Schuck's Clipboard

Before Quincy native Luke Guthrie made his way to Ardmore, Pa., and Merion Golf Club to play in the 113th U.S. Open, he returned to where his PGA Tour career began — the TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn., for the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

Guthrie wasn’t the only one who came back. His fans did, too. And they were dressed for the occasion. A group of Quincy golf fans wore T-shirts with a silhouette of Guthrie doffing his cap and the phrase “#GuthrieWatch” emblazoned below it. The phrase has become a Twitter staple every time Guthrie tees it up, and got its roots from the Twitter followers wanting to keep track of his progress.

Below is a photo of the #GuthrieWatch gallery last week in Memphis. Michelle Feldberg, whose husband, Greg, is one of the men in the gallery, sent along the photo.

The McDonald’s/Herald-Whig Classic is in the books, and it was a wonderful Saturday night at Pepsi Arena.

Two entertaining games. Four balanced teams. Forty players who earned the right to represent themselves, their schools and their communities.

That’s what it takes to make a great event.

I can offer many thanks, to the administration at Quincy University for allowing us the use of their facilities, to the area media who provided top-notch coverage of the event, to the players and coaches who participated and to the fans who showed up and seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

I want to say thank you to all of you.

For me, some of the best moments often go unseen. Here’s a sampling of those moments:

• Brandon Davie not only won the Most Outstanding Player award for the Missouri boys following a dazzling performance, but he also would have walked away with the Sharp Dressed Man award from the players and coaches banquet if such an award existed.

Davie is believed to be the first Classic participant to wear a bowtie to the casual dress event. Making it more impressive was the fact he tied the bowtie himself. It was not a clip-on.

• After checking in Friday and receiving their Classic uniforms, the Missouri girls team took time for some team bonding.

With nowhere to be and no hurry to get anywhere, the girls found a sunny spot on the sidewalk outside Garner Hall on the QU campus, plopped down and enjoyed the perfect weather. They hung out until going to lunch as a team, practicing in the afternoon and enjoying a weekend on the road.

• The look on Matt McPherson’s face and the laughter of his teammates were quite the opposite.

As the Illinois boys all-stars picked up their uniforms Friday, McPherson realized the printing company forgot to press the No. 44 on the back of his jersey. Between the wording on his jersey was a big, blank spot.

Although he had a look of dismay at the time, McPherson shrugged it off and went about business as usual. The 6-foot-9 center from Quincy Notre Dame made himself a presence in the paint and helped Illinois to a 97-86 victory.

• After both games wrapped up and the final words were being spoken, public address announcer Don O’Brien payed homage to a Classic icon by invoking one of the favorite phrases of former QND public address announcer Mike Pasley, who now lives in Amboy, Ill.

“Drive home safely,” O’Brien bellowed just before signing off.

• It was to nice to see former Quincy High School coach Loren Wallace and his wife, Barb, in attendance. Wallace coached Kirk Kvitle, the father of Illinois all-star and QHS standout point guard Martin Kvitle, at Lincoln, Ill., back in the late 1970s when Kirk was a solid, deadly shooter for the Railers.

• In the parking lot outside Pepsi Arena late Saturday night, Ron Dunkle and his wife headed for their car and the trip home to Mid-Missouri. Their son, South Shelby coach Philip Dunkle, had coached the Missouri boys team and his father, Ron, served as one of his assistants. The chance to coach together was extremely meaningful to father and son, but it may have meant more to their wife and mother.

“I just love basketball,” she said, beaming with a smile that lit up the night. “This was just great.”

Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois

No one is going to read too much into the results of Saturday’s high school basketball shootout at Blue Devil Gym.

What they’ll be gauging is progress. This is the starting point.

Quincy High School holds its annual shootout the first Saturday of June each year, and it’s turned into an all-day hoop-a-thon in two gyms where teams find out what they’re going to need to emphasize this summer.

In the Blue Devils’ case, that will be getting stronger on the block and finding depth in the backcourt. In Palmyra’s case, it will be continuing to mature together and building an interior presence to complement an outstanding backcourt. In Payson Seymour’s case, it will be the continuing evolution of two of the most gifted players in the area. And in Quincy Notre Dame’s case, it will be growing up and getting a handle on a new coach’s expectations.

These are general observations. No one kept stats or play-by-play or anything to help make any judgments.

So here’s what I thought:

• Start with the Blue Devils. Barnell Thomas could be a breakout star. Athletically, the senior forward is as gifted as anyone. He impressed me by being able to step away from the basket and knock down 15- to 18-foot jumpers. Strength continues to be a concern, but he proved he could go over smaller defenders to get rebounds. Consistency is key. He has to perform at a high level each and every night.

Thomas appears like he may have what Quincy coach Sean Taylor likes to call the senior year epiphany. A player doesn’t get as many minutes as he’d like as a junior, works relentlessly during the offseason and blossoms his senior year.

Thomas is one candidate. Alec Shoot is another.

The Blue Devils are going to need scorers, and Shoot can shoot. The senior guard’s range extends beyond the 3-point stripe, and he’s not afraid to attack the basket. Consistency is key. That’s a phrase Blue Devils better get used to hearing. Up and down the lineup, consistency and decision-making will be issues. The more comfortable some of these players get, the more likely they are to make the right decisions time and again.

• Palmyra might be the scariest team in Northeast Missouri next winter. Brock Butler will be the Clarence Cannon Conference Player of the Year unless Panthers teammate Trevor Meny edges him. Either way, Palmyra is blessed with an experience and talented backcourt.

They’re smart. They’re savvy. They don’t back down.

The Panthers have a variety of players willing to go to the low post and bang around. They’re going to have to play big, fight for every loose ball and get the ball into the hands of the scorers.

And remember this … Palmyra has high-scoring potential.

• Although Cody Hildebrand gets well-deserved acclaim, I kept thinking how fortunate Payson Seymour is to have a player with the athleticism and ability to play above the rim like Gage Klitz. Long and strong, Klitz is a game-changer at the Class 1A level. He’s a matchup nightmare.

Hildebrand is, too. His quickness and ability to finish at the rim is nice, and he commands the court.

The Indians are going to be a tough team to beat at any level.

• New QND coach Bob Sheffield has a young group, but one thing is abundantly clear. The Raiders are going to get after it. Sheffield will have a team willing to play hard and put in the necessary effort to improve. There will be some growing pains, but having a guard like Drew Eaton, who has the fire to compete and the demeanor to control a game, is a blessing.

I want to see the Raiders at the end of the summer. I bet I will be impressed by the progress.

Three of the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer players — Alyssa Schlepphorst, Michelle Ginster and Holly Dix (pictured from left to right) — are offering their unique perspective throughout the state tournament experience. Here is their next entry:

RSKA! State champs ladies and gentlemen! I’m so proud of my team and everything we have accomplished! We worked so hard for our goal and tonight we achieved it! State champs back-to-back! Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way! A big shout out to our parents! Parents, I know we don’t always make it easy but we really appreciate everything you do for us! Another big shout out to our coaches! Thanks for everything guys!

Lady raider soccer team enjoyed singing at the top their lungs on the bus ride after the victory!! We are so proud to win tonight and bring the title home again!!

Three of the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer players — Alyssa Schlepphorst, Michelle Ginster and Holly Dix (pictured from left to right) — are offering their unique perspective throughout the state tournament experience. Here is their next entry:

Just got done with mass. A big thanks to Fr. Leo and our parents for everything they have done this week! We are headed to the field now getting ready to defend our title! Wish us luck!

Three of the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer players — Alyssa Schlepphorst, Michelle Ginster and Holly Dix (pictured from left to right) — are offering their unique perspective throughout the state tournament experience. Here is their next entry:

It’s Saturday morning and we just got done with practice! We are eating breakfast that our coaches provided. After this we are going to head to the mall!

We have mass before the game and then we will head to the field! Everyone is pumped for the championship! Hopefully we come out on top!

Putting up a fight

Quincy Notre Dame coach Mark Longo warned his players not to take Johnsburg for granted.

The Skyhawks’ Fox Valley Conference schedule adequately prepared them to be a Class 1A force, and when Johnsburg tied the game at 1 on Delaney Pruitt’s goal in the 26th minute, the Lady Raiders were forced to take notice. Actually, that had already happened.

“They were physical,” QND junior forward Cassidy Foley said.

And relentless.

The Skyhawks got down by three goals in the second half, only to maintain pressure and earn a penalty kick in the 75th minute that trimmed the Lady Raiders’ lead to 4-2. Foley answered with a goal less than a minute later to guarantee there’d be no comeback.

Still, the Lady Raiders knew they’d been in their toughest tussle of the postseason.

“We stuck with it,” Foley said. “And we got through.”

Spoils to the victors

After winning the Class 1A state championship in 2012, QND figured to be featured prominently on the cover of this year’s state tournament program.

As it turned out, the Lady Raiders dominate the cover.

Three of the six pictures feature QND, with action shots of Jordan Frericks, Shannon Foley and Mackenzie Little being displayed.

Body up

Shelby Ulrich won’t get credited with a save in the official scoring, but her sacrifice in the 53rd minute allowed QND to maintain a two-goal lead and started a counterattack that produced another goal.

Ulrich, the junior defender considered by most of her teammates to be the one player they wouldn’t want to go after a loose ball against, moved across the center of the penalty area and got in front of a shot from Johnsburg’s Olivia Jansen. Had Ulrich not been in position to body the ball down, there was a chance it would have tested QND keeper Julie Rabe.

After Ulrich deflected the ball wide, QND played it long and turned it into a scoring opportunity that ended with Jordan Frericks hitting a shot off the crossbar that deflected down and into the goal for a 4-1 edge.

Five and counting

When the state tournaments were moved to the North Central College campus in 2001, QND didn’t necessarily enjoy the switch. The Lady Raiders lost their first two appearances at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, falling to Rockford Boylan in the quarterfinals in 2003 and to Peoria Richwoods in the quarterfinals in 2003.

However, since its return to Naperville in 2010, QND has found playing on the turf much to its liking. The Lady Raiders have won five straight, outscoring its opponents 7-2.

Continuing a tradition

QND coach Mark Longo has never shied away from playing underclassmen, and their reward has been the chance to make an impact on the state’s biggest stage. That’s exactly what Ericka Obert did.

The freshman midfielder scored the Lady Raiders’ first goal against Johnsburg, taking a drop-back pass from Cassidy Foley and ripping a low liner that shimmied off the leg of a defender and into the goal in the 14th minute.

Obert became the third freshman to net a goal for QND at the state tournament. In 2010, Abby Grawe scored in the 2-0 victory over Manteno in the championship game. In 2012, Hannah Thomas netted a goal in the 3-0 victory over Manteno in the title game.

Three of the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer players — Alyssa Schlepphorst, Michelle Ginster and Holly Dix (pictured from left to right) — are offering their unique perspective throughout the state tournament experience. Here is their first entry:

We are finally here, waiting to get our rooms at the hotel! Everyone is getting pumped for the game! We are forming a acapella group as we speak, auditions are tonight! The try out song is “The Cup Song”! We just got done eating lunch at subway, now we are headed to the hotel now to rest up and get ready for the game!

The Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team is headed to the Class 1A state tournament for the third time in the last four years. Here’s the chance to get to know the Lady Raiders a little better as each one filled in 10 questions before getting on the bus for Naperville:

Jordan Frericks, Sr., Forward

Favorite food: Fajita nachos at El Rancherito
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Tucker
Came you will always remember: Getting a red card against Rochester sophomore year … revenge is sweet!
Funniest teammate: Adriel Markway
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe … she knows how to drive a Jeep!
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room hanging up
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it!”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: R.S.K.A We are a fun group of girls that work hard, and in the end, we become a family with a state championship medal around out necks. Love these girls!

Abby Grawe, Sr., Midfielder

Favorite food: Hot wings
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mr. Tucker
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno 2-0 in the Class 1A state championship in 2010
Funniest teammate: Sarah Arnold
Smartest teammate: Michelle Ginster
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: On my trophy shelf in my room
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Last night I had a dream I was eating a giant marshmallow. Then I woke up and my pillow was gone.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Never backing down.

Adriel Markway, Sr., Defender

Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mr. Longo
Came you will always remember: Beating QHS
Funniest teammate: All of them are funny in their own way
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: Wherever my dad wants to put it
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Bag ’em up!”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being a strong and determined athlete, both mentally and physically.

Holly Dix, Jr., Forward

Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. McDonnell
Came you will always remember: Junior varsity against QHS my sophomore year
Funniest teammate: Alyssa Schlepphorst
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In a safe place
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Tradition, family and hard work.

Cassidy Foley, Jr., Forward

Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Strieker
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno 3-0 in the Class 1A state championship in 2012
Funniest teammate: Sarah Arnold
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my high school memory box
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Attack, attack.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: It’s like a family. We’re all really close and really work hard.

Michelle Ginster, Jr., Defender

Favorite food: Everything
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mr. Bloss
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno in super-sectionals
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Jordan Frericks
I plan to put my state medal …: Around my neck
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being part of a family who works well together to achieve our goals.

Hannah Marcolla, Jr., Defender

Favorite food: Chicken strips
Favorite music: Anything I know the words to
Favorite teacher: Mr. McDonnell
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno 3-0 in the Class 1A state championship in 2012
Funniest teammate: Sarah Arnold
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: On my fridge!
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “You know what I heard? Cattle!”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Family!

Alyssa Schlepphorst, Jr., Defender

Favorite food: Ham and eggs
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Strieker
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno in super-sectionals
Funniest teammate: Adriel Markway
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: Hanging up in my room
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Hard work.

Kari Ann Steinbrecher, Jr., Defender

Favorite food: Everything
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mr. Bloss
Came you will always remember: Beating QHS
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Jordan Frericks
I plan to put my state medal …: Around my neck
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: That we are a team and a family that works well together.

Shelby Ulrich, Jr., Defender

Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite music: All kinds
Favorite teacher: Mr. McDonnell
Came you will always remember: Beating Alton Marquette in super-sectionals in 2012
Funniest teammate: Sarah Arnold
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Jordan Frericks
I plan to put my state medal …: With all the other medals
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “I had a dream I ate a marshmallow … and I woke up and my pillow was gone.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Having the best time of your life with the best people.

Hannah Cobb, Soph., Forward

Favorite food: Green bean casserole
Favorite music: Drake and Mac Miller
Favorite teacher: Mr. Longo
Came you will always remember: Beating Alleman at sectionals
Funniest teammate: Everyone
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: By my one from last year.
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being part of a family.

Toni Douglas, Soph., Midfielder

Favorite food: Steak
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Terwelp
Came you will always remember: Junior varsity against Williamsville
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: Around my neck … everyday
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Just chill.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being a part of another big family full of loving girls!

Tori Fitch, Soph., Midfielder

Favorite food: Steak
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Ms. Kaiser
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno in the super-sectionals
Funniest teammate: Sarah Arnold
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Cassidy Foley
I plan to put my state medal …: On my trophy shelf
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Chill.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being a part of a family that you will remember forever.

Quenna Keating, Soph., Midfielder

Favorite food: Everything
Favorite music: Pop and country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Altmix
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno in super-sectionals
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: Around my neck
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Abby is the greatest.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being part of a team that’s just not a team but a family. We always have fun together.

Hannah Thomas, Soph., Forward

Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Ms. Kaiser
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno 3-0 in the Class 1A state championship in 2012
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Jordan Frericks
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room hanging with my one from last year
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it!”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being a family and working together to achieve our goals.

Lauren Vahlkamp, Soph., Defender

Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mr. Longo
Came you will always remember: Playing QHS
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Abby Grawe because she’s a boss
I plan to put my state medal …: On my trophy shelf
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “One, two, three, R.S.K.A.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Work hard and dedication and always being there for your teammates.

Sarah Arnold, Fr., Defender

Favorite food: Hamburgers
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Tappe
Came you will always remember: Beating Rochester
Funniest teammate: Kari Ann Steinbrecher
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Let’s get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being a part of a family.

Audrea Fitch, Fr., Defender

Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Altmix
Came you will always remember: Beating Manteno in the super-sectionals
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: Around my neck
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “To the fence.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Hard work and dedication.

Riley Hummert, Fr., Defender

Favorite food: Mashed potatoes
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Altmix
Came you will always remember: Beating Edwardsville
Funniest teammate: Adriel Markway
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Show up to play.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Just having fun, trying hard and doing our best.

Sarah Lewis, Fr., Midfielder

Favorite food: Meatloaf
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mr. McDonnell
Came you will always remember: Beating QHS
Funniest teammate: Abby Grawe
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “What’s the mixture of an elephant and a rhino? An elephino.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Working together.

Kerigan McDonald, Fr., Forward

Favorite food: Green beans
Favorite music: Country
Favorite teacher: Ms. Law
Came you will always remember: Beating Peoria Richwoods
Funniest teammate: Adriel Markway
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my bedroom
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being part of a family.

Ericka Obert, Fr., Midfielder

Favorite food: Chicken alfredo
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Altmix
Came you will always remember: Beating Rochester
Funniest teammate: Kari Ann Steinbrecher
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: On my neck
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “To the fence.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being a part of a family that works together to achieve our goals.

Julie Rabe, Fr., Keeper

Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Kasparie
Came you will always remember: Beating Rochester 1-0
Funniest teammate: Adriel Markway
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Get after it.”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being part of a family that all have the same goal.

Lacey Roberts, Fr., Defender

Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Loyd
Came you will always remember: Beating Jacksonville
Funniest teammate: Adriel Markway
Smartest teammate: Abby Grawe
Teammate you wouldn’t want to battle for a loose ball: Shelby Ulrich
I plan to put my state medal …: In my room on a hook
Coach Longo’s favorite phrase is …: “Get after it!”
Being a part of the QND soccer program means …: Being part of a family.

Quincy native Luke Guthrie didn’t make the cut in his first appearance at The Players Championship, but he did make the highlights on PGATOUR.com.

Here is Guthrie rolling in an 18-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole during Friday’s second round.