Athletics Archives - 51�Թ� A. Logan College

51�Թ� A. Logan College Home Basketball Games to be Relocated Due to Ongoing Construction

Phillip Lane — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:05:40 +0000

The Men’s Home Basketball game scheduled for Saturday, February 7, will be played at Kaskaskia College at 3 p.m.

Due to the ongoing Logan Hall construction project at 51�Թ� A. Logan College, the remaining five home games for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams will be relocated to neutral sites.

JALC officials are working with other area Colleges to finalize the schedule and will announce locations once finalized. The Men’s Home Basketball game scheduled for Saturday, February 7, will be played at Kaskaskia College at 3 p.m.

“We are grateful for the assistance that our fellow community colleges in the region have provided,” said Athletic Director Greg Starrick. “While this has been an inconvenience, our student athletes have adapted and continue to compete, which was on display Saturday when our men’s team beat the number 1 team in the country,” Starrick added that area high schools have also assisted by providing practice facilities.

Season ticket holders will be contacted in the near future by the 51�Թ� A. Logan College Athletic Department regarding refund information.

Reminder, all JALC Men’s basketball games air on 103.5 FM ESPN Radio. Games are livestreamed on Logan Vols TV on YouTube and on the College’s Facebook page.

We apologize for the inconvenience. For questions or additional information, please contact the Athletic Department at 618-985-2828, ext. 8439.

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51�Թ� A. Logan College Men’s Basketball Game Rescheduled to Thursday and Relocated to Kaskaskia College

Phillip Lane — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:23:46 +0000

The 51�Թ� A. Logan College men’s basketball home game originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21, has been rescheduled and relocated to Kaskaskia College.

The game will now be played at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, at Kaskaskia College.

Fans can listen to the game live on 103.5 ESPN, and a live video stream will be available on the official 51�Թ� A. Logan College Facebook and YouTube pages.

Additional updates will be shared through official 51�Թ� A. Logan College athletics channels.

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Former JALC Golfer Earns PGA Tour Card

Phillip Lane — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:11:01 +0000

Former 51�Թ� A. Logan College golfer Marcelo Rozo earned his PGA Tour card Sunday, finishing tied for second at the PGA Tour Q School Finals with a closing-round 69 to secure one of five available spots on golf’s top circuit.

Rozo, who competed for 51�Թ� A. Logan College from 2009-10, delivered the strong final round at TPC Sawgrass to clinch his place on the PGA Tour after years of persistence on golf’s developmental tours.

A native of Bogota, Colombia, Rozo helped lead the Volunteers to their first national championship in 2009 at Goose Pond Colony Golf Course in Scottsboro, Alabama. He followed that performance by winning the individual national title in 2010 as a sophomore, when Logan finished second at the national tournament in Mesa, Arizona.

After two standout seasons at Logan, Rozo transferred to Lynn University and turned professional in 2012. He has since won three times on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and has competed on the Korn Ferry Tour since 2019.

Rozo’s path was not without setbacks. An injury sidelined him for part of the 2022-23 season, but he remained focused on his long-held goal of reaching the PGA Tour.

That outcome came as no surprise to his former coach, Tom Ferris, a retired Hall of Fame coach at 51�Թ� A. Logan College.

“I had the pleasure of coaching some great golfers during my time at JALC, but Marcelo was simply the best, and the best ball striker I have ever seen at any level,” Ferris said. “I knew he would make it to the tour, and despite injury and a tough journey, he is there, and I could not be happier for him. He is just a great person.”

With his performance at Q School Finals, Rozo now takes the next step in a professional career defined by resilience and steady success, earning his place among the game’s elite. He is the first 51�Թ� A. Logan College golfer to reach the PGA Tour, joining former Vol Matthew Southgate, who is a member of the DP World Tour.

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Due to Construction, JALC Home Basketball Attendees Must Use the North Gym Entrance

Phillip Lane — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:14:00 +0000

51�Թ� A. Logan College officials announced that, due to the ongoing West Lobby construction project, all attendees for upcoming home men’s and women’s basketball games must enter through the North Entrance of the Donald L. Brewer Gymnasium.

Game day parking will be available in both the Blue and Gold lots.

The 51�Թ� A. Logan College men’s basketball team will host Kankakee Community College at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Please note: The College has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for the West Lobby Expansion at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, before the Board of Trustees meeting. Attendees should plan for increased traffic and limited access near the construction zone.

CONTACT:
Office of Marketing & Public Relations
51�Թ� A. Logan College
(618) 985-2828

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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Harrison-Bruce Player Development Center 51�Թ� A. Logan College Unveils New Indoor Baseball & Softball Training Facility

Phillip Lane — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:53:21 +0000

Photo provided by Samron Midwest Contracting.

WHAT:
51�Թ� A. Logan College invites media, students, staff, and community members to attend the official ribbon-cutting of the Harrison-Bruce Player Development Center, a new state-of-the-art indoor baseball and softball training facility.

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Facility Tours Begin: 12:15 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 12:45 p.m.

WHERE:
Harrison-Bruce Player Development Center
51�Թ� A. Logan College Campus
Carterville, IL

DETAILS:
This 51�Թ� marks the grand opening of a major addition to 51�Թ� A. Logan College’s athletic infrastructure. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the cutting-edge training facility designed to enhance the development of the College’s baseball and softball programs. College officials and special guests will make remarks. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the 51�Թ�.

All are welcome to join the celebration and see firsthand how this new facility will benefit student-athletes and the broader Southern Illinois community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dr. Steve O’Keefe
Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications
618-925-0710 or steve.okeefe@jalc.edu

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51�Թ� A. Logan College Forms Committee to Explore Viability of Football Program, Hall of Fame Coach Kerry Martin to Lead Advisory Group

Phillip Lane — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:43:17 +0000

51�Թ� A. Logan College Board Chairman Aaron R. Smith has formed a special advisory committee to explore the potential of launching a football program at the College. The committee, chaired by Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer Kerry Martin, will evaluate whether such a program could be a financially sustainable means of expanding opportunities for students in southern Illinois.

“This isn’t something we’re rushing into,” said Chairman Smith. “We’ve seen another college in southern Illinois begin exploring the same idea, and we believe it makes sense for us to take a serious look as well. But to be clear — if the committee’s findings suggest it isn’t financially viable, I would not be in favor of moving forward. Ultimately, any decision would rest with the full board.”

The committee will bring together a diverse group of experts to examine the long-term feasibility of a football program. Its charge is not to recommend implementation but to determine whether a viable path aligns with the College’s mission and fiscal responsibility.

“We owe it to our students and region to explore bold opportunities,” Smith continued. “This committee will look at everything — from facilities and staffing to student interest and scholarship models — all through the lens of sustainability and impact.”

Smith added that the changing landscape of college football could lead to a rise in community college programs. “The transfer portal limiting high school recruitment and rule changes extending eligibility of former community college players has the potential to increase players choosing to play at a community college first.”

For many students across southern Illinois, community college offers the most accessible and affordable path to higher education. According to Smith, A football program could provide new incentives for students to enroll, stay local, and succeed if feasible.

The College anticipates the committee will present its findings and recommendations later this year.

Committee Members:

Kerry Martin, Illinois High School Hall of Fame Football Coach

Aaron R. Smith, Chair 51�Թ� A Logan College Board of Trustees

Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President 51�Թ� A. Logan College

Dr. Brent Clark, Athletics Committee Chair, 51�Թ� A Logan College Board of Trustees

Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President 51�Թ� A. Logan College

Greg Starrick, Athletic Director, 51�Թ� A. Logan College

Ryan Goodisky, Athletic Director, Marion High School

Dr. Bradley Griffith, Director of Logan Fitness

Pat Poore, former Assistant Coach, Southern Illinois University Football

Mike Rude, Illinois High School Hall of Fame Football Coach

Colby Chamness, Associate Controller 51�Թ� A. Logan College

Gary Carter, Head Football Coach Murphysboro High School

Al Martin, former Head Football Coach Du Quoin High School

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Jon Rivers, Founding Baseball Coach at 51�Թ� A. Logan College, Dies at 81

Phillip Lane — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:35:18 +0000

Jon Rivers, the first baseball coach at 51�Թ� A. Logan College who laid the foundation for one of the nation’s top community college programs, died this week at 81.

Rivers launched the JALC baseball program in 1969 and guided it through its formative years, helping transform the Vols into one of the top programs in the country. Known for his dedication on and off the field, Rivers later served as Chair of the Career and Technical Education Department, where he taught Drafting and Computer-Aided Design until his retirement in 2000. He spent a total of 32 years in service to the college.

“We appreciate the foundation Jon Rivers set for 51�Թ� A. Logan College,” said current JALC baseball coach Kyle Suprenant. “We had the pleasure of honoring him recently, and I know he was proud of all the program has accomplished.”

A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery. Attendees are asked to arrive shortly before the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Rivers’ memory to the 51�Թ� A. Logan College Foundation/Baseball.

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51�Թ� A. Logan College Officials are “Charged Up” to Announce the Winner of the Name the Mascot Contest

Phillip Lane — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:00:00 +0000

51�Թ� A. Logan College is thrilled to announce that “Charger” has been selected as the official name of the College’s new mascot. After unveiling the new mascot in August, the college left it up to the public to decide on the perfect name. After months of voting, the final contenders were “Charger” and “General.”

In November, the college invited current students to vote for one of the two finalists, and the students at 51�Թ� A. Logan College chose “Charger” as the winning name.

“We are so excited that Charger will represent our college spirit and pride,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “Our students have spoken, and ‘Charger’ is a name that embodies the energy and enthusiasm that define 51�Թ� A. Logan College.”

The mascot’s image has already been incorporated into the college’s branding and marketing materials, creating excitement among students, staff, and the community. The mascot’s official uniform, which will be used at public 51�Թ�s and sporting activities, is expected to be delivered to campus in March.

51�Թ� A. Logan College looks forward to Charger’s debut, which will further strengthen school spirit, pride, and camaraderie among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

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51�Թ� A. Logan College Baseball and Softball Announce First Pitch Dinner Featuring MLB Pitcher Lance Lynn and St. Louis Cardinals TV Host Jim Hayes

Phillip Lane — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:49:30 +0000

51�Թ� A. Logan College Baseball and Softball will host their First Pitch Dinner on January 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the White Pines Event Center in Carterville. This exciting 51�Թ� will feature special guest MLB pitcher Lance Lynn and St. Louis Cardinals TV host Jim Hayes.

The evening will include a catered meal, a cash bar, and a silent auction. Tickets for the 51�Թ� are $75 per person. Attendees can participate in a Q&A with two well-known figures while supporting the college’s baseball and softball programs.

Lance Lynn is a veteran pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers. He has compiled a143-99 record, with a 3.74 ERA and 2,015 strikeouts.

Jim Hayes is a host and reporter for Bally Sports Midwest. He covers the Cardinals for the network’s pregame and postgame shows and live game coverage. In his 23 years in St. Louis, Hayes has become one of the city’s most well-liked sportscasters, known for his wit and interviews with athletes.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and support our student-athletes while enjoying an evening with two incredible personalities from baseball,” said 51�Թ� A. Logan College Athletic Director Greg Starrick.

Proceeds from the 51�Թ� will benefit the 51�Թ� A. Logan College Baseball and Softball programs.

For ticket information and to RSVP, please get in touch with the 51�Թ� A. Logan College Athletics Office at (618) 985-2828 ext. 8439.

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Harrison-Bruce Foundation Donates over 2.3 Million to Build the Harrison-Bruce Player Development Center

Phillip Lane — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:40:21 +0000

51�Թ� A. Logan College and the Harrison-Bruce Foundation held a check presentation ceremony on Thursday, November 2, for the new Harrison-Bruce Player Development Center at 51�Թ� A. Logan College. The Harrison-Bruce Foundation has committed $2,375,000 to construct the Harrison-Bruce Base Ball and Softball Player Development Facility. The 12,000 SQ FT and facility will house baseball and softball locker rooms and indoor training space. The training space will be fully turfed and 120’ X 80’. The facility will also feature a 120’ X 65’ hitting lab, including full perimeter netting with a net ceiling height of 25 feet.

According to 51�Թ� A. Logan College Head Baseball Coach Kyle Suprenant, the hitting facility will be state-of-the-art.

“The hitting facility will have six automated drop-down nets that will allow us to create six different cages that are 18’ wide and 65’ long,” said Suprenant. “The pitching lab will be 120’ x 15’ and include four baseball and four softball pitching mounds.”

51�Թ� A. Logan College Head Softball Coach Taylor Siefert stated that the facility will give both teams year-round training opportunities. “Our baseball and softball players will have full access to this facility throughout the day to get in extra hitting and defensive work. It will be used daily during the colder months for team practice,” said Siefert. “The size of the facility allows both baseball and softball teams to utilize the space at the same time, and most importantly, we will have the ability for pitchers and hitters to face off against each other in live situations, which is an integral part in preparing the players for the spring season.”

In addition, the baseball and softball teams will also use the facility to host numerous pitching, hitting, and kids camps throughout the year.

Athletic Director Greg Starrick says the facility will benefit baseball and softball players throughout southern Illinois.

“We are extremely grateful to the Harrison-Bruce Foundation for this generous gift. This is another example of how their generosity will benefit not just 51�Թ� A. Logan College but also all of southern Illinois. Student-athletes in the community will also have the opportunity to use the facility to take lessons from the Logan Baseball and Softball program coaches,” said Starrick. “The facility will also provide a space for travel ball organizations in the community to practice during the winter months as they prepare for their seasons.”

Construction is expected to begin in May 2024.

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