Claybusters Present State Trophy to Illini West High School

By Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent

Tanner Stonger presented two awards to the Illini West High School board from the Illini West trap shooting team, during the regular board meeting July 15

Stonger and trap shooting coach, Ryan Wetzel, told the board about the team’s highly successful fall and spring seasons, winning awards in state and national trapshooting competitions.

The new additions to the Illini West trophy case were a first place trophy from the University of Illinois invitational in fall of 2025, and a second place award  at the State Class 2A tournament.

“This year we took second place at state,” said Wetzel. “Out of a possible 500, we broke 486 birds.”

They did even better at nationals, according to Wetzel. There are over  40,000 kids participating in Clay USA across the country. Only 4 percent of these students get to go to nationals. Six Illini West shooters were among those who competed in the national Clay USA meet.

“We had two that went to national finals as individuals. They were part of the one percent,” said Wetzel. The team also competed in nationals.

The team of student shooters from Illini West has been competing for many years under the guidance of the Carthage Gun Club. This is the first year they have competed in state competition as the Illini West   Trap Team.

Six athletes met the requirements to compete at national –  Connor Finch, Tanner Stonger, Braxton Dickerson, Bentley Brown, Oren Bergmann and Carson Walker.

The team placed 49th out of the 80 teams that made it to the finals.  

The board appointed Superintendent Jay Harnack to prepare a tentative budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. The  tentative 2026-2027 budget will be on display on August 14 and will be conveniently available to public for inspection for at least 30 days before final action is taken.

A budget hearing was set for the start of the board’s regular meeting on Sept. 16. Final action is expected on the budget at that meeting.  

Principal Amanda reported on plans for school registration. Online registration will open the week of July 27 to July 31.

In person registration will be held at the following locations:

• Dallas City Middle School Library: July 28, noon to 6 p.m.;

• La Harpe Middle School Lobby: p.m. July 29, noon to 6 p.m.

• Illini West High School: July 30th, noon to 6 p.m.

The first day for teachers is Monday, Aug. 17. The first day for student attendance is Wednesday, Aug. 19. Freshman Loop (orientation) is Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.

Harnack reported on summer work projects. The bleacher installation has started but has been delayed. It is estimated to be completed July 31.

Work has started on the football field bathroom project. He thanked the many volunteers and donors for their efforts.

Following executive session, Andrew Eagan and Seth Pilkington were approved as volunteer wrestling coaches, and Liane Freyermuth was approved as volunteer volleyball coach.

The board approved the resignation of Hanafin Miller as social worker.

Harnack reported that the unaudited year-end financials show the district had a sound financial year. Transportation funding was substantially prorated by the state, resulting in deficit spending in that fund.

The second reading of the 2026-2027 Student Handbook was approved.