If You Enjoy Sports, JALC Is the Place to Be Saturday

CARTERVILLE — The John A. Logan College volleyball team is red hot and its success plays in favor of the College's 50th anniversary celebration Saturday.

The College was already offering free admission to two basketball games this Saturday afternoon, but, now, after capturing the conference championship and the Region 24 championship, JALC's volleyball team is one game away from playing in the national tournament. That game will take place Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in Carterville. Admission is free.

"What a tremendous bonus to our 50th anniversary celebration," said Dr. Ron House, president of John A. Logan College. "Our volleyball team is on a roll right now and to be able to add their game to our 50th celebration on Saturday is fantastic."

JALC's volleyball team is currently 19-10 and has peaked at the perfect time becoming the overall winner of the Great Rivers Athletic Conference and then taking the trophy at the Region 24 tournament.

Logan will face Mineral Area College from Park Hills, Mo., Saturday to see who advances to the national tournament.

"This is a huge game for John A. Logan College," said Greg Starrick, Logan's athletic director. "Mineral Area College is tough, but we have been playing at a very high level and are doing so at just the right time."

Starrick noted, "If you enjoy sports, John A. Logan College is the place to be Saturday."

Avid Southern Illinois sports fan Dave Broy says that not only will he be at the basketball games Saturday, he is using his sports website, westfrankfortsports.com, to promote the games.

"West Frankfort is represented by two players — one on the men's team and one on the women's team — and I would like to see as many people from my community come out and support the College," Broy said. "Carterville is a short drive and admission is free, what more could you ask for?"

Morgan Griffith, West Frankfort High School's all-time leading scorer, is a member of the women's team. Aaron Twist, a 7-footer from West Frankfort, plays center for the men's team.

"I'm promoting Saturday's games as much as I possibly can," Broy said. "I hope others from other communities will do the same."

Broy's enthusiasm is appreciated by Starrick and others in the College's athletic department.

"We are very proud of athletics at John A. Logan College," Starrick said. "For 50 years now, our coaches and players have represented this College with great integrity. We are very proud of all that has been accomplished."