Walsh makes history and signs to continue wrestling at McKendree
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Matthew Walsh continues to make history with the Central wrestling program.
After a senior season where he became the first Central wrestler ever to qualify for the IHSA state finals, Walsh has now become the first ever Central wrestler to sign a college scholarship.
Walsh made his college decision official on Wednesday, April 29, when he signed to continue his wrestling career at McKendree University, an NCAA Division II school located in Lebanon.
Future Bearcat - Central senior Matthew Walsh, has signed to continue his wrestling career at McKendree University. PHOTO BY MATT WILSON
"I think McKendree is a good school and the coaching is really good," Walsh said. "Overall, it's just a good school for careers."
Central wrestling coach Brian Walsh, who is Matthew's father, said it was a big day for the Central program.
"This is about eight years of hard work and to see it finally come to fruition is incredible," Brian Walsh said. "Four years ago, I didn't think this day was going to happen, but dedication, mat time and being resilient has paid off. It will be fun to see him stay in purple and be right down the road."
Walsh wrestled at 150 pounds during his senior season. After a successful regular season, he opened the postseason by placing second in the regional at East Alton-Wood River. After receiving an opening-round bye, No. 2 seed Walsh beat Wood River's Matthew Woolverton by tech fall in the quarterfinals and beat Salem's Kade Orell by an 11-6 decision in the semifinals. Walsh lost to No. 1 seed Logan Riggs from Roxana by fall in the championship match.
Walsh placed second during the sectional at Vandalia to qualify for state. He beat Taylorville's Lincoln Coffey by a 7-0 decision in the opening round, beat Benton's Peyton Robinson by a 12-0 major decision in the quarterfinals, and beat Sparta's Braxton Glode by a 3-2 decision in the semifinals. Walsh lost to Vandalia's Dade Kleinik by a 7-3 decision in the championship match.
Walsh picked up his historic 100th career win during the sectional.
In his first ever state appearance, Walsh lost to Preston Richards from Dixon by a 8-0 decision in the opening round and lost to Austin Kinser from Olympia by a 2-0 decision in the consolation bracket.
Walsh finished his senior season with a 40-5 record.
"Going to state was bitter sweet," Walsh said. "The amount of support I have gotten throughout all of my years has been amazing. Just the grind that it took, it really meant a lot to get to state this year."
Walsh also qualified for the sectional his junior year after winning the regional at Roxana at 157 pounds.
Walsh was the only Central wrestler his freshman year. The Central program has grown since then and now is a recognized school sport. It was previously a club sport.
Walsh started wrestling his sixth grade year, but it was nothing serious until he came to Central.
"Wrestling at Central for four years has meant a lot," Walsh said. "Nothing is really guaranteed, but being a part of this program means more than what people would think."
Walsh said he is ready for the next step.
"High school was fun, but I'm really excited for a new career, a new facility, just a new everything," Walsh said.
Walsh said he is going to do a lot of private lessons over the summer to prepare for college wrestling. He also will be in the McKendree wrestling room along with getting trained by a couple of coaches.
"I will probably be pretty active this summer," Walsh said.
Matthew's older brother, Justin, is a middle linebacker for the McKendree football team.
Brian Walsh said he hopes Matthew Walsh's signing will be a motivator for other wrestlers in the area.
"These wrestlers can be like 'Hey, if he can do it, there is no reason I can't do it,'" Brian Walsh said. "It will give a lot of other kids another opportunity to try it."
McKendree placed third in the NCAA Super Regional Championships in Oklahoma this past winter. The Bearcats had two regional champions and five national qualifiers. They won the Great Lakes Valley championship after a 22-13 win over the University of Indianapolis in the semifinals and a 20-18 win over Maryville in the championship. They finished with a 16-5 overall record.
Walsh plans to major in education at McKendree.
After 56 years, Breese Fine Furniture and Jan’s Uniforms preparing to say goodbye - Customer appreciation event planned for this Saturday
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- Written by: Kelly Jo Ross - Breese Journal News Editor
After more than five decades of serving the community, Breese Fine Furniture and Jan's Uniforms will officially close its doors on Aug. 28. A customer appreciation event is planned for this Saturday at 466 N. Fifth Street in Breese. Above is an undated photo of owner Mark Fuhler and his dad, the late Ralph Fuhler. After more than five decades of serving the community, Breese Fine Furniture and Jan’s Uniforms will officially close its doors on Aug. 28, marking the end of a longtime family business in Breese.
Owner Mark Fuhler announced his retirement earlier last month, describing the decision as one made after “much thought and consideration.”
The closure marks the end of an era for the family-owned business that has been a staple in the Breese community for decades.
The business originally opened as Breese Salvage on Oct. 16, 1970. It began as a partnership between Ralph Fuhler, Dennis Buchmiller and Hugo “Hooks” Weber, who had previously worked together at Freight Salvage in the 1960s.Ralph Fuhler later became the sole owner of the business and operated it until his retirement in 2001.
Thirty years after Breese Salvage first opened, Ralph’s son, Mark, and his wife, Jan, purchased the business in 2000. Ralph officially retired the following year and passed away in 2009.
In 2006, the business was renamed Breese Fine Furniture and Jan’s Uniforms.
Since then, the store has continued serving the area with furniture, mattresses, nursing uniforms, nursing shoes and medical supplies.
For Mark Fuhler, retirement comes after decades of dedication to the family business. He began working alongside his father in 1976 at just 16 years old and has spent nearly 50 years helping serve local customers.
“Serving you over the years has been a true pleasure and privilege,” Fuhler shared in a message to customers. “This decision was not made lightly, but I am looking forward to the next chapter of life and spending more time with family and loved ones.”
The store will continue accepting mattress orders through Aug. 15, while special orders for nursing uniforms will end after Aug. 1.
As part of the farewell celebration, Breese Fine Furniture and Jan’s Uniforms will host a Customer Appreciation Sale and Raffle this Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the store, located at 466 N. Fifth Street in Breese.
Customers attending the event will receive 20% off all in-store inventory, excluding mattresses. Free doughnuts and hot dogs also will be available during the sale.
In addition, all visitors will receive a raffle entry, with customers making purchases earning an extra ticket. Prizes include gift certificates to several local businesses, including Dairy King, Glass and Auto Cosmetics, Popeye’s Chop House, Wally’s and more. In addition, you could receive two cases of bottled Ski from Excel, and store gift certificates to Breese Fine Furniture and Jan’s Uniforms.
Fuhler expressed sincere gratitude to the customers and community members who supported the business throughout the years and encouraged residents to continue supporting local businesses.
“Thank you for being part of this journey,” the announcement stated. “Please share to spread the word.”
Local schools attend field days at WPofCC
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Carlyle students play human foosball during at Whispering Pines of Clinton County. Photos by Matt Wilson ThereCarlyle student Jax Radake strikes a ball during field day at Whispering Pines of Clinton County. were a combined six schools that went to Whispering Pines of Clinton County (WPofCC) for field days this year.
Schools at field days this year included New Baden second-graders; Nashville seventh-graders; Breese District 12 eighth-graders; Breese District 12 fourth-graders; Carlyle Grade School first- through fourth-graders; all grades at Albers Elementary School; and St. Mary's Grade School in Centralia.
The biggest group was Carlyle Grade School with a combined 392 individuals on the grounds: 242 students and 150 supervisors.
Field days at Whispering Pines started in 2023 and has expanded since then. Bartelso School was invited to Whispering Pines in 2023 and since then superintendent Tom Siegler has been one of the biggest supporters. They now have eight to nine schools coming out each May for their own field day.
Fish kiss! A variety of games and activities around the lake A team of Whispering Pines volunteers goes out to each school with large posters and information and invite them out for a field day. WPofCC is open year round so field day can happen during any month, but most schools use it as an end-of-the-year celebration.
Field day consists of a variety of activities and games such as kickball, bags, hillbilly golf, Jenga, frisbee golf, walk the plank, gaga pit, human foosball, a three-quarter mile hike and scavenger hunt around the lake finding statues of animals and real creatures of the forest within view of the trail, slingshots, archery, canoeing, fishing, campfire building contest, and any other games or activities that schools want to bring such as face painting, arts and crafts, music, dancing, bounce house, obstacle course, parachute games and egg toss.
Whispering Pines of Clinton County volunteers, teachers and parents all oversee the field days. WPofCC staff sees that students and families enjoy their time in nature, together and with friends. They engage with the natural beauty of their surroundings and express themselves while interacting with peers. They see it as a stress-free fun day for everyone as they have WPofCC all to themselves on their day.
The WPofCC volunteers said they like to see the smiles and laughter of every person who comes out. It is a relaxed experience to be free and enjoy life among friends encouraging them to try new things. The goal of the field days is to provide youth a place to express themselves, learn, and be happy. Staff hear many students and teachers say, "See you next year," and they can't wait to come back.
Carlyle student Vayda Timmermann throws a frisbee during frisbee golf at Whispering Pines of Clinton County.
Five schools have already scheduled field days for 2027. Any school that wants to be a part of field days can call or text Geri Huels at 618-830-6707 to reserve a day.
WPofCC is having an "All Faculty, Staff and Family Appreciation Day" on June 6. It is for working or retired faculty. There will be a free shirt for the first 100 youth signed up for the fishing tournament that day. Lunch is provided. Text or call 618-604-2484 to let WPofCC staff know who many people are coming in your group.
The next public event at WPofCC is the Memorial Day ceremony from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, May 25, in the lodge. All commemorative bricks and benches will be honored. Deacon Dan Laquet, Vietnam veteran Mike Detmer, Marge Detmer, and Greg Riechman are the presenters. There will be refreshments and tours after the ceremony.
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