Sports Briefs: Nov. 2-8

Local sports briefs published in the Journal-Courier between Nov. 2-8.

Routt winter sports parent meeting — The Routt winter sports parent meeting will be held this Sunday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Martha Routt Room at Routt Catholic High School. All parents of winter sports athletes should attend.

Niekamp, Jennings break IC records — With one game remaining in the 2008 football season, the Illinois College passing and receiving combination of Mitch Niekamp and Michael Jennings has already broken 11 school records. Niekamp, a junior quarterback from Camp Point, broke the Blueboys’ single-season record for passing yards Nov. 1 when he threw for 350 yards in Illinois College’s 78-17 loss to Midwest Conference leader Monmouth College. That lifted his season total to 2,701, eclipsing the old mark of 2,424 set by Derek Leonard in 1999. Niekamp surpassed Leonard’s previous standard of 359 attempts — established in 1999 — on Nov. 1 when the Camp Point High School graduate boosted his current season mark to 403. Niekamp also owns the Blueboys’ single-season records for completions (230) and touchdown passes (28), and he set a single-game record Sept. 13 when he threw six touchdown passes. Jennings, a junior receiver from Fort Madison, Iowa, has found himself to be the primary beneficiary of Niekamp’s aerial accuracy. The IC standout broke a Midwest Conference record Nov. 1 when he improved his single-season reception total to 91. The old mark of 87 was set by Vince Annel of Knox College in 1999. Jennings’ current total also ranks as the Blueboys’ all-time high for one season. Jennings also holds Illinois College single-season records for receiving yards (1,136) and touchdown receptions (14). He set the IC career record for touchdown receptions Oct. 25 when he hauled in his 25th scoring pass in just three seasons. He set single-game receiving records of four touchdown catches and 15 receptions Sept. 13 vs. Knox and posted yet another record with 222 receiving yards Oct. 4 against Lawrence. First-year head coach Garrett Campbell said the talented tandem has been instrumental in the team’s proficiency at moving the football and scoring points. “Their ability to make plays is a credit to their hard work and dedication to becoming the best that they can be,” Campbell said. Illinois College (4-5, 4-4 MWC) will close out the 2008 campaign in DePere, Wis., today, when the Blueboys visit St. Norbert College.

JAC swimmers make regional cuts — Jacksonville Aquatics Club swimmers William Addy and Zach LeBLond made the regional cuts in time for events they swam this past weekend at the Spooktacular swim meet in Peoria. Addy qualified in the 200 free and 50 breast, and LeBlond in the 100 IM and 50 free. Max Willner took second place in overall points for his age group. Willner dropped a total of 22 seconds off his times to capture the points award. JAC swimmers also dropped a total of 2:08 in various events. Leading the team was Haley Milby, who dropped a total of 36 seconds, followed by Caleb Babb (32 seconds), Abby Willner (26 seconds), Hannah Turner (18 seconds), Mady LeBlond (17 seconds), Elijah Reese (11 seconds) and Zach LeBlond (6 seconds).

Mac’s Hampton earns player of week — The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has selected MacMurray football player DeMarien Hampton as the SLIAC Offensive Player of the Week for Oct. 20-26. Hampton, a 6-4 quarterback from Percy Julian High School in Chicago, completed 27-of-41 passes for a total of 373 yards and three touchdowns in the Highlanders’ 47-34 victory over Eureka College. Hampton, a sophomore, engineered five touchdown drives on MacMurray’s first six possessions. His performance helped him break several MacMurray season records, including 24 touchdown passes, 300 pass attempts, 153 completions and 2,188 yards.

Brian Anderson on ESPNU tonight — Former Jacksonville High School football standout Brian Anderson will be on television tonight. The starting quarterback will lead Princeton University in its 100th game against Pennsylvania. The game begins at 6 p.m. on ESPNU.

Triopia Boosters to sell pork chops — The Triopia Athletic Boosters will be selling pork chops and chicken breasts starting at noon at the Triopia vs. Arcola football game this Saturday.

A-C/Virginia scrimmage Nov. 12 — There will be an A-C Central/Virginia boys’ and girls’ basketball scrimmage at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 in the A-C Central High School gymnasium. Admission will be an item of canned or nonperishable food.