As the weather gets colder, fall sports are coming to a close. Throughout the first few months of the school year, there has been a feeling of excitement, mainly because of all the successful sports teams and their accomplishments. With many regional appearances, and even some surpassing regionals and onto the next level, another great sports season is in the books.

The boys’ cross country team is currently still advancing through the postseason and is the only fall sport still in season. So far this season, the team has seen a great amount of success with five first-place team victories. At the SIRR conference meet, the Tigers won their third conference title in a row. Senior Mason King even placed first at the conference meet, running a 15:26.6. 

On Saturday, November 1, the boys’ team placed 4th in sectionals, overtaking Mt. Vernon, a rival team that had recently beaten them in regionals. This allowed them to qualify for the state championship meet, which will be held on Saturday, November 8, in Peoria. Stay tuned to the Tiger Tattler for more information about the boys’ cross country team.

Meanwhile, the girls’ cross-country team had a great showing this year with the most runners they’ve had in years. Although this year was a time of rebuilding, the girls’ team achieved several team goals. Last year, there weren’t enough runners, so the girls couldn’t compete as a team at conference or regionals. This year, though, they brought a full team to compete in conference and regionals. The girls even placed fourth at conference. 

Senior Addi Krotz said she has learned a great deal through her time on the team, stating that “this sport (cross country) has taught me a lot about discipline and to be mentally strong to push through the pain. My senior year was meaningful because I wanted to finish strong and be a good role model despite battling injury. Cross country allowed me to be mentally stronger.” Through the next few years, the girls’ team looks to continue to grow the program and see further success.

Girls’ Tennis had an exciting year. The girls played 14 matches this season, as well as five invites. All of the individual players improved significantly throughout the season, and their record shows that. They had multiple blowout matches by winning all of their matches. Two individuals, senior Gigi George and sophomore Brooklynn Brandon, advanced to state as double partners. Brooklynn Brandon said, “I learned many things this year, having to step up as a sophomore. The number one thing I learned was that it was okay to lose; what matters is if you gave it your all. You can never just give up.”  Girls’ tennis is a team to watch out for, as many players are stepping up and filling roles.

 The boys’ golf team was in full swing with early-season improvement. During one of their first matches of the season, the boys scored a 320, which is the best Herrin has scored in three years. With an impressive early showing, it was evident that the team was set for a great year. The boys won three of their matches and placed third in conference. Seniors Braxton Dann and Harper Shoemaker even made the all-conference team. Additionally, Harper Shoemaker and Carver Hall both placed in the top 10 during the regional match. Both boys qualified and went on to compete at sectionals. 

Junior Carver Hall explained, “I am looking forward to playing more tournaments and growing in the offseason to hopefully make it to sectionals for a third time and even moving up into state. This season felt very successful for me, especially considering an injury that took me out for two weeks at the beginning of the season.” 

Just like the boys’ team, the girls’ golf team was in full swing. The girls had a packed schedule with 16 matches. Every girl competed and got better as the season continued. Senior Gracie Craft had a successful senior season. She placed fourth in conference and advanced to sectionals. 

Gracie said the season “was good because I got promoted to being captain. With this, I felt like I had a job to do as a leader, and I feel like I accomplished my job. I missed the state by only three strokes, so I couldn’t be mad about that. Missy Webb, our golf coach, has been my biggest supporter throughout my whole career by getting me lessons and encouraging me as much as possible. I couldn’t have done it without her and my team supporting me.” The girls’ golf team has an exciting future ahead of them.

Girls’ volleyball had an exceptional season and even made history. This year was the first year that the girls got to participate in multiple pink-out games, which was marked by an entire month of pink jerseys in October. The girls played an astonishing 36 games and ended with a record of 11-25 (Including Tournaments). However, their record doesn’t show the hard work the girl put in after the regular season. During the regional playoffs, the girls beat Murphysboro 2-1, which sent them to the regional championship. At the championship, the girls fought a hard, long battle against Carterville. The game went into three sets, and while Carterville won, the girls fought all the way to the end.

 Junior Evaley Collier had many positives to say about this season. “I was very happy that we won the first round of regionals because I was not expecting that. Even an appearance at the Regional Championship was so exciting.” The girls are already setting goals for next year and what’s ahead. Although the regional Championship game didn’t end how they wanted it to, the volleyball team accomplished so much throughout the regular and postseason.  

While the football team didn’t quite have the year players had hoped for, this is only the beginning of what they will achieve in the future. New head coach Nathan Lieber mentioned at the beginning of the season how this year was going to be the start of a rebuild. The team has a lot of young potential and skill. 

Senior football players Scotty Reynolds and Dennis Hughes shared some of their favorite football memories from all the years. Scotty said, “My favorite football memory from all of the years has to be the interception I had against Carterville my senior year. But I would definitely add in my 11 tackles during senior night.” Dennis said, “Starting my junior year for sure, as well as being captain for two years.” Their advice for younger players is to “go to the gym and find good friends to do that with. Stay committed even when it gets hard and have a great mindset.” The team has many goals set for next season.

As the fall sports seasons are concluding, it is evident that all of the athletes performed very well. Herrin Tiger Pride was shown by all this season, and as tradition goes, it will continue into the winter.