Category Archives: ARSS

Taylor University Secures Successful Sisters Jackie and Jessie McCoy

ARSS, Cross Country, Track & Field

Front Row (L to R): BJ McCoy (mother), Jackie McCoy, Jessie McCoy, and Tim McCoy (father)
Back Row (L to R): Lauren Hutt (CHS Assistant XC & Track Coach), Quinn White (Taylor University XC Coach), Josh McCoy (brother) and Jerry Doyle (CHS XC & Girls Track Head Coach)

In front of family, friends, teammates, and coaches Charlestown’s successful running duo, Jackie and Jessie McCoy, recently signed their letter of intent to continue their education and cross country and track at Taylor University.

Most know that the McCoy sisters were very decorated athletes at Charlestown. Both are members of sectional and conference championship teams. They have earned Mid Southern Conference honors, All-Area honors, and many invitational championships. Jackie was a 2-time semi-state qualifier and Jessie was a state finalist and a 2-time All State honorable mention recipient.

Located in Upland, Indiana, Taylor’s influence spans the globe. With 99% of students employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, the Christian liberal arts approach inspires student-leaders to minister Christ’s redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. A longstanding legacy of excellence inside and outside the classroom has earned Taylor University rankings in the top three Midwest Colleges by U.S. News & World Report for nearly three decades. Taylor Athletics now has 16 intercollegiate athletic teams—including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, track & field, softball, and volleyball. The Taylor University Women’s Cross Country team is currently ranked #1 in NAIA as the reigning 2022 National Champions.

When asked about the decision to attend Taylor University, Jackie said, “Taylor University is a private Christian college and has one of the best science programs in Indiana. I chose Taylor because I love to learn about God and to become a better discipline, and I can do this at Taylor while I study the field I feel led in. I will be going to Taylor to obtain my Bachelor Degree in Biology Health Sciences and along the way be on the Maddawg cross country and track team. I love running, God, and science and Taylor can and will perfectly fulfill all of my aspirations for these things. I cannot wait to join them this coming fall and to see where God might lead me on this new journey.”

Jessie added, “I love running with an emissive passion, but it does not compare to my love for God. I chose Taylor University because of the spiritual foundation and God’s handiwork that is ever present there. The opportunity I have been given to run there was just a gift from God, and I want to use it to hopefully bring glory to him. I am forever thankful to the coaches and administrators at Taylor University, they have been a blessing and another wonderful gift from God.”

Taylor University head coach, Quinn White said, “We are so excited to have Jackie and Jessie at Taylor. Their work ethic, talent, and demeanor fit our culture so well. They will have a wonderful impact on our team the next four years. We wish them the best as they finish off their careers at Charlestown HS. ”  In his 12 seasons leading the Taylor women’s cross country program, White has helped the Trojans to a record-setting nine-straight Crossroads League Championships and nine top-20 finishes at the NAIA National Championships. In the last nine seasons, the program has also racked up 55 All-Crossroads League awards and 11 NAIA All-American honors.

Charlestown High School cross country and track coach had this to say: “Jessie and Jackie have been the heart of Pirate Cross Country and Track & Field for the last four years! I will tell any athlete that if they want to be their best, look to Jess and Jackie as an example. Their hard work and dedication to their sport is unparalleled! Together, they have led our cross country program to heights that I never could have imagined! I am not sure that we will ever duplicate the four year stretch that we have had while they have been in our program, leading us to two sectional titles and a conference title, plus numerous meet championships. They will be sorely missed, but I am excited to watch them flourish at the next level!”

The Charlestown High School athletic department and WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulate Jackie & Jessie and wish them a healthy and prosperous future at Taylor.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network’s Aiden Stewart.

 

Rufer Signs to Run at Hanover College

ARSS, Cross Country, Track & Field

Front Row (L to R) Faith Rufer (Raelynn’s mother), Raelynn, Todd Rufer (Raelyn’s Father)
Back Row (L to R) Lauren Hutt (CHS Assistant Coach) and Jerry Doyle (CHS Head Coach)

Yesterday, Charlestown senior Raelynn Rufer was surrounded by family, friends, and coaches as she signed a celebratory letter of intent to attend school and run cross country and track at Hanover College next year.

Nestled in 650 acres of a wooded campus and located on the banks of the scenic Ohio River, Hanover College is a private, liberal arts institution where brains and beauty truly intersect. Their rigorous interdisciplinary academic program with 34 majors attracts the best and the brightest from across the region and beyond.

Hanover College competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, including Anderson University, Bluffton University (Ohio), Defiance College (Ohio), Earlham College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Manchester University, Mount St. Joseph University (Ohio), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology & Transylvania University (Ky.) Hanover is home to twenty varsity sports including men’s and women’s basketball,  cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field, men’s baseball, football and swimming, and women’s softball and volleyball.

When asked about her choice to attend school, double major business and art history,

and participate in athletics at Hanover College with the Panthers, Rufer replied, “Thinking about college is not something I like to do often. However, when I think about going to college at Hanover a smile comes to my face. I appreciate all my coaches and the teachers that have gotten me here. I look forward to my athletic and academic endeavors at Hanover College”

Charlestown cross country and track coach Jerry Doyle had this to say: “Raelynn has been a joy to coach! She is a natural leader, oftentimes leading the team in drills and stretching. She is a gifted athlete, who puts in a lot of extra work outside of track and cross-country conditioning. She is always striving to improve her overall fitness, so that she can be competitive in the events that she competes in! She is also a top notch student, putting in the work necessary to succeed academically. She will be missed next year, but I look forward to watching her grow in her next chapter at Hanover!”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Raelynn and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as a Hanover College Panther.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Aiden Stewart.

Lady Pirate Laney Hawkins Signs with Olney Central

ARSS, Girls Basketball

Front Row L to R: Lisa Hawkins (Laney’s mother), Laney, Jason Hawkins (Laney’s father) Back Row L to R: Jerry Doyle (Cross Country Coach), Caleb Hawkins (Laney’s brother), Scott Matthews (CHS Head Girls Basketball Coach), John Orr (JV Girls Basketball Coach), Rick Myers (Assistant Girls Basketball Coach), and Ashley Diaz (Assistant Girls Basketball Coach)

Charlestown senior Laney Hawkins was recently joined by family, coaches, teammates, and friends to sign her celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play basketball at Olney Central College in the fall.

Olney Central College is a two-year public community college in Olney, Illinois that offers a variety of educational opportunities with transfer degrees and technical programs that prepare students for careers in today’s competitive job market. OCC continuously receives recognition for its completion and graduation rates, earning it rankings as the No. 1 Community College in Illinois and one of the Top 150 Community Colleges in the nation.

OCC supports four sports at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I level. The men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball teams are extremely competitive in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference and region.

When asked about her choice to attend school and play basketball at Olney Central College with the Blue Knights, Hawkins replied, “I chose Olney Central College to continue my academic and athletic career because of the effort the coaching staff has made to get to know me. I really like the style of play at Olney and how the players and coaches encourage and uplift each other. OCC is a small college with small class sizes with the opportunity to get to know instructors well. I’m very grateful and excited about this decision.” Hawkins will major in radiology technology.

Charlestown Lady Pirates basketball coach Scott Matthews had this to say: “Congratulations to Laney with her signing to Olney Central. We are excited to follow her basketball journey after high school and wish her the best of luck. Go Knights!”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Laney and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as an Olney Central College Blue Knights.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Aiden Stewart.

Lady Pirates’ McFarland Signs with Olivet Nazarene University

ARSS, Girls Basketball

Front Row (L to R) Calvin McFarland (Tatum’s father), Tatum, Evan Johnson (ONU Coach), and Treasure McFarland
Back Row (L to R): Chance McFarland (Tatum’s brother), Kipton McFarland (Chance McFarland), and Scott Matthews (Charlestown Basketball Coach)

Charlestown senior Tatum McFarland was recently joined by family, coaches, teammates, and friends to sign her celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play basketball at Olivet Nazarene University next year.

Nestled in the Village of Bourbonnais, just 45 miles from Chicago, is the 275-acre main campus of Olivet Nazarene University. The setting includes park-like landscaping surrounding historic and state-of-the art facilities. With 3,500 students, it’s large enough to offer a world-class education, and small enough to know fellow schoolmates.

ONU competes at the NAIA level in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, which includes fourteen member schools from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Olivet Nazarene is home to twenty-one varsity sports for both men and women.

When asked about her choice to attend school and play basketball at ONU with the Tigers, McFarland replied, “The reason I chose Olivet Nazarene University to continue my academic and athletic career is because of how welcoming the girls and the coaches were when I went to Olivet back in August for a camp. Olivet felt like a home away from home. The girls are really uplifting and push one another to do better in every aspect in life. ONU checked off every box on my list that I wanted in my future college and I couldn’t be happier to make this commitment to Olivet. ”

Charlestown Lady Pirates basketball coach Scott Matthews had this to say: “Congratulations to Tatum with her signing to Olivet Nazarene. We are excited to follow her basketball journey after high school and wish her the best of luck. Go Tigers!”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Tatum and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as an Olivet Nazarene University Tiger.

 

Photo provided by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Kassie Propes. Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Aiden Stewart.

50 Years of Charlestown Pirate Football Celebration to Be Held Tomorrow Evening

ARSS, Football

 

Charlestown High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce the celebration of 50 Years of Pirate Football tomorrow evening, October 14, 2022. 

 

The current 8-0* Pirate team will host Mid Southern Conference opponent Eastern (Pekin) for a 7:00 tip off on their senior night. A public recognition of former players, coaches, and managers from the past 50 years is planned and the school’s WPMQ Sports Broadcasting team will provide a special history exhibit to help take you back down memory lane. Long-time Coach John Mastin will be your grand marshal for the evening. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to relish in a special time in Charlestown history!

 

Here is the timeline of events: 

6:00 P.M. – Pirate alumni players meet in the gym to browse the tables of football artifacts and the WPMQ history exhibit. (Coach Mastin will be there as early as 5:00 for anyone who wishes to arrive early and view the upgrades in the school.)

6:10 – Brian Keith will speak about the players he has seen over the years as a kid, a player, and as a broadcaster as well as what it meant to be a Pirate football player for him and his family.

6:15 – Coach Hawkins will speak on what it was like to play against Charlestown, what it feels like to coach the Pirates, and give everyone an update on the current team and  facilities.

6:20 – Coach Mastin’s will reflect on football from the early years to now, what it takes to run a program, relationships over the years, and what it meant to be the long-time coach of the Pirates. 

6:25 – Tony Hall will speak on what it meant to be a player and coach and athletic director at Charlestown.

6:30 – Open Mic for any players or coaches to share their memoirs, practice, best games, and/or best season.

6:45 – Pirate Alumni enter through the pass gate. Family members need to enter through the gate and pay to enter the game. Gather in the high jump area at the east end zone on the field to visit and enjoy the game. Some seating will be available. Senior night recognitions for our Class of 2023 fall athletes and activities will begin at that time as well. (See separate social media post for the details on senior night.)

7:00 – Kickoff

Between Q1 & Q2: Members of 13 MSC Championship teams will be introduced and walk to the midfield. 

Halftime: The Marching Band of Pirates will perform for the first ten minutes. Following the band, all alumni players, coaches, support staff in attendance will be introduced and walk to  midfield.

Between Q3 & Q4:  Members of the four Sectional and one regional Championship teams will walk to the 50 yard line.

 

We look forward to a great night of fellowship and reminiscing and a big Pirate win!  Go Big Blue!

Ben Phillips Selects Indiana University to Continue School and Wrestling

ARSS, Wrestling

 

Recently, Charlestown’s 2022 graduate Ben Phillips was joined by family, teammates, and coaches to sign his letter of intent to attend school and wrestle at Indiana University. At the time of his celebratory signing, Phillips had already begun classes in Bloomington, working toward a degree in Exercise Science. But, as always, it was a pleasure to have him back in Charlestown for the evening.

Most know that Phillips was a very decorated athlete at Charlestown as a two-time state medalist, conference, sectional, and regional champion, record holder, and more who had received multiple offers from colleges and universities. When asked about his decision to go to Indiana University, Phillips said: “I really love the coaches, the team, and the training environment. They have so many resources to help me become the best I can be! Bloomington is also closer to home than most of my other options, so that helped in the decision making process. I am super excited for my future at Indiana, and I am thankful for everyone who has helped me get to this point. Go Hoosiers!” Phillips is one of twelve incoming freshmen or transfers to the team.

Charlestown wrestling coach Adam Doherty shared the following sentiments on Phillips: “Ben has been amazing to coach over the last four years.  He broke multiple school records, including the only CHS wrestler to place twice in the State tournament and tied the highest finish of 4th.  Ben always put in the work and constantly pushed himself to be better.  He was a great teammate that wanted to see everyone succeed as much as he did himself.  I am so excited to see his hard work pay, and can’t wait to see him do big things at Indiana University.”

Founded in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship campus of IU’s seven campuses and two regional centers statewide. Innovation, creativity, and academic freedom are hallmarks of our world-class contributions in research and the arts. As a public ivy league institution, Indiana University Bloomington was ranked in the top 40 public national universities, tied for 36th, and was tied for 89th among all colleges and universities in the 2019 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings.

Indiana University competes in the Big 10 Athletic Conference in 13 NCAA Division I sports including baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, rowing, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, water polo, and wrestling.

The Charlestown High School athletic department and WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulate Ben and wish him a healthy and prosperous future as an Indiana Hoosier.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network’s Aiden Stewart.

CHS to Celebrate 50 Years of Football; Alumni Please RSVP for the EVENT

ARSS, Athletic Department, Football

On behalf of the Charlestown High School Athletic Department, I have the honor of inviting you back to CHS for a once-in-a-lifetime event. On October 14th, 2022 we will celebrate 50 years of Pirate Football and we’d love for you to be there!

The current 3-0 Pirate team will host Mid Southern Conference opponent Eastern (Pekin) for a 7:00 tip off on their senior night. Mr. Gilbert and the Athletic Department are planning a public recognition of former players, coaches, and managers from the past 50 years and the school’s WPMQ Sports Broadcasting team is working on some special memorabilia to help take you back down memory lane. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to relish in a special time in your life.

More details for this event are set to come but if you can attend, we ask that you please complete the form linked below as your RSVP by October 7th. By doing so, you will be granted admission to the game courtesy of CHS Athletics. Should you need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact my colleague Chad Gilbert at cgilbert@gcccschools or (812) 256-3328, Coach John David Mastin via the alumni Facebook page, or me – Melissa Stewart – mstewart@gccschools.com.

We look forward to seeing you on October 14th!

https://bit.ly/50FBRSVP

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