Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
HERRIN — For six decades it’s been the sign that the new seasons were upon us.
It is the annual Southern Illinois Coaches Association Awards Dinner. The event held at the Herrin Elks honors the SICA Coaches of the Year in all sports from the previous year while serving as a kickoff for the upcoming seasons.
SIU play by play man Luke Martin was the guest speaker, updating the crowd on all things Salukis. After the plaques were handed out, the coaches and administrators enjoyed a meal together.
The organization also presented a check to Bob and Jason Karnes for the Chance Karnes Cowboys and Quarterbacks Memorial Fund.
Here’s the list of SICA Coaches of the Year for 2024-25:
Boys Cross Country 1A: John Krieger, Benton
Boys Cross Country 2A: Scott Gill, Marion
Girls Cross Country 1A: Matt Denny, Anna-Jonesboro
Girls Cross Country 2A: Nancy Adams, Carterville
Football 1A: Mike Rude and John Shadowens, Sesser-Valier/Waltonville
Football 2A: Todd Thomas, Johnston City
Football 3A: Justin Groves, Benton
Football 4A: Gary Carter, Murphysboro
Football 5A: Brad Goewey, Centralia
Volleyball 1A: Julie Rathert, Trico
Volleyball 2A: Chris Lucas, Carmi-White Co.
Volleyball 3A: Fae Ragan, Carbondale
Boys Golf 1A: Brock Quigley, Red Bud
Boys Golf 2A: Reggie Norman, Benton
Girls Golf: Mallory McVey, Massac Co.
Boys Soccer 1A: Tim Bunselmeyer, Murphysboro
Boys Soccer 2A: Mark Boomer, Anna-Jonesboro
Girls Basketball 1A: Haylee Bowers, Okawville
Girls Basketball 2A: Dempsey Witte, Nashville
Girls Basketball 3A: Jeff Lonnon, Mt. Vernon
Boys Basketball 1A: Todd Tripp, Goreville
Boys Basketball 2A: Burlin Brower, Vienna
Boys Basketball 3A: Lee Bennett, Centralia
Wrestling 1A: Shea Baker, Murphysboro
Wrestling 2A: Darren Lindsey, Marion
Baseball 1A: John Walker, Waltonville/Sesser-Valier
Baseball 2A: Tim Davis, Du Quoin
Baseball 3A: Kyle Geiger, Marion
Softball 1A: John Kiselewski, Waltonville/Sesser-Valier
Softball 2A: Will Capie, Carterville
Softball 3A: Mallory Kauling, Centralia
Boys Track and Field 1A: Justin Townsend, Fairfield
Boys Track and Field 2A: Ryan Denton, Richland Co.
Girls Track and Field 1A: Jason Alli, Nashville
Girls Track and Field 2A: Michelle Tate, Marion
Girls Tennis: Mike Butler, Carbondale
Girls Soccer 1A: Matt Decker, Murphysboro
Girls Soccer 2A: Jessie Crabtree, Marion
