton Academy junior Lincoln Hoger by 9-8 decision in the blood round before losing to Roxana junior Brandon Green Jr. in the semifinal wrestlebacks.
“Kane’s a little stud,” Amy said. “He’s got a bright future ahead of him. He loves the sport. I know he was pleased with the outcome this weekend, but wishes it could have been a little bit better. There’s some positives to look at there. He’ll be back in the room trying to get ready for next season.”
In the fifth-place match, Dauber beat PORTA junior Zach Bryant by 14-3 major decision.
“There were some good wrestlers here,” Dauber said. “I wrestled the No. 4 seed in the first round and beat him, and I went against some other real good wrestlers.
“It was a fun experience, and I am looking forward to the next three years.”
In the quarterfinal wrestlebacks, Swanson lost by 20-3 technical fall to Illini Bluffs freshman Barret Speck, who went on to place fifth; Christiansen lost by 4-1 decision to Lena-Winslow junior Arrison Bauer, who finished third; and Odell was edged 2-1 by St. Francis junior Jaylen Torres, who placed third.
“All three of those guys getting top eight in the brackets they were in was fantastic,” Amy said. “All three guys lost in the quarters to the eventual state runners-up. Augustus wrestled really well. He came up one short, but we fix a few things and he’ll be right back in the mix next year I’m sure.
“[Christiansen and Odell] have meant a lot to the program. They’re consistently there working hard and doing the little things right. They’re leaders on the team and have been for a couple years. They’re going to leave a lasting mark on the rest of the guys.”
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