Local Sports Notebook

L-W East Football Feels Right at Home in Normal

The Griffins had plenty of exciting moments during their visit to Illinois State University for their season opener.

Matt Solner, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior defensive lineman for Lincoln-Way East, wasn't too surprised when he got his number called on offense with 7:45 remaining in the second quarter of Friday night’s season opener against Edwardsville in Normal. "I don't know how many of these I'll get," he said. "It's new to some, but we've had it going for a couple of years." Solner responded on his only carry of the night for a 7-yard touchdown run in the Griffins’ 45-14 romp. William Will was dead-on accurate with a 35-yard field goal during the Griffins' opening drive. While there was little pressure on Will to deliver early on in the contest, there certainly could come a time this year when he’ll be called on to convert with a game on the line. …

• Photos (1)

Lincoln-Way North Grad Beniac 1 of 4 Honored as IHSA Sportspersons of the Year

Former Phoenix three-sport standout will receive $500 scholarship during the Illinois Principals Association Conference in October.

Lincoln-Way North's Bo Beniac was one of four individuals from across the state honored when the Illinois High School Association announced its 2011 Do What's Right! Sportspersons of the Year on Monday, Aug. 22. Beniac was an at-large selection. The other three individuals honored for their outstanding sportsmanship during interscholastic competition were: Division 3: Kelly McShea, Wheaton (St. Francis). Division 6: Claire Watson, Riverton. Division 7: Tanner Crum, Mt. Carmel. Applicants were judged by a committee of IHSA staff members based on letters of recommendation highlighting their leadership skills and sportsmanship, participation in sports and activities, academic performance, application essays and overall involvement in their …

• Photos (1)

Sports Photo Gallery: Label This Performance 'Perfect'

Kamil Cwikla won his third straight sectional singles title and led Lincoln-Way East in a "perfect" performance.

Kamil Cwikla was up to his old tricks. Cwikla, a Lincoln-Way East senior, defeated teammate Jeremy Dancu 6-0, 6-2 to capture his third straight sectional tennis title. The one-two finish by the Griffins in singles was duplicated by East in doubles competition. Jeremy Falbo and Justin Dancu defeated Adam Corazzi and Jacob Stoiber 6-2, 6-3 for the title as the Griffins enjoyed a "perfect" outcome at the sectional tourney on their home courts. East scored 36 points to win the team title. Lincoln-Way North finished second with 19 points, followed by Bradley-Bourbonnais with 17 and Lincoln-Way Central with 12. Lincoln-Way North's Bo Beniac placed fourth in singles. The Phoenix also picked up a third-place finish from Dave Smith and Steve Hill …

• Photos (8)

Terry Excited About Taking Over Phoenix Program

Lincoln-Way North boys basketball squad features a new head coach in John Terry, along with nine seniors.

John Terry has looked forward to having the opportunity to run his own boys basketball program for quite some time. After being a longtime coach at all levels at Lincoln-Way East and then the varsity assistant at Andrew last season, he'll finally get his chance. Terry takes over the program at Lincoln-Way North from Bob Curran, who heads across the district to assume the same position at Lincoln-Way Central. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me," Terry said. "It's a great school with a great administration, so it's all worked out great. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the players better and teaching them a few things about the greatest game ever invented. I'm endeavoring to establish a program based on teamwork, defense, …

• Photos (4)