Staab on Sports

The new Head Football Coach, Jared Grebner, applauds his defense's efforts during his time as defensive coordinator during the 2019 season. PHOTO / CHRISTOPHER LEE METAMORA - Not since the fall of 1989 has the Metamora Redbirds had a head football coach other than Pat Ryan. That has changed. This past Thursday evening, pen was put to the paper to officially name defensive coordinator Jared Grebner as its next head coach. Grebner, a 1997 graduate of Metamora High School, has been making contributions to the Redbird football program in multiple facets. It started as a player, when he was both a quarterback and safety. After a collegiate football career at McKendree University (Lebanon, IL), Grebner returing to Malone Field as an assistant coach, eventually becoming the defensive coordinator in 2010. When asked about what it means to hear his new official title, he says it's a fulfulling of a goal. "It's definitely a dream come true. I just feel very fortunate...

Morton poses with the Super-Sectional plaque following their 45-12 victory over Providence Catholic on Monday night in Kankakee. Friday marks the 5th time in 6 years the Lady Potters have made it to Redbird Arena. PHOTO / ALEX STAAB NORMAL - All is quiet inside the halls of Redbird Arena as it is prepared for the first semifinal in Class 3A between Chicago Simeon (32-3) and Lombard Montini (32-4). In about an hour and a half, the home of the Illinois State Redbird will surely be rocking. The Morton Lady Potters have run the table in this 2019-2020 season, entering today's State Semifinal with an unblemished (36-0) record. Their opponent, Springfield Lanphier (26-8), has never been to this stage before. Lanphier Head Coach Doug Collins, like Morton's Bob Becker, is in his 21st season. Collins sits at a (222-367) record entering the game. The Lions have won their last six consecutive games, with the last loss coming at the hands of Rochester, 46-45, back on February 10t...