May 19, 2026 | WALLS 102

BCR 1A girls state track & field preview

There will be 14 Bureau County athletes competing in the 1A girls state track & field prelims on Thursday, including return state runner-up Lily Bosnich (hurdles) of St. Bede and Bureau Valley sophomore Elise House (400), both

Sterling student presents at Central College’s Undergraduate Inquiry event

Central College in Pella hosted a Celebration of Undergraduate Inquiry to showcase the many research and creative projects by Central students during the 2025-26 academic year.

Rath marks 40-year milestone with Carroll County USDA Farm Service Agency

Dawn Rath of Mount Carroll achieved 40 years of continued service with the USDA-Farm Service Agency on March 15 in Mount Carroll.

WQPT’s ‘Summer of Adventure’ Tour to make stops at Sterling, Morrison, Port Byron libraries

This summer, WQPT PBS invites families to join its “Summer of Adventure” tour, featuring guest appearances at library story times and community events throughout the region.

Sauk Valley boys track & field sectional previews

Here is a look at the sectional meets that local boys track and field athletes are competing in on Wednesday and Friday. Dixon is looking for its first sectional title since 2002. Morrison and Forreston-Polo are defending

Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Dixon track & field’s Owen LeSage

Dixon junior Owen LeSage is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning. His top throw in the shot put this season is ranked third in Class 2A, and he has

The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator’s Clay Christoff

The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator’s Clay Christoff

Out of 349 ballots cast in an online vote, Streator baseball pitcher/third baseman Clay Christoff captured 150 to win a close race and be named The Times Athlete of the Week.Christoff continued his red-hot senior season leading the Bulldogs to a series sweep of Reed-Custer with three hits in each win, three total RBIs and the pitching win in the opener with just two hits and one run allowed while striking out eight.Also on last week’s ballot were runner-up Alec Novotney (Marquette baseball), Leigha Gammie (Streator girls soccer) and Abbi Armstrong (FCW girls track and field).Weekly ballots go online Mondays and are accessible via Facebook (The Times Sports) and Twitter (@jtpedelty), with voting going through midday Wednesday.Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:Do you have any nicknames?Christoff: CCC.How old were you when you started playing baseball, and what got you into the game?Christoff: I started playing when I was 3. My dad.It’s been an up-and-down season for the Bulldogs baseball team this year. What does the team need to do to finish this final stretch playing your best baseball?Christoff: Just go and play.You’ve added some velocity and break to your pitches this season, and your batting average has skyrocketed above .350. What did you do in the offseason to get ready for what’s been a really strong senior year?Christoff: This summer and fall, I’ve been throwing a lot with [Hall all-stater, University of Illinois alum and semipro pitcher] Ty Rybarczyk. I was also hitting a little with [U of I director of player development and fellow Hall graduate] Cam McDonald.What are a few of your favorite ball diamonds you’ve gotten the chance to play on over the years?Christoff: Seneca and Reed-Custer.What movie would you say you’ve seen more than any other? About how many times?Christoff: “Gladiator” from 1992, the boxing one. I’ve probably watched this at least 100 times.Which of your teammates cracks you up the most?Christoff: Joe Hoekstra. We’ve know each other since we were 8.If you could see any musical artist in any venue, all expenses paid, who would you see and where?Christoff: I would have loved to go watch the Zach Bryan concert with Kings of Leon opening in Louisville, Kentucky.You and your teammates are going out for dinner to celebrate a big win. Where are you going, and what are you ordering?Christoff: Chipotle – white rice, double steak and chicken with cheese.Seventh inning, two outs, bases loaded, tie game. Would you be more comfortable on the mound trying to get the final out or at the plate trying to get a game-winning hit?Christoff: I would be more confident on the mound. Seasonal question: At a cookout, what’s your favorite food off the grill?Christoff: Steak or a burger is pretty solid.You’ve committed to continue your baseball career next year at Illinois Valley Community College. What made IVCC the right choice?Christoff: IVCC was the best fit for baseball and my education. It is also 20 minutes from my house.

The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator’s Clay Christoff

The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator’s Clay Christoff