NCHS swimmer Lindsay Gendron breaks record
By Steve Koehler - 2009-08-31 09:16:52

[PANTAGRAPH] PEORIA -- Senior Lindsay Gendron made her high school career debut a record-breaking one for Normal Community, clocking 24.15 to win the 50 freestyle in a dual host Peoria Richwoods won, 91-89.

Gendron's time ranks fourth in Pantagraph area history.

She also won the 200 freestyle (1:58.61).

Former BHS standout Ratzsch headed to Ireland for basketball
By Steve Koehler - 2009-08-31 09:16:32

[PANTAGRAPH] BLOOMINGTON -- Kevin Ratzsch received his bachelor's degree in May. The college experience is in his rearview mirror.

Yet, the Bloomington High School product isn't ready to leave basketball behind.

Following a stellar career at Northern State University, Ratzsch has signed a one-year contract with a professional team in Ireland. He leaves Bloomington in mid-September to play for Belfast in the Ireland SuperLeague.

"Usually you get out of college and start a desk job," Ratzsch said. "I like to be in the gym. If I can get some housing paid for and get to play in a competitive area a few more years, I'm blessed to have that opportunity."

The 6-foot-7 Ratzsch led Northern State in scoring the past three years, earning Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Year honors as a senior.

The three-time first-team all-conference pick averaged 21 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this past season. Shortly after it concluded, Ratzsch's phone began to ring.

"Every week I was getting a couple of new contacts from different agents and teams," he said.

"People would come up to me the last few seasons and say, 'Are you going to play overseas?' I had never really thought about it. I didn't know if I'd be able to."

Ratzsch was intrigued by contact from leagues in New Zealand and Australia, saying, "That's somewhere I always wanted to go." However, the season began in April.

He opted to play in Ireland this fall in part because Belfast's season will conclude in time for him to play in New Zealand/Australia next spring if the opportunity arises.

"That kind of swayed the decision a little bit," said Ratzsch, who is confident he can play well enough to get a chance Down Under.

"I think it will depend more on if I am pretty tired by that time. I might have to wait until the next spring."

For now, Ratzsch is working out regularly, calling an exercise regimen "part of my daily routine." It is not surprising for a guy who aspires to become a personal trainer.

That is, when basketball is behind him.

NCHS boys soccer posts first win
By Steve Koehler - 2009-08-31 09:14:37

[PANTAGRAPH] WEST AURORA -- Chris Kaufmann, Jake Wallace and Matt Smith all scored goals against East Aurora to lead Normal Community to its first win of the season, 3-1, in the West Aurora Invitational on Saturday.

The Ironmen (1-1-3) had 11 shots, including a 60-yard chip off the second half kickoff from Sam Napolitano that clanged off the crossbar.

Goalie Spencer Smith made five saves, and Michael Tretter, Justin Tuggle, and Sean O'Malley each had an assist.

U High boys golf fifth at Monmouth
By Steve Koehler - 2009-08-31 09:12:07

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