113 State Mat Champs First Won at Geneseo!

By Keith Brake
Geneseo Current

Geneseo attracts, expects and demands quality.

That's a statement. Can it be measured?

How about this: The number 113.

No, not the number of inches of snow in the ditches by the end of this weekend.

That is the number of Geneseo Wrestling Invitational individual champions who have gone on to win state championships.

Wow, no wonder Geneseo Athletic Director Joe Nichols – and others – have called it one of the premier high school wrestling tournaments in the United States.

Coaches love it too, for its competition and its execution of tournament details by Geneseo officials, who have been doing it for a long, long time.

The weather willing, they'll do the 48th annual Geneseo Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12 and 13.

This event was started in 1977, the fruit of an idea by Geneseo hall of fame wrestling coach Larry Kanke, who wanted to bring together the best from two states – Illinois and Iowa – which happen to be two of the more reputable wrestling states in the country.

It was called the Bi-State Invitational at first, and it took a few years to gain traction in the wrestling community. But gain it did. National powers like Chicago Mt. Carmel and Joliet Catholic have been here – Joliet Catholic is scheduled again this year.

Iowa powers joined the fray, and for a while, some of the best in both states battled to uphold their state's reputation.

That came to a halt when COVID-19 hit, canceling the tourney that year – and the Iowa teams haven't been back since.

Kanke coached 32 years at Geneseo and four at Rock Island. He came wanting to make the Maple Leafs competitive with Quad-City schools. He knew to do that, he had to fill all the weight classes.

That mission was accomplished. He coached 66 state meet qualifiers and 12 state place winners in Geneseo, and later an individual state champ in his fourth and final season at Rock Island.

Jon Murray was on Kanke's staff for eight years and now is in his 22nd season as the Leafs' head coach.

Kanke's teams won 393 dual meets during his tenure. Murray recently won his 350th.

Murray has also won the Maple Leaf Medallion, the district's highest honor, which recognizes the recipient's emphasis on teaching, learning, and caring.

Nichols said Murray likes this tournament for how well it prepares wrestlers for the coming conference tournament, and the state post-season series.

“There are no easy matches in our tournament,” Nichols said. “It's a dress rehearsal for state.”

In that regard, there's even some pageantry, including a grand march of finalists and a face off before the Saturday championship session.

The event starts promptly at 4 p.m. Friday, and they get a lot of wrestling in that night, going as late as 11 p.m.

They resume at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with semifinals and championship matches remaining. Teams usually are back on the road home by 2:30 p.m.

Last season, seven state champions and 37 state medalists competed in this meet. Of the state champs, two didn't win their weight class at the Geneseo Invite.

Tickets are $5 (cash) for each session, for school age and up.

Geneseo won this tourney in eight of its first 10 years. By then, word had gotten around about how good an event it was, and some nationally-ranked teams started coming in.

Former athletic director Travis Mackey did a lot of promoting of this event during this period, Nichols said.

The Leafs won in 1988, then not again until 2022.

Nichols said a team finish in the middle of the pack means you have a strong team. He said Murray thinks this Geneseo team can be in the top third, “which would be an accomplishment,” Nichols said.

Daniel Makarewicz put together a summary of this year's weight classes as part of a comprehensive program you can get at the tournament.

It lists multiple winners, including Geneseo's only four-time winner, Adam Sheley ('06-'09).

Here then are weights where Leafs could be in the hunt:

113 pounds – Junior Tim Sebastian is rated 9th in Class 2A and is one of five mentioned wrestlers at this weight.

138 – Leaf freshman Isaac Gaines is honorable mention in Class 2A and is one of seven strong candidates at this weight.

144 – Senior Josh Hock is a 2A honorable mention.

150 – Junior Zach Montez will try to become Geneseo's seventh two-time champ. He is ranked second in Class 2A. Montez is a two-time state medalist. IC Catholic's Patrick Mullen is ranked third in Class 2A.

165- Sophomore Kye Weinzeirl, a 2023 state qualifier, is ranked seventh at 157 pounds, but will compete at 165 in this event.

Dozens of volunteers make this showcase event possible. So grab a ticket, and go enjoy some quality!

Lady Leafs and 2024 Educator Appreciation Night - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Scott Hardison continues to carry on a tradition implemented by Geneseo High School teacher and former coach, Steve Brucher. The tradition is saying “thank you” to educators (or coaches) who have been influential in the player’s life.

Theme for the night was “You Make a Difference,” and the players on this year’s team invited the person they chose to attend the recent Geneseo basketball game.

The educators and coaches were honored at the game, and when they were introduced, brief statements were read about each one and their relationship to the team member. Brucher, a GHS history teacher, implemented the Educator Appreciation Night and said he believes a student’s conduct in the classroom is reflected on the gym floor. Each year he was involved in coaching, he asked the senior members of his team to select an educator who has made an impact on their life.

One home game of the season is designated as a time for “Educator Appreciation.”

When Hardison took the reins of the team, the tradition was familiar to him. He said when he was a student at Alleman High School, the team members also chose an educator to be honored.

Brucher and Hardison agree that the educators (and coaches) who are selected have been very important and influential in the lives of the young ladies and the “Educator Appreciation” time is a way of saying “thank you.”

Brucher said when he was in school, there was a “Teacher Appreciation Night,” when each player selected a teacher who had had an influence/impact on their life, or simply was one of their favorite teachers.

Each educator was given a plaque at the recent GHS/United Township High School girls’ game.

-Drew Kelly chose Nick Verbeck who is his CTE teacher at GHS.

-Madison Reade chose Judy Kanke who was a teacher she had when she attended St. Malachy’s School.

-Katy Wilson selected Heather Francque who was a teacher of hers during her time at St. Malachy’s School.

-Kendall Ellerbrock chose Jennifer Lindberg who she had for Spanish.

-Payton Snider chose Fran Hirschfelder who she had as a Chemistry teacher.

-Addison Snodgrass also selected Fran Hirschfelder who she also had as a Chemistry teacher.

-Hanna Kreiner chose Cole Hartman who is her church youth group leader.

LADY LEAF SENIORS:

-Morgan Claerhout chose Margaret Yager and said, “Coach Margaret Yager has been my coach for the past two basketball seasons as well as my tennis coach this year. I chose Coach Yager as my educator because she has shown me what it is to be a kind human being toward everyone. I admire how caring she is to each player she coaches and that she puts others before herself. She always has a bright smile on her face and is spreading positivity to the entire team. Coach Yager has shown me how to look on the bright side of difficult matters, and persevere through any mental hardships that come with playing a sport. I appreciate being able to go to her about anything. She will answer any questions I may have in order to better my skills on and off the court. I am forever grateful to have her as one of my coaches.”

-Carolanne Greene chose Michelle Schneden to honor for Educator Night. Mrs. Schneden was her English teacher her freshman and junior years. She has been a role model for Carolanne and someone she could always look up to, whether it was helping with school work or pushing her to be the best version of herself, Mrs. Schneden was always there for her ad always believed in her. Carolanne has learned so much from Mrs. Schneden, her kindness, optimism, and support has made a great impact in her life and Carolanne will forever be grateful to have been able to have a teacher like Mrs. Schneden.

-Caiya Holke has chosen Jena Avea to honor on Educator Appreciation Night. Mrs. Avea was Caiya’s Spanish teacher her freshman and sophomore years. She was a passionate teacher and a supportive person. Mrs. Avea was very compassionate toward her students and truly wanted the best for them. She was not only an amazing teacher, but also a great human being. She was able to relate to her students in a different way, and truly understood them. She tended each student’s needs differently and was very open. Mrs. Avea was a vey easy person to go to and ask questions and always helped her students. She was always there if anyone needed anything, people knew that her door was always open. Caiya is very grateful to have such a role model in her life. Caiya will carry the lessons she learned form Mrs. Avea with her throughout life.

-Mia Kelly chose her dad, Ryan Kelly to honor on Educator Night. Mr. Kelly has coached Mia in a variety of sports since she started competing. He has taught her to always have a good work ethic and keep a positive mindset. Because Mr. Kelly has encouraged Mia to never stop practicing, she has gained discipline and confidence in every one of her sports. Her dad taught her the importance of being a good teammate and respecting her coaches, opponents, and refs. While these lessons shaped her into a better athlete, they also guided her into becoming a better person. Mr. Kelly is always ready to share the hard truth whether she wants to hear it or not. He has been Mia’s biggest supporter and given her strength and advice when she’s needed it most. Mia could not be more grateful for the opportunity to have her dad as a coach throughout her life. She will carry the memories they had and lessons he taught her to college and beyond

-Olivia Marshall chose Mike Harrington to honor on Educator Night. Mr. Harrington was Olivia’s middle school discus coach, AP Government teacher, and now Grow Your Own teacher. Mr. Harrington has taken great lengths to allow Olivia to be successful not only in the discus ring, but also as an inspiring teacher. Mr. Harrington has become a huge role model in Olivia’s life, and is inspiring her to be a great teacher like he is. He has sacrificed so much for her and her classmates, and she is very grateful for all of the time and effort he has put into the new program. Mr. Harington has never given up on Olivia and her goals, and is always there for her for whatever she needs. She will always look up to Mr. Harrington as she pursues her career in education and will never forget the valuable lessons he has taught her. Mr. Harrington is very dedicated to every one of his students and is truly the best teacher anyone could ask for!

-Addie Mills chose Brad Snider to honor on Educator Night. Coach Snider was Addie’s sophomore basketball coach. He has shown her how to be a good role model and has proven to Addie that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. He was never afraid to push her to her max. Coach Snider has believed in her and made her feel unstoppable even when others have doubted her. He goes out of his way to talk to her and has always been encouraging throughout her growing process. Coach Snider has always been one of Addie’s biggest fans, and always reassures her when she needs it. He has been a great example and always has advice for her on, and off the court. Addie loves the way he is patient, but not afraid to go back and forth with her if they have a disagreement. Coach Snider has not only been a great coach, but has influenced her in many ways and helped her shape her future. Addie will forever be grateful for the time and effort that he has put toward helping her become the best person possible.

-Katlyn Seaman has chosen to honor Kim Rivera, who was Katlyn’s kindergarten teacher at Millikin Elementary School, and who began Katlyn’s education and gave her faith in a successful career. Rivera’s son and Katlyn’s brother were in the same grade so they often saw each other outside of the classroom setting. Always Rivera was happy to chat, as well as her husband was, who’d given Katlyn a favorite nickname of “princess.” Rivera always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude making her a great role model. She is someone Katlyn has always looked up to for her involvement with students and the community. She is one of the teachers that is truly committed to providing the best for her students. Katlyn now looks forward to the occasions in which she can give Rivera a hug and briefly catch up.

Lady Leafs Recent Results & Remaining Schedule

The Lady Leafs were defeated by Bettendorf 50-28 in the IHMVCU Iowa-Illinois Shootout on Saturday January 6th at Wharton Field House. GHS will travel back to Wharton on Thursday January 11th to take on Moline (7:00pm).

Remaining Varsity Schedule
01/11 7:00pm at Moline

Freeport Tournament
01/13 Lanark Eastland
01/13 Fulton

01/18 7:00pm Quincy
01/20 4:00pm Chicago/QC Downstate Shootout (at Molines Wharton Field House)
01/23 7:00pm at Peoria Manual
01/25 7:00pm Sterling
01/27 1:30pm at Rock Island
01/30 7:00pm LaSalle-Peru (Senior Night)
02/01 7:00pm at Galesburg
02/03 1:30pm at Kaneland Shootout
02/05 7:00pm Alleman (Pack The Place & Autograph Night)
02/08 7:00pm at UTHS

Maple Leafs Recent Results & Remaining Schedule

The Leafs (1-14, 0-5 WB6) fell to Moline 61-17 on Friday December 5th at Wharton Field House. January 9ths scheduled game with Galesburg has been postponed until Monday January 15th.

Remaining Varsity Schedule
01/12 7:00pm at Sterling
01/15 7:00pm Galesburg
01/19 7:00pm at Quincy
01/23 7:00pm at UTHS
01/26 7:00pm at Alleman
01/27 2:30pm Canton
02/02 7:00pm Rock Island (Senior & Autograph Night)
02/03 5:00pm at Orion
02/06 7:00pm Moline
02/09 7:00pm at Galesburg
02/13 7:00pm Sterling

Keeli Frerichs Undergoes Heart Procedure after Health Scare – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It was weight loss and a medical condition that took Keeli Frerichs to seek medical attention that eventually led to the diagnosis of a serious heart condition.

Frerichs, the daughter of Curt and Karna Frerichs, is a 2020 graduate of Geneseo High School where she was a standout three-sport athlete, having played volleyball, basketball and soccer. After graduating from GHS, the young woman took her talents on the soccer field to St. Ambrose University, Davenport, where she was on the soccer team until a medical condition brought that part of her life to a halt.

On that first medical visit in January of 2022, Frerichs was diagnosed as having Bradycardia, described as a condition in which the heart beats at an unusually slow rate.

“My resting heart rate was in the 40s (bpm) during the day and would drop as low as 30 when I was sleeping,” she said, and added that she had no symptoms in the beginning.

She had been playing soccer at St. Ambrose prior to when her doctor found her low heat rate…”Because of ongoing medical issues and my low heart rate, my doctors pulled me from sports and I had to stop all exercise,” she said.

She was sidelined and had to miss the entire spring soccer season of her sophomore year and the entire season of her junior year at St. Ambrose.

She was sent to a cardiologist in the Quad Cities and had to use multiple heart monitors, underwent EKGs and a stress test, but yet nothing revealed why her heart rate was so low.

“My doctors thought gaining weight would fix my low heart rate,” Frerichs said. “However, that did not help my heart rate at all.”

Her health mystery continued for more than a year and she said, “I was not allowed to play soccer that whole time. Finally, my primary care doctor referred me to the University of Iowa Hospital because my low heart rate was dangerous for my health.”

It wasn’t until Frerichs and her family went to the University of Iowa Hospital and met her doctor that they realized just how dangerous her Bradycardia was for her health, she shared…”Dr. Paari Dominic, an electro physiologist, took on my mystery case at the University of Iowa Hospital.”

“At my first appointment with Dr. Dominic, I explained my condition to him, how it had been impacting me for over a year and nothing had been done to help,” Frerichs said. “It was then that he put my condition into perspective and informed me and my parents that I was at risk of dying and not waking up every night when I went to bed because of how low my heart rate would get.”

Within the first hour of her very first appointment with Dr. Dominic, he had a diagnosis and presented her with a possible treatment plan to cure the Bradycardia.

Three weeks after that first appointment, on April 21, 2023, Frerichs underwent a heart procedure referred to as Cardio euro ablation.

She explained the surgery was a four-hour procedure in which the doctors burned ganglions of the vagus nerve around her heart.

“This is a newer surgery, within the last 10 years, and I was one of the first and the youngest persons to have this specific procedure done at the University of Iowa Hospital,” she said.

She was unable to exercise or lift more than five pounds for the first week after surgery, but then was able to fully return to all activity and exercise.

“I no longer have Bradycardia and my heart rate has been restored,” she said. “Overall, I feel better and I have more energy. My body temperature is warmer. I exercise daily and can participate in all my favorite activities. I have had no complications since the surgery.”

“I now live a normal healthy life,” she said. My normal heart rate has been permanently fixed.”

Frerichs currently is in her first year of graduate school at St. Ambrose, in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, a 2.5-year program.

Because of the demands of school, she has chosen to not play soccer so she can focus on her studies, but she added, “However, if I wanted to, I could play. I continue to exercise daily, and I play intramural sports occasionally, for fun with my classmates.”

Keeli Frerichs, a 2020 Geneseo High School graduate, is now in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

Coaches Corner: The Search for the next 'Green Machine' Head Coach

By Dalcon DeMaranville
Geneseo Current

Since 1962 the Geneseo High School football program has only had five head coaches. In those six decades, Geneseo football has experienced unprecedented success.

When Bob Reade arrived in Geneseo in 1962, he embraced a football program that had only one win in the last 18 games. The first season, Reades’ goal was simple, just win two games and get the student-athletes excited about football again. That season they won four games. Little did they know it was the beginning of an institution that would not only impact Geneseo, but high school and college football across northern Illinois and beyond.

Many say that Bob Reade saw the field differently and that was the secret to his success. Others will argue it’s because football wasn’t his number one priority. In fact, football wasn’t number two and maybe not even number three on his list.

What we do know is that coach Reade saw the big picture. He knew early on that coaching football to young men was more than teaching X’s and O’s. It’s about obeying the law and being a gentleman, both on and off the field. It’s about being a gracious loser, but that doesn’t mean you have to like it.

The four coaches that succeeded Bob Reade did so willingly and accepted the role and the expectations. They did so with poise, determination, and humility.

For the first time in 20 years, the time has come for the Geneseo football program to find a new leader.

I sat down with Joe Nichols, Geneseo High School Athletic Director, to get the skinny on some of the rumors and to discuss the hiring progress.

“Geneseo Football is a community project. It was designed that way by Bob Reade.” said Joe Nichols. “It’s legacy is instilled in our great community. When you see the signs around town, John Deere tractors and combines, fireworks, all that community involvement goes directly back to Bob Reade.”

I asked Nichols about carrying on the ‘Green Machine’ legacy and how that would be presented to candidates. Nichols replied, “The high school administration understands the weight of this position and we know we need to continue the ‘Green Machine’ legacy and how important it is to Geneseo. There’s a roadmap that has been drawn for us. We need to honor that legacy, but not be afraid to reinvent ourselves. We always need to be working to be better.”

Nichols continued, “We know that community members have their ears to the ground to pick up any detail of information they can about the hiring process.” Nichols noted that GHS has been keeping things close to the chest. “We’re keeping things quiet for a few reasons. The most important is to protect those who may currently be employed elsewhere but are interested in the head football coach position in Geneseo. Any issues with privacy can very damaging to potential hires but also to GHS and we take confidentiality very seriously.” Nichols continued, “People should feel safe in applying for a position they may or may not get.”

“We’re offering what we feel is a great livelihood, what we feel is a great community to raise your kids, it’s a great community to represent, and we want to protect those people who are taking that leap of faith with us. We’ll release more information when it’s appropriate. Interviews will be starting very soon.” said Nichols.

After garnering enough courage, I asked Mr. Nichols a question I thought I could get away with. “Simply put, are you pleased with the applications from potential candidates?” Mr. Nichols replied with a brief statement, “We’re looking for our next great head coach. We’ve received a lot of applications and there are multiple candidates that would make a great Geneseo football coach.”