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VIDEO: Student-Athletes Flourishing in Three Sports

In many circles, the days of the three-sport athlete are said to be behind us. But at Knox College, Doug Lilibridge '13 (Byron, Illinois) and Amber Eisha '14 (South Wilmington, Illinois) are doing all they can to resurrect the moniker "three-sport athlete" and having a good time doing it. Continue reading about Doug and Amber's year.

Coach's Corner

This months Coach's Corner comes from a story Galesburg's The Register-Mail written by Aaron Frey. The story is about head baseball coach Jami Isaacson and his relationship with his son, Peyton, who is following in his father's footstep. Photos by Nick Adams for The Register-Mail.

Post 285's Isaacson following in his father's footsteps

Major league rookies are known for having a welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment, that split-second of shock where they see a pitch drop off the table or a hitter launch a well placed breaking ball for a home run.

Peyton Isaacson is still waiting for one of those during his first season with the Galesburg American Legion baseball team.

“Hopefully,” Isaacson said, “it’ll happen soon.”

Or maybe he won’t have one at all. The 14-year-old catcher for Post 285 has looked right at home this summer while playing with and facing many players who just finished their freshman year of college while he hasn’t even started his freshman year of high school.

“I’ve got a bunch of friends on the team I’ve known for a lot of years,” Isaacson said. “It’s just playing with a bunch of older kids that know me.”

And it’s put him in some elite company. Galesburg coach Steve Cheesman believes Isaacson is just the third incoming freshman to play for Post 285, joining his father Jami -- an assistant for Post 285 and Knox College head coach -- and Cheesman’s brother, Barry.

"That’s one in 1974, and then Jami in ’82, and Peyton now,” Cheesman said. “That’s the only three that I can ever, ever remember.”

But Jami Isaacson said that’s about where the similarities end when it comes to the playing styles between him and his still-fresh-faced son. Continue reading the article on The Register Mail's site.

Student-Athlete Spotlight

Kristin McDonald is a rising junior. The Chicago, Illinois, native plays for the Prairie Fire volleyball and women's basketball teams. Kristin is an economics major.

What are you doing this summer? This summer I am living in Galesburg with a few teammates to prepare for our 2011-2012 basketball season. I also work at the E. & L Andrew Fitness Center on campus and at Shyvel’s Photography on Seminary Street.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Galesburg? I have two: The Cellar and The Landmark.
What are your career goals? I want to eventually own my own business, possibly a restaurant.
What three people in history you would like to have a meal with? Why? I would want to have a meal with Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali because they were amazing to watch and are legends in basketball and boxing. They were very strong and successful, and I would love to talk about their experiences. I would also like to have a meal with The Beatles because their music is awesome.
Who is your favorite sports team? I am a big fan of the Bears and the Bulls!
What’s your favorite city to visit? Portland, Oregon
What’s your most memorable Knox moment? Beating Lake Forest last season on our home court, 52-47 was pretty cool!
What’s your favorite thing about Knox? The relationships I have built with my friends.
What things do you like to do in your free time? Play sports, hang out with family and friends, going to the movies, read, travel, and listen to music.
What event in history do you wish you could have been a part of? I wish I could have been able to be part of the '80s.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? I do not have a driver's license.
What’s your favorite meal? Steak with a side of mashed potatoes and corn.
What is on your bucket list? In no order: travel all over the world, sky dive, run a marathon, swim with dolphins, attend the Olympics, learn to surf, learn to play the guitar, and go white water rafting.
Pregame ritual or superstition? I have to listen to a specific play list of songs before every game to prepare, and I specifically have to listen to “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor before I leave the locker room. I have been listening to this song since high school to pump me up before games. I also have to tie my shoes a specific way.
What’s on your iPod? I listen to a lot of different music such as, Drake, The Script, Wiz Khalifa, Blink-182, The Beatles, Mac Miller, Rascal Flatts, and Spice Girls.

Athletic News

Alex Rauland '12 Talks Soccer on International Television

Alex Rauland '12, a member of the Prairie Fire women's soccer team, discussed the Women's World Cup and other aspects of soccer during an interview on Bernama TV's "The Breakfast Club." Continue reading about Rauland's and watch the video of her interview.

Motta Spending Summer Working for NFL's Bengals

Lucas Motta '11, who earned his degree in integrated international studies, is spending a lot of time traveling this year. Motta visited Japan and China this last academic year to gain insight into international business and economic development. The Grinnell, Iowa, native is spending his summer back in the U.S. as the marketing and corporate development intern with the Cincinnati Bengals. Read about Motta's adventure in Ohio. 

Prairie Fire Marketing Department Receives National Award

The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) has recognized a promotional piece created for the College's new athletics booster club. Continue reading about the NACMA award.

Galva's Johnson to Play Receiver for Prairie Fire

Tyler Johnson '15 (Galva, Illinois), an all-conference wide receiver for the Mid-County Cougars last season, will be suiting up for the Prairie Fire football team this fall. Read more about the Prairie Fire's newest recruit.

Six Announce Intentions to Attend Knox and Play Baseball

Knox College received commitments from six student-athletes who intend to play for the Prairie Fire baseball team during the 2012 season. Read more about the new recruits.

38 Student-Athletes Named to Spring All-Academic Team

More than three dozen Knox student-athletes were recognized by the Midwest Conference for the high marks they received in the classroom -- the second most among the league's 10 institutions.  A total of 315 student-athletes achieved academic all-conference recognition. Read about the Prairie Fire's success in the classroom.