Latest news with #Class4A
Chicago Tribune
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Annie Byrne, who coached Marian Catholic to state title, takes over at Prairie State. Method? ‘Put the work in.'
Annie Byrne admits that she was a 'bozo' when it came to her academics in high school. But now that she's the new women's basketball coach at Prairie State, the Joliet Catholic graduate isn't clowning around when it comes to having her new players hit the books. Byrne, who coached Marian Catholic to a Class 4A state title in 2013, felt the junior college experience helped point her in the right direction. And she wants to do the same for the Pioneers. 'I committed to Western Illinois but didn't clear the NCAA clearinghouse,' she said of her high school days. 'I got a 17 (ACT score) twice. If you are a monkey, you can get an 18. 'But I was a bozo and didn't need to do the stuff academically that I needed to do.' Connors State, a junior college in Oklahoma, came calling, however. Things then turned around for Byrne, whose maiden name is Basic. 'I achieved wonderfully academically and athletically there and we won a national championship my freshman year,' she said. 'I had a never-give-up attitude and always believed that you can accomplish what you want to accomplish and put the work in.' She wants to instill that wisdom in her players. Prairie State athletic director Joe Belcaster said that's what made Byrne stand out during the interview process. 'I think that's a great connection — these student-athletes' coach has experienced junior college the same way they have,' Belcaster said. 'She can help them through this process and tell them the do's and don'ts. 'She lived it and can say, 'Look where I am today.''' After posting a 216-51 record, Byrne resigned as Marian's coach in 2014 to become the director of operations at the Legends Sportsplex in Bourbonnais. She's also co-founder of the Illinois Defenders girls basketball travel program. She earned a master's degree in school leadership from Concordia after graduating from St. Xavier. Byrne, who lives in Munster, Indiana, said she got the itch to coach again after watching daughters Lucia, 13, and Ellie, 10, play club volleyball and then seeing many of her players again in May when Marian's 2013 girls team was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. 'It was fun getting up in front of 600 people and talking about the players,' she said. 'The people you see — it's such a small world. It's such a small arena, even though it's a big arena in the basketball world. It brought back a lot of feelings that are close to our heart. 'I've been out of coaching for a long day, but I am glad I have this opportunity.' The Pioneers won 20 games under Tanner Kuehn in 2024-25 — the program's first 20-win season since 2013. Byrne is expecting to keep things headed in the right direction. She confirmed that she wants to build a program that either wins a national championship or is in a position to win a national championship each season. Before taking over at Marian, Byrne was the coach at Illinois Institute of Technology when she was only 22. Now, at age 44, she will change her style a little bit, but she won't be a shrinking violet. 'I've learned that it's really important that we build up our athletes and it's extremely important that we lift our athletes,' she said. 'But I'm also one of those coaches who will holler at someone the same way I compliment someone. 'Some players adapt to that and some players don't. I've learned to embrace that. Not everyone is going to love that style, but I would rather be that aggressive coach who is very instructive.'
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manley: Top 10 high school football stadiums in South Sound (Nos. 5 through 1)
In news meetings with co-workers, on phone calls with coaches and athletic directors or just in chats with friends, facilities are always a topic of conversation. I've covered high school sports in the area for over a decade and have watched football games all over the South Sound. I started thinking the other day about some of the worst and best high school stadiums I've been to. Frankly, not all the facilities are great. I've been crammed into hot, sweaty press boxes the size of broom closets, have climbed slick ladders onto rooftops to cover games and have waited in my fair share of lines to use bathrooms that are about the size of a New York City studio apartment. But in the spirit of positivity, I'll focus on the area's best stadiums, because there are a handful that shine. The criteria: First and most importantly, I'm looking for places that pass the vibe check — places that routinely have good crowds and just feel like Friday nights. The kind of places that make you pause and soak it in at some point during the game. Secondly, I'm looking for places with a good viewing experience, adequate seating (preferably covered) and reasonably-sized press boxes. Bonus points for stadiums with modern amenities, spacious and clean bathrooms, sufficient parking lots and easily accessible concession stands. Lastly, places that have character or something unique or special to offer — that place in Tacoma where they filmed a movie once comes to mind. Stadiums that excel in one category may be forgiven for shortcomings in others. As with any Top 10 list, I realize there's a certain level of subjectivity here. Plenty will disagree with these rankings and that's fine. Some stadiums hold sentimental value to people that I don't share. Send me an email or a note with your top picks — I'd love to hear them. Here's my Top 10. Note: This list is split into two parts (Nos. 10 through 6, then Nos. 5 through 1). 5. Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma In a sea of dingy, soulless, metal bleacher-constructed high school football stadiums, Tacoma's two bowls stand out as timeless and unique. Sitting in the shadow of the high school, seating capacity is never an issue. What the bowl lacks in modern amenities and adequate parking, it makes up for in loads of character. While it might not have the views that Stadium Bowl does, Lincoln's program has been the standard of competitive football in Tacoma in recent years. Lots of big games have been played over the years at Lincoln Bowl, which is Tacoma, through and through. 4. Sunset Chev Stadium, Sumner Sumner's booming community is probably outgrowing this stadium, but there's something magical about watching games here on Friday nights — equal parts packed house and the entertainment value that comes from watching longtime coach (and 2024 Class 4A state champion) Keith Ross run up and down the sideline, losing his voice, throughout the game. Parts of the stadium are beginning to feel dated, but Sunset Chev still has a solid amount of seating and gets an A for the crowd, community feel and a top-notch marching band. The vibes always deliver in Sumner. 3. Stadium Bowl, Tacoma The school's Castle-esque design has drawn comparisons to the fictional Hogwarts, and the sweeping views of Commencement Bay are iconic. So iconic, in fact, the stadium was the shooting site of the film, '10 Things I Hate About You.' Stadium's views match up against any in the country and based on views alone, it would take the No. 1 spot on this list. But some things are working against it: the field's orientation makes some of the seating feel far away from the action; the field itself is prone to flooding; the facilities are dated and amenities are lacking; and, lastly, the steep climb is a deterrent for some. Stadium Bowl has the potential to be the shining jewel of outdoor multi-use athletic facilities in the state, but unlocking that potential would require a significant financial investment from Tacoma Public Schools and perhaps local government that seems unlikely to come any time soon. For now, though, there's no better place to watch a game on a warm Friday night in September. 2. Mount Tahoma Athletic Stadium, Tacoma One of the newer stadiums on the list, Mount Tahoma's state-of-the-art football stadium (and newly constructed south Tacoma school) opened in 2004. The home of the T-Birds has all the amenities: 5,000-plus seating capacity, covered seating on both sides, a bright scoreboard, large bathrooms and locker rooms, built-in concessions and a large parking lot. Bonus points for press box space and ADA accessibility, with an elevator included on the home side. It's a good place to watch a football game and also hosts the state track and field championships every year. 1. Sparks Stadium, Puyallup To me, Sparks is the gold standard of high school football stadiums in the area, and perhaps the state. It houses a seating capacity of around 5,000. The stadium was renovated and expanded in 1987 when covered grandstands were constructed on both sides. Located just northwest of the Puyallup Fair — er, sorry, Washington State Fair grounds — Sparks is home to Puyallup, Rogers and Emerald Ridge high schools. It's not the newest stadium on the list, but I think this stadium is evidence that something done right the first time will stand the test of time. Sparks has plenty of covered seating, spacious press boxes, good concession stands, good bathrooms, good lighting and a well-maintained turf playing surface. The crowds are always lively, and there's a strong tradition of athletic success in the Puyallup School District. The covered seating on both sides is a huge plus during the late fall months. Sparks is the total package.
Indianapolis Star
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Former Avon basketball coach Drew Schauss hired at Kokomo
Drew Schauss was officially named the new high school boys basketball coach and assistant athletic director at Kokomo at Wednesday night's school board meeting. Schauss, 34, was the coach at Avon the past four seasons, leading the Orioles to a 54-45 record with a sectional championship two seasons ago and a 20-4 record last season with a top-5 state ranking in Class 4A. 'One of the biggest things is it's closer to family for my wife and I,' Schauss said of making the move. 'My wife is from Rochester and then my dad and my brother and his family live in Columbia City (his brother is Columbia City coach Matt Schauss) so that cuts our distance to them over half. As we try to start our own family, that was important to us. But also I'm the middle school athletic director, as well as the assistant high school athletic director.' Schauss had been working toward his building level administrator license through Purdue for the past year. Prior to coaching at Avon, he was the coach at Logansport for two seasons. 'We are excited to welcome Drew as our next head coach at Kokomo High School,' Kokomo athletic director Nick Sale said in a release from the school. 'His experience at both the high school and college levels brings valuable expertise to this position. Coach Schauss has a strong track record of building successful programs. His commitment to investing in our younger athletes to build for the future makes him a great fit for our school.' Schauss follows John Peckinpaugh, who is joining the staff as an assistant at IU Indy. The Wildkats were a force led by 2024 IndyStar Mr. Basketball Flory Bidunga, going to the Class 4A state championship in 2022-23 and winning 25 games in Bidunga's senior season. 'When fans come to games this season they will see a team that is hard to score on,' Schauss said. 'We will play hard every possession and will share the basketball to get the best shot possible.' Schauss coached in college as an assistant at Bethel College, John Brown University and Holy Cross College prior to coaching at Logansport. He played at Bethel after graduating from Centerville High School in 2009.
Indianapolis Star
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'Not an easy decision.' Boys basketball coach Drew Schauss leaving Avon for new job
One of Central Indiana's Class 4A high school boys basketball coaching jobs is open. Drew Schauss, who led Avon to a 54-45 record in four seasons, told the returning players on Monday he was leaving to take a still-to-be-announced position. Schauss declined to share that destination until it becomes official but said Tuesday the move had nothing to do with how he felt about Avon. 'I love Avon, love the athletic department and love our kids,' Schauss said. 'It was not an easy decision by any means. We built a really solid program and sent a lot of kids to college, whether they are playing college basketball or not. It was a tough decision that kept me up a couple of nights without sleeping, but I really feel like it is the best move for our family.' Schauss led Avon to steady progress in his four seasons, going 15-11 in 2023-24 with the program's first sectional championship in five years. Last year, the Orioles went 20-4 and were ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 4A before losing to Brownsburg in the sectional. Schauss, 34, said the toughest part of taking the new job was telling the players. The Orioles' top two scorers last season were juniors Keriawn Berry — a Junior Indiana All-Star — Jedidiah Minnett. The 6-5 Berry is one of the top prospects in the state with offers from Ball State, Butler, Coastal Carolina, Indiana State, LaSalle, Murray State, North Texas, Rhode Island, Saint Louis, Southern Illinois, Toledo and Wright State 'Regardless of how good the kids are, it's tough,' Schauss said. 'I love those kids and have a built a lot of relationships with them. The kids who are sophomores now were sixth graders when I got here and I've seen them grow from middle school kids into high school players. It's a talented team. We played really well in Ohio (the weekend before last). From the first weekend of June at Purdue to the Charlie Hughes (Shootout) to Ohio, they really improved. It's a different team than we had last year with some different strengths, but it helps when you have two senior leaders with bright futures.' There are elements of his new position that go beyond basketball, which he relayed to the Avon team and administration. He believes with athletic director Jason Young in charge, Avon athletics will continue to progress in an upward trajectory. 'Jason Young pours his heart and soul into Avon,' Schauss said. With the new weight room and strength and speed coaches, I think everything is going in the right direction for Avon to continue to reach new heights with a supportive administration and great AD. My leaving has nothing to do with my thoughts on Avon. It's a great place to be. I just knew this opportunity may not come around again, even though the timing stinks because it is July.' Schauss said he could speak about his new position later this week.
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Tennessee baseball commit named Two-Way Player of the Year
2026 Tennessee baseball commit Mikee Teasley was named Two-Way Player of the Year by the East Tennessee Baseball Association following his junior season. The junior pitcher and third baseman is from Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He led the Wildcats to the Class 4A state tournament for a second consecutive season. Teasley was recently named All-State by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and earned Player of the Year from Prep Xtra on Tuesday. He also earned District 3-4A Player of the Year honors from the league's coaches following the 2025 regular season. The prospect was named All-Region 2 by Tennessee Baseball Report, and recognized on the All-2-Way Team. Teasley (8-2) was honored by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association as a pitcher. He recorded a 1.39 ERA, two shutouts and 129 strikeouts, while allowing 19 walks. Offensively, Teasley recorded a .392 batting average, eight home runs, 40 RBIs, 15 doubles and two triples.
