Illinois Valley News

As winter draws to a close, Illinois Valley High School athletes are gearing up for the spring sports season.

IVHS Athletic Director Mark Higgins said that students have been in the process of committing to particular programs. Some are fresh from participating in the winter sports season and recently have completed final games.

Overall, Higgins said, participation is down from previous years and accompanies continued declining enrollment at the school. But despite that, Cougar fans have much to look forward to between now and the onset of summer.

Baseball

Higgins said that efforts are under way to recruit enough players to fill varsity and junior varsity squads.

Directing the varsity team is Bob Johnson. He served as an assistant last year, and brings with him professional experience at the highest level.

From 1969 to 1974 and in 1977, Johnson played Major League baseball for the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Johnson, a pitcher, was a member of the Pirates team that won the 1971 World Series.

As such, Higgins said that he“s feeling really good about the Cougars“ chances this season.

“I“m more optimistic this year than I“ve ever been with the baseball program,“ Higgins said, adding that many of the team“s players from last year plan on returning.

The IVHS program got new batting cages at the school last year, and the Booster Club has established a five-year plan to fix the baseball and softball fields.

Among Skyline Conference rivals, Higgins said that Henley and Hidden Valley should be quite competitive.

The Cougar baseball team will have its first game Monday, March 15 at Gold Beach High School.

Softball

There will be junior varsity and varsity softball teams at IVHS this season.

Higgins said that Henley will be tough, but expects the Cougars to play well against conference rivals Phoenix and North Valley.

The Lady Cougars should have many returning players, Higgins said. “I know our coach has high expectations for the team this year,“ he added.

The varsity team will have a jamboree at Grants Pass High School on Thursday, March 18. On Tuesday, March 16, the JV squad will host Rogue River.

Track

The Cougar co-ed track team will kicks off its season Monday, March 15 at St. Mary“s School in Medford.

Higgins said that IVHS is putting together a proposal for an all-weather track, which will cost between $160,000 and $180,000.

“Our main focus is going to be the track around the football field,“ Higgins said.

Some of the money won through a contest sponsored by Kellogg“s cereal company will go toward upgrading the oval behind Lorna Byrne Middle School, where Cougar tracksters will practice.

In the long-term, Higgins said, IVHS will be able to host district meets once those upgrades are complete.

Golf

At least seven students will participate on the boys golf team, Higgins said. Only three students have thus far signed up for girls golf.

While that is not enough to form a full team, Higgins said, IVHS still will be able to send participants to district and state tournaments.

The boys varsity golf team will start its season Tuesday, March 16 at the Dutcher Creek course in Grants Pass. The girls will face North Valley High School at Dutcher Creek that same day.

Equestrian

As of Monday, March 8, approximately four students had signed up for the school“s equestrian team. Higgins said that equestrian events already have been occurring at Jackson County Expo.

We want to hear from you!
Add your thoughts with the link below.

Comments returning soon!

Back to top of story