KC honors veterans during Enduring Freedom
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Featured guest speaker Colonel Jason B. "Caesar" Wolff speaks during the Enduring Freedom Celebration event at Kaskaskia College. Kaskaskia College honored area veterans during the 10th annual Enduring Freedom Celebration Event on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Jane Knight Auditorium on the college's main campus.
The event started with a free breakfast and was followed by a program starting at 9:45 a.m.
Featured guest speaker was Colonel Jason B. "Caesar" Wolff. He serves as chief of the air transportation division at Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base.
Commissioned through officer training school in 2011, Wolff has held distinguished assignments with the Air Force Logistics Management Agency, Joint Staff, and U.S. Forces Japan. He was deployed in support of numerous major military operations including Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
Wolff said the country has got to where it is because of the opportunities and obstacles we have overcome. The one thing the United States brings is hope. 
Kaskaskia College Student Outreach Coordinator Carrie Hancock presents the folded flag to Julius "Rookie" Kampwerth. Photos by Matt Wilson "You hope that the United States of America is there to help you," Wolff said. "You hope that we are there to support you. You hope that we are there for justice, and we are."
Wolff said they can't bring that hope without the people in the audience. Veterans Day is for those that served their country and came back. Memorial Day is for those that served their country and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Many people thank Wolff for his service. He thanks them for their support.
"We can't do this alone, this is a team," Wolff said. "It's called the United States of America, not the individual states of America. I challenge you to look to the left and right and see the veterans here. Each one of them has a unique story."
Julius "Rookie" Kampwerth poses for a picture with family. The diversity that makes the military strong is the same diversity that is at Kaskaskia College and the community. Wolff said the difference are people's strength.
Lady Cougars sweep their way to the Final Four
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- Written by: Jeremy Chawgo - Breese Journal Sports Editor
State bound — The Central Lady Cougars volleyball team swept through their way through the sectional and super-sectional as they will play in the Class 2A Final Four this weekend at ISU. PHOTO BY JEREMY CHAWGO The Central Lady Cougars made it a perfect 12-0 in Super-Sectional games in school history with a sweep over Red Bud on Monday at the Class 2A Nashville Super-Sectional.
The Cougars are making their 10th trip to the Final Four and their fourth State Championship. They claimed State titles in 1996, 2005 and 2007.
“This is insanely exciting,” said junior outside hitter Madelyn Luebbers. “It’s been so long since we have gone to state, it’s really a blessing to get the chance to go.”
Block it down — The Central duo of Bailey Gebke and Lana Kraeger put the blocks up against Teutopolis hitter Gabby Tegler in the first game of the Lady Cougars’ sectional sweep over the Shoes on Tuesday. PHOTO BY JEREMY CHAWGO It was the 12th time in school history, and just their first sectional title since 2013, the Central Lady Cougars volleyball team claimed the Class 2A Vandalia Sectional title on Thursday with a sweep over Wesclin.
In 2013, the Lady Cougars were led by Maddie Timmermann en route to winning the Class 3A Triad Sectional and placing third at State under the late Jim Cook. They were 36-6 that season.
This edition of the Cougars swept Teutopolis and Wesclin to claim the Vandalia title before sweeping Red Bud to claim the Nashville Super-Sectional and move their record to 28-9 on the season.
The Cougars are in action on Friday at noon against Rochester in the Class 2A Final Four. The Rockets are 32-7 on the season and they are making their first-ever trip to the State Tournament.
Central 25-26, Red Bud 14-24: The Lady Cougars used another strong start to secure their 12th Super-Sectional title on Monday evening at the Assembly Hall in Nashville.
Dig it up — Central junior Aubrey Mulvin sends a pass to the setter in the first game of the Lady Cougars’ sweep over Teutopolis in Tuesday’s Vandalia Sectional semifinal. PHOTO BY JEREMY CHAWGO Both teams limited their errors with the Cougars’ having a postseason low with just eight unforced errors while the Musketeers had 11 of their own. The Lady Cougars outhit RBHS 31-26.
After Red Bud got on the board 1-0, Central stole all the momentum by scoring the next five points and the next nine out of 10 to lead 9-2. Junior Bailey Gebke had three kills and a block in the run while senior Haley Becker added two smashes.
“Our girls came out with a purpose today,” said Central head coach Kristen Torre. “We knew it was going to be a battle, and we wanted to set the tone from the start.”
A kill from Red Bud’s Corbyn Legendre ended the run before the Cougars fought right back with the next five points on a Gebke service run. Madelyn Luebbers had two kills and a block in the run for a 13-3 lead.
