Loyola joins Missouri Valley

Loyola was officially announced as a new school to the Missouri Valley Conference, bringing Porter Moser back into the Valley as a coach and into Redbird Arena, this time as a foe.  The addition was made possible by the departure of Creighton.

Can't wait for November!

Click for Images of Porter Moser

Check out Alan Look Photography, Best Look Magazine and the Normalite Newspaper for coverage of Bloomington Normal sports.

-Chimper

Todd Kober leaving ISU for Kansas

I haven't seen this in the mainstream media yet and neither the Redbirds or Jayhawks websites have any information, but 2 very reliable sources have informed me that Todd Kober, Associate Athletic Director - Media Relations, is leaving Illinois State for Kansas.  Todd has been at ISU since the early part of this century.  He's worked for at least 3 different Athletic Directors during his stay.  He will be following Dr. Sheahon Zenger to Kansas.  Dr. Zenger left Illinois State earlier this year.
http://alanlook.photoshelter.com/image/I0000Lzbb2RanFUQ - photo of Todd
http://alanlook.photoshelter.com/image/I0000.CuABInBvag - photo of Dr. Zenger


It was early in Dr. Zenger's tenure that Todd Kober approached him about a statue commemorating the presence of player Doug Collins and coach Will Robinson be place near the north entrance to Redbird Arena.  The statue was built and placed in that location and dedicated in 2009.  It will be considered one of the crowning achievements of both men's careers at Illinois State.
http://alanlook.photoshelter.com/image/I0000flcztZ3gPKo
 - photo of Robinson-Collins Statue
Other accomplishment under the direction of Todd are several awards for design of Redbird Media Guides and the naming of the basketball court in Redbird Arean for Doug Collins.

Best of luck to you Todd.

Nelson garners Hutchinson Endowment

Chloe Nelson was the 2012 recipient of the Jill Hutchinson Endowed Scholarship award.  Reported on the Redbirds Website on June 19th, Coach Stephanie Glance stated that "Chloe is a class act, both on and off the court, and well deserving of such an honor."

Nelson started 16 games last season and played in all 32.

A busy weekend

The weekends have certainly been busy in Bloomington, Normal and McLean County with some classic matchups. Last weekend, Normal Community entertained Normal Community West on the gridiron. It never seems to matter who is ranked where when any of the intercity teams meet one of the others, this game was no different. Most gave NCHS Ironmen the nod, and they did eventually win over the Wildcats of NCWHS. The Cats fought had and kept the score tied till past the halfway point. Not the run away game that some expected.

20090925 NCWHS v NCHS - Images by Alan Look

On Saturday there was so much going on something had to be left out. The day started at intercity vollyball. Several good match ups with no clear winner. The torunament ended up with 3 teams 3 and 1. I came away thinking that Central Catholic had some of the best fundamentals, but the worst luck. They seemed to miss the critical poinst when needed the most.

Several galleries from the intercity matches. Go here: http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/alanlook/gallery-collection/2009-10-High-School-Sports/P0000I5WBN4XTGKs All my high school coverage for any sport this season will be on this page as well.

The afternoon was spent dumping cards and processing. I'm sorry to say that made me pass on Redbird v Bluejay volleyball. ISU did come out over Creighton 3 sets to 2 to take that match.

The evening capped the weekend with a night football game at Hancock Stadium. It was the Redbirds of Illinois State hosting the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State in a Missouri Valley Football Conference match up. The Jacks stumbled around in the first half but bounced past the 'Birds in the 2nd half. The first half highlight for the Redbirds was a pass interception by Chris Garrett that he returned for a touchdown.

20090926 South Dakota v Illnois State - Images by Alan Look