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Read Exclusive Spring Season Previews

Prairie Fire coaches are looking for good things this spring season. The outdoor track and field teams seek to challenge themselves, while a young men’s tennis team is eager to improve. The men's golf team is looking to an all-conference golfer to lead the team this season.

On the mound, the Prairie Fire baseball team has all the pieces in place to make a run for a Midwest Conference championship in 2013, while the softball team expects to build on the improvements made last season, including the most wins in five years.

Read more about the teams and Prairie Fire coaches' hopes for the season in exclusive previews for each sport:

• Baseball
• Men's Tennis
• Men's Golf
• Outdoor Track and Field
• Softball

Coach's Corner

Ashley Sims
Women's Softball Coach

Ashley Sims is entering her fourth season as the Prairie Fire head softball coach. She took over the program in June 2009 after serving as an assistant softball coach at Knox during the 2008 season. Sims guided the softball team in 2012 to its most wins since the 2005 season. The squad has also improved in runs per game and on base percentage during each of Sims's first three years as coach.

What’s your prediction for this season?
There is potential for the best lineup offensively we have had since I took over as head coach. Our overall level of talent has also increased, making us more solid. The team is still young, but the upperclassmen we do have are experienced, and our team is coming together nicely.

Describe your coaching philosophy.
I want my team to play with enthusiasm and courage, and the players to give everything they have on the field. Sometimes that will mean making the diving catch to win the game, and sometimes it will mean making an error, but if you never play with risk you will never win the big game in crunch time. We want to be relentless by coming in day after day ready to work harder than the last. That’s what we are creating here -- an environment with passion, work ethic, and integrity.    

What brought you to Knox?
I had the opportunity to start my collegiate coaching career at Knox. After becoming part of the softball program and being around our kids, I really felt like there was so much opportunity. I want to bring a tradition and greatness to our program that our players, Knox College, and the community are proud of. I really believe that’s beginning to happen.  At the end of the day it’s all about your kids. I believe my players are gaining a valuable experience beyond the classroom, becoming more resilient through softball, and will be better members of their communities when they graduate.  

Student-Athlete Spotlight

Jackson White '14 is a versatile member of the Prairie Fire baseball team. He’s played in the outfield, first base, and pitched for Knox. White, a two-time All-Midwest Conference selection, helped the 2012 Prairie Fire baseball team finish second in the MWC South Division and advance to the MWC Tournament for the first time since 2008. White led last year’s team with a .371 batting average, which ranked #6 in the conference. He was also second on the team in hits and on base percentage and committed just two errors in 31 games played -- all starts. White is a double major in secondary education and political science.

How do you balance athletics and academics? I really credit my time management skills for my success in both the classroom and on the field. I know that when I’m in the classroom I need to go 100% and when I’m at practice or a game I need to go 100%. That means that I have to plan well and keep myself organized -- not just day-to-day, but also week-to-week and month-to-month.

What's been your favorite class? I really enjoyed EDUC 301 Teaching and Learning in a Diverse World. The class gave me the opportunity to work in a high school environment for the first time, which is obviously what I want to do for a career.

What has been your greatest athletic challenge? I’d say the greatest athletic challenge I face will actually start this season. For the first time we are playing two double headers each weekend for a month and a half. That is going to challenge me both mentally and physically.

What do you enjoy most about your team? This team has bonded beyond the game. I have made lifelong friends, and the mutual respect we all have for each other pushes us to get better.

How do you think being a part of this team/sport is going to benefit you once you leave Knox? I understand how important it is to develop and hone leadership and listening skills. As a teacher (and hopefully a coach) I am going to get the opportunity to teach others, and the experience I have from playing baseball will certainly carry over.

Athletic News

Two Good Reasons to Come Back to Knox:
K-Club Golf Outing and Football Reunion

The K-Club Golf Outing has been paired with the Prairie Fire football reunion, set for June 20 and 21. “It gives alumni that are coming from farther away two good reasons to come back,” said Knox Athletic Director Chad Eisele '93.

There will be an individual golf outing, followed by an opportunity to socialize at Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar, on Thursday. The golf outing on Friday will include a putting contest with Coach Harley Knosher. The event will conclude with the football reunion that evening. A major highlight of the event will be a chance to chat with the new Head Football Coach Damon Tomeo, who’ll share his plans and vision for the future of Knox Football. Register for the event.

Support Softball, Baseball Programs

To get a head start on preparing for the 2013 Midwest Conference season, the Knox softball and baseball teams will be traveling to Fort Myers, Florida, during spring break to participate in the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic. This will give the teams an opportunity to compete against Division III teams from across the country.

The trips are invaluable team bonding, learning, and playing experiences. Please help defray the costs of these trips and regular travel, as well as help purchase new, updated equipment for the teams, by making a gift to the softball or to baseball teams. Your support is much appreciated!

Alumni Return to Tim Heimann Court to Play, Reminisce

Tim Heimann Court was the home for Knox's Basketball Homecoming on January 26. Following a half-court scrimmage, men on one side, women on the other, the teams played a full-court scrimmage. Cheering on the alumni were current members of the men's and women's basketball squads. Roles were reversed following the scrimmage, with alumni taking the stands to cheer on the Prairie Fire as the men's and women's teams took on St. Norbert. The women's basketball team made history with a 79-68 win against the Green Knights, the first-ever Knox victory against St. Norbert in a series that dates back to the 1983-1984 season.The day wrapped up with a pizza party at Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar for alumni, players, and members of the K-Club. Read comments about the event from returning alumni.

Knox Basketball Great John Liston '58 Passes

John Liston '58, former Knox men’s basketball great and hall of famer, died on December 14, 2012. He was 77. Liston helped lead Knox to successful basketball seasons in 1956-57 and 1957-58 and was recognized as one of the Knox Men’s Basketball Players of the 1899-1999 Century. After graduating from Knox, Liston coached his former high school basketball team for three years and in 1999 was elected into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. Liston was inducted into the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Read more about John Liston.