Date: April 22, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Staff

The boys track team competed in a dual meet against Manual on Thursday at home.

Melvin Jenkins won the 100-meter dash at 11.09, while Frank Flowers finished third. Flowers also won the 200-meter dash with a lifetime best of 23.50, while Demarion Zapata won the 400-meter dash at 53.87.

Malik Johnson is now ranked No. 3 in the state with a triple-jump of 45-feet-6 inches. Teammate Cortez Irby jumped past state qualifying standards with his jump of 44-feet-10 inches. Cam Gunn won the high jump and Tylan Ward won the discus.

In the hurdles, Fenix Foy won the 300-meter hurdles barely over Nassir Collins, while Deandre Johnson narrowly defeated Tyson Ward. Manny Wilkerson won the 800-meter run and Jayleon Wiliams won the 1600-meter run.

After placing second as a team at the Dale Collis Invite on Wednesday, the girls track team went back to work on Saturday at the Rock Island Invite.

Symone Jackson took second in the 100 meter hurdles with a season best time of 15.91. Jackson followed that up with a season best in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 49.81, which placed fifth. Jackson joined the 4x200-meter relay that placed sixth, which also featured Zyan Gilbert, Shanavia McGhee, and Jamiya Jones. Jones also placed second in the triple jump.

On Wednesday, Jones won the 200-meter dash with a time of 27.69, while McGhee placed fourth with a time of 30.17. Gilbert won the 400-meter dash, while Jackson won the 100-meter hurdles.

The 4x100-meter relay team of Niara Young, Nydia Powell, Aziah Ashby, and Jackson and the 4x200 meter relay team of Gilbert, McGhee, Jones, and Ashley Bovan were champions.

Other Peoria Scores

Baseball: Danville def. Peoria 16-2

Softball: Champaign Central def. Peoria 21-0

Date: April 17, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Staff

Even on his worst day, Kwan O'Neal is smiling.

One would say a spiritus smile.

It's only fitting then he was the recent recipient of the Remarkable Spirit Award in front of several PPS employees, teachers, and staff.

Yes, he might be full of his takes on LeBron James and the Lakers winning it all "every year." However, O'Neal is full of spirit for Peoria High, but just the city in general.

In the hallways, O'Neal hasn't just broken up scuffles, he's walking in the halls talking about real-life things. There are many teachers in this building that have called for an SRO and have specifically asked for O'Neal.

Not because they need a physical presence.

But because they know it's a situation that he can defuse with ease. His ability to connect with our youth is something that stands out and his spirit, even on those tough days, is infectious.

PHS special education teacher Sara Ridley nominated O'Neal for this award. Her, alongside the rest of the staff at PHS, couldn't be more proud of you.

Lakers in five....

Date: April 16, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Staff

The girls are waiting for their first outdoor meet due to weather, but once they get outside, they are ready to fly.

Flying over the hurdles has been senior Symone Jackson. The lone returning state qualifier from last season has qualified in the 100 and 300 hurdles her sophomore and junior seasons. This season, Jackson has already qualified for indoor state in the 60-meter high hurdles.

Jackson has also spent time long and triple jumping. Toniya Hardy and Ashley Bovan are also listed as some other jumpers.

The sprinting crew has some young talent already competing at the fresh/sophomore level. Sophomores Deshanti Hunter and Niara Young. Freshman Shanavia McGhee nearly broke 30 seconds in her 200-meter dash. With that said, the team does sport a four-year veteran in Zyan Gilbert, who can run anything between the 100, 200, and 400 sprints.

The distance crew is also young as freshman Olivia Long figures to make a dent in the 800 and 1600 runs. Tylea Kirkwood and Nyla Turner also will run in distance events. Tylea is a junior, while Nyla is a freshman. Sophomore Amari Williams looks to compete in the 3200 meter run. Allannah Williams also looks to compete in a varsity of events as well. All five girls competed on the cross country team in the fall and look to improve their spring with their hard work.

The throwers are led by juniors Gabby Arreguin-Quintero and Genieve Reed.

Date: April 15, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Staff

The weather is starting to warm up so outdoor season is upon us. The PHS Runnin' Lions have been busy running, jumping, hurdling, and throwing.

The team has competed in two outdoor meets due to two cancellations, but the team is off to a fine start.

The Lions return two returning state qualifiers from last season. Junior Jaylen Rayford qualified for the high jump, while junior Melvin Jenkins qualified in the 100-meter dash. Both look to return to blue track in Charleston this season.

Alongside Rayford, junior Cam Gunn is out for track for the first time and has nearly hit the 6-foot mark in high jump. Jatavious Porter has already set a PR in high jump this season and looks to help Jenkins in the sprints.

Returning sprinters include juniors Frank Flowers, Damarion Zapata, Detaurion Pollard, Tytavion Alexander, and Breon Greene.

In the long and triple jump area, Malik Johnson was good enough to qualify for indoor state in the triple jump. Cortez Irby and Johnson have been battling all season, while senior Darrell Waters has already set new PRs in long and triple jump dating back to last year. Sophomore Joelle Howard looks to make an impact as well.

In the hurdles, Deandre Johnson set a PHS indoor record for the 60-meter hurdles and has gotten off to a fast start. The sophomore is joined by sophomores Tyson Ward and Josias Hollins as the fastest so far. Seniors Nassir Collins and Jason Crawford are looking to make their way up the leaderboard as well.

The distance crew is young with sophomores Charles Barnes, Ky'Rion Woodard, Henry Deese, Manny Wilkerson, Josue Martinez, and freshman Jayleon Williams. The crew looks to break 10 minutes in the 4x800 meter relay this season.

The throws features a new face in Jaquarius Greene, while junior teammate Tylan Ward is back throwing shot put and discus. Freshman Kenzy King and senior Micah Phipps join the heavy men too.

Collins, Crawford, Waters, and Flowers are the 2025 captains. The Lions return to action hosting their lone home meet this Thursday at 3:30.

Date: April 14, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Staff

Aaliyah Guyton, a 2024 Peoria High School graduate, is coming home.

After completing her freshman season at Iowa, the former All-Big 12 Player of the Year and All-State selection is coming back to Illinois to play in Champaign-Urbana. Guyton announced she is committing to the University of Illinois after testing the transfer portal.

Guyton averaged 4.7 points per game as a reserve in about 16 minutes of action, which included some starts. Illinois qualified for the NCAA Tournament last season.

Other PHS News

• The girls soccer team lost 4-0 to Bloomington and 11-0 to Champaign Centennial

• The softball team dropped a Big 12 Conference game to Champaign Central

• The baseball team dropped a Big 12 Conference double header to Urbana on Saturday.

Date: April 11, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

For 11 years, at the end of every season, the first person have and will continue to thank is my wife, Jordan. She is the toughest person I know and she is ten times the teacher that I am. She is the most consistent thing I have in my life. Honestly, she should be the one up here. 

There are so many names to thank at PHS. From teachers to staff, I couldn’t be more lucky to have so many people in the building who would have my back any day of the week. They give me community and keep me feeling loved. Kari Wuthrich and our freshman team are the best, and I’m proud to say we are on track 93% for the second consecutive semester. Brien Dunphy always finds a way to supplement my paycheck and has guided me in my coaching career for seven years. Shaun McGinnis, my former evaluator, is one of the best principals in the state, holding kids accountable and believing in themselves, but also seeing the potential in adults. He went from my AP to principal last year. In our meeting, he challenged me last year to step up. He said he needed me to do more. When a friend asks for help, you always help them. We did it, didn’t we?

Last, I want to thank my daughters. Penelope and Charlotte. My almost 7 and 4-year-olds have grown up in a classroom, gym, and a track their whole life, but the story I am going to tell you is the biggest reason why I am here. 

The fact of the matter is, I shouldn’t even be here in the first place. 

Being a trauma kid is my greatest strength and weakness. I was diagnosed with depression at the age of 14 and my first suicide attempt came when I was 17. My mom didn’t know about it, even when she drove me to the hospital. I still remember driving to school the next day and getting pulled over for going 55 in a 30. The cop gave me a warning because I was still wearing my hospital bracelet. I forgot I even still had it on. 

My dad died when I was 19 while I was at EIU, taking 18 credit hours and working three jobs because money doesn’t come quickly when a single mom is working at a bagel factory. Over the years, I had told myself I was fine. Work hard. Stay busy. Break the cycle. 

Eventually, working hard and staying busy isn’t enough. You have to face the fact that you are not okay. 

During COVID, my wife got into the biggest argument we have ever had. Some serious things were said and that happened to be the final trigger. I didn’t love myself. I didn’t love living. All the patchwork felt like it faded and with some liquid courage, I was finally ready to die that night. 

I got in my truck with the full intent to drive it through a telephone pole at the edge of town. As I looked up after starting the car, my 1-year-old daughter Penelope’s bedroom light was on. When we laid her down that night, we forgot to turn off the light. In that moment, that is what rock bottom finally felt like. I felt selfish. I was going to do to her what my dad did to me when I was born. Leave. 

I called two of my friends and sobbed in that truck. My wife’s mom texted me back and forth. Told me I had reasons to live. And I screamed that I couldn’t do it anymore. The voices were so loud and I couldn’t take it. I screamed I didn’t want to die over and over until I finally got out of the car and passed out inside. 

I truly believed Penelope saved my life that night. I couldn't think that way anymore. I couldn’t leave my girls. It was time to stop being selfish and quit thinking of breaking the cycle and actually break the cycle. 

For five years, I have attended therapy regularly. I have learned to navigate those feelings and I own a routine that keeps me grounded. I use my friends, and mentors, and have learned to trust my wife. I don’t have to do it on my own. I learned to love myself because how can you love anyone else if you don’t love yourself? 

Yes, for my career there are continued voices. There are voices across the river that do not like me. They have told me that I am not good enough. They tell me I shouldn’t be a coach or a teacher. That somebody like me is not what they want. And yes, I hear them. But this time, I don’t spiral down because I didn’t spend the last five years learning to love myself to throw it all away. 

I told the staff that winning this felt like all of that work felt validated. I’m so lucky that I get to love and be loved. And with my girls, I get to feel that feeling every day. So for that, Penelope..Charlotte.. I cannot thank you enough. Being your dad is my proudest achievement. It’s the only achievement. It’s the reason that I am standing here in front of you. 

The kids in the classroom and on my teams often also call me dad. It’s their way of calling me old and it always makes me smile. It’s the best compliment they could give me. 

I take a lot of pride in that so it’s fitting that I work at the pride of the city. 

Date: April 10, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria boys track team competed against Pontiac and Bloomington on Tuesday.

The team was led by victories from Melvin Jenkins in the 100-meter dash and Malik Johnson in triple jump. Other notable performances included:

• Jatavious Porter placing fifth in the 200-meter dash.

• Deandre Johnson placing fifth in the 110 hurdles and seventh in the 300 hurdles

• Cam Gunn placing second and Jaylen Rayford placing third in high jump.

• Malik Johnson placing third and Joelle Howard placing fifth in long jump.

• Cortez Irby placing second in triple jump.

Date: April 8, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Maddie McGinnes has been on a recruitment tear.

Despite owning just five seniors, the PHS softball team has 22 members.

"We’re a developing program with a young and mostly inexperienced roster—many of our players picked up a glove for the first time this year—I’m proud to say we currently have 22 girls on the team, which is a significant number for us. Despite the challenges they have faced, not one player has quit, and I hope they continue to stay committed."

The team is coming off of a 2-12 season in 2024 with no returning All-Big 12 players. Returning with experience includes starting pitcher Mya Ahmed, who also looks to see time at first base. Offensively, Ahmed looks to be a key bat in the middle of the lineup.

Lailah Hughes will anchor the outfield in centerfield. She is listed as the most "seasoned" outfielder on the team.

My looks to have an impressive batting average thanks to her power at the plate," said McGinnes. "Laliah's high softball IQ allows her to make smart decisions in real time—knowing exactly where to throw the ball, when to back up plays, and how to position herself to support her teammates. Her speed gives her an edge both in the field and when base running. Lailah is also a strong leader for our younger outfielders."

Derrionna Hope returns as the team's starting third basemen, while McGinnes also said she has been one of the most encouraging leaders on the team.

"She is a natural leader who makes games and practices fun," said McGinnes. "She boosts team morale through her vocal presence, always encouraging everyone. Her ability to motivate teammates makes her very valuable to our team culture."

Ava Simms will hold down the catcher's position as a junior despite "being mistaken for a senior because of her skill and game IQ."

"She is one of our most versatile athletes, able to contribute at catcher, first base, third base, shortstop, and even in the outfield. Despite a knee injury, Ava continues to show grit, stepping up to catch whenever needed. Her adaptability and knowledge of the game make her an essential part of our team."

The Lions open their season in Big 12 Conference action today against Peoria Richwoods. With a Big-12 Conference dominated schedule and limited action, McGinnes is hopeful the young team grows and continues to get better each day.

"We always want our players to walk away with more than just improved athletic ability— We want them to learn time management, how to work effectively with others, show grit and resilience in tough situations, develop leadership skills, and learn to manage their emotions. If we can grow in those areas, the season will be a success regardless of our record."

2025 PHS Team Schedule

PHS Softball Roster

1 - Kiara Jordan

2 - Stormy Phillips

3 - Jazzy Gaytan

4 - Neriah Avant

5 - Laliah Hughes

6 - Dezire Jordan

7 - Ace Albert

8 - Kmyia Richardson

9 - Alaina Wartenbe

10 - Amerie Binion

12 - Robbrianna Thompson

14 - Zoey Hill

15 - Jurnee Grant

16 - Dareion Ziegler

17 - TJ Johnson

19 - Derrionna Hope

20 - Mya Ahmed

21 - Angel Simms

22 - Ava Simms

23 - Nakyia Owens

25 - Rosie Gamble

No number yet - Kylae Jackson

Date: April 7, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

A spring break still felt like winter.

The girls were unable to get on the track, while the boys had two track meets cancelled. The boys ran a mock track meet at the PHS Track on Monday, March 31st. Some of the time trials included several great beginning times.

Melvin Jenkins led the way in the 100-meter dash with an estimated 11.33 and also won the 200-meter with a time of 23.54. Malik Johnson won the long jump with a jump of 20-foot-5-inches. Cam Gunn and Jaylen Rayford each missed 6-foot on a windy day, while Frank Flowers, Damarion Zapata, and Breone Green each ran personal bests in the sprints.

The track team also had a fundraiser for shirts and raised $600, which a percentage of that money going to St. Jude runners for cancer research. More on this story later on.

According to the article, Jaleesha Allen, Mrs. Illinois Black United States 2025 and founder of support and mentorship group Real Queens of Impact, said she reviewed dozens of applications before she selected the Peoria High School senior.

Allen also said she was looking for a student performing great in school, which led her to select Jhe’Nay Wells.

Wells, the first-ever recipient of a dress through the group, was gifted a yellow dress from Normady’s Boutique.

You can watch the Week 25 News video and read the article here.

Date: March 27, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The awards just keep coming for Leshawn Stowers.

The Co-Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and First-Team All-Stater has also been recently named as a finalist for Mr. Illinois Basketball.

This award is given to the person chose as the best high school boys basketball player in the state of Illinois. Most of the award winners have gone on to play at the highest levels of college basketball. Last year's winner, Moretz Johnson Jr., played his freshman season at the University of Illinois.

Stowers was named one of 12 players to be selected. The winner will be selected next month. The last Peoria High player to win was Shaun Livingston in 2004.

Meanwhile, the boys and girls track and field teams have been busy.

Senior Symone Jackson will compete at the Class 3A level at Illinois Top Times. For the boys, Malik Johnson had one of the stats top triple jump marks but the boys were not competing at indoor state this season.

The boys competed at ISU this past Saturday. The team was led by junior Malik Johnson, who placed second overall in triple jump. His mark of 42-feet-9-inches was also a top mark in all of Class 3A.

Melvin Jenkins qualified for finals in the 60 meter dash, where he finished sixth overall. Jaylen Rayford jumped 1.85 meters, which was just 0.05 meters from qualifying for indoor top times. Jenkins was just 0.1 seconds away in the 60 meter dash as well.

Both the boys and girls begin competing outdoors next week with the boys running at Washington High School next Tuesday.

Date: March 21, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The most successful basketball season in 12 years ends with their star player getting the nod for being the king of the winter.

Senior Leshawn Stowers was voted the PHS Winter Sports Athlete of the Year in what was a very close battle for first. Stowers won 46.7% of the vote, while senior wrestler Sargent Maubach was close behind with 44.3%.

Stowers was a First-Team All-State selection, All-First Team Big 12 selection, and the Co-MVP of the league. Stowers led the Lions to a 29-7 record and a second-place finish in the Big 12.

Here was the full breakdown of the vote. Congratulations to all nominees.

• Leshawn Stowers: 46.7%

• Sargent Maubach: 44.3%

• Nigel Moore: 3.3%

• Fenix Foy: 1%

• Irulan Lewis: 1%

• Chris Walker: 1%

Date: March 20, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

Live to give month is coming to a close this week.

To recap the month, Sara Ridley, the 7 Mindsets Guru, and Avid teachers Ben Mahan and Dana Sanders have been collaboratively working together with staff and students to help promote the idea of giving this March.

Everything started with students defined what "live to give" meant, followed by affirmation post-its. Students then completed tags for a gratitude wall.

"Live to Give" bracelets were sold, charity mini index cards were created, and donations were collected all for raising money for the Darnell Hunter and Tommy Forest scholarships.

One of those donations included paying to tape a teacher to a wall. When a friend asks for help, you help them.

Always.

I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked what it is like getting taped to a wall. The texts have came from my mom in Mattoon to across the river in Roanoke to students in the pride of the city.

Here is what I can offer you:

Do's

• Outside layer: You all really thought I would wear shorts? I'm not wear wolf hairy, but I'm not crazy either.

• Headphones - Shoutout Ben Mahan for the piece of advice. Getting taped for 90 minutes does not go as fast as you think it does...Music definitely helps.

• A Ridley & a Mahan - You can find your own replicas of these in the future, but you need someone who knows 1. how to tape someone the right way; 2. someone who makes sure the neck and face is protected. Also, someone's gotta scratch your face every so often. Make sure your buddy's nails are trimmed...

Do Not's

• If you are claustrophobic, this is not for you. I'm sure you can figure it out.

• No sweatshirt - I made the mistake of a sweatshirt. A long sleeve would do just fine. If you like beads of sweat rollin', rollin', rollin, feel free to put on some snow pants and cover all's then.

• Assume anything - You do fall. You will hang there, but you are not just stuck to the wall. Gravity is real. Be prepared

Must

Be a team player. Every single one of us has had someone give something to us to make us better in life. I've said before, I would not be alive without the community I have.

What you think is common sense is not common anymore. Don't forget who you are. Our job is to show these values of how to give and what giving can mean in the long run.

With that said, it's someone else's turn to get taped to that wall....

Date: March 19, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria High Band will be excited heading into Spring Break.

In a matter of few weeks, the band has performed at a pop-up assembly honoring the boys basketball team, the Saint Patricks Day parade, as well as seeing off several band members at the annual Honor Band performance.

Meanwhile, the following band students were accepted to participate in the St. Ambrose University Honor Band Festival.

The band was comprised of selected high school band members from the surrounding area.  

The following members from Peoria that participated at the Honor Band were:

Jayde Albert, flute

Ziona Hightower, clarinet

Shyanne Gaines, alto sax

Zariyah Porch, alto sax

Tysean Barnett, trumpet

Dahlia Howard, trumpet 

Raven Turner, trombone

Date: March 18, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Senior Symone Jackson led the girls track team after the Lions competed at the Bloomington Invitational this past Saturday. The senior medaled in four events.

Jackson finished 2nd overall in the triple jump with a leap of 10.44 meters. Jackson also placed 4th in the long jump with a jump of 4.94 meters. Jackson placed 4th in the 60-meter hurdle preliminaries, but then bested her 9.47 prelim time with a time of 9.36 in the finals to claim third.

Jackson also helped the varsity 4x200 relay place 7th overall with a time of 1:55.88. Jackson was joined by Ashley Bovan, Jamiyah Jones, and Demaya Hunter.

The junior varsity team had a great day as well. Niara Young qualified for the finals in the 60 meter dash after placing 8th out of 32 competitors. Young ran a time of 9.01 and then bested that time with an 8.98. Two Lady Lion hurdlers qualified for the finals as Deshanti Hunter placed 6th overall (11.48) and Ashley Bovan placed 8th (11.59).

The junior varsity 4x200 relay placed 8th overall as the relay composed of Nydia Powell, Gakarias Jenkins, Shanavia McGhee, and Hunter. The 4x400 relay placed 4th overall with a time of 4:42.67 with the relay featuring Demaya Hunter, Tylea Kirkwood, Vanessa Franks, and Jenkins.

The girls return to action this Friday at Illinois State University to conclude their indoor track season.

Date: March 14, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Freshman English I teacher Kate Gashaw and student-teacher Sarah Hazenfield recently completed a research unit that focused on Greek Mythology. Students were tasked with researching a Greek figure. They then needed to find credible sources, develop thesis statements, and use textual evidence to develop an essay.

The following PHS students were winners of their respective classes.

• 1st hour: Peyton Schlage

• 2nd hour: Olivia Long

• 4th Hour: Lamya Haynes

• 5th Hour: Zamera Shelley

• 6th Hour: Landon McDonald

Here are their stories.

Have you ever wonder how mischief was personified in Norse culture? Loki, foster son of Odin, was often thought to be a freak of nature. He was known for changing his shape and for his evil tricks. The stories of Loki teach us the consequences of not choosing a side, the punishments of evil, and the meaning mischief in Norse mythology.

To begin with, Loki was often represented without a side, and this resulted in a lot of consequences for him. According to the text, Loki is the “...god of mischief and evil...” and “...rival of Thor...” (Jackson, 2014). Loki’s tendency to cause mischief often made him appear like a villain in a lot of stories. Along with his rivalry with Thor, his brother, and their tendency to fight. A story about Loki and Thor’s wife, Sif, comes to mind. Specifically, when “...Loki cut off Sif’s golden hair...” (Jackson, 2014). After Loki committed this act, Loki went to the dwarves so they could make Sif a new head of hair. Loki underestimated the dwarves’ abilities and made a wager for items and if they were perfect and up to the gods’ standards, they would have Loki's head. When Loki lost the bet, the dwarves came with knives, but Loki stopped them saying that he bet his head not his neck and as result instead they sewed his mouth shut. When Loki didn’t choose a side, he suffered the consequences of his choices and was left with nasty scars around his mouth earning him a new nickname, “Scar Lip” (History Cooperative, 2022). In other words, Loki has had many consequences for his many side less fights with the gods and other entities and it led to his eventual imprisonment and banishment.

Additionally, Loki was often severely punished for his evil, which shows us the consequences of evil in Norse mythology. According to the article, “...after Loki tricked Hodur into accidentally killing Balder, the gods were convinced nothing but evil remained in him.” (Jackson, 2014). After Loki appeared at a gathering and met the gods’ wrath, he ran to the mountains to hide, knowing how angry they were. According to the text, “once the gods found him, he turned into a salmon and escaped three times...” (Jackson, 2014). When Thor eventually caught him, the gods tied him down by all limbs and then tied a snake over him. Sigyn soon came and stood by her husband’s side except for when her cup filled with venom. Then she left, leaving Loki alone with the pain of the venom. This shows, how cruel the gods’ punishments truly were in Norse myths.

Finally, Loki was seen as an embodiment of mischief, and this helps show the meaning of mischief in Norse Culture. According to the text, Loki’s mischief remained “...apparent in all versions of him...” (Campbell, 2025). Loki has many versions such as the Marvel universe, books, tv series, and even video games. Although there are various differences between the versions, one thing remains the same. His cunning and evil personality and knack to cause trouble stays apparent throughout all of his versions. This is very apparent throughout the Marvel cinematic universe, he starts fights, battles, and at times even war like situations with his foster brother, Thor. According to the text, Loki’s mischief “Often got him into sticky situations...” (Campbell, 2025). Loki often in every universe got into some tough and frustrating situations. For example, in the series called Loki gets caught trying to change time and is brought to the TVA and is trapped there for his crimes. In other words, Loki mischief seems to still effect modern and Norse culture to this day.

In conclusion, Loki’s stories teach us that not choosing a side has consequences. Along with how evil was punished and how Norse mythology shows us the meaning of mischief. Loki's mischief was always a disturbance in Norse myths, and it resulted in his eventual banishment. Now whenever you hear of peoples’ troubles, remember Loki and how he was punished.

Ever wonder how people fall in love? Eros, the Greek God of love is a cunning trickster and master of love. Once shot with one of his arrows, its love at first sight. Even though he is a God he had many of his own hardships. Aphrodite, Eros’ mom, wouldn't accept his love of Psyche. Eventually Eros got his way and married Psyche. The story of Eros is important because he teaches us to love your partner unconditionally, the people you love may not have your best interest at heart, and he is still visible in modern day love, marriage, and culture.

First, Eros' love with Psyche teaches us to love your partner unconditionally. The text states, “Her mortal parents had no other option than to ask for an oracle, hoping to find her true love. Eros guided Apollo to provide the oracle to her parents, which was himself. Although Psyche could only be with him in the dark.” (Roy, 2020) Through this action it made their love stronger because Psyche loved Eros before ever seeing his face. Even when she did, it didn’t change her love for him. According to the text, “Zeus was overwhelmed by the amount of love that Eros showed for Psyche.” (Roy, 2020) Eros begged Zeus to save Psyche from eternal slumber, and eventually he did. Zeus gave her immortality so they could be together forever. This proves that even through all the hardships they faced they still loved each other unconditionally.

Additionally, Eros' story teaches us that the people you love may not have your best interest at heart. The author states, “Aphrodite was jealous of how beautiful Psyche was and told Eros to make her fall in love with a monster.” (Seagel, 2012) Psyche was known as the most beautiful woman in her village. When Eros saw Psyche for himself, he fell in love. The text says, “Psyche was to visit Persephone and ask her to place a drop of her own beauty into a box that she was given to by Aphrodite. When she returned Aphrodite was still mad and made Psyche her personal servant.” (WordPress, 2017) Aphrodite couldn’t get past her jealousy and anger so she made Psyche do impossible tasks to prove her love for Eros. Even as the last task was completed, she still didn’t accept her. Overall, no matter what Psyche did, Aphrodite would not accept her. She tried to keep Psyche away but her love for Eros and his love for her was too strong and they still ended up together.

Lastly, Eros is still visible in modern day love, marriage, and culture. The article states, “Eros drives people to form love bonds and enter sacred marriage.” (Lockett, 2024) Eros’ arrows, when shot at someone, will make them fall in love. Through this act, people fall in love with each other and eventually get married. The author writes, “Eros was considered the God of sexual attraction or homosexual love.” (Cartwright, 2019) As homosexual love became more popular, Eros wasn't just the God of love anymore but of sexual attraction itself. He was called this to be inclusive of all relationships, not just straight relationships. In the end, Eros is seen in many different types of love and marriages but is overall present in love itself.

In conclusion, Eros is important because he teaches us about love and some hardships that can happen when you’re in love with another person. Even if you have a family or friend you love, they might not have your best interest at heart. They might love you and you may love them, but it doesn’t mean they can’t do stuff to hurt you. Also, if you love your partner, you shouldn’t do anything to hurt them. Cheating, lying, anything harmful to your partner shows that you may not love them unconditionally. All in all, the story of Eros and Psyche should still be studied and be an important part of Greek mythology.

Ever seen someone care so much about a person that they resurrect them? Isis had the power of motherhood, magic, healing, and protection. Isis is important because she resurrected her husband, her son protected their people, and she was selfless.

To begin with, Isis resurrected her husband which caused her people to trust her. In the text it states Osiris was kidnapped and hidden from the world, including his people. According to the text, Osiris, Isis’s husband, had a angry brother, Seth. Seth kidnapped Osiris, making Isis not be able to forget. Isis had to find Osiris's body parts one by one except that she only didn’t find his penis. This caused people to trust her as she would also help them if they were ever in need. Additionally, Osiris was turned into a mummy after Isis found and saved him, later he died after his son was born (YouTube, 2023). Moreover, after Osiris was put back together, Isis wrapped his body. Isis used her magic to attach Osiris’s soul to his body. When Isis did this, others trusted her powers and started looking at her as a reliability. As a result, Isis resurrected her husband causing her people to trust her (Britannica, 2025).

Moreover, Isis raised her son to protect their people, which later gave them hope. In the text it states Isis raised her son to protect their people by avenging his dad. According to the text, after Isis put Osiris back together, she had Horus 9 months later. Horus was raised to take Osiris’s spot as king. Horus protected the people by battling Seth and during that he also avenged Osiris (YouTube, 2023). Since Osiris passed away, others were filled with hope when Horus battled Seth, protecting their people.

Additionally, Horus injured his eye during the battle with Seth and it later on became a symbol. Moreover, Hathor, another ancient Egypt goddess, restored Horus’s eye, which made it become a symbol of “process of making whole and healing”. This made the folks gain hope after seeing their king risk everything for their safety. As a result, Isis raised her son to protect their people which gave them hope (YouTube, 2023).

Lastly, Isis was portrayed as selfless which made her people feel safer. According to the text, Isis helped her people gain hope. Isis helped others by giving a hand to other helpless mothers. This shows she helped give her people hope by keeping them on their feet and being reliable (Brittanica, 2025). According to the text, Isis saved Horus during a battle. Horus and Isis battled Seth, but Isis unfortunately hit Horus with a harpoon by accident. Right after doing that she quickly healed him, making him better again. After seeing Isis not only fight Seth, but also heal Horus, they realized she was going to be a protective goddess causing them to feel safe with her. As a result, Isis was portrayed as selfless which made her people feel safer (World History, 2016).

In the end, Isis brought her husband back to life and later taught her son how to lead their folks while also doing things. Isis resurrected Osiris after being cut up and hidden. Horus battled Seth to avenge his father as he also was injured. Isis helped moms and battled Seth which caused him to be honest to the world. Isis is important to remember because she sets a good leader example.

Imagine leading a fleet of soldiers into a battle against the Anti-gods and the forces of chaos. That is what is Indra, King of the gods, had done. In Indian Mythology, Indra, was the brave god of war and thunder. People worshipped him of rainwater, while other deities feared his mighty lightning bolt. The stories around the god, Indra, King of the gods, teach us to be a brave leader, stand up against evildoers, and to overcome the odds.

To begin with, Indra is the King of Gods and teaches us to be a brave and courageous leader. According to the article,” As the King of the Gods, he is a central figure in the Rig Deva, where he is celebrated for is his role as a warrior god who led battles against the Desas and the Anti-Gods.” (Doniger, 2025.) This quote supports the claim that Indra is a brave and courageous leader by emphasizing his role as the King of the Gods and a warrior deity who fearlessly led battles against evil. One example from the text is, “For the Aryas, he was their national god, and he was regarded as the protector of the military aristocracy and the Kshatriyas warriors.” (Cartwright, 2013.) This quote shows Indra’s role as a brave and courageous leader, and a protector who leads his people into battle. This paragraph proves that Indra is a brave and courageous leader.

Furthermore, when Indra vanquished the drought demon, Vritra, it taught us to stand up against evildoers. According to the text, “...he is the great warrior who conquers the Anti-Gods.” (Doniger, 2025) This quote shows that Indra stands up against wrongdoers by defeating the antigod, Vritra, who hoarded all the water and rain. The text also states, “He also defeats innumerable human and super-human enemies.” (Doniger, 2025) This quote from the article emphasizes Indra’s role as a protector by actively showing he fights human and super-human enemies to protect his people. This paragraph prove that Indra is a god that stands up against wrongdoers, and protecter of his people.

The stories of Indra, King of the gods, god of war and rain, can inspire us to be a leader amongst our peers, to fight for what is right, and to push for victory even in adversity. Indra is shown as a courageous leader and protector, known for leading battles against evil, and defending the military aristocracy. Indra’s win over the drought demon, Vritra, shows his role as a defender who stands up against evildoers and ensures the safety of his people. Let Indra’s brave leadership and strength inspire you to be a leader and help others!

Imagine you just died. Possibly from heat stroke? Dehydration even. Maybe even you died in a war for your people. Well, let's say you’ve made it to the underworld, only... You don’t know what to do or where to go. You don’t even know where you are. This is where the ancient Egyptian god, Wepwawet, comes into play and his role is to guide you through your journey into the afterlife. Though his role is often overshadowed by more well-known deities such as Osirus or Anubis, his part in protecting you, guiding you through the underworld, and leading you to the right place is something you can learn from.

The story of Wepwawet teaches us to protect our people when telling us how he led others into battle, often depicted as a war general. This text states that, “...Wepwawet was seen as the protector and supporter of the pharaoh. Texts like the pyramid texts describe him as accompanying the king in hunts and battles, ensuring victory and safety.” (World History Edu, 2024). Him protecting and supporting the pharaoh shows that Wepwawet is willing to stick by and protect the king no matter what. The article also states that, “He was depicted as a soldier carrying weapons like a mace and a bow symbolizing his role in warfare and protection.” This shows that everyone saw him as not only a sign of war, but protection. Wepwawet is widely known for protection of not only the pharaohs but people in the afterlife as well. “Wepwawet’s name means ‘Opener of Ways’, symbolizing his role as a guide clearing paths for armies or the dead.” (World History Edu, 2024) is another thing that the article states, further showing how big of a protecter Wepwawet is. Wepwawet teaches us to protect our people by protecting and guiding his own. Everyone seeing him as a sign of protection further entails that he protects his own often and we should follow by his example.

Next, Wepwawet teaches us to guide those in need when he helps people in the afterlife, hence his name, “Opener of Ways”. According to the text, “He was also known as, ‘Opener of Ways’, a reference to his role in helping to guide the deceased through the afterlife.” (Stories Pub, 2019). This shows how important he is in Egyptian mythology because he is known for being the deceased people’s guidance. He was a local god in Asyut, and he eventually gained popularity and was then associated with pharaonic and the afterlife. (Stories Pub 2019). Wepwawet can be described as a powerful protector that also opens safe passages to dead souls of pharaohs. The article also states that, “Mourners would call upon him to open up paths through which their loved ones could travel safely into eternity.” (Stories Pub, 2019). This further entails that people saw him as guidance and protection. Wepwawet shows that we should guide those in need because he has always been guiding the dead safely through the afterlife, protecting them so they’re safe and don’t get lost.

Additionally, Wepwawet also teaches us to lead the way, and his story gives us an example of leadership when he leads his army into battle. One article states that, “...Wepwawet goes ahead of the troops, clearing the path and ensuring victory. In the afterlife, he helps souls find their way, making sure they reach their final destination safely. This role shows his importance in both life and death.” (Cedric Farris, 2024). This shows that Wepwawet is a leader in military and his guidance in death show that he can be a leader in the afterlife as well. Wepwawet being the scout and lead for his army shows that he is a powerful leader who can always lead his army the best in battle.

In conclusion, Wepwawet is far more than just a god of the afterlife; he was an important protector, a helpful and caring guide for those in need, and a strong leader. Whether he was leading the dead through the treacherous paths of the underworld, or being a military leader in battle, he played an important role in caring for his people and his presence in Egyptian mythology shows that he is a leader, a guide, and a faithful protector

Date: March 13, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

A year ago, Woodruff Career & Technical Center seemed like a fun way to spend half of her high school days.

Now, it has Peoria High junior Ava Simms considering a career path.

Simms was the lone PHS member of the Culinary team that competed at Pro Start in Chicago. This competition is where culinary programs across the state go and compete in culinary categories. The WCTC team won the championship trophy in the category for management. According to Simms, their team has to create a concept of a restaurant, which includes floor plans, logos, seating, the ROI, revenue stream, and menu options.

The WCTC's concept of "Virscence" was deprived of Latin, which meant "turning green."

"Our concept was to have a vegetable-forward restaurant," said Simms. "We did not want to get rid of meat completely, but we wanted our restaurant to be an experience where you have an open kitchen, so you can see how the food is made. It also pushes people to have a healthy diet, accommodate dietary needs and preferences, so families can go out and be comfortable with the quality of their respective dietary needs."

Simms, who was joined by two Peoria Richwoods students, said they came up with the concept faster than expected because their team had a mid-season shakeup.

"It was a struggle at first," said Simms with a laugh. "We had a girl drop out and we had to bring in a replacement. This pushed us back a bit but we prospered really well. We were a good team and we finished still a week before we had to compete. We might have shoved a lot of information into our minds in a short span, but it was worth it."

Simms said there was some pressure on the team to win for the 10th year in a row, but felt a sense of relief when they accomplished their goal.

Now, Simms will get to compete at the national level in Baltimore, Maryland between May 1 and May 5. With this success, it has also made Simms think about her life after nationals and what she wants to do after her senior year.

"With this opportunity, it has definitely made me consider culinary," said Simms. "I don't just want to cook, but I want to get my certification to run my own business one day."

Date: March 12, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Both the men and women's track team competed at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan as part of the Big 12 Conference Championships.

The women competed on Monday where senior Symone Jackson was the lone recipient of a medal, awarded to top-5 places. Jackson received three medals on the day.

Jackson finished third in the 60-meter high hurdles with a time of 9.39. Jackson finished second overall in the prelims but was upset in the finals. Jackson also jumped 10.38 meters in the triple jump to place fourth and 4.86 meters in long jump to place fifth.

The 4x200 relay of Zyan Gilbert, Nydia Powell, Aziah Ashby, and Jackson placed 8th overall and set a new personal best.

For the boys, the team was led by senior Cortez Irby, who triple jumped 12.82 meters for new personal best to placed 4th overall. Sophomore Deandre Johnson had the highest finish of the evening with a second-place finish in the fresh/soph 60-meter hurdles race with a time of 9.25.

Other top finishers included a 7th place finish from Demarion Zapata in the 400 meter dash with a time of 56.36. Irby also placed 9th in the long jump, while Malik Johnson just missed medaling by placing 6th in the long jump with a new PR of 6.10 meters. Sophomore Josias Hollins joined Anderson in the 60-meter hurdle finals and finished 8th overall.

Date: March 11, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

Sometimes, you just get beat by a better team.

In the Class 3A Pontiac Super-Sectional, your Peoria High Lions were defeated 60-41. It was a game that Chicago Brother Rice controlled from the start.

Plain and simple, they were just the better team.

And that happens because when there are only eight teams, only the elite of the elite remain. That's probably why it's called the Elite 8, right?

The guard play from Brother Rice was downright impossible to stop. Jack Weigus, a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder, scored 19 points, while Marco Gonzalez, a 6-foot-2, 170-pounder, added 18 points.

The defense of KJ Morris, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard that was all lean muscle, played exceptional defense on Leshawn Stowers, as did Caden Workman, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound forward.

It wasn't that any of the Lions played terrible defense. Their players were long, athletic, and explosive. It's hard to guard someone bigger than you sometimes and when you have five players that are the size of a Leshawn Stowers on the other side, the ball is going to go into the hoop.

With that said, what an absolute effort from our guys.

Brother Rice leapt to a 10-point lead early in the game, but a few big shots from TJ Sturdivant and Nigel Moore pulled the score back to 21-15. However, the Crusaders closed the first half with a 9-0 run to go into halftime leading 30-15.

The Crusaders opened the second half with four quick points and held onto a controlling 20-point lead the rest of the way. Our guys never gave up though. The team played hard defense, battled for hard rebounds, and dove for balls.

The real hardship was knowing that the high school basketball careers of Kam Montford, Spencer Russell (a three-year starter), TJ Sturdivant (a true heartbeat on this team), and Leshawn Stowers (a future All-State selection) are done.

From freshman to senior, the group has combined for four consecutive winning seasons, including a combined mark of 76-40. The 29 wins are the most wins in a season since the 1988-89 season and it's just the second time PHS has accumulated 20 wins in a season in the last 20 years.

As mentioned before, this season gave life back to a program that has been waiting to roar like this in a decade.

While this is the end of this season, the future is very bright with a talented freshman class, as well as several returning pieces on this team back next year.

As assistant coach Ryan McElmurry posted, "PEORIA HIGH BASKETBALL IS BACK."

All of us cannot wait to watch the next chapter.

Date: March 10, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Before the biggest game of Dan Ruffin's coaching career, he told his team that they had an opportunity.

An opportunity to restore life to a boys basketball program that was once one of the most dominant teams in the state of Illinois.

Dating back to their first season in 1904, Peoria High hoops has historically been one of the best, amassing over 1,900 total wins in program history. However, it has been 12 years since Peoria brought home some postseason hardware.

For the first time in 13 years, a time when his father Dan Ruffin Sr. was coaching, the Lions are Sectional Champions.

Life as a Lion hooper has been restored.

It was a team effort to get this to this point.

After trailing 22-19 at halftime, senior TJ Sturdivant went from zero to nine points quick. With three triples in the third quarter, the Lions went from trailing to leading 28-22 over the Redbirds.

Leshawn Stowers, who led the Lions with 21 points, held Division I recruit and South Dakota State future player Jonah Funk to just six points. Defensively, Stowers held the Redbird center to being a non-factor by battling with his size and physicality, limiting Funk to no easy baskets.

The freshmen, who have closed out games all season, remained unfazed.

Freshman Nigel Moore dazzled a sold-out gym with his handles, crossing over Metamora seniors and attacking the rim.

Orlando Edwards Jr., who got hit with the "too small" gesture from a Metamora player after giving up a layup, responded with a big-time 3-point shot to keep the Lions with the momentum.

JJ Duffin Jr. might not have kept his streak of dazzling dunks, but instead defensively rotated in and out and understood the assignment. Duffin, Foy, and Stowers kept Metamora out of the paint and forced the Redbirds to rely on outside shooting from Bradley recruit Matthew Zobrist which was not enough.

Fenix Foy, Steven Williams, and Spencer Russell might not have contributed offensively, but had to consistently rotate in guarding against a talented Metamora team. How about Russell having three first-half fouls and guarding the All-State guard Zobrist and not picking up a foul in the second half?

Finally, the PHS student section, led by PHS support staff member Destiny Young, kept it clean, respectful, and loud the entire game. The Lion's Den truly traveled in a pack and was not quiet for a second. For a third postseason game, the Lion boys rushed to their fans in celebration.

For any true Peoria basketball fan, didn't this remind you of the good ole' days?

The days from 1979 to 2013, which resulted in 26 Regional titles, 5 Sectional titles, 5 trips to state, and 4 state championships.

For 13 years, the Peoria faithful has waited patiently for this.

For five years, Ruffin and his staff have also patiently waited.

Now, the team has another opportunity in their possession.

A trip to the state finals.

NOTE: Peoria improved to 29-6 on the season. The team will travel to Pontiac High School to take on Chicago Brother Rice, who defeated Lemont 53-41. Chicago Brother Rice is the No. 4 ranked team in Class 3A.

Date: March 6, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Sweet 16 has never felt sweeter.

The Peoria High School Lions are dancing as one of the last 16 teams in the Class 3A playoffs. With a 51-36 victory over Cinderella story LaSalle-Peru on Wednesday evening, the Lions made the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

While eyes have been on Leshawn Stowers all season, a balanced team-effort in the scoring helped Peoria control the game from the opening tip. Stowers led all scorers with 15 points while Spencer Russell was a sharpshooter from outside with 13 points, and Fenix Foy cleaned up the middle with 10 down low.

On top of that, the freshman and reserves did their part. Freshman Nigel Moore came up with several clutch steals that turned into points on the other end. Orlando Edwards Jr. hit a clutch three to give the Lions a nine-point lead after L-P trailed just 43-37. JJ Duffin Jr. was the man in the middle with several big blocks. Key reserve Kam Dunn played huge minutes for several Lions that battled foul trouble by diving for balls, playing solid defense, and being uplifting on and off of the floor.

"Proud of our fellas as usual," posted assistant coach Ryan McElmurry. "We need Peoria to show up with big support on Friday."

This Friday, Metamora will look to get revenge against Peoria in the Sectional Championship and an appearance in the Elite 8 on the line. The Redbirds fell victim to a loss at the Lions Den on January 14 in a 55-42 defeat.

However, Metamora used a 19-0 run between the fourth quarter and overtime to come back from a 12-point deficit with four minutes to play to rally to a 65-63 win over Kankakee on Tuesday.

Both Metamora and Kankakee enter the game with identical 28-6 records. Tickets are available online at GoFan. You will only be allowed entrance with a GoFan ticket. No cash will be accepted.

NOTES

• Hall of Fame coach Gina Dailey's cheerleaders were on point. Not only did they hit the crowd with some perfectly timed cheers to keep the momentum in Peoria's corner, but several cheerleaders went flip for flip with L-P and dominated the court with their top gymnastics. No taped ankles were going to stop these girls.

• The student section had one poor choice of words early in the game, but chose to control their response the rest of the way. That included clean, positive cheers directed at the team, but also in response to a large L-P crowd. For the second time in a row, the Lions crowd was smaller in size, but was louder in voice and heart.

• The boys basketball team knew how much love the student section gave, which is why immediately the team rushed over to their fans after securing the win.

Date: March 5, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Date: March 3, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

When you have an all-Peoria matchup in the Regional Championship, it's going to be an electric environment.

Not to mention, beating a team three times is tough. Ask any basketball old-head about that.

With two victories over the Knights this regular season, Peoria Richwoods was ready to play from the opening tip. A back-and-forth matchup was displayed all night long that eventually ended with a Lions 57-52 triumph.

Senior Leshawn Stowers led all scorers with 21 points, bullying his way inside. Fenix Foy sent the entire gym into a frenzy with several dunks, as well as a block that sent the ball into the stands on his way to 14 points.

Freshman JJ Duffin Jr. scored the majority of his 10 points in the second half, including a highlight-reel dunk that jolted the student section into a frenzy.

While Coach Ruffin and his staff, as well as the players should be celebrated for winning their first Regional title in 12 years, that same staff gave props to their fans for giving their team energy to compete.

While that energy was top notch, the Peoria student section was also on top of their game.

With a Richwoods student section that doubled in numbers with what Peoria brought, the Lions faithful matched their energy every time. That ranged from respectful chants to the cheerleaders competing during timeouts.

In a close game, it's easy to lose your cool. Especially, in the middle of the fourth quarter when there was a minor altercation between parents above them. Instead of getting involved, the students controlled their response, asked for the appropriate administration to handle the situation, and directed their focus back to the game.

With a one-point lead in the fourth, a technical foul could have hurt the momentum, but more importantly impacted the score and given Richwoods to take back the lead.

The Lions students immediately began changing "defense" and positive cheers to motivate their team.

The best teams have a complete team effort.

Peoria had that full on display on Friday night and everyone should be very proud.

Date: February 27, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The No. 1 ranked team in the regional played like it at East Peoria.

In the semi-final round of the Class 3A East Peoria Regional, the Lions raced past Limestone 74-41. Freshman Nigel Moore led all scorers with 13 points, while senior Leshawn Stowers added nine points.

The Lions will take on Peoria Richwoods, who upset East Peoria in the following game 81-75. The Lions have defeated Richwoods 63-57 at Richwoods on December 16 and then again 64-48 on January 17th at home.

The Lions improved to 26-6 while Richwoods improved to 18-12. Game time for the championship game is set for 7:00 at East Peoria High School.

Bartonville Limestone defeated Washington High School 49-38 in the opening round of the East Peoria Regional. The Lions will play this Wednesday. The schedule is below.

Wed., Feb. 26

Game 2 at 6:00 pm: (1) Peoria (H.S.) vs. (6) Bartonville (Limestone)

Game 3 at 7:30 pm: (4) East Peoria vs. (5) Peoria (Richwoods)

Date: February 24, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

It was a very slow news week as the boys' basketball team and the fresh/soph wrestling team are the only sports currently active.

Spring sports are hosting open gyms and beginning their recruitment.

With that said, the boys' basketball team was rewarded the No. 1 seed and was assigned to the East Peoria Regional. The team will play on Wednesday and await the winner of Washington and Limestone.

Date: February 20, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

It might have been senior night, but that didn't mean it was going to be a cakewalk.

Shoot, Champaign Central was even ready to play spoiler when the Maroons led in the third quarter.

However, the Lions were able to weather the storm and hold onto a 48-41 win to finish the regular season.

The game begin with a low scoring first half as the Lions led 22-14 at halftime. Both teams battled back and forth in the third quarter as the Lions led 29-21 with 4:14 left, but Champaign Central closed out the final half of the third with a 13--2 run to go into the final frame with a 34-31 lead.

The Maroons led all the way up to 4:42 left in the fourth quarter before Leshawn Stowers capitalized on two free throws to take a 39-38 lead.

The senior Stowers capitalized on a huge old fashioned three-point play and his fellow senior Spencer Russell followed with two free throws at the line to make it a 44-38 lead.

Freshman Nigel Moore stole some spotlight with a left-handed layup on the right side to break the score open to eight points, while junior Fenix Foy added a layup with 1:15 left to make it 48-38.

Foy led all scorers with 18 points, while Stowers added 17 points. With the win, the Lions were able to successful celebrate their four seniors in Stowers, Russell, TJ Sturdivant, and Kamarr Montford.

"Big thank you to our seniors," posted assistant coach Ryan McElmurry. "They've done a helluva job leading our young group this season."

The Lions finished the regular season 25-6 and 9-1 in the Big 12 Conference. The 25 wins are the most in a regular season since the Lions won 28 games during the 2011-12 season.

Peoria will return to action next week at East Peoria in the Regional, where the team landed the No. 1 seed.

Date: February 18, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria boys basketball team kept it rolling on Friday night with a Big 12 Conference road win at Urbana.

Fenix Foy led the Lions with 14 points, while Leshawn Stowers added 13 points in the 63-49 win, but the biggest takeaway might have been what freshman Jacob Duffin Jr. did to shake the entire Lions bench.

The freshman was able to scoop up the ball off of a steal and take it the other way before throwing it down for a slam dunk. A time out was called and the entire Lions bench erupted into celebration.

Peoria High improves to 24-6 on the season and is 8-1 in the Big 12. The team returns to action at home for Senior Night on Wednesday, hosting Champaign Central to finish out the regular season.

The girls basketball season came to a close on Saturday in the play-in round of the IHSA Class 3A playoffs. Peoria fell to East Peoria 71-22 to complete their season at 1-25.

"Proud of our Lion girls b-ball players who battled and improved all season," posted PHS Athletic Director Brien Dunphy. "Great attitude and work ethic will lead to big years to come for these leaders."

The lone sectional qualifier, Chris Walker, completed his season and wrestling career at PHS after finishing the sectional round 0-2.

Walker began his day against Austin Wadas-Luis out of Yorkville Christian. With a 13-4 majority decision victory over Walker, Wadas-Luis picked up his 30th win of the season.

In the wrestlebacks, Walker was then defeated by Charley Gilford of Lasalle-Peru. Walker was defeated by an 8-1 decison. With the loss, Walker's individual season finished at 17-13.

Date: February 14, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Pride of the city isn't just a Central thing.

You think Manual, Notre Dame, and Richwoods aren't trying to make the city proud too?

Every sports season features the battles of Central, Manual, Notre Dame, and Richwoods and their battle towards being at the top of the city standings. It's been nearly a decade since the Lions have seen themselves at the top, but with their 46-43 win over Manual last week, the Lions tied Manual this year with a 3-1 record against their city foes in regular season matchups.

Technically, the Lions beat Manual in the Thanksgiving Tournament in November, but traditionally speaking, the city is won through the regular season.

Manual tied Peoria with a 3-1 record. Manual defeated Richwoods 58-52, Notre Dame 52-40, and then Peoria at home 47-43 before losing last week.

The Lions also tied Manual for the city title during the 2014-15 season when the Lions went 3-1 in regular season games.

Take a look at the city breakdown down below. You will notice several one-score games. The competition in the city has always been some of the top-tier talent in the area.

For fun, this is what was trending since the boys last won the city...

• Flared denim jeans were a popular style

• Fetty Wap had three Billboard Top 10 singles

• Empire was a cultural phenomenon with a record-breaking viewership

• Star Wars made a comeback

• The "viral" dress meme

• Vine was a thing

• Pesto, brownies, and apple pie were considered the top-rated foods

Here is a review of the last 10 seasons and the regular season matchups between Peoria and their city opponents.

24-25

• Manual 47-43 (L)

• Notre Dame 55-40 (W)

• Richwoods 64-48 (W)

• Manual 46-43 (W)

23-24

• Manual 57-33 (L)

• Notre Dame 44-35 (W)

• Richwoods 76-65 (L)

22-23

• Manual 71-62 (L)

• Notre Dame 59-53 (W)

• Richwoods 82-80 (W)

• Notre Dame 58-55 (L)

21-22

• Richwoods 55-50 (L)

• Notre Dame 49-30 (L)

• Manual 57-45 (W)

• Manual 60-57 (L)

20-21

• Notre Dame 62-45 (L)

• Notre Dame 48-44 (W)

• Manual 57-45 (W)

• Manual 60-57 (L)

20-21

• Notre Dame 62-45 (L)

• Notre Dame 48-44 (W)

• Manual 50-48 (L)

• Richwoods 62-49 (W)

19-20

• Notre Dame 72-51 (L)

• Manual 57-56 (L)

• Richwoods 72-83 (L)

• Notre Dame 57-55 (L)

• Manual 67-57 (W)

18-19

• Notre Dame 38-36 (W)

• Manual 67-64 (L)

• Richwoods 48-47 (L)

• Notre Dame 59-43 (L)

• Manual 59-44 (L)

17-18

• Notre Dame 49-40 (W)

• Manual 70-57 (W)

• Richwoods 67-51 (W)

• Notre Dame 61-53 (L)

• Manual 65-52 (L)

16-17

• Notre Dame 54-37 (W)

• Manual 72-59 (W)

• Richwoods 58-45 (L)

• Manual 82-50 (L)

• Richwoods 62-60 (L)

15-16

• Richwoods 58-49 (W)

• Notre Dame 61-43 (W)

• Manual 67-52 (L)

• Manual 67-49 (L)

• Richwoods 80-74 (W)

14-15

• Notre Dame 50-45 (W)

• Notre Dame 47-36 (W)

• Manual 52-42 (L)

• Richwoods 68-58 (W)

Date: February 12, 2025

Author: Matt Shirley

My father started in the fire service in 1972 and helped organize the volunteer fire department in Browning, Illinois. In 1978, my dad, mom, two older brothers, and I moved to Astoria, Illinois when I was around six months old.

My father joined the Astoria Fire Protection District and from day one, I was always going to the firehouse with him. At the age of two, my dad asked me that I wanted to go see the fire next door to our house. It was the summer time. He said that I got into some hot ashes and it caught my diaper on fire. Ever since then, I loved firefighting. I would tell my dad that I was not going to play fireman like my older brothers. I was going to become one. I was the only son out of my dad’s five sons that followed in his footsteps.

I would go with him to department trainings, meetings, and county fire associating trainings. Whenever the was a fire in town, or in the county, I would ride my bike to the scene. From the time I was in pre-school, I would tell my friends that I was going to be a firefighter and stuck with it.

When I was around nine years old in 1989, the fire department appointed me as a radio operator. This meant whenever the pager went off, I responded to the firehouse. This was before Fulton County had 911. The old fire phone system was in place, and the fire phones would ring into all the volunteer firefighter/EMT homes and the nursing home which was the only business that we had in Astoria that was open 24 hours a day.

The nurse at the desk would answer the phone and get the information from the caller and hit the fire siren button and also tone us out on the pager system. So we would report to the fire house and put the fire base in service. If the call was for a structure fire, I would have to call Fulton County Sheriffs Office or Schuyler County Sheriffs depending on what side of the district it was on since were covered two counties.

It was a lot for a 9-year-old to do remembering names of where people lived and roads, maps and longitude/latitude for coordinates. If I had to call LifeFlight if it was a bad accident. At the age of 14 years old we had multiple brush/cornfields and timber fires. My dad was the Assistant Chief and come to the firehouse and told me to go get my gear on, because I was going to help on the scenes “I loved it”.

At the age of 18 years old in 1996 I became a full member of the fire department, and fought many fires, been on multiple rescue calls, and car accidents and become a State Certified Firefighter 1 & 2, and become a Licensed First Responder. At the age of 19 years old I was a Lieutenant, at 20 yrs old I was a Captain, and at 21 years old I was an Assistant Fire Chief.

In the year 2000 I moved to Peoria Heights and joined the Volunteer Fire Department and served with them for three years where I received my State License as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In 2004 I moved to Tazewell County in Marquette Heights and joined the North Pekin Fire Department and become a Volunteer Storm Spotter for Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency. I was hired at Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry as a full time Firefighter, and during this time I was promoted to 3rd shift Captain.

Currently I’m a member of Marquette Heights Volunteer Fire Department where I hold the rank of Assistant Fire/Rescue Lieutenant, also I would like to add that my youngest daughter Madison joined my Fire Department at 13 years old as a Cadet Firefighter, which makes her a third generation in the family.

Date: February 11, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

Where to begin?

I cannot put into the exact words of what being named teacher of the year means to me. Quite honestly, I should not even be at Peoria. 

In 2018, I had an unfortunate split with my first school Lowpoint-Washburn. I would have probably still taught there today but life happens and some personalities don’t mix well together. I do continue to coach cross country and track over there as it co-ops with Roanoke-Benson, where my family and I live, but the small-town life is something I grew up with personally. 

I was at the state basketball tournament in Peoria. It was a yearly tradition and after the games, back in our hotel, we were watching the NCAA Tournament when one of my friends called his buddy Arnie Spiker over. For years, I had been playing fantasy football with Spiker but we never had met until then, and the former PHS assistant principal and I talked about life. In our first face-to-face meeting, Spiker told me of a job at PHS and the rest is history. 

I am a big believer that things happen for a reason. While LWRB holds another special place in my heart, teaching at PHS made me better and makes me better every day. 

And a large part of that is because of you, the staff. 

While being named Teacher of the Year is an individual award, I would never have won this without being surrounded by good people. And, there was no way I was going to not thank you, so here it goes. 

Ericka Dvorak and John Lucas: Ericka, you were the first person to welcome me. You introduced me the right people and you have always looked out for me. You have always been my “work mom” and you make me better. John, that same day you came into my room and you told me that “you could just tell I would fit in here.” I never forgot that. You gave me confidence day one and you have easily given me the best work shirt. Thank you. 

Kate, Paul, Claire: We have had a group text for almost every year I have worked here. There have been so many laughs and while some have left us for other ventures, you are the last ones with me that have stayed. From the Slytherin diaper party to countless lunch trips and just a text that brings a smile, thank you. 

Deg, Mahan, Roper, Q, Trish, Clemens: Your friendship is very important to me. I live with all girls and for at least 15 minutes a day you give me a chance to just be a regular guy. It feels like home and I don’t think you truly understand how much joy it brings me every day. Thank you.

Sped Team: All of you have treated me like I am a member of your family. I never felt like an outcast with any of you. Booth and Hank got me diapers when my daughter was born. I was really close with my grandma and she was sick my first year working. When my grandmother died, you all barely knew me but many of you checked in on me and stuff like that, you just don’t forget it. You all let this second-year teacher try and lead you as a department and you bought in. You all have always had my back. Thank you. 

All Ya’ll: You only get so much time in a day but I’m lucky that I get to see so many people. Kwan, Flynn, Dixon, Zevnik, Birdoes, Heinlein, Buck, Ruff, Jared, Saving, Grimm, Montgomery with the sports chatter. Shirley always coming through in a pinch. Ridley always giving me a loud Daubs with a smile. The current lunch crew in Room 715. Shoaib picking up the pieces in the lab. Chavez always getting my passes and cleaning out my mailbox. Marilyn with the best homemade BBQ. Popp with the quick one-liners. It’s the little things that make a huge difference. Thank you. 

Joe & Becky Lemont: You always take care of me with food and you're like another set of parents. I’m blessed with several “moms” at school and Becky is as good as they come. When my wife had her emergency c-section, I had to miss an extended time and Joe took care of my class, and checked in on my family, and me almost every day. I’m lucky to know you. Thank you. 

Hansen: You made the newsletter a reality. The videos you make and the content you create helped jump-start this vision. This innovation couldn’t have been possible without you. You make me and this site for our kids look amazing. Thank you. 

Dunphy: The day Brien Dunphy leaves will be a sad day. You’ve guided me through many situations. You have helped me be a better coach, better teacher, and better person. You introduced me to one of the best people around, Coach Lawless. Thank you for giving me the resources to be successful. 

Kari & Skahill: Good leaders make great teams. You both trusted me to step up and take on new roles. You both have guided me in the right direction every time. Why our freshman and sped teams are so great is also because of your influence. Thank you. 

McGinnes: You challenged me to do more last year. You believed I could do more. Great coaches push because they see potential and you saw potential in me. Again, great leaders set the tone for a great team and I’m happy that I get to play my role on this winning team. Thank you. 

If you haven’t noticed, a winning team takes a lot of parts. I couldn’t be where I am today without my teammates. Thank you for being a reason that I get to wake up every day happy. 

Date: February 10, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Rivalry week has a different feel and with the Manual Rams in attendance, the Lions Den was a feisty, rowdy environment.

With both teams owning a win over the other this season, the stakes were higher with Big 12 Conference standings on the line. In the back-and-forth matchup, it was the Lions that used a strong team effort to defeat the Rams 46-43.

TJ Sturdivant hit several clutch free-throws in the fourth quarter in part to his team-leading 13 points. In the battle of Stowers versus Richardson, Stowers might have lost the head-to-head as Richardson scored 19 points in comparison to Stowers' 12, but it was Stowers that facilitated many plays in the win, including setting up several baskets in part to Fenix Foy's 11 points.

The Lions improved to 22-6 on the season and 7-1 in the Big 12, trailing only undefeated 8-0 Normal Community in the standings.

"Big time team win tonight for our guys," posted assistant coach Ryan McElmurry. "Helluva game for both sides but the Lions win the city!"

Peoria returns to action this Tuesday on the road in non-conference action at Limestone.

With regionals around the corner, the Peoria girls basketball team peaked at the right time by picking up their first win of the season. The young squad, comprising mainly of freshman and sophomores, defeated Champaign Centennial 56-55 at home.

Peoria's Chris Walker returns to the sectional for a consecutive year after finishing third in the 150-pound weight class. Both Walker and Sargent Maubach made it to the third-place match; however, Walker was the lone Peoria wrestler to advance to the sectional competition.

Date: February 7, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Assistant coach Ryan McElmury knew about Central versus Manual all the way over at Galesburg.

The 2011 GHS graduate, a basketball junkie, came to Peoria in 2021 but didn't get the full experience due to COVID. The "tension" could still be felt in the air even with empty bleachers, but now the fifth-year coach lives for these games.

The energetic personality of McElmury would have flourished in these rivalry games, but he gets the next best seat sitting on the sidelines.

Even today, there's a little spark in the air because of this matchup. It brings back memories from past battles that still fire up fans.

"As high school students at the time, those games were the best and most talked about events," said Yolanda Johnson. "The Fieldhouse would be completely packed with fans cheering on their team. I would start the chant in my section, "PEO-RIAAAAAAAAA!!" I don't think we ever sat down during any game. We stood on the bleachers, talking to our friends, laughing, and having a grand time—those were the days! 

Fans would crowd the gym so much that even parking space was hard to come by. Johnson even used the opportunity to charge for parking.

"I lived across the street from the Fieldhouse," said Johnson. "We had a long driveway with parking available behind our garage and in our driveway. I would charge people a parking fee for those who wanted to park on our property. They had the option to pay the fee for parking, or they would have no space available. Those games would sell out so fast. If you wanted to attend the game you paid me for my parking."

Johnson said that her friend groups would dress in matching outfits or follow a color scheme when they went together. Angela Sierra, a former Ram herself, remembers the old field house and the school spirit at those games.

"I loved the games when they were held at the old Fieldhouse," said Sierra. "There was so much school spirit on both sides. We had those bleachers rocking."

Even after the game, Johnson said the place to be, win or lose, was McDonalds on Main Street.

"After watching the game, we would all meet up at McDonald's on Main Street," said Johnson. "Oh man, that's where you wanted to be after the Central and Manuel games! It didn't matter if we ordered food or not; that was the go-to spot after the game. Most of the time, some of us never made it inside; instead, we would listen to music from our cars and gather in the parking lot, laughing and talking with friends. Boasting about which team was the best, who looked a mess, discussing who looked good and what new phone numbers we got. "

Tonight, there will be an additional chapter and another memory made. This is the third meeting between the Lions and the Rams. The first meeting was won by the Lions 55-54 on November 30th to capture the Decatur Eisenhower Thanksgiving Tournament championship, but the Rams took the next matchup 47-43 at their place.

Sophomores will take the court at 4:30 with the varsity game scheduled for 6:00.

Date: February 6, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

A rich tradition of excellence.

That statement gets said every day during the morning announcements. When it comes to the sports world, the same can be said about Lion sports.

Who was the most excellent leader at PHS? Let's take a look at the winningest coach in each sport. You might see a familiar face.

Baseball - Joe Suffield (83-38)

There appear to be some missing seasons during Suffields reign, but Suffield won at least 83 games from 1970 to 1978. There was a period during the 90s that was not accounted for on IHSA.

Bass Fishing - Jayson Querciagrossa

While bass fishing doesn't have wins and losses recorded, Coach Q led the team to a Regional Championship in 2016.

Boys Basketball - Chuck Buescher (530-186)

A lot of shout outs here. Salen Herke won 408 games from 1916 to 1943. Then, Dawson "Dawdy" Hawkins won 183 games in 11 years from 1949 to 1960. Bryce Boyle won 154 games in seven years before the great Chuck Beuscher took over in 1980.

In a 25-year span, Buescher made four appearances in the state championship game, including two state championships. After that his former assistant, Dan Ruffin Sr. won 226 games in 16 years before the reigns were passed to his son, and current boys coach Dan Ruffin Jr.

Boys Cross Country - Bob LaCroix

While Lacroix's official total is not on IHSA, he is totaled with 63 dual wins. If you follow cross country, many coaches will tell you that dual meets are almost extinct in today's cross world. Instead, teams have moved to invitationals. With that said, LaCroix guided the Lions to six appearances as a team to the state championship, including Peoria's last state appearance in 1983.

Boys Golf/Boys Soccer - N/A

Records for both sports are not current. For boys golf, there was a stretch from 1937 to 1956 where the Lions won a state championship, a runner-up finish, and two third-place finishes with 12 appearances to state as a team. For boys soccer, the last winning team was during the 2013-14 season.

Boys Track - Phil Salzer & Mike Lawless

From 1969 to 1989, Salzer led the Lions to five District Championships and then, when it turned into Sectionals, Salzer recorded three sectional championships. Lawless took over for Salzer in 1989 and the rest is history. Lawless was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, a place where Salzer also was inducted, and owns the last Sectional Championship, which was won in 2002.

Wrestling - Jayson Querciagrossa (88-48)

The number could be higher, but for now, Coach Q is also the winningest coach in duals with 88 victories, including a sensational 18-8 mark in 2012-13. The 18 wins serves as a single-season school record. Current principal, Shaun McGinnes, picked up 63 wins in five years.

Football - Larry Lavery (167-100)

The legendary Salen Herke guided the Lions to a 129-58-25 record in 23 seasons from 1919 to 1941. Former PHS football coach Tim Thornton guided the Lions to a 96-51 record from 2010 to 2023, but the all-time winner is Larry Lavery. In 27 seasons from 1972 to 1998, Lavery made the Lions a contender in three different decades, including a runner-up finish in 1988.

Competitive Cheer/Dance - N/A

While wins and losses are not measured on the IHSA, current coach Gina Dailey five state appearances as the cheer coach since 2005, while current dance coach Alaina Rice led the team to their first appearance at state in school history last season.

Girls Basketball - Meechie Edwards (319-198)

If you want to ever talk ball, Coach Edwards is always down in ISS. Since taking over in 2007, Edwards has helped keep the girls team competitive throughout the years, including a run of five straight Big 12 Conferences, as well as a third-place finish in 2023.

Girls Cross Country - Bob LaCroix

Coach Lawless owns the last state appearance in 1987, but Coach LaCroix led the Lions to four consecutive state appearances as a team from 1979 to 1982.

Girls Golf/Girls Soccer/Girls Track - N/A

Golf and soccer records are not updated on IHSA. For track, the Lions won a sectional championship in 1994.

Volleyball - Barbara Rula (152-132)

From 1973 to 1987, the Lions were a force to be reckoned with. Rula won four District Championships and two Regional Championships during her 14 seasons, including the team's last 20-win season, which was in 1980.

Softball - Barbara Rula (116-121)

From 1974 to 1988, Rula owned the best stretch of softball in school history. That included leading the team to their school-record 28 wins in a 28-4 season in 1987.

Date: February 5, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Attached are the highlights of Peoria's Saturday afternoon win over Galesburg in the Peoria Manual Shootout. The Lions are the second game covered in the video.

Members from Ms. Hansen's communication and technology class have been busy making announcements all year long, but have been extra busy since February started.

With Black History Month in full effect, four poems were added to the announcements. These students edited the visual and the music production students recorded the voice overs. Camron Williams, Maxwell Williams, Wyatt Danger, and J.H. Perillo each provided edits and their videos are down below.

Teachers and students,

THOUSANDS of dollars are on the table. The Peoria High website has been updated with many scholarships. Please encourage students to apply.

Seniors: Do not let these opportunities slide. Apply, apply, and then apply again. If you want to help pay for your life after high school, this is the time.

We want to hear your name on awards night with as much money as possible!

Date: February 3, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

For the first time in 13 years, the Lions are 20-game winners.

With two wins over the weekend, the Peoria High boys basketball team picked up their 20th win of the season, which is their first 20-win campaign since the 2011-12 season.

On Friday, the Lions moved to 5-1 in the Big 12 Conference with a 47-38 victory at Normal West. TJ Sturdivant led all scorers with 14 points, while Leshawn Stowers added 12 points.

The team followed that performance with a trip to Manual in a shootout contest against Galesburg. The Lions led by as much as 56-32 before taking the 69-54 win. Stowers led the Lions with 14 points, while freshman JJ Duffin Jr. added 10 points.

The team stands at 20-6 on the season and will return to Big 12 Conference action on Monday with a makeup road contest at Danville.

The freshman boys basketball team completed their perfect season. The Lions finished their regular season with 45-point victory over Normal West to finish the year 19-0.

Freshman boys coach Austin Andrews posted several shout outs to his team, highlighting several of the young hoopers, starting with his "three-headed monsters" Alijah Johnson, DT Taylor, and BJ Nichelson.

"These boys held it down for the team all season giving us big energy every single game. Our whole team did their thing at all times but I have to shout these guys out because I knew every single night I could count on them and I got a lot of love for them and everyone else as well."

"Major love to my guys who did a lot of dirty work," continued Andrews. "Landon McDonald, Jeremiah Rayford Mar Jones and Meech Gilbert.. Appreciate you guys hard work all season. I also gotta show love to my guys who was always ready when their number was called. Chris Hunt, KT , Tavoris Thompson, and Syncere porter. Proud of y’all for battling and being great teammates all year"

Andrews also thanked Orlando Edwards Jr. and Kaylen Hardy for playing down on freshman games despite both players dressing for varsity.

Date: January 30, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

With a quick trip to Peoria Heights, the Peoria High Lions wrapped up their regular season on the mats.

The one-hour long match against the Patriots saw many Lion wrestlers victorious.

Among those with victories included Bradley Schwab, J'Shawn Wilson, Chris Walker, Sargent Maubach, and Chris Williams.

Coach Burton thanked his seniors for "the years of memories" but also included that the team is not done just yet.

The team will wrap up this and next week with practice in preparation for Regionals on Saturday, February 8th.

CORRECTION: There were some names left off of the Big 12 Conference results. Here are all of the medal winners from Saturday's conference meet.

Varsity

150: Chris Walker - 4th

175: Sargent Maubach - 3rd

Junior Varsity

120: Bradley Schwab - 4th

132: J'Shawn Wilson - 4th

157: Trevion Hanson - 2nd

190: Landyn Williams - 3rd

Date: January 29, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

For 20-plus years, Hall of Fame cheer coach Gina Dailey has waited for this moment.

Her athletes could sense that, even when she was not around.

At the beginning of the season, Coach Dailey was not able to attend practices due to personal matters and long-term substitute Kara Bent stepped up and help run practices in her absence.

For the veterans on the team, Coach was who they thought about.

"Coach Bent stepped up while Coach Dailey was out, but all we could think about was how wanted to do this for her," said Janaya Hendon.

Since August, the cheer team has worked every day to perfect their stunts, communication, and work in unison. Last weekend, the cheer team competed in the Big 12 Conference Championships and walked out of the gym with a first-place finish.

This was the first time in Dailey's two-decade career that Peoria took home a conference title.

"Coach told us we wanted to come home conference champs and we wanted to live up to her expectations," said Gabriella Arreguin-Quintero.

Then, to hear Peoria High called as champions was a feeling like none other for the team.

"Coach Dailey is unlike any other coach here," said Hendon. "When you talk about someone making a whole life commitment, she verbally and physically shows you how much we mean to her. We believed we could do this and she was a big motivator for us."

With that said, both Hendon and Arreguin-Quintero gave each other, as well as the other upperclassmen, their flowers.

Both said that this year's team handled adversity a lot better in years past. If the routine needed change, or a stunt needed fixed, it wasn't a time where the team hung their head and complained.

Instead, members of the team took accountability and listened, even if the "mom of the group" was a little too bossy.

"I know that I can be a little bossy," said Hendron with a laugh. "What makes this team different is that they listen and take the leadership from us seriously. I feel like a group of us take on that role and we didn't have that as much last year because we were mainly freshmen and sophomores."

With that time being younger, it gave these Lions a chance to grow and learn together.

Almost like a pride.

"We think of each other as a family," said Arreguin-Quintero. "Sure, we have our rough days like any family, but we always push through."

Pride. Family. Conference Champs. It all sounds synonymous. But, there's one word missing, which the team hopes to add to the word bank this weekend.

"State," said Hendon. "Every single person here knows we got this and we have the potential to go to state."

QR codes are hanging around the building where PHS students can ride along a fan bus to cheer on the cheer team at sectionals. Come out and support the team as the team looks to qualify for the state competitions.

Date: January 28, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

Some would consider cheerleading to be a fine art because of its artistic expression, while others would say it is a sport because of its physical demand.

The same could be said about dance.

Either way, success is a fine art to witness and that is what the Peoria High competitive cheer and dance squads have produced in one full calendar year.

Success has followed hall of fame Coach Dailey for many years. The longtime treasurer owns five appearances in the state competition with the cheer team.

That includes qualifications in 2005, 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2021.

As of recently, the cheer squad captured their first Big 12 Conference championship in front of their home crowd this past weekend. This was also the first conference championship in Dailey's 20-plus career as the cheer coach.

As for Coach Rice, since taking over the dance program in 2018, the Lions competitive dance squad qualified for the state championships last season (2024). This was the first time in school history that the competitive dance team qualified for the state championships.

Both coaches take a ton of pride in their work in their respective positions in leading many talented young men and women.

We would like to congratulate these strong women leaders on their recent, as well as sustained success.

Date: January 27, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

It felt like a Mid-Illini Conference contest, but it was just a shootout.

Competing at Metamora High School Redbird Roundball Classic against Washington High School, the Peoria High Lions competed with a shot clock and left Woodford county with a 61-47 victory.

Leshawn Stowers scored 15 of the team's first half 25 points in a 25-25 tie at halftime. After the break, the Lions made the necessary adjustments to come out roaring.

The Lions scored the first seven points of the half thanks to baskets from Steven Williams, Fenix Foy, and TJ Sturdivant.

The third quarter featured the Lions and Panthers trading baskets back and forth before Foy scored three straight baskets to give the team a nine-point lead.

Foy had 10 points at the end of the third and the combination of 30 points from Foy and Stowers alone helped pace the offense three-quarters of the way.

The momentum continued into the fourth as the lead grew as much as 58-42 and saw zero points come from neither Foy, nor Stowers. Baskets from Jacob Duffin Jr. and Orlando Edwards Jr. capped off a strong performance from the No. 11 ranked team in Class 3A.

Peoria improved to 18-6 on the season and will return to action this Friday in Big 12 Conference action on the road at Normal West. If you haven't already, sign up for that fan bus and support the team!

The Peoria Seas Lions traveled to Routt Catholic to participate in a four-team quad meet where the team finished 3-0.

That included a 39-31 win over Manual, 47-39 win over Routt Catholic, and a 39-8 win over the School for the Deaf.

Nassir Collins and Victor Rodriguez competed in the 100-back for the first time in their swim career.

Coaches Jacob Dupree and Martin Pio are both "impressed with the Sea Lions continued dedication and hard work."

Giving back to our youth is not uncommon at the pride of the city. We saw that last semester when members of the AVID team visited local junior high school.

This time, Terrell Ford, class of 2018, helped put on a drumline clinic for our current Lion drumline members. Band director, Maura Shepherd, posted "it's always great to have him in the Lions Den."

Other News

• The girls basketball team had just one game this week. The Lions were defeated 52-30. The team dropped to 0-22 on the season and will return to action this Thursday at home against Richwoods.

• The wrestling team traveled to Champaign for the Big 12 Conference match. Two wrestlers made the podium. Sargent Maubach wrestled to a 3rd place finish, while Chris Williams was 4th in their respective weight classes.

• The junior varsity wrestlers also competed at the Big 12. Landon Williams finished 3rd, while Bradley Schwab and Jshawn Wilson each finished 4th in their respective weight classes.

Date: January 24, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

What was cooking in the kitchen?

It was your Peoria High Lions.

The Lions entered "The Kitchen" at Peoria Notre Dame and took down their Big 12 Conference foe, and city rival, in a 55-40 win to improve to 17-6 on the year and 4-1 in the conference.

Peoria snapped a brief two-game losing streak with the win.

The Lions defense held Notre Dame to just three points in the first quarter. After scoring a bucket with 4:41, the Irish were held scoreless, while the Lions proceeded to go on a 10-0 run to take a 17-3 lead.

Two three-point field goals from TJ Sturdivant helped pace the offense. The Lions then rattled off nine more points in the second half to take a lead as big as 26-9 before holding a 34-14 halftime lead.

The Irish didn't go away easily though as the team opened the second half with a 11-3 lead and trailed by 12 points with 2:17 left to play in the third quarter. The Irish defense held on the rest of the way by holding the Lions to just five points to go into the final frame trailing 39-27.

Both teams were held scoreless for the first two minutes of the fourth quarter before the Irish broke the dry streak with a basket to cut the deficit to ten points with 5:41 remaining. The Lions were able to get on the board 20 seconds later thanks to a basket in the paint by Fenix Foy.

Each team traded baskets and the Irish came within nine points, but Leshawn Stowers provided the dagger of the game with a deep 3-point shot with 2:18 remaining to give the Lions a 48-36 lead.

Peoria returns to action this Saturday at Metamora High School in a shootout contest against Washington High Schoool.

NOTES: The most recent AP Poll came out and the Lions were ranked the No. 11 team in Class 3A. With that said, the Lions own wins over the No. 3 ranked team, Metamora, No. 4 ranked team Morton, in Class 3A, as well as the No. 7 ranked team in 2A in Peoria Manual.

Date: January 23, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

PHS orchestra teacher, Jason Warner, sure knows how to bring a performance.

Every day, Mr. Warner guides students in the PHS orchestra, bringing melodic symphonies to the pride of the city, as well as the community on a Christmas holiday tour.

This time, our very own orchestra teacher performed with the Peoria Symphony for the live version of the film Encanto on Saturday, January 18th.

This beloved story follows the multigenerational "Madrigal" family in Colombia who have been given special gifts from a miracle except for Mirabela. When Mirabel learns that the family is losing their magic, she sets out to find out why and save the family and house.

Warner's students, as well as the PHS Spanish Club were able to attend this performance.

"The students loved the interactive nature of this performance and showed their approval by singing with every song," said Spanish Club advisor Becky Lemont.

According to their chaperone, Sr. Joe Lemont, students were thrilled to sing but were super excited to see their own teacher, Mr. Warner in the orchestra pit.

Thank you to the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Warner, and our own Mr. Dunphy who assisted with the transportation.

Date: January 22, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The PHS Drumline recently played for the grand opening of the new Peoria Health Department.

According to band director Maura Shepherd, the drumline played at the groundbreaking ceremony for this same building two years ago.

It's a only fitting that the Lions came back around for the finalized product.  

Date: January 21, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Lions were hungry for royalty on Friday night.

In a matchup of city foes and conference rivals, Peoria took down Richwoods at home with a 64-49 victory. Leshawn Stowers led all scorers with 19 points, while Spencer Russell added 10 points.

There was no rest for the wicked as Peoria took part in the ICC Shootout against the No. 1 ranked team in the state of Wisconsin. Despite 22 points from Stowers, the Lions fell short in a 47-46 loss to the Milwaukee Academy of Science.

Finally, while everyone took the day off of school on Martin Luther King Day, the Lions traveled to Homewood Flossmore to take on Chicago Hillcrest as part of the MLK The Dream Continues Invitational.

In the words of assistant coach Ryan McElmurry, Hillcrest "took it to us from start to finish" in the 64-41 loss.

Peoria now owns a 16-6 overall record and a 3-2 mark in the Big 12 Conference. The team returns to action this Thursday in conference action at Peoria Notre Dame.

Other News

• The Lions wrestling team hosted five schools in a wrestling invitational. Coach Monty Burton was "very proud" of his young wrestlers. The day included a 4-2 mark from junior Keith Clark.

• The cheerleading team competed at Oak Park.

• The girls basketball team competed against Orangeville and Pekin. The team lost 58-29 and 76-21 respectively. The team dropped to 0-21 and returns to action this Friday at Manual.

Date: January 17, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

On Wednesday, the Sea Lions took on both the Macomb Bombers and Manual Rams in a triple-double, three double meets at the same time.

The men's team defeated Manual 39-36 but were defeated by Macomb, who led all scorers with 121 points.

This was also the first time in four years that PHS fielded a medley relay team due the team's depth. The team fielded a 400 free relay for the first time in two years.

Coach Dupree was proud of the swimmers for competing and making improvements. This was the team's first meet in a month.

The Sea Lions return to action on January 22 against Routt Catholic and Peoria Manual.

Date: January 17, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

For 20 years, the name "Ruffin" has been associated as a head coach for Peoria boys basketball. Dating back to when Dan Ruffin Sr. coached the team from 2004 to 2020, amassing a 226-215 record in 16 years of coaching.

That doesn't even include the years that Ruffin served as an assistant for the legendary coach Chuck Buescher, who coached the Lions for 25 years, amassing a 530-186 record, two state championships, and four appearances in the state championship game.

Current boys coach, Daniel Ruffin Jr., was a member of one of those state championship teams and went onto have a stellar career at Bradley before coming back eventually to coach with his father.

Since the 2020-21 COVID season, Ruffin has been looking to continue to install a winning culture like he had when he was a player, as well as saw when his father won a state championship during the 2011-12 season when the Lions went 28-3.

There is one thing that has not happened since that season nearly 13 years ago, and that is a 20-win season.

With a 15-3 record, the Lions could make that happen with quite a bit of basketball left. Getting to 15 wins has been no cupcake either. The Lions own wins over Peoria Manual, Bolingbrook, Morton, and recently Metamora. All of those teams are viewed as potential Elite 8 teams, or even state contenders.

This Saturday, the Lions take on the No. 1 ranked team in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Academy of Science. The team has a tough road game at Washington and Normal West, as well as a home match against state-ranked Peoria Manual, who each own wins over each other this season.

A 20-win season against this schedule isn't just something that has been wanted by the Lion basketball faithful. This is a true grind and test of being a winner. Not to mention, it could absolutely happen.

You have five more chances to watch the Lions at home this season. Hopefully, the stars align and you get to see that magic number hit that night.

Coach Ruffin and his staff have provided Peoria something pretty darn good this season.

You don't want to miss out because the hype is real.

Date: January 16, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Watch the full video of Week 25 and anchor Jim Mattson cover the Peoria High boys basketball team and their success this season.

Click Here for the full video

Date: January 15, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

A full Lions Den was exactly what PHS needed in a state-ranked matchup Tuesday night.

In what could be a potential regional or even sectional opponent, the Lions helped pad their postseason resume toward a No. 1 seed with a thrilling 55-42 win over Metamora.

Peoria trailed by as much as seven points in the second quarter but smart basketball helped the Lions go into halftime trailing 25-23.

Spencer Russell secured seven of his eight points in the first-half to help pace the offense as the Redbirds predominately kept Leshawn Stowers in check.

However, that changed right from the start in the second half as Stowers tied the game at 25-all with 6:11 remaining. The Lions continued to grind on both sides of the floor. Nobody showed grit more than freshman Jacob Duffin Jr., who made a big-time block on the defensive side. After the block, Duffin came up limping, but no referee would stop the game. After two possessions, the Lions had a steal and, in transition, it was the hobbled and clearly aching Duffin that hit a layup to increase the lead to 33-30.

Duffin did not return to the game, but the rest of the team kept the intensity high. After a dunk by Metamora, junior Fenix Foy had the Lions Den on their feet after dunking on two Redbird players.

With a 37-32 lead going into the fourth quarter, the defense held Metamora without a field goal until 4:30. A Foy basket, combined with free throws from Foy and Russell, the lead grew to seven points. Two free throws from Steven Williams gave the Lions an 11-point lead with 1:38 to play.

"Great defensive effort this evening against a tough Metamora group," posted assistant coach Ryan McElmurry. "Feels good to be back on the winning side."

Stowers led all scorers with 22 points, while Foy added 11 points. Peoria improved to 15-4 and snapped a three-game losing streak. Peoria returns to action this Friday at home in Big 12 Conference action against Peoria Richwoods.

Date: January 13, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

Peoria was represented in bunches on Saturday at the Illinois Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame banquet.

Along with longtime PHS track and cross country coach Mike Lawless, Shawn Stever and Brien Dunphy were awarded the ITCCCA Distinguished Service Award. Dunphy was selected in 2024 but did not receive recognition due to the ceremony's postponement. Meanwhile, Stever was the 2025 recipient.

Peoria's boys basketball team was stuck on the side of the road for two hours on their way to Danville. Due to the snow storm, their Big 12 Conference matchup was postponed with a date to be announced.

Peoria, 14-4, returns to action at home in a non-conference matchup against state-ranked Metamora.

The girls basketball team was defeated by Danville on Saturday by a score of 47-40. Peoria, 0-17, returns to action on Thursday at Normal West.

Date: January 10, 2025

Author: Kyle Daubs

Peoria High English teacher John Lucas says that longtime PHS track and cross country coach Mike Lawless "gives the best retirement speeches."

"Every year. For the past 30 years."

Even at 78 years young, just when you think Lawless might be done, he comes back for another runaround. After 50 plus years in the game, Lawless will finally get enshrined into the Illinois Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame this Saturday. Lawless was supposed to be inducted last year, but the weather postponed last year's class.

The resume for his induction speaks for itself. Lawless began his coaching career at Spalding High School coaching cross country from 1970 to 1975. He then transitioned to his alma mater at Peoria High, coaching the sport from 1984 to 2000. From 1985 to 2000, Lawless was the IHSA State Cross Country Meet Co-Director, architecting the cross country state finals at Detweiler Park.

His track career began at Lee Grade School in 1968 before coaching track at Spalding. After a brief stint coaching at Richwoods from 1975 to 1982, Lawless was the head coach for track at PHS from 1990 to 2019.

Despite having a combined 51 years of coaching track as a head coach, he remains an assistant coach, where he also serves the same role for cross country.

Bob Lacroix, who coached the Peoria High cross country team before Lawless from 1969 to 1984, including six state cross country teams, remembers coaching against Lawless.

"Personally, I have had the privilege of coaching against Mike throughout much of his career, and I consider him to be one of the best," wrote Lacroix in his Hall of Fame recommendation letter. "He is an outstanding individual, who not coaches and mentors, but is also a great role model for the athletes and young people with whom he works. I have the utmost respect for Mike knowing that he instills an outstanding work ethic in all the athletes he coaches."

Longtime Chairman of the IHSA boys' and girls' track and field advisory board also remembers when Lawless first started. Spalding was not considered competitive before Lawless arrived, but that quickly changed. Salzer also credits Lawless for "re-establishing" the track program at Richwoods, which included a state champion in long jump.

Salzer also got to serve as an assistant to Lawless at Peoria, where Lawless coached four state champions. While Salzer praised Lawless' knowledge of how to develop runners and field events, it was his "strong personality" that student-athletes respected.

"Mike has a strong personality that has never gotten in teh way of our team's success," wrote Salzer in his Hall of Fame recommendation letter. "His athletes have a deep respect of him. They truly want to win for him."

That personality followed Lawless into the classroom, where Lawless won Teacher of the Year in every school he has taught.

Yolanda Johnson, a member of the PHS Class of 1995, who now serves as an education and attendance connector administrator for Peoria and Richwoods high schools, remembers her "Hall of Fame" teacher as well.

"He was loud then and walked the same as he does now," said Johnson . "He was and always will be the best to ever do it."

Even on the days that Johnson might have slacked off in class, it was all love in the end.

"This was the day when teachers could teach, throw things at you to wake you up and it was all love," said Johnson . "I have had a few things thrown at me and the gavel hit my desk a few times while in his class. He would say "Johnson you're going to learn today" before it became famous. Mr. Lawless truly deserves this honor."

Martin Pio, a PHS alum and current special education teacher at the school, had Lawless as a teacher in 1984. Pio remembers when Lawless would keep the mood light with faculty too.

Every day during my Illinois History class (taught by Coach Issacson) in what is now my classroom (room 308), Mr. Lawless would come in without knocking (the doors did not self-lock like they do now), disrupt class with a joke and then as soon as he told it, he would just turn around and walk back out of the room without another word. For a long while Mr. Issacson just put up with it. Finally, one particular day, it irked him to the point of retaliation. The next day, Coach excused himself right after class started and stormed down the hall, so we all followed him to room 302 I believe it was, where Issacson busted into Lawless's class with purpose, said in a very meaningful tone,  "Mr. Lawless, I have something for you... Did you here the one about ... Yes, he told a joke, disrupted Lawless's class, got a roaring laugh and walked out back to his room. Lawless just laughed."

This Saturday, Coach Lawless will be forced to receive all of the attention for a lifetime's work of work.

And for all of us in Peoria, we will be watching proudly.

Peoria High Athletic Director Brien Dunphy wrote it best in his recommendation letter: "there is nobody more deserving."

And he is right.

So to everyone's "school dad," mentor, teacher, coach, dad, and my personal dear friend:

We are all so very proud of you and thankful to have you in our lives.

Date: January 8, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Normal Community Ironman, and women, escaped the Lions Den with victories at three of the four levels.

On the boys side, the Lions led 25-23 at halftime but allowed 22 points in the third quarter alone. The Lions took a 31-27 lead into the third thanks to three straight jumpers from TJ Sturdivant and Fenix Foy, but the Ironman used an 18-3 run to close out the quarter.

The Ironman led by as much as 50-36 in the fourth and never let the Lions get closer than eight points.

The boys drop to 14-4 on the season after losing their third straight and are 3-2 in the Big 12 Conference. The boys return to action this Friday on the road at Danville in conference action. The girls basketball team will also be on the road at Danville on Saturday.

Scores

Normal varsity girls 69 Peoria 31

Normal varsity boys 54 Peoria 46

Peoria Soph boys 67 normal 56

Normal Soph girls win over Peoria

Date: January 6, 2025

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Both the boys and girls basketball teams were busy over break. The boys basketball team completed a perfect 4-0 run at the State Farm classic to claim the tournament championship.

The team returned to action on January 2 with a road game at East Peoria. The game was played with a shot clock and the Lions missed two opportunities to end the game in regulation and the first overtime. East Peoria went onto the pull away in the second overtime to claim the 71-66 victory.

The Lions followed that performance with a close head-to-head rivalry game at Peoria Manual. The Rams got revenge for their earlier season loss by defeating the Lions 47-43.

Peoria returns to action on Tuesday with a home game in Big 12 Conference action against Normal Community.

You can see all of the highlights for the State Farm Classic here, as well as the team's game against East Peoria. The Lions are 14-3 on the season and 2-1 in the conference.

Girls show growth over break.

The girls team competed over break as well. The team dropped all four of their contests but continued to show growth on the varsity squad. See their scores down below. The team is 0-15 on the season.

Springfield Lanphier 37-36

Peoria Richwoods 59-27

Decatur MacArthur 90-32

East Peoria 65-33

Date: December 30, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

There's no rest for the wicked when it comes to these Lions.

While the school year came to a winter break, Peoria High stayed as hot as possible by winning the State Farm Classic Large School division championship at the Illinois Wesleyan Shirk Center.

The quest toward the tourney championship began with a 64-33 win over Chicago Prosser in the opening round. That was followed with a 64-46 win over Oswego in the next round where Fenix Foy led the Lions with 18 points, while Leshawn Stowers added 17 points.

In the semifinals, the Lions took on an undefeated Rock Island team that was ranked in the top-10 in the state and the "battled tested" Lions came out with a gritty 44-42 win where Stowers led all scorers with 24 points.

In the championship, the Lions took on a Cinderella story in Romeoville, who entered the contest with a 6-6 record.

With a strong man-to-man defense, Stowers was held in check for the first four minutes of the game as Romeoville leaped to an early 12-6 lead, but the clock struck midnight.

Well, the clock struck Stowers.

The All-Tournament Team selection went on an individual 16-0 run that not only helped Peoria take a 14-0 lead, fueled a 19-0 run that helped the Lions take a 27-14 halftime lead.

The substitutions of a freshman quartet in Nigel Moore, Orlando Edwards Jr., Jacob Duffin Jr., and Kaylen Hardy, along with Stowers, kept Romeoville scoreless from four minutes in the first quarter to 10 seconds in the second, a nearly 12-minute scoring drought.

Coming out of the half, Foy was the man down low, grabbing every rebound in sight and capitalizing on every pass from TJ Sturdivant and Moore, helping Peoria take a 37-22 lead in the third.

The dagger came late in the fourth as Moore completed an old-fashioned three-point play, followed by a technical foul on a Romeoville player. Two free throws from Stowers helped the lead grow to 20 points.

Peoria is now 14-1 on the season and returns to action this Thursday at East Peoria and then this Friday at Peoria Manual in Big 12 Conference action.

Date: December 19, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

With a week until Christmas, the Peoria High class of 2028 and Key Club teamed up to create some good will during the holidays.

The toys were collected at the start of the month, which also featured an incentive to students and community members at the December 5th basketball game. Those who brought in toys were allowed to attend the game for $1.

Toys were donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Charities Central Illinois in Peoria.

The freshman class and Key Club wish everyone a merry Christmas!

Date: December 18, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Just days after selling out Christmas ornaments at PHS, the Preparatory School for the Arts program continue stay hot during the winter months.

Art PSA was the recipient of the Big Picture Grant where members of the PSA program received Amazon gift cards and sketchbooks, as well as other amazing art supplies.

According to PSA leader and art teacher Meredith Popp, the Big Picture Grant "provides recipients in deserving schools help that have a presence in the arts."

While the band, orchestra, and art programs have been busy, the dance team kept the momentum going with a Holiday Tour that featured multiple stops.

The Dance team also performs at halftime during basketball games and is directed by dance instructor Alaina Rice.

Date: December 17, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

While the Lions are no dragon, Peoria dethroned the Knights by storming the castle at Richwoods and leaving 63-57 winners in Big 12 Conference action.

The intercity rivalry was as close as four points for the majority of the first half before the Lions went into halftime with a 31-24 advantage.

Freshman Nigel Moore came out of the half with a huge 3-point shot to lead a 7-0 run by the Lions to take their biggest lead of the night at 48-39. All night long, Richwoods battled back, this time to trail 48-44 going into the fourth quarter.

The Lions answered with an 8-2 run headlined by four straight points from Leshawn Stowers and a 3-point shot from Orlando Edwards Jr. The 10-point, 58-48 lead gave the Lions their best advantage so far, but the team was met again by a big run by the Knights to pull within 59-55 with 1:39 left to play.

Two fouls on Stowers and Edwards Jr. prompted two free throws at the line. While Richwoods added one more basket, Stowers capped off a 6-point run at the free throw line with two straight makes.

On the next possession, Richwoods was held in check by a big stop by Fenix Foy. Spencer Russell was then able to race past a man-press to allow the Lions to dribble things out.

Stowers led the Lions with 24 points, while Foy added 11 points.

Peoria improved to 10-0 on the season and 2-0 in the Big 12 Conference. Nine of their 10 wins have came on the road this season. The team returns to action, again on the road, this Saturday at the Whitney Young Shootout against Oak Park Fenwick.

Date: December 16, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

While many eyes have been on the hot start of our undefeated boys basketball team, which included a 50-44 win on Saturday to improve to 9-0, others have been putting in work at Peoria High School, just in a different medium.

PHS teachers Meredith Popp and Jason Warner have been prepping and practicing all semester and both groups represented the Lions in holiday style last week.

Popp has served as the leader of the PSA program at PHS for many years. Many of her students have been working hard on several projects this semester, which included making hand-crafted ornaments.

The money collected for the ornaments went toward the PSA program. After just two days, the entire collection was sold out.

Meanwhile, Mr. Warner's orchestra continued its tradition of excellence with its highly anticipated annual community holiday tour.

Specifically, the PHS orchestra had the opportunity to provide, enrich, and entertain various organizations throughout the city.

Warner said that specifically, "the students enjoyed performing at community centers, developmental nursing homes, and for our areas unhoused citizens."

Date: December 13, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The No. 4 ranked team in Class 3A went right back to work on Tuesday night. After a buzzer-beating win over East St. Louis on Saturday, the Lions traveled to Morton to take on the No. 8 ranked team. The battle of top-10 state-ranked teams saw the Lions fight hard to take a 33-31 win.

Leshawn Stowers led the Lions with 10 points.

"I am super proud of our guys for going into a hostile environment and taking a win," posted assistant coach Ryan McElmurry.

Peoria, now 7-0 on the season and 1-0 in the Big 12 Conference, travels to Champaign Centennial for another conference game today.

With a 53-46 win over Morton in the freshman boys basketball game, the PHS freshman, sophomores, and varsity teams are all undefeated as of this week.

Other PHS Scores (Girls Basketball)

Springfield Southeast 66, Peoria 20 (Varsity)

Springfield Southeast 55, Peoria 33 (Sophomore)

Bloomington 58, Peoria 14 (Varsity)

Peoria 43, Bloomington 25 (Sophomore)

Champaign Central 69, Peoria 36 (Varsity)

Peoria 53, Champaign Central 23 (Sophomore)

Date: December 12, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

While the weather outside is frightful, the indoor pool is delightful.

The Peoria High Swimmin' Lions have been hitting the water and look forward to their first meet on December 16th.

The Lions return two veteran swimmers in seniors Nassir Collins and Malakai Page. Coach Jacob Dupree is hoping to see both of their 50-free events under 28 and 30 seconds respectively.

Right now, the roster features eight swimmers, but the Lions are continuing to recruit and take anyone interested.

"For now, I want every new swimmer to finish their 50 free without stopping and also to learn a new stroke (backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly," said Dupree.

Dupree is assisted by Martin Pio.

2024-25 Swim Roster

Nassir Collins (12)

Malakai Page (12)

Julius Raithel (12)

Josue Martinez (10)

Charles Barnes (10)

Victor Rodriguez  (9)

Trevian Woods (9)

Manager: Makayla Hussong (12)

Date: December 11, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

Longtime Peoria High School teacher Rhonda Smith has made a career in preparing Lion students for life after high school. As the Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP) coordinator, the former Mary Maxwell Teacher of the Year aims to help guide students toward gaining skills in a variety of jobs.

While those jobs are mostly outside of the high school, two current PHS students enrolled in STEP are gaining experience right here at the pride of the city.

Juniors D.C. Wells and Enezia Hollis were placed as SRO Cadets alongside supervisor, and beloved SRO, Matt Shirley. Both Wells and Hollis have helped PPS SROs with events such as football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling events. They have also completed their required training with Shirley, as well as adhered to uniform policies.

"I am so proud of my two students," said Smith. "They really enjoy what they do and they are displaying positive character traits that set a good example for others."

The STEP Program offers the following mission statement and program information down below. Anyone interested in joining the STEP Program can talk to Mrs. Smith in Room 238.

Students learn to become productive, self-sufficient adults through a variety of STEP  Experiences. These experiences include, but are not limited to: 

·Developing desirable work habits and  realistic career goals 

·Opportunities for students to explore  careers 

·Work experiences through on the job  placement/training that coincide with  post-secondary employment goals 

·Encouraging students to develop the social  and personal skills needed to maintain  successful employment 

·Support with the transition from high  school to college 

·Built-in linkage to DHS/DRS, an agency  that can assist students who have  disabilities with their post-school  employment and career development goals. 

·Allows students to gain school credit  towards graduation, while gaining hands-on work experience, with as-needed  support services 

Date: December 10, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

The Peoria High School wrestling team began their season last week at home. While the Lions might be young, the team returns Sectional qualifier, and junior, Chris Walker. After the team’s first meet of the season, third-year coach Montell Burton posted this about his team: 

“I am impressed by the unwavering determination of all of my wrestlers who participated in this morning’s competition. It’s not the size of the dog, it’s the fight of the dog. Today’s wrestling showcased a wealth of talent… that’ll continue to get better as we grow. What I am most proud of is the outstanding sportsmanship we displayed. Always remember, win, lose, or draw, you’re always winning because you are learning.”

Peoria will return home on January 18th and have their next competition this Wednesday.

2024-25 PHS Wrestling Roster

• Chris Walker

• Jason Crawford

• Sargent Maubach

• Kencey Purdle

• Bradley Schwab

• Trevion Hanson

• Hamisi Hamner

• Jason Ballard

• Landyn Williams

• RC Thomas

• Zakhi Mabry

• Kevin Williams

• Zoeron Williams

• Emere Lee Clayton

• Jshawn Williams

• Marcus Robinson

• Jaylen Thomas

• Keith Clark

• Ty'Sean Barnett

Date: December 6, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

After a thrilling Thanksgiving, the Peoria Lions returned home to open up Big 12 Conference play with a 68-56 win over Bloomington.

After a slow first quarter where the Lions led by as much as one possession, the team began to get it going thanks to a buzzer-beating three-point from Leshawn Stowers to push the lead to 16-9.

The Lions then used a plethora of options from sharpshooter AJ Evans to the rebounding machine under the basket, Fenix Foy, to bump the halftime lead to 45-20.

With Coach Ruffin making substitutions in the second half, Bloomington rallied to cut the lead to as much as 15 before the starters returned and closed out the game.

After defeating Chatham-Glenwood 40-27 on Tuesday, where Stowers led all scorers with 13 points, The Lions improved to 5-0 overall and opened up the Big 12 with a 1-0 record. Peoria will return to action on the road this Saturday at Mount Vernon.

The Lions will play their next home game on January 7th against Normal Community.

Other Scorers

Sophomore Boys: Peoria 91, Bloomington 32

Sophomore girls: Peoria Manual 55, Peoria 32

Varsity girls: Peoria Manual 70, Peoria 21

Freshman boys: Peoria 70, Limestone 23

Date: December 5, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

A huge congratulations to the following students and staff for being named November Student/Staff of the Month.

The teacher recipients were Dana Sanders and Rodney Napoltes. Both teachers and students were nominated by PHS staff.

November Students of the Month

Aaliyah Aguster

Aambrielle Alexander

Jennae Bailey

Marcus Burgess

Erlin Castillo Maradiaga

Jonathan Castillo

Diego Chavez

Kourtney Clayborn

Jason Crawford

Jonathan Crowder

Jacob Duffin

Alexis Eaton

Demarco Eckwood

Daunte Edwards

Xavier Edwards

Harmony Edwards

Dauntae Edwards

Larry Esquivias

Kameron Fancher

Antonio Faulkner

Fenix Foy

Lesli Garcia

Serenity Gater

Joyce Gomez Zorrilla

Andrew Gonzalez

Adriah Goss

Bobby Granderson

Arianna Green

Guadalupe Hernandez

Aleeya Hines

Camron Holmes

Demaya Hunter

Symone Jackson

Gabrielle Kelch

Eddie Leas

Xander Letcher

Lexi Satchfield

Jullian Lowe

Zahki Mabry

Dareon Mays

Nigel Moore

Nevaeh Morris

Artavion Morris

Kam Myles

Kariya Pinkey

Wyatt Robison

Jyshanique Ross

Jules Scott

Niyia Skaggs

Jahkayla Smith

Dale Stewart

Michael Sydnor

Khamanni Thompson

Nyla Turner

Raven Turner

Tywaun Wallace

Amonte Walls

Derek Washington

Frankie White

Melody Wren

Jahzeer Wyatt

Chase Young

Date: December 3, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Congratulations to Peoria High School senior Symone Jackson for being named the PHS News Fall Sports Athlete of the Year. The voting was conducted by school faculty and students. Jackson was one of six nominees from the fall sports season.

Jackson was an Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 selection in volleyball. Jackson was coached by Madison McGinnes.

Congratulations to our other nominees. See the voting breakdown below:

• Symone Jackson (volleyball) - 37.7%

• Malakai Page (cross country) - 20.8%

• TQ Webb (football) - 20.8%

• Christine Hill (tennis) - 7.5%

• Erik Montoya (soccer) - 5.7%

• Fenix Foy (golf) - 5.7%

Date: December 2, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Thanksgiving was a time for feast and the Lions ate alright.

The Peoria High boys' basketball team went into the Decatur Thanksgiving Tournament ranked as high as No. 13 in the preseason polls and left with many wondering where that ranking will go next.

The Lions went 3-0 to win claim the tournament title with a combined seven points of a winning margin. The team began their tournament with a 51-47 win over Decatur Eisenhower. In the semi-finals of the winner's bracket, the Lions beat the preseason No. 1 ranked Class 4A team in Boilingbrook in overtime. After their 58-56 win, they created a date with their neighborhood rival Peoria Manual.

Featuring two of the best players in the surrounding area, the Lions used 39 points from Tournament MVP Leshawn Stowers to best Manual 55-54.

While Stowers had an excellent tournament, senior Fenix Foy added 17 points and freshman Nigel Moore was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Click here for the video recap by Week 25

The Lions are 3-0 on the season and will return home on December 5 to open up Big 12 Conference play against Bloomington.

The freshman class will also be hosting a toy drive. A toy will grant $1 admission to the game.

The following Peoria High School Lions received the following honors:

All-Big 12 Conference

• Breon Green (QB) - First Team Offense

• TQ Webb (WR) - First Team Offense

• Jaquarius Green (OL) - Second Team Offense

• Detaurion Pollard (RB) - Second Team Offense

• Kamarr Montford (OL) - Honorable Mention Offense

• Dashawn Brock (OL) - Honorable Mention Offense

• Jaylen Rayford (WR) - Honorable Mention Offense

• Kendall Netters (RB) - Honorable Mention Offense

• Te'Lynn Jordan (DL) - First Team Defense

• Dorsey Doss (LB) - First Team Defense

• Spencer Russell (DB) - First Team Defense

• Dereon Mays (DB) - First Team Defense

• Tytavion Alexander (DB) - First Team Defense

• Demarion Zapata (DB) - Second Team Defense

• Tylan Ward (DL) - Second Team Defense

• Cam Peterson (LB) - Second Team Defense

• Julian Lowe (LB) - Honorable Mention Defense

All-Area

• Jaquarius Green (OL) - First Team Offense

• TQ Webb (WR) - First Team Offense

• Dorsey Doss (LB) - First Team Defense

• Dereon Mays (DB) - First Team Defense

• Breon Green (QB) - Honorable Mention Offense

• Spencer Russell (DB) - Honorable Mention Defense

The Peoria High faculty undertook a fitness challenge in November. Social Studies department chair Shawna Beam-Axline orchestrated a fitness challenge for the staff and many members undertook several different challenges.

While many teachers documented their own workouts through walking or weightlifting, several teachers continued a tradition of running the Peoria Chocolate Turkey on Thanksgiving Morning in the cold temperature.

PE Teacher Jeff Roper had a 10-minute PR compared to last year with fellow PE teacher Dan Clemens racing next to him the entire way. AVID Teacher Dana Sanders "ran for the chocolate turkey" but still ran a respectful race. Not pictured was Health teacher Michael Deg, who had to run his race at home. Meanwhile freshman English teacher Kyle Daubs ran the mile with his 6-year old daughter Penelope, who placed 9th in the 12U division.

Date: November 26, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The inaugural Peoria High School Stuff-A-Bus Basketball Buyout Tournament featured some tight contests in what might have been "the most open gym activity" all year but raised a ton of money for a great cause.

On the final day before break, students were given the option to bring in one non-perishable food item or pay $1 to attend an all-class basketball tournament.

With cans and dollar bills in plenty, the Lions Avid Team should be able to stuff the bus ahead of Thanksgiving.

The opening round featured a battle between the freshman and sophomore class. The sophomores were led by Braylin Willis to move to the championship game.

In the battle between the juniors and seniors, the score was 2-0 for nearly five whole minutes before the seniors pulled away. After two missed 3-point attempts and multiple missed layups from Breon Green alone, the juniors could not muster enough points to make a comeback in a 4-2 defeat.

With 10 minutes given to the championship game, the seniors were gassed as the sophomores pulled away for a 13-7 win.

Many shots were missed. Many layups were bricked.

But many cans and dollar bills were dunked as the Pride of the City did their best to help Peoria during Thanksgiving.

Date: November 22, 2024

Author: Guadalupe Hernandez

Soccer might be an international love but it is the heart of Mexico. Who is the best when it comes to football, and not the American kind?

My Research Question

My research question is; who is the best player for Mexico soccer? This question interests me because I like playing soccer a lot. It also interests me because the person I researched plays for Mexico and it's one of my favorite teams. What makes me want to learn about something like this? is that he is so good at playing. Why is he the best player but nobody else is. I want to learn more about the players because it's my dream to become a soccer player and I want to be the best player. I mean I might not be good at it but I have been told that you should not quit your dream. My prior soccer knowledge is I'm a big fan of Mexico. The only thing I like is that I'm from there i play a lot of soccer.

What I Learned

The best receiver of all time in the soccer team for Mexico is Hugo Sanchez. After five successful seasons in Mexico Sanchez drew the attention of several European sides including that of the English club Sanchez made 58 appearances for Mexico between 1977 and 1994 scoring 29 goals. Guillermo Ochoa, a professional soccer goalkeeper, was also considered one of the best Mexican goalkeepers. He earned himself the title of one of the best keepers at the World Cup. He put in such an incredible clean sheet against hosts Brazil in 2014, including one special save to deny Neymar. Carlos Vela, a professional soccer player, his career path took a bit of a nose dive from expectations after signing a five-year deal with Arsenal in 2005 where he then made 62 appearances for the Gunners however he didn't do enough to earn a regular place. However, Rafael Marquez was playing in five World Cups for Mexico. Marquez holds the joint record for featuring in the most number of tournaments alongside icons such as Lionel Messi.

What This Means to Me

What this means to me is that I learned a lot of people were good players and good goalkeepers. In the future, this would change my mentality to be a good goalkeeper or a soccer player. This really means that if you want to be a good soccer player you need a lot of practice. I am not sure there is truly the best player, but there are quitet a few good players that represent the country.

Date: November 22, 2024

Author: Angel Wright

Getting away with murder is scary, but it happens. Want to know about someone who did?

My Research Question

Who is the Zodiac killer? This research interests me because I want to know why so many killers get away with murder. Because more in 1960 crimes were not solved because they didn't have the right tools. My prior knowledge about the Zodiac killer is that the killings happened in the 1960's.

What I Learned

What I learned is that the Zodiac killer murdered at least five people. According to Lorna Wallace of 11 Facts About the Zodiac Killer, one victim was David Arthur Faraday at 17 years old. Also, Betty Lou Jensen at 16 years old both were shot and killed on December 20, 1968, on Lake Herman Road in Benicia. Michael Renault Mageau at 19 years old and Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin at 22 years old. They were shot around midnight between July 4 and 5 1969 in the parking lot of Blue Spring Prank in Villejo.

According to Lorna Wallace of 11 Facts About the Zodiac Killer, also the Zodiac killer wrote a letter to the police saying “I hope they are having lots of fun trying to catch me. That wasn’t me on the TV show”. White also indicated that he finally did enough killing. The Zodiac killer also named himself in a letter on August 4, where an examiner received a letter with the solution "Dear Editor this the Zodiac speaking. This letter marked the debut of the Zodiac persona." That was the first time the killer called himself this nickname.

This Means to Me

What this research means to me is that the Zodiac Killer is truly insane. The police were on the hunt, and the Zodiac Killer was sending letters taunting them with phrases like "Nice try." It shows me how crazy people are and how people are really in their right mind if they think it’s normal. And it's not like the people he was killing were bad people. I would understand that but they weren’t. you have to be cold-blooded to kill 5 people. I feel terrible for the families of the victims. It feels like the killer should rot in jail and shouldn’t be let out. I’m relieved that they have finally found him.

Date: November 22, 2024

Author: Tuster Kipupa

Everyone loves a good sandwich. Where is the best place to get one?

My Research Question

What makes Jimmy Johns the best? The question interests me I enjoy eating there because Jimmy John’s uses fresh vegetables. They hand-sliced their provolone cheese and meats in-house every day because packaged pre-sliced meats don't have the same ring to them. And they bake bread all day, every day because stale bread isn't bread, i I want to know why grilled cheese is the most ordered. My prior knowledge about Jimmy John’s is the flavors of fresh veggies, combined with hand-sliced meats and fresh-baked bread. It’s what makes a Jimmy John's sandwich the sandwich of sandwiches.

What I Learned

According to Jimmy John Liautaud, Jimmy John’s makes sandwiches and only sandwiches. "Freaky Fast" is their motto. It's simple: seven meats, two breads, and one cheese making 25 different sandwiches. They also introduce seasonal add-ons and limited-time offers, adding new and exciting ingredients to the menu, including summer wraps! According to the Champaign, Illinois store, Everything about Jimmy John's – from the menu to the marketing, to the franchise management – is about keeping it simple. No games or gimmicks.

The bottom line, they make gourmet sandwiches and they avoid anything that complicates the process or our image. According to Roark Capital Group, He opted for sandwiches, and in January of 1983, the first Jimmy John's was opened in the college town of Charleston, IL. The menu consisted of four sandwiches, made just like they are today with hand-sliced meats and always fresh-baked bread.

Date: November 22, 2024

Author: Moira Fitzgibbon

Introduction

One day I wondered what the statistics are of YouTube being a violent motive so I researched and researched and this is what I found.

My Research Question

My research question is: Has YouTube inspired violent fights or even murder? It interests me because it could be a serious problem and knowing the facts could be interesting. I wanted to research it because I wonder if the topic is more spread out. My prior knowledge is that there was a murder committed on a deleted YouTube channel  (LIVE) and I want to know if YouTube has inspired any violent activities in society.

What I Learned

I thought about whether or not YouTube has inspired violence school fights or even murder! Platforms mustn't be misused! Regarded as a popular site where people can share ideas, content, and more! Some people do it for the experience and some just for Google Cash. Some people don't wish to become YouTubers and just watch others videos. From gaming, reacting, art, animation and so much more! But some people can misuse the platform for example.

According to Glay Rujkr of The Washington Post, he stated that two boys were fighting in a middle school after the fight was posted on Facebook and YouTube by a bystander. It got at least 425 views! Before it was taken down. Both parents stated that their son was embarrassed by that video one parent said the other through the first punch. The reply to this was that he was pressured by schoolmates. Also, he was a bullied kid.  Another example is one I've already heard about and what inspired this research.

According to The Hermoso Times, A popular Russian YouTuber was sentenced to 6 years in prison for the death of his abused girlfriend who was forced to sit in freezing temperatures in nothing but her underwear! Later finding out her death was by head injury. YouTube didn't only profit alongside ad placements alongside searches for hate groups but is also breaking their policies by doing so in some cases inspiring violence in the physical world! According to Google’s online policy, they have policies to fight against it but if you saw the info above it might not work that well. But according to Violent acts and etcetera are banned due to policies. After doing the research i think the conclusion YouTube does inspire violence! Or at least in some cases. Good thing Peoria high has restricted mode on. 

What This Means to Me

The research helped me learn about the ways that the platform has been misused over time. What does it mean to me? Well, it shows me knowledge and helps me learn about what seems to be an amazing platform and how in some ways it's not. I guess it's just a lesson no matter how amazing a site or app is on social media or not whether it's
Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or a normal app game, anything can be misused. There's always gonna be someone bad out there to fully take the bad away you'd have to get rid of the internet itself and any cameras in the entire world. Even that wouldn't stop the bullying itself or the killing and you wouldn't be able to call 911.

Overall, you can't take away the bad without also taking away the good its not possible. So those bad things happen. What matters is that there are still lovely, amazing people out there. And that's what counts. It didn't change much of my thinking. If it did not by much. I don't think so anyway. How id use this info in the future? Well, im just one person who i cant do much but maybe spread more awareness than there already is trust me this isn't the biggest news to most. But it doesn't stop my future grownup self from trying.

Date: November 22, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The foyer was filled with food, but also friends and fellowship during an annual tradition at the pride of the city.

Peoria High School Friendsgiving was a hit once again. PHS support staff member Destiny Young organized the event that took place in the foyer at the high school. Students were invited to bring themselves and their families for a meal together.

Several teachers and their families served the lines. There were many homemade dishes such as ham, turkey, ribs, macaroni and cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and pasta salad. That included an entire table's length of desserts, including everything from cake, pie, and cookies.

The event also featured to-go containers where students and families could go home with leftovers as well. This event was free of charge to the public and was made possible thanks to many monetary and food donations.

Young wanted to thank everyone at Peoria High School that donated, as well as all of the volunteers who came to make this event possible.

Date: November 21, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

It's been too long since Peoria High has enjoyed the success of the postseason.

The Lions are hoping that changes this year.

Entering his fifth season at his alma mater, head coach Daniel Ruffin Jr. has kept the winning tradition of basketball alive by posting three consecutive winning seasons, owning an overall coaching record of 54-41. With that said, the team is hopeful the team can carry that over to the postseason and win their first Regional Championship since 2013, a time where his father Daniel Ruffin Sr. was the coach of the program.

Based on their assignment, Peoria should be a factor in competing for that title, but also should be in the mix for the Big 12 Conference as well. Peoria, recently ranked No. 13 in Class 3A, finished tied for third in the conference with Champaign Centennial with a 7-3 conference mark as part of a 17-11 season.

The conference figures to be competitive once again. Normal Community lost significant contributors from last-year's 10-0 Big 12 title team, who also placed as the state-runner up in Class 4A, while Peoria Richwoods lost All-Stater Lathan Sommerville, who is playing at Rutgers. Peoria will still have to compete past the likes of Centennial, Peoria Manual, and others but believes they have the talent to do so.

The Lions lost Rico Jackson to graduation, who is now playing at Lake Michigan College, but brings back four starters. That starts with returning senior and All-Big 12 selection Leshawn Stowers, who committed to the Division I University of Miami (Ohio) this week.

Peoria also returns three other starters in three-year starter Spencer Russell, leading rebounder Fenix Foy, and senior wing TJ Sturdivant. The last starting spot is still in the mix, but the team believes AJ Evans can make the jump from big-time junior varsity contributor to varsity.

"Outside of out returners, AJ Evans should step in a contribute right away," said assistant coach Ryan McElmurry. "The sharpshooting junior led our JV team in scoring last season. We also have 4-6 freshman that should also contribute right away."

Peoria begins their season on Tuesday, November 26th at the Eisenhower Thanksgiving Tournament with a first-round draw against the host team Decatur Eisenhower.

Roster

Seniors

Leshawn Stowers
Spencer Russell
Detaurion Pollard
TJ Sturdivant

Juniors

Kamarr Montford
Cameron Gunn
AJ Evans
Fenix Foy
Stevyn Williams
Jaylen Rayford
Jayden Williams

Sophomores

Orlando Edwards Jr. 
Nigel Moore
Kaylen Hardy
Jacob Duffin Jr. 
Alijah Johnson

Junior Varsity Roster:

Cyrow Childs
Tarus Patterson
Richard Brandscumb
Bryan Stewart Jr.
Braylen Willis
Kewan Jordan
Demetrius Cooper
Julian Lowe
Nigel Moore
Orlando Edwards Jr.
Jacob Duffin Jr.
Kaylen Hardy
Alijah Johnson
Bryan Nichelson

Freshman Roster:

Bryan Nichelson
Alijah Johnson
Kaylen Hardy
Damarion Taylor
Demarion Jones
Jeremiah Rayford
Chris Hunt
Romere Anderson
Landon McDonald
Syncere Porter
Tavoris Thompson
Jarryn Howard
Kamarion Tidwell
Demetrius Gilbert
Kenzy King

Date: November 19, 2024

Author: Landon Dobzynski

Is survival more mental or physical? Some American wars include physical trauma like gunshot wounds, burns, and amputations. The result of this was an emotional impact of failure that can linger longer after the event. It can also affect someone mentally like mental health and addiction. To me, it’s more mental because mental health and addiction are hard to overcome. 

War is not the right decision because I think it is bad for you. One reason is that war is bad for everyone. This is backed by the Ukraine war that is going on. According to Kenneth Rogoff of the International Monetary Fund, 23,000 people have died or been wounded in that war.  This is important to talk about because the war is risking people's lives and it is really bad for you to be in. Death and injury can really hurt someone's mental health.

War is not good for people like me because it affects our mental health. This is important to talk about because it's a fundamental part of overall health and well-being. As Americans, we should not be doing any wars because it is bad for your health and well being.

Date: November 19, 2024

Author: David Hines

Louis Zamperini was at sea because his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and he sat there for 47 days. Zamperini landed on the Japanese Marshall Islands and was captured. When prisoners were captured, they were treated as war prisoners. This is not okay because they were not okay due to torture, malnutrition, and PTSD. 

Prisoners were not okay because of torture, malnutrition, and PTSD. One reason is fighters falling into the hands of their enemy have been taken captive. This is backed by the International Committee of the Red Cross, a landmark in the history of PoWs, laying out a solid legal framework for their protection. According to the National Park Service, the status of PoWs has drastically evolved over time– and we are far from the era when the expected outcome for captured soldiers was either execution or enslavement. This is important because of the Third Geneva Convention, which also confers a special mandate on the ICRC, entrusting it with a central role in the protection of the dignity and well-being of PoWs. They have been victims of such war crimes as torture and mutilation, beatings, and forced labor under inhumane conditions. Prisoners have been targets of intense interrogation and political indoctrination. Most prisoners of war carry physical or psychological scars from their experiences as captives.

War is not the answer because it causes a lot of casualties. The main argument against war is that a lot of people lose their families and prisoners are not treated well. This is important to talk about because even war prisoners should be treated humanely and with respect. As Americans, we should come to an agreement instead of war in the first place.

Date: November 19, 2024

Author: Wyatt Robison

What ways does war affect you mentally and physically?. One way war affects people physically is losing a loved one or someone getting injured . One way mentally is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That  can cause symptoms like always being on guard, trouble sleeping, and avoidance. It's important to know what war can do because it has a lot of effects on society. War can impact its soldiers long-term by health conditions and physical pain.

War affects us physically and emotionally. One reason is constant exposure to trauma. This is backed by changing our emotional network in the brain. Also this can cause an inability to control our emotions, and that can  lead to uncontrollable bouts of anger, paranoia, obsessive behaviors and more according to the High Focus Treatment Center. 

Another reason is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a more serious condition that causes brain function, and it often results from traumas experienced while being in war, disasters, or violence.. This is important to talk about because it gives people information if they want to be in the war and deal with the after causes. 

War can affect soldiers physically and mentally. This is important for people to know because, as Americans, we should be giving soldiers support, including specialized mental health services, support for physical rehabilitation, and nice healthy safe shelters to live when they get back.

Date: November 15, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

A lion and a hill topper both seem like the top of their respective classes but in this sense, the Lions could be underdogs in their Elite 8 playoff game against Joliet Catholic Academy.

JCA brings a wealth of football success, owning an IHSA-record 15 state championships. A win would send JCA to the Final Four and continue their quest towards winning their first state championship since 2021. Last year, JCA was the state-runner up.

With that said, the Lions are hoping to get some revenge from last season. The Lions hosted the Hilltoppers in the first-round of the playoffs last year, only to be defeated 40-16.

Now, both teams meet again with a date in the Final Four on the line.

JCA will once again bring a wealth of athletes to Peoria Stadium. That includes

• Micah McNair, 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker; Ranked No. 102 prospect in Illinois

• Ian Campbell - 6-foot-2, 230-pound edge rusher, who also has some baseball interest, closing a 91-mile per hour fastball.

• Nate Magrini: 6-foot-0, 180 pound running back with multiple 100-yard rushing games.

• The Wall: Dhani Drummer (6-foot-3, 300 pounds), Michael Lynch (6-foot-5, 300 pounds), Connor Ahoyt (6-foot-3, 275 pounds), Cameron Jurichich (6-foot-5, 330 pounds), Owen Hyrcyk (6-foot-1, 310 pounds) make an offensive line that is going to be tough to break.

PHS Schedule with Opponent Overall Record

8/30: 56-21 win over Champaign Centennial (4-5)

9/6: 46-40 win over Peoria Notre Dame (6-4)

9/13: 58-52 win over Morris (6-4)

9/20: 86-12 win over Peoria Manual (1-8)

9/27: 20-18 loss to Normal West (8-2)

10/4: 66-7 win over Peoria Richwoods (2-7)

10/11: 44-2 win over Champaign Central (3-6)

10/18: 44-28 win over Bloomington (8-2)

10/25: 40-18 loss to Normal Community (9-1)

11/1: 52-36 win over Hillcrest (5-5)

11/8: 52-18 win over Thornton Fractional North (7-4)

JCA Schedule with Opponent Overall Record

8/30: 50-22 win over Iowa City (7-4)

9-6: 17-0 loss to Oswego (10-1)

9-13: 14-3 win over Fenwick (8-3)

9-20: 31-30 win over Chicago Marist (9-2)

9-27: 16-13 loss to Nazareth Academy (9-2)

10/4: 28-0 win over Niles Notre Dame (3-6)

10-11: 35-21 loss to Chicago Mt. Carmel (8-3)

10-18: 2-0 FF win over Chicago De la Salle (1-6)

10-25: 21-18 win over Providence Catholic (4-5)

11-2: 58-6 win over Jacksonville (6-4)

11-9: 49-0 win over Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin (6-5)

Date: November 13, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

It was, perhaps, the greatest five-year run ever seen in the Peoria area.

The girls basketball team at Peoria High School went a combined 115-17 with four consecutive Big 12 Conference championships between 2020-23. That includes two 29-4 seasons, with a third-place state finish in 2023.

Gone from that era, including last year's 21-4 team, are four integral parts of those teams. All-State and Top-100 recruit Aaliyah Guyton is now playing at the University of Iowa, Daniella Ruffin is suiting up for Parkland College, while Ni'Asha Rutherford and Allannah Jackson are teammates at Eureka College.

In a way, it's back to the drawing board for head coach Meechie Edwards, who enters his 19th season at PHS with an overall record of 319-175. The varsity team features no returners from last year and will be a young team with just two juniors and the rest being freshmen and sophomores.

"We are super young, "said Edwards. "My hope is that the entire team makes a great impact on and off of the floor. My goal is for this team is to grow as individuals and become a better person each and everyday, and the game will take care of itself.

Peoria will begin their season on the road at state-ranked Morton High School next Tuesday.

2024-25 Roster

JUNIORS

Genieve Reed-Jr

Lyric Edwards-Jr.

SOPHOMORES

De'zieah Shorty-So.

Kourtney Clayborn-So.

Dre'Anna Beck-So.

Jacelle Guy-'So.

FRESHMEN

LeiLani Artis-Fr.

Kamiya Rchardson-Fr.

Madyson Hall-Fr.

Zoey Hill-Fr.

Paris Bush-Fr.

Ciara Stokes-Fr.

Janiaya Blue-Fr.

Neriah Avant-Fr.

Kylae Jackson-Fr.

Shanavia McGhee-Fr.

Date: November 12, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

For the second consecutive year, the Peoria High School Lions received a "commendable" rating by the Illinois Report Card.

Since 2015, the graduation rate has improved from 65% to 90% and freshman on track has grown from 74% to 85%. Teacher retention rate is at 88% as well.

Last year, principal Shaun McGinnis stepped in mid-school year as principal and helped guide PHS to their strong finish. Dr. Annette Coleman began the year before being promoted. The rest of the admin team featured Dr. Brandy Brown, Dr. Cox, Ilethea Suggs, Alyssa Athamnah, and June Smothers.

Peoria High has embraced a team culture and many members of this team have helped make PHS a commendable school. Teachers, staff, and students are proud of Peoria being recognized with this status for a second year.

PHS English teacher John Lucas created these rap lyrics to display how proud we are.

"We Are Commendable" by John Lucas

Peoria High, they just gave us "commendable,"
It was just a matter of time: "inevitable."
Pride of the city: "The New Professionals."

Times are changing, crazy things are happening.
Old generations raging: issues we are tackling.
In History, we'll be game-changing, like our ball-handling.

Haters in the society don't know your creativity:
Expressing their negativity about our hyperactivity,
passivity, or proclivity for "other" activities.

If schools were graded on "freedom" and "generosity"...
we would be winning hearts and minds with curiosity.

We remember the most important things: love our family,Rep our neighborhood, because in this,
we are the Pride of the city.
"Trust": Expect to respect us.

Date: November 11, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria High School football team moved onto the state quarterfinals with a 52-18 win over Thornton Fractional North High School on Friday night. The win moves PHS to 9-2 on the season.

Peoria will host Joliet Catholic Academy at Peoria Stadium this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The winner of this contest will advance to the Class 5A Final Four.

This game features a rematch of the two schools from last season when JCA defeated PHS in the first round.

For now, relive Peoria's win from Friday with the video recap posted from Cook County News.

Date: November 8, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

From manning concession stands and taking field trips, Peoria High School Spanish Club adivser Becky Lemont and crew have been very busy.

Outside of their normal busy activities, the group had a very special activity of remembrance.

Spanish Club celebrated Dia de los Muertos this November 1st by creating Sugar Skulls(calaveras de azucar) and ofrendas(altars).

This holiday is to remember our loved ones that have passed away by celebrating their lives with remembrances. If you have ever seen the movie: Coco, you have been introduced to this popular Mexican holiday.

Families created ofrendas/altars in their homes with photos of loved ones, recuerdos/items that they loved in life, foods like pan de muerto, a sweet bread, Calaveras de azucar/sugar skulls, flowers, candles, and incense.

In the evening of November 2nd, families also went to the cemetery to clean and decorate the graves of their families. Afterwards, everyone was invited to the cemetery to visit the graves, and had a fiesta.

"Even though Mexicans make fun of death with skulls and skeletons, we are seeing that Americans are not always embracing all of the customs of this celebration," said Lemont. "Most cemeteries in the USA are closed for these days and discourage the parties."

Does this holiday make you sad? It is bittersweet to remember loved ones that have passed away but also sweet to share our stories and memories with our children and grandchildren. 

Date: November 8, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Peoria High School administration, coaches, ex-coaches, and cross-country runners have been getting Detweiler Park in tip-top shape to host the 2024 IHSA State Cross Country Championships this Saturday, November 9th.

The process began as early as last week when PHS Athletic Director Brien Dunphy was joined by PHS cross-country legends Shawn Stever, Dave Poehls, Bob Lacroix, and current PHS cross-country coaches Steve Turner and Mike Lawless to get the course at Detweiller Park ready.

On Thursday, Coach Turner & Lawless took PHS cross-country runners Olivia Long, Tylea Kirkwood, Nyla Turner, Malachi Page, Dale Stewart, Charles Barnes, Serio Velasquez, Jason Crawford, Allannah Williams, Jayleon Williams, Amarie Williams, and Emare Rogers to help make some finishing touches.

SCHEDULE

Class 1A Girls: 9:00

Class 1A Boys: 10:00

Class 2A Girls: 11:00

Class 2A Boys: 12:00

Class 3A Girls: 1:00

Class 3A Boys: 2:00

With the race set to go at 9:00 a.m. for Class 1A girls, be sure to get there at 8:30 as PHS business teacher Brad Zevnik will be one of two honorary referees honored

"Peoria High business teacher, Mr. Zevnik has supported State Cross Country for 18 years," said Dunphy. "Brad has had many roles at Detweiller Park since he started in 2007, but each year, Brad assists in getting the lead and trail vehicles to the park and back to Green Chevrolet. Brad started as an assistant in the concession stand and moved to a timer on the course. In 2019, Brad inherited the microphone from the legendary Jay McCormick and became a voice of State Cross Country."

Zevnik will be joined by longtime cross-country supporter Tom Higdon, who will be celebrating his 31st year in participating in the state finals.

"Tom is the ultimate yes person," said Dunphy. "He does it, finds it, fixes it. Led by Tom, the Park Crew makes Detweiller THE home of Illinois Cross Country."

Date: November 8, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The second round of the IHSA Class 5A playoffs takes place today with the Lions traveling to Calumet City to take on Thornton Fractional North High School.

There is limited information on players and stats. Historically, this is a special season for TFHS. Last year, first-year coach Anthony Pignatiello guided the team to a 7-3 record and their first appearance in the playoffs since 2011. This is only the eighth time the team has qualified for the playoffs since 2000.

Peoria (8-2) versus Thornton Fractional North (7-3)

PHS Schedule with Opponent Overall Record

8/30: 56-21 win over Champaign Centennial (4-5)

9/6: 46-40 win over Peoria Notre Dame (6-4)

9/13: 58-52 win over Morris (6-4)

9/20: 86-12 win over Peoria Manual (1-8)

9/27: 20-18 loss to Normal West (8-2)

10/4: 66-7 win over Peoria Richwoods (2-7)

10/11: 44-2 win over Champaign Central (3-6)

10/18: 44-28 win over Bloomington (8-2)

10/25: 40-18 loss to Normal Community (9-1)

11/1: 52-36 win over Hillcrest (5-5)

TFHS Schedule with Opponent Overall Record

9/6: 34-0 win over Hansberry (2-7)

9/13: 24-14 win over Thornton Fractional South (3-6)

9/20: 19-14 win over Evergreen Park (3-6)

9/27: 28-13 loss to Lemont (6-4)

10/4: 27-21 loss to Oak Forest (7-3)

10/11: 37-7 loss to Hillcrest (5-5)

10/18: 35-34 win over Tinley Park (5-5)

10/25: 34-14 win over Bremen (0-9)

11/1: 40-6 win over Chicago Corliss (6-4)

Notes

Enrollment: 1,273

Conference: South Suburban (3-3, 3rd place)

County: Cook

Date: November 7, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

Did you know that Peoria High basketball is approaching a very special milestone? A 20-win season would join a very elusive club for a school winning 1,900 games in their school history. For now, the Lions own 1,880 wins in school history with a rich tradition of basketball success.

The last 20 years, the name "Ruffin" has been associated with coaching boys basketball with Dan Ruffin Sr. winning 226 games and a state championship in 2012 in between the years 2004 and 2020. Ruffin's son, Dan Ruffin Jr., has a combined 54-41 record the last four years and looks to build that success going into this season.

Senior Leshawn Stowers headlines the team after committing the Division I's University of Miami (Ohio). Stowers will join three other PHS alums currently playing college basketball in the NCAA this season.

This is the fourth and final installment of the "where are they now" series. You can find football, volleyball, and girls basketball down below.

At this time, we would like to give a special mention to 2023 PHS grad MikeQuese Taylor. In his freshman season at Kansas Community College, Taylor helped KCC win a conference championship after appearing in 31 games, averaging 10.3 points, and shooting 50.3% from the field. The former All-Big 12 First-Team selection would have been entering his sophomore season, but was tragically shot and killed in April 2024 when he was visiting home during break. Taylor was a difference maker for his team and his former Lion teammates who still think about his influence to this day.

Kelly is a former All-Big 12 Conference selection at PHS. He began his career at Milwaukee Area Tech College where he was apart of the 2023 NJCAA National Championship team. After playing in limited time, Kelly transferred to Cleveland State Community College, where he averaged 7.5 points per game. Kelly enters his junior season at the Division III level with Augustana.

Brown began his high school career at PHS and was an All-Big 12 Conference selection. He transferred out during his senior year where he landed at Skyline Prep in Phoenix, Arizona. Brown averaged 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists to earn First-Team All-Conference honors. Brown enters his freshman season and has already made an appearance in the team's season opener.

Jackson was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection in 2024 after helping guide the Lions to 17 wins. Lake Michigan College competes at the National Junior College Association Division I. Jackson is entering his freshman season.

Date: November 4, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

Peoria High School basketball has a deep tradition in the city. Peoria used to be the host for the IHSA boys state basketball championships until it was moved to the University of Illinois in 2021.

With that said, don't forget about the girls though. PHS girls basketball has been on a tear, winning the Big 12 Conference four of the last five seasons, as well as finishing third in Class 2A in 2023. Since Meechie Edwards took over the Lions program in 2007, the Lions have won 319 games in 18 years.

Coach has several players playing at the collegiate level, including his own daughter. Enjoy part three of the four-part "Where are they now" installment as we highlight the current PHS alumni playing in the NCAA.

Ranked the No. 57 overall prospect in the country, the PHS All-State First-Teamer selected the back-to-back reigning runner-up team in the country. The four-star prospect averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during the team's third-place run to state. Guyton lost the second half of her senior year due to injury, but appears healthy and read to go to help Iowa compete in the Big Ten Conference.

The former All-State and All-Big 12 Conference selection is now in her sophomore season at the collegiate level. Craig-Edwards transferred to Indiana University - Indianapolis after spending her freshman season at Western Michigan University. Last year, Craig-Edwards averaged 1.8 points and 1.2 rebounds in 22 games while averaging 7.7 minutes per game.

Jackson "did it all" during her days at PHS. Apart of three Big 12 Conference championship teams, the former All-Big 12 selection enters her freshman season at Eureka College.

Rutherford did not see her name come up in the scorebooks a lot, but true fans of the game saw what she brought defensively and through her rebounding. Rutherford was an instrumental part of the team's success. Jackson and Rutherford were both starters for PHS during they success and both look to be starters together in the future. For now, Rutherford enters his freshman season at Eureka College.

One of Peoria county's favorite players from PHS was Danielle Ruffin. The incoming freshman at Parkland College was everywhere on the floor. From diving for balls to taking charges, the up-tempo guard will thrive at the JUCO level, just like she did in high school when she landed All-Big 12 honors consecutive seasons.

Childs was a backup forward for the team's third-place finish in 2023. Childs was the team's "sixth man" and gave quality reserve minutes. Childs began her collegiate career at Parkland College. Ultimately, Childs transferred to Eureka College where she will begin her sophomore season.

Dailey was a graduate of PHS in 2020 and began her career at Illinois Central Community College. Dailey then played at Dyersburg State Community College, where she averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 15 games played. Dailey is now listed as a junior at Texas A&M Texarkana, which competes at the NAIA level.

Beck is a former All-Big 12 selection, helping Peoria win a Big 12 title. In her red-shirt senior senior, Beck competes at Mount Mercy University, a member of the NAIA. Before Mount Mercy, Beck played at Spoon River Community College.

Wilson is a former All-Big 12 Conference selection in 2022. During her freshman season at ICC, Wilson appeared in 30 games, and averaged 2.9 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 rebounds. Wilson shots 83% from the free-throw line and had a career high 10 points against John Wood.

Date: November 3, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria High football team moved to 8-2 on the season with a first-round win over Country Club Hills (Hillcrest) by a score of 52-36. The team used a combination of offense, defense, and special teams.

Watch Week 25 Sports Director Jim Mattson's recap of the game via his Facebook profile. Click on this link for the full recap.

Peoria will travel to No. 10 seed Calumet City (Thornton Fractional North), who improved to 7-3 after upsetting No. 7 seed Chicago Corliss 40-6. The winner of this game will take on the winner of No. 14 seed Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin and Joliet Catholic in the Elite 8.

Date: November 1, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

From 0-3 to a dangerous 15-seed, Country Club Hill (Hillcrest) have made one major turnaround this season. The team opened up their season with three consecutive losses to Benet Academy, Montini Christian, and Oak Forest.

Hillcrest defeated their next five opponents (Tinley Park, Bremen, Thomas Lansing Faction North, Thomas Lansing Faction South, and Blue Island Eisenhower.

The team has used three quarterbacks this season but their leader is junior Anthony Bradley, listed 5-foot-9, who has completed 72 passes out of 117 attempts for 1,011 yards. That includes 14 passing touchdowns and one interception.

Two receivers own over 400 yards receiving on the year while the third-most is 162. Junior Maurice Garrett, listed 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, leads the team with 27 receptions for 418 yards and six touchdowns. Senior Cameron Williams, listed 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, is next with 24 receptions for 408 yards and six touchdowns.

The team's primary running back is their 6-foot-, 185-pound senior Emmius Wright, who has 87 carries for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns. Then next best is junior Daquan Davis with 368 yards rushing.

Senior Eric Pike III, listed 6-foot-0 and 212 pounds, leads the team with 69 total tackles with 60 solos. Senior Jordan Penerson, listed 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, leads the team with 5.0 sacks and nine quarterback hurries. The team owns 13 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.

The town is located in Country Club Hills, Illinois. Their enrollment is roughly 1,175 students while the team competes in the South Suburban Conference.

The team is led by fourth-year head coach Myran Weaver, who qualified for the IHSA playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. This is also the seventh time the team is qualified for the playoffs in the last eight seasons. The team's best overall season came in 2018 when the team went 12-1 and made the state championship.

Date: November 1, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

For the second consecutive year, Mrs. Garrett's AP Environmental Science (APES) class visited the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge near Havana, IL.

Instructors from the University of IL, Springfield lead the students in field research where they gathered samples from the lake then extracted various macroinvertebrates. The students then proceeded to Therkildsen Field Station where they observed and identified the species and stages of development of the live specimens under the stereoscopes provided by the U of I School of Integrated Science.

The students were both grossed out by the lake vegetation and organisms and in awe of what they discovered. Responses to the field trip evaluation included the activity being highly recommended by all and that it should definitely continue to be a component of the course curriculum.

Mrs. Garrett's classes also hosted guest speakers from Ameren where each student received a bag of goodies which included an LED lamp, LED light bulbs, a new shower head, variety of insulation materials for pipes, windows, and outlets, and installation materials.

Additionally, every student who returns their survey on energy conservation gets their name put in a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.

Students enjoyed the various activities which demonstrated out electric currents are conducted and prevented from conduction as well as how poorly insulated portions of buildings are identified with visual temperature sensors.

The Ameren representatives commented on the respectful behavior of the students as well as the intelligent questions and comments made by the students

Date: October 31, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

For the last decade, no PHS Lion volleyball player has made it to the NCAA level via junior college, NAIA, or any of the divisions.

It's not from a lack of talent either. In the last three years, Peoria High School volleyball has produced three All-Big 12 conference selections after going a decade with nobody making the all-conference team. Mary Schmitt (2021) and Tyanna Ward (2023) both pursued coaching and college respectively.

With that said, 2023 All-12 Big 12 conference selection Dania Covington signed with Knox College and became the first PHS alumni playing volleyball at the college level. This is the second part of a four-part installment highlighting PHS alumni playing at the next level.

Here's to potentially more future Lions making it to the next level!

Date: October 31, 2024

Author: PHS Media Team

The video attached is a detailed package about the Preparatory School for the Arts through Peoria High School.

Date: October 31, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Girls run the world...

The championship of Hugtober is set in a female super clash between Senior AP Scott versus Sargent Collins.

Coach Mahan made the mistake and doubled booked an AVID trip and was not able to get enough hugs and fist bumps in when he came back during sixth hour. AP Scott had Mahan's total at lunch alone and easily made the championship. Scott wanted to thank the seniors for allowing her to work hard on this championship bid as the seniors went to class, did not get swept, and were on task.

Sargent Collins easily breezed by Coach Dixon despite receiving all of the hype from Coach O'Neal, who was a first-round defeat to Collins. Dixon only received one fist bump and that was from O'Neal. Collins once again proved the haters wrong and will try to win Hugtober with one final push on Halloween.

Date: October 30, 2024

Author: Kyle Daubs

Another playoff appearance looms this Friday at the Stadium where the Lions look to take on another chapter of rich success during the football season. Many players have suited up and have helped PHS become one of the most decorated football programs in the state of Illinois over the last decade.

While Peoria seeks to advance to the next level of the playoffs, several Lions have made it to the next level after high school. As of now, the following former Lions are currently playing at multiple divisions across college football. This is the first part of a four-part installment of highlighting PHS alumni playing at the next level.

Cox is the last remaining collegiate player from the decorated state championship team in 2016. Cox played his first five seasons at Northern Illinois before transferring to Kentucky. Due to two redshirt seasons and a COVID-granted eligibility year, Cox was given a seventh year at the NCAA Division I level.

In high school, Cox was named First-Team All-State and was a starting offensive tackle for a record setting offense that scored 805 points, 91 rushing touchdowns, and 7,753 yards of total offense. At Northern Illinois, Cox allowed just three sacks in 1,000 snaps. In 2023, Cox was named to the Senior Bowl Watchlist. Last year, Cox started 13 games for the Wildcats. This year, Cox has started all eight games and has potential to be drafted in 2025 at the NFL Draft. Kentucky is 3-5 on the season.

Gary Rutherford was named to the First-Team All-State list in 2023 and was ranked the No. 55 overall football prospect in the state of Illinois.

Rutherford was recruited at linebacker by Indiana, Toledo, and Washington State before signing with Wyoming. Rutherford has recorded zero stats and is likely to redshirt is freshman season. Wyoming is 1-7 on the season.

"Bonecrusher" was the name tagged for the former fullback that bruised his way for every short gain needed. The former All-Big 12 selection has appeared in five games for his sophomore season, primarily used as a blocker, with one rush for four yards.

The former All-Big 12 offensive lineman has played in four games during his sophomore season.

Lee has recorded no stats or appearances. The defensive back is in his sophomore season.

The former All-Big 12 offensive lineman has recorded no appearances during his freshman season. Roosevelt is 1-6 on the season.

The strong linebacker is in his fifth year and hitting hard during his senior season. in 2023, Walker was an All-Northern Athletic Collegiate All-Conference Second-Team selection. In 2024, Walker has appeared in all seven games, recording 14 tackles. The team is 4-4 on the season.

One of the most beloved running backs in the last decade, Clark is killing it during his redshirt-sophomore season at McKendree University. Clark recorded 153 carries for 614 yards rushing and six touchdowns in 11 games last season. This year, Clark is the lead back with 158 carries for 699 yards and 11 touchdowns through eight games.

Another great running back, Washington is teammates with Clark in what is Washington's redshirt-freshman season. Washington's senior year saw him record 3,348 yards rushing for 53 touchdowns on 407 carries. The 2022 Journal Star Player of the Year helped the Lions make the state championship game. This season, Washington has recorded one tackle in three appearances.

Haslett is a former All-Big 12 selection entering his junior year at McKendree. Haslett has seen time as a kick returner and receiver in three games. He owns four receptions for 28 yards, including a three reception, 18-yard game against Division I Western Illinois University. McKendree is 4-4 on the season.

Gist was a three-year starting quarterback for PHS, including the starter for the 2022 state team. Gist is in his freshman season at Saint Xavier, but has not recorded any stats. The team is 4-4 on the season.

As a freshman, Smith saw six appearances and recorded 10 tackles and six solos. The former All-Big 12 defensive lineman saw that momentum carry over to this season. Smith owns seven appearances with 22 tackles, including 18 solos.

The junior offensive tackle has put in the work to get to a starting position for the Big Blue. After playing just two games his freshman season and nine games last year, Netters is a starting offensive tackle. The former All-Big 12 lineman has started all seven games this season.

Williams is in his freshman season with the Big Blue. He owns two appearances this year, against Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage.

Walker spent time as a running back, free safety, and corner back for PHS last year. In his freshman season at Millikin, Walker owns no appearances. The Big Blue are 0-7 on the season.

In his freshman season, Jordan is making an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball. The former All-Big 12 defensive lineman has appeared in six games, recording 31 tackles, including 21 solos.

In his freshman season, Jenkins-Boyd has appeared in six games at defensive back. Eureka is 0-7 on the season.

Date: October 29, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Four days have passed, and only four Peoria High Staff faculty and staff remain.

In the battle of PHS Hugtober, two more names moved onto to the Final Four with Senior AP Scott and Sargent "Cinderella" Collins making it to the next round.

All of the action took place at school on Monday when Sgt. Collins was furious about her seven seed. Right when she walked through first period, the pen, paper, and tallies were getting after it.

By lunchtime, Collins had recorded at least 228 fist bumps and hugs.

"I could have had more, but some of them didn't know what a fist bump was so I had to show them," said Collins. "I didn't count those because I am fair and will win without cheating."

Coach O'Neal was accused of cheating his scores, but O'Neal denied any wrongdoing. Some students confirmed that he didn't cheat, but "just wasn't getting after it like Collins was."

"It's cool," said O'Neal. "Collins doesn't have a chance against Dixon. That's my guy."

In Friday's round, it was a very lackluster day. Both assistant principals were not able to get out of their office as they were too focused on freshman on track data and graduation rates.

Due to several freshman and seniors taking up their time, Scott was able to get one recorded fist bump in at 2:29 recorded before the 2:30 deadline.

Can the seniors rally behind AP Scott to bring down the one-seed Mahan?

Can Collins continue to be a Cinderella story?

You the students have the power to decide....

Date: October 29, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria High School volleyball season came to an end on Monday night in the opening round of the Class 2A Dunlap Regional.

The Lions were paired against Galesburg in the play-in game and were defeated 25-12, 25-15.

With the loss, the team ended their season with a 2-21 record, including a 1-9 mark in the Big 12 Conference.

The team graduates eight seniors from the roster. The team saw tremendous growth all season and battled against a very tough conference schedule.

Date: October 28, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria Runnin' Lions participated at the Dunlap Regional on Saturday where eight total runners competed. The team did not qualify as a team, nor had any advancing individuals make it to the Sectional.

Malakai Page finished his cross-country career leading the boys with a 64th overall place. Meanwhile, the girls were led by Tylea Kirkwoods, who placed 67th overall.

Peoria Finishers

Boys

64. Malakai Page - 19:20.40

76. Jason Crawford - 22:36.60

78. Charles Barnes - 26:54

79. Immanuel Wilkerson - 30:22.03

Girls

67. Tylea Kirkwoods - 26:54.03

68. Nyla Turner - 27:13.22

70. Olivia Long - 27:45.77

72. Amari Williams - 29:17.28

Date: October 27, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Peoria High came up short of their goals of winning the Big 12 Conference on Friday night, but did secure some positive news on Saturday.

Normal Community shut down the Lions 40-18 to finish the season undefeated in the conference. Breon Green finished 13-for-30 with 184 yards and one touchdown. Detaurion Pollard rushed for 184 yards and a touchdown. Peoria finished with more passing and rushing yards than the Ironman, but 11 penalties for 70 yards held the Lions back.

Despite losing to the Class 7A Ironman, the Peoria, ranked No. 4 in Class 5A, will begin their playoff quest against the No. 15 seed Country Club Hills in Hillcrest.

The Hawks were 5-4 on the season. You can find their football schedule and stats here.

Hillcrest finished the last week of the season losing a close 43-42 conference matchup to Lemont.

Gametime for the first round will be announced later this week.

Date: October 25, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria High School volleyball team wrapped up their regular season on Tuesday. Champaign Central spoiled Senior Night with a win over the Lions. The team will now move onto the IHSA playoffs.

Peoria was given the No. 9 seed in the Dunlap Regional. The team will play the No. 8 seed Galesburg in the play-in portion at DHS on Monday, October 28th at 6:00.

Can a Lion cut through iron? We are about to find out tonight.

Last week, the PHS Lions took care of business on Senior Night with their 44-28 win over state-ranked Bloomington. Now, the No. 4 ranked team in Class 5A will look to spoil Senior Night at Normal Community.

This task will not be easy as the No. 7 ranked team in Class 7A is undefeated in the Big 12 Conference at 7-0. Normal's lone loss on the season is a 26-13 defeat to Kankakee High School.

Normal is riding a four-game winning streak since that loss with a 42-0 win over Peoria Manual, 44-14 win over Bloomington, 71-12 win over Danville, and last week's 49-6 win over Champaign Centennial.

Regardless of what happens, the Peoria Lions have qualified for the IHSA Playoffs. With both teams at 7-1 on the season, this game will have implications on their playoff seeds, which will be announced Saturday evening.

After the first two rounds of Hugtober, Coach Mahan nearly was upset in the first round. "Degsanity" will have to wait as Coach Deg's last-ditch effort in seventh hour came up just short.

Coach Mahan was diligent in keeping a tally sheet in his pocket and was quick to fist bump all kids getting ready to leave the gym at 2:29. Some would say home field advantage really aided Mahan's efforts. With the win, Mahan moves to 100-1 against Deg in all games.

Tallies were hard to find with Coach "Nutty" Harris as no tallies were recorded so freshman football coach sensation Coach Dixon moved onto the Final Four. With the help of freshman football players, Coach Dixon came away with two victories as his freshman football team completed an 8-1 season with a win over Normal Community.

"Dixonmania" will have to be stopped in the second round, but he will not have the momentum of a freshman football game next week due their season completed.

Date: October 24, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Swimming isn't easy, especially when you are new to it.

Of the 11 swimmers that made the Peoria High School girl's swim team, nearly every girl on the team is brand new to swimming.

"Some of them learned to swim just a month ago," said coach Jacob Dupree.

The swim season will end this Saturday with the Big 12 Conference. The team has completed its regular season against opponents such as Manual, Normal West, Peoria Notre Dame, Bloomington, Richwoods, Metamora, and Pontiac.

Dupree said that his one takeaway this season was how much the swimmers have grown since the start of the season and how the team features numerous leaders who push their teammates to be better each and every day.

"We have several different leaders on the team," said Dupree. "Senior Dani Parker takes control and pushes the girls by directing them in practice. Sophomore Valeria Rojas leads by example and pushes people with unending optimism. Freshman Dahlia Howard leads by showing how to have fun and enjoy swimming.  Overall, we had a great season with great athletes trying to get better with an outstanding positive culture."

Date: October 23, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

Hugs, fist bumps, and Lions.

Oh my.

The PHS Selection committee gathered to create another stellar HugTober bracket that should feature intense competition between Peoria staff, school resource officers, and administration.

In this year's bracket preview, we break down the favorites and the potential favorites and sleepers.

Leading the way is the No. 1 seed Coach Mahan who is expected by many to best his former fraternity brother. Dating back to their EIU days, Coach Mahan owns 99-1 record against Coach Deg in games. This looks like a potential slam dunk but Coach Deg said he will never back down and this competition is perfect for him to be a Cinderella story.

"I love hugs," said Deg. "Can't get enough hugs. I give way better hugs than Mahan any day and every day."

Their potential second round opponent features a battle between proud PHS administrators in the five-seed Ms. Scott and four-seed Ms. Wuthrich. Both cited an issue getting out of their offices to receive any type of hugs or fist bumps. There is a rumor that both administrators will be upping up their walk-throughs on Thursday.

In another battle of coaches, Coach Dixon and "Nutty" Harris will be another for the ages. According to sources, Coach Dixon is seeking revenge after his disappointing loss to Harris in the 60-meter sprint at football practice last year. According to sources, Dixon has been working on his fist-bump game since that defeat to prep him for this moment.

Rounding out the bracket is the two-seed Coach O'Neal and seven seed Sergeant Collins. According to sources, Collins did not appreciate her low seed. Collins owns a ton of experience giving hugs dating back to her placement at the elementary school setting. Collins could prove to be a huge sleeper pick.

Sources say that Coach O'Neal has not been practicing any hugs or fist bumps due to watching LeBron James highlight videos. Since the Olympics, O'Neal has dedicated at least 59 minutes a day watching LeBron dunks, drives, and dishes to prep for the upcoming NBA season. However, after last night's Laker win to start the season, O'Neal is ready to use that motivation to fuel him to victory.

Date: October 22, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

A win over state-ranked Bloomington and Senior Night. You would have thought that would have taken all fo the attention, but it was hard not to notice the third part of the trifecta to a special evening at Peoria Stadium.

The Peoria Police Department collaborated with the Peoria High School football team to create PPD Night. This included an escort to the game and special jerseys to commemorate the night.

Watch the video recap of Friday's special night where youth, justice, and sports all came together to win the night.

Date: October 17, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

School might be out but that does not mean that the remaining competing sports teams from Peoria have slowed down.

The Peoria High Football team is back in action this Friday at home. The Lions will honor their seasons before one of the biggest games in the area commences. Peoria was recently ranked No. 4 in Class 5A and will take on Bloomington, the No. 10 ranked team in Class 6A. If Peoria can win their final two games of the season, the team will clinch the Big 12 Conference championship.

Junior quarterback was recently nominated to a pool of 10 players in the Journal Star area for MVP of the Football Season so far.

Bloomington, 6-1 on the season, is coming off a 34-7 win over Peoria Notre Dame. The team is led by senior quarterback AJ Codron, who has thrown for 1,099 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just one interception. The rushing game is led by senior Rob Lanier, who has carried the ball 131 times for 751 yards and 14 touchdowns. The receiving game features three juniors all with at least 200 yards. On defense, senior Kenyetta Gardner leads the team with 31 tackles, while senior Kenner Bye owns 8.0 tackles for loss.

Soccer & Volleyball drop contests; Postseason assignments announced

The soccer team dropped a contest at Urbana on Tuesday 8-0. This concluded the regular season portion of the season with a 3-8-1 record. Peoria was given the No. 9 seed in the Metamora Regional. The team will compete against the No. 7 seed Bloomington this Saturday at Bloomington High School at 10 a.m. A win would move Peoria to the Regional site against the No. 1 seed Peoria Notre Dame.

The volleyball team dropped a contest to Danville. The team will wrap up their regular season at home next Tuesday to Champaign Central. Peoria was given the No. 9 seed in the Dunlap Regional. The team will play the No. 8 seed Galesburg in the play-in portion at DHS on Monday, October 28th at 6:00.

Date: October 13, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Peoria High School volleyball team competed at the Sherrard Volleyball Invitational over the weekend.

Senior, Symone Jackson, was named to the All-Tournament Team. The Lions finished the tournament 0-4. The team returns to action on Tuesday on the road at Danville.

Football Playoff Eligible

The PHS football team took to the road on Friday night to Champaign Central. The team erupted with a 44-2 victory over the Maroons to improve to 6-1 on the season.

With their sixth win, the Lions are guranteed a playoff berth in the IHSA playoffs. A home playoff game and Big 12 Conference championship are both on the line as the team closes out the season.

The Lions return to action at home on Friday, hosting Bloomington as a part of Senior Night.

Date: October 9, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

"Medal Meet" is what coach Mike Lawless said in anticipation of Tuesday's LWRB Invite. That is exactly what happened as the Runnin' Lions walked away with some new bling and several season bests.

Nearly all of the team saw a new personal best, some running four minutes faster than anything they have ran all season. All five of the PHS girls received a medal for finishing in the top-40, while three boys took home hardware too.

The women competed first and finished fourth out of the 11-team field. Allanah Williams led the team with a time of 24:47. The men finished sixth overall. Malakai Page led the team with a 16th overall finish, while Dale Stewart was 34th with a new career best of 20:06. Jayleon Williams took the final medal given out with his 40th overall place finish.

Peoria Finishers (Women)

15. Allannah Williams - 24:47

25. Olivia Long - 26:12

32. Tylea Kirkwoods - 30:05

33. Amari Williams - 30:33

34. Nyla Turner - 30:51

Peoria Finishers (Men)

16. Malakai Page - 18:51

34. Dale Stewart - 20:06

40. Jayleon Williams - 21:21

53. Charles Barnes - 22:49

57. Sergio Velazquez Acuahuitl - 23:05

Date: October 7, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The inaugural Peoria Lions flag football team lost to Manual 10-8 in a double-overtime thriller in the first round of the IHSA Flag Football playoffs on Tuesday.

The team finished 3-6 on the season with wins over Manual, Urbana, and Belleville West.

"Given that the majority of our team comprised of mostly inexperienced underclass players with little to no experience playing organized sports," I am satisfied with them participating and growing as a collective group with a willingness to learn and develop," said coach Marilyn Woods.

The Peoria High football team moved to 5-1 on the season with a 66-7 victory over Peoria Richwoods Friday night.

The win now makes Peoria, Class 5A No. 7 ranked, playoff eligible. A win this Friday over Champaign Central would guarantee a spot in the IHSA playoffs. More wins could mean a potential home playoff game.

With that said, the team remains in the running for the Big 12 Conference championship with Bloomington and Normal Community left on the schedule. Wins over both would mean an outright title.

The defense shined by holding the Knights to 71 total yards and holding the team to 0-12 on passing. Senior linebacker Cam Peterson recovered a pair of fumbles, while sophomore Julian Lowe and junior Tytavion Alexander each recovered fumbles as well.

Offensively, the team combined for 411 rushing yards, led by Kendall Netters with 121 yards rushing and Detaurion Pollard's 82 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Date: October 4, 2024

Author: PHS Editorial Team

The Lions feasted at Buffalo Wild Wings together to raise money for the program, but the team is hopeful their appetite remains hungry in their quest towards playoff eligibility.

Peoria, 4-1 and 3-1 in the Big 12, have another shot at making themselves eligible for the IHSA playoffs with a home matchup tonight against Peoria Richwoods.

The Lions are coming off a 20-18 loss on the road at Normal West. TQ Webb recorded an 80-yard touchdown to pull the Lions close, while Detaurion Pollard got the Lions within two points with 2:07 remaining in the game. In the final minute, the Lions got to the 30-yard line but could not convert on a fourth-and-1 situation.

Peoria Richwoods is 1-4 on the season and 1-4 in the Big 12. A loss would knock Richwoods out of any playoff contention. The team owns a 15-6 win over Manual. Their losses include 55-12 to Normal Community, 32-0 to Champaign Centennial, 65-14 to Peoria Notre Dame, and 9-8 to Champaign Central.

The Peoria volleyball team dropped a pair of Big 12 Conference games this week to Normal Community and Peoria Notre Dame. The Lions, 2-7, return to action today and this weekend against Auburn and Seymour.

The Lions pulled off a huge upset against Champaign Central with a 3-2 win at home.

Their defense was ripped to shreds as Yefferson scored a goal. Not to be outdone, Erik Montoya was dominating their defense and added two more goals on the night.

"We persevered against an onslaught of hard fouls, elbows, and blind referees," said coach Brett Heinlein. "Josh Martinez and Andres Quintero had a monster game on defense; saved many potential game tying scores. Christopher Varela and Oliver Mendez locked down the middle and provided the catalyst for our counterattacks which led to goals. The boys played their hearts out and it paid off with a huge win."

Peoria returns to action at Peoria Stadium on October 8th against Richwoods.

The 69th Peoria High School Invitational is ready to host 161 teams, 93 schools, and 1,376 runners according to meet manager and PHS athletic director Brien Dunphy.

Earlier this week, helping out Dunphy with course prep was Shawn Stever, Bob Lacroix, Dave Poehls, Jerry Riebling, and Matt Grimm.

Schedule

A/AA Girls: 9:00 a.m.

A/AA Boys: 9:45 a.m.

AAA Girls: 10:30

AAA Boys: 11:15