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IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
McColley's tenure with Albion Equestrian began in August 2024. For the last 12 years, McColley, together with her husband, Travis, has been serving as the coach for the McColley Equestrian Team. The McColley Equestrian Team has achieved significant success at both IEA and YEDA competitions. They clinched the 2018 and 2020 YEDA National Champion Senior High Team titles, as well as claiming the 2019 YEDA Reserve National Championship Senior High Team. In addition to team successes, they have coached numerous YEDA individual National and Reserve National Championship riders in horsemanship and ranch riding. Additionally, the team's riders have secured IEA regional championships, high point championships, and national qualifiers. Many of their riders have gone on to compete in NCAA and IHSA collegiate riding. In 2020, the senior high team made history by achieving the highest score to date at the YEDA National Championship show, triumphing by over 10 points. McColley also operates McColley Quarter Horses with her husband at their home in Jonesville. There, she has helped riders and horses achieve significant success, including producing AQHA Level Three and Level Two World, Reserve and Bronze World champions, AQHA Congress and Reserve champions, AQHA Level One champions, PHBA World champions, and numerous year-end high point champions. Nichole holds a bachelor's degree in biology, as well as an Associate's degree in Equestrian Studies from the University of Findlay, where she competed on their equestrian team.
After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Send us a textWelcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Piper speaks with Dr. Erin Trawick-Smith, DVM about her article in the February issue. Listen in and share with friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Dr. Erin Trawick-Smith, DVM is the owner of Millington Equine- a two doctor ambulatory practice in East Haddam, Connecticut. She has a special interest in equine reproduction, young horse development, and body lameness. Erin caught the veterinary bug at a young age and spent most of her time at the stable until attending Barnard College in New York City, where she rode on the IHSA team. She assisted with cancer research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a year before starting vet school at Tufts University.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineRead the Latest Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Windstar Cruises, and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person event!
Camryn Lubner, from Southampton, New Jersey (a small town about 40 minutes outside Philly) and graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 2024. She was on their IHSA team for all four years, competing in Open Flat and Fences throughout her career and attending Nationals in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She have been riding and showing horses ever since she could walk and have had the privilege of living on and running a horse farm my entire life. Lubner graduated with a degree in Statistics and Finance and started her career as a Financial Analyst in July of 2024. Lubner still competes regularly and just imported a 5 year old KWPN from Poland in August of 2024, along with dabbling in some AEE/ATOC (Alumni Equestrian Events/Alumni Tournament of Champions) competitions. Lillard Preschlack is a captain of the Skidmore College Riding Team. She began riding as a toddler on her cousin's retired ponies at her grandmother's farm, officially starting lessons at age 8. She competed locally in Illinois until High School, where she successfully began the AA circuit in the junior hunters and equitation at Kentucky and Wellington. Since the pandemic, she has ridden alongside her mom at Buena Vista Farm in Wadsworth, Illinois. Throughout high school, Lillard wasn't sure if she wanted to ride in college, but after visiting Skidmore, she knew it was the perfect fit for her. She loved that Skidmore provided the opportunity to ride at a high level while receiving a top-notch liberal arts education.
John and Roman reveal the annual GSV football awards for the 2025 season and give their thoughts on Illinois expanding the playoffs from 32-to-48 teams per class.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gateway-sports-venue-show--3605575/support.
As the IHSA announced an expansion of the football playoffs starting next season, Suburban Life-area coaches offered their reactions. "I'm excited about the opportunities our kids might get. It is a net positive for us."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Illinois Ag Leadership Class of 2027 update.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features WRMJ Sports Director Ty Taylor discussing IHSA football playoff expansion proposal that won approval this week.
Andy Villamazaro is a national writer for RIVALS and covers high school sports. He wrote about the new changes to the IHSA Football Playoffs system and how it affects area schools. He joins us to further explain the changes, the pros and cons, and how it affects recruiting. We also check the Illini Headlines, the Bears are down 2 big weapons against the Packers, and Kurtis is firing Curveballs.
IHSA schools split on Proposal 19: Sycamore backs expanded playoffs, Genoa-Kingston resists, DeKalb sees new hope. Scheduling relief or more lopsided games? Local ADs weigh the trade-offs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
As the IHSA announced an expansion of the football playoffs starting next season, Suburban Life-area coaches offered their reactions. "I'm excited about the opportunities our kids might get. It is a net positive for us."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
USC-bound quarterback Jonas Williams of Lincoln-Way East became the IHSA's all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Williams is the 2025 Herald-News Football Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
A day after the IHSA announced that a proposal had passed to expand the football playoffs by 128 teams, Kendall County-area coaches reacted to the news. "More kids get a chance to play high school football one extra week.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
A day after the IHSA announced that a proposal had passed to expand the football playoffs by 128 teams, Kendall County-area coaches reacted to the news. "More kids get a chance to play high school football one extra week.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Luke Altmyer met with the media and discussed his decision to play in the Music City Bowl. We react to Luke's comments and give you a check of today's Illini Headlines. The IHSA voted "YES" on Propsal 19, which will expand the post season from 256 to 384 teams. The news has been met with mixed reactions. We explain the changes and give our reactions. Plus, Evan and Kurtis go head-to-head with College Playoff Predictions! Who's winning the national championship?
IHSA Proposal 19 was passed by a majority of member schools in an IHSA schoolwide vote. Its implementation will increase the number of playoff qualifiers from 256 teams to 384 teams.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
IHSA Proposal 19 was passed by a majority of member schools in an IHSA schoolwide vote. Its implementation will increase the number of playoff qualifiers from 256 teams to 384 teams.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Join hosts Steve Soucie and Matt Rodewald as they review the IHSA expansion of the high school football playoffs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
The IHSA announced Tuesday that the state football playoffs will be expanding from 256 to 384 teams starting in 2026. The Northwest Herald reached out to several local coaches, and here are their reactions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Of the 16 Bureau County area schools to respond about the IHSA's Proposal 19 calling for football playoffs expansion, six said they are voting in favor of it, while nine voted against it, with one school voting “no opinion.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Pat New, a Benet alum who won 92 games and made 10 IHSA playoff appearances as the school's head football coach, is retiring after 16 seasons. "It was difficult at first... but I knew that I made the right decision.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Piper hosts Plaidcast in Person in front of a live audience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin with Andi Bill, Mara Bunderson, Kayla Kintzele and Emily Elek. Listen in and share with friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Andi Bill is the head coach for the University of Wisconsin - Madison Equestrian Team and owns Sugar Creek Stables LLC teaching both hunt seat and dressage lessons. She started her equestrian career showing ponies then moving up to the 3'6” equitation. She attended Mount Holyoke College and competed on their IHSA team, serving as captain her junior and senior years. She won Nationals in the Alumni division. When she's not at the barn, she is a civil engineer focusing on traffic safety. She is the Director of the Wisconsin Local Technical Assistance Program and Associate Director of the Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory and Eastern Tribal Technical Assistance Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a passionate advocate for making research tangible to practitioners and to foster implementation and widespread adoption. Guest: Mara Bunderson is a 2025 graduate of UW Madison and competed on the Wisconsin Equestrian Team for four years. She earned titles of IHSA Reserve National Champion in 2023 and National Champion in 2024 under her trainer and coach, Andi Bill. She's remained active in the equestrian world, working for Emily Elek as a groom at Pony Finals and riding/taking lessons at both Stonewall Farm and Sugar Creek Stables. Outside of horses, Mara is attending grad school at UW Madison as well as working full time at Wisconsin Athletics as an accountant. Guest: Kayla Kintzele competed on the University of Wisconsin - Madison Equestrian Team for four years and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. She remains active in IHSA, having competed as an alumni and also helping organize the IHSA Zone 7 Championships the past two years. Outside of her day job as a project engineer, she trains with Andi Bill, competes as an adult amateur in the hunters with her horse, Levi, and also grooms for Emily Elek. Guest: Emily Elek is the owner of Stonewall Farm in Ixonia, Wisconsin where she operates one of the largest pony leasing, sales, breeding and training operations. Emily takes a holistic view in developing ponies and riders for lifelong success.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineRead the Latest Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Windstar Cruises, and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person event!
St. Francis senior Zach Washington, an All-CCL/ESCC honoree who helped the Spartans win their first IHSA state football championship since 2008, has signed to continue his career at Michigan State. "I think I can grab any 50-50 ball that I get my hands on."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Mike Mulligan and David Haugh were joined by Fenwick High School football coach Matthew Battaglia and Mount Carmel High School football coach Jordan Lynch to discuss their teams winning the Class 6A and Class 8A state titles, respectively.
Instant Gamer: C.J. Gray accounted for 2 touchdowns as Brother Rice shut out St. Rita 16-0 to win the IHSA 7A state championship at NIU's Huskie Stadium on Wednesday evening.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Kameron McGee recorded 4 TFLs and 2 sacks, Brayden Parks had 3.5 TFLs and Javeyon Lockett totaled 10 tackles as Brother Rice shut out St. Rita 16-0 to win the IHSA 7A state football championship at NIU on Wednesday. McGee: "I think we have the best defense in the country."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
There was almost no flashiness in the final game of the IHSA football season as Mount Carmel and Oswego found themselves embroiled in a defensive struggle with the Caravan claiming their 17th state title with a 20-3 win.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Join hosts Matt Rodewald and Steve Soucie as they recap the Illinois high school football state championship games for Class 8A-5A.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
St. Francis senior quarterback Brock Phillip took in a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 11 seconds left, as the Spartans rallied past Providence 39-35 in Tuesday's Class 5A championship game at Illinois State in the first-ever IHSA game played in December.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
St. Francis senior quarterback Brock Phillip took in a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 11 seconds left, as the Spartans rallied past Providence 39-35 in Tuesday's Class 5A championship game at Illinois State in the first-ever IHSA game played in December.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
John and Roman review the St. Louis area Missouri state semifinal games.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gateway-sports-venue-show--3605575/support.
Join hosts Matt Rodewald and Steve Souce as they break down the Class 4A-1A Illinois high school football state title games, talk about the weather postponements, and preview the Class 8A-5A state title games.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
According to sources, the Illinois High School Association has postponed Saturday's slate of football games at the state finals. There is currently no official word on when or where the games will be playedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Mount Carmel was an expected team in the Class 8A final, its opponent however, Oswego, would classify as a surprise. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 8A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 previews the IHSA State Championship games! Maroa-Forsyth, Tolono-Unity, and Rochester are all playing on Friday. Local celebrities voted in our Thanksgiving Side Dish draft, and one vote really hurt Kurtis' feelings. It's a familiar name... And who WON our draft? The results are crazy! Plus, our Thanksgiving Toasts!
A rare regular season rematch in the state title game has emerged here as St. Francis will challenge Providence once again after the Spartans beat the Celtics in Week 5. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 5A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
It's an all CCL/ESCC final in Class 7A where favored Brother Rice has run through the field with fervor while St. Rita is the only team still playing that had four regular season losses. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 7A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Wilmington will look to win its third state title in the last five years and fourth in program history when the Wildcats face Maroa-Forsyth in Friday's IHSA Class 2A state championship.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
It's not surprise to see East St. Louis in the state title game and most expected a CCL/ESCC team to be battling them. There is one, but it probably isn't the team most though it would be. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 6A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
The two remaining undefeated CCL/ESCC programs, Mount Carmel and Montini, will look to complete their perfect seasons during the IHSA state championship games this weekend. Montini will face Rochester in 4A on Friday night. Mount Carmel will battle Oswego in 8A on Saturday.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Join hosts Steve Soucie, Russ Hodges and Josh Welge as they preview the Illinois high school football state championship games.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Two schools that aren't exactly strangers to state title games grapple here as Montini who is making its 11th championship game appearance faces off against Rochester who has 10. Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 4A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Byron has tried successfully to simply power its way through all of its postseason foes, Tolono Unity seems to be trying to just simply post a ton of points. Which one will win out? Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 3A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
We preview tonight's #8 Fighting Illini men's basketball game against #11 Alabama Crimson Tide at the United Center in Chicago! Who's in and who's out? We'll talk with Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 about tonight's game, plus 2 area schools are guaranteed to play for a State Championship. We'll preview Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond vs Maroa-Forsyth and Tolono-Unity vs St. Joe-Ogden. Kurtis throws some serious Curveballs at Evan and more on our Denzel Movie Draft.
Nichole shares the secrets behind Albion's incredible season—including their Regional Championship and 5th-place finish at IHSA Nationals—and breaks down the unique IHSA draw system, how Quarter Horses fit into the competition structure, and the vital lessons riders learn from schooling and showing these versatile horses. Then, Alyssa, a dedicated Quarter Horse enthusiast, gives us a captain's view on adjusting to IHSA, the rewarding challenges of leadership, and the specific qualities that make the American Quarter Horse perfectly suited for collegiate success. Tune in to learn how IHSA is building future horsemen and women, one draw horse at a time!Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat GuentherGuest: Nichole McColley - Facebook Guest: Alyssa McPherson
Nichole shares the secrets behind Albion's incredible season—including their Regional Championship and 5th-place finish at IHSA Nationals—and breaks down the unique IHSA draw system, how Quarter Horses fit into the competition structure, and the vital lessons riders learn from schooling and showing these versatile horses. Then, Alyssa, a dedicated Quarter Horse enthusiast, gives us a captain's view on adjusting to IHSA, the rewarding challenges of leadership, and the specific qualities that make the American Quarter Horse perfectly suited for collegiate success. Tune in to learn how IHSA is building future horsemen and women, one draw horse at a time!Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat GuentherGuest: Nichole McColley - Facebook Guest: Alyssa McPherson
Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us to talk about the IHSA Quarterfinals! It's another big weekend for area schools. We also get Tristan's take on Illinois' win over Texas Tech and find out that Evan stole Josh Whitman's chair last night! Kurtis throws some curveballs and we find out who won our Pro Wrestler Draft! Ohhh Hell Yeah!
Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with professional rider and trainer for Heritage Farm, Laena Romond. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride Guest: Originally from Colchester, VT, Laena Romond grew up showing in equitation, junior hunters and junior jumpers under Fran, Joe and Annie Dotoli at Ox Ridge Hunt Club. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College—where she graduated cum laude in biochemistry— Laena also competed on the IHSA circuit. As a freshman, she won the prestigious USEF/Cacchione Cup. She joined the Heritage Farm team in 2007 and has played an integral role with her natural riding talent and training knowledge. Among her recent competitive highlights are being champion in the Green 3'6" and co-grand champion at the Washington International Horse Show as well as Green 3'6" champion at the National Horse Show.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Purina, Great American Insurance Group and Windstar Cruises Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person live event!