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Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Jeffery Woodard

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter

Jeffery Woodard is a senior at Normal Community High School and is involved in track & field. This is his third year working with the Inkspot, and he is a senior staff reporter.

On the weekends, I enjoy hanging out with friends and going to the gym.

In my free time, I enjoy watching movies of all sorts.

My favorite film is "Black Panther."

All content by Jeffery Woodard
Jaheem Webber received offers from Bradley, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, Cal Poly and Loyola Maryland, but announced his commitment to Wright State University in October 2023.

Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Jaheem Webber de-commits from Wright State, commits to Southern Illinois

Webber announces decision to follow former Wright State basketball coach Scott Nagy to SIU
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Apr 19, 2024

Jaheem Webber announced his decision to decommit from Wright State University in a social media post on April 17; Webber will follow former Wright State basketball head coach Scott Nagy to Southern Illinois University to play for the Salukis. Nagy was named Bryan Mullins’ successor at Southern...

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Junior Ryan Baxter leads BN Lacrosse in goals (7) and assists (7). Baxter has 12 shots on the season. Shooting opportunities have been a weak spot this season as the team struggles to control possession.

BN Boys Lacrosse starts season 0-3

Defense struggles to limit opponents' scoring chances
Zachary Knox-Doyle and Jeffery Woodard Apr 4, 2024

After their first winning season in Bloomington-Normal Boys Lacrosse program history last year, BN Lacrosse opened the 2024 campaign without a win, losing all three opening matches. BN started the season with a 14-4 defeat to Lemont, followed by a 13-4 loss to Lockport. In their most recent game against...

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Ironmen baseball improve to 5-0 ahead of spring break trip to Alabama

Ironmen baseball improve to 5-0 ahead of spring break trip to Alabama

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Mar 22, 2024

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By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season

By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season

Infographic
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Mar 20, 2024

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Iron boys basketball face a ‘gritty’ Palatine Pirates team in 4A IHSA semis

Iron boys basketball face a ‘gritty’ Palatine Pirates team in 4A IHSA semis

Jeffery Woodard and Ben Kerber Mar 8, 2024

The Community boys basketball team secured a resounding 53-29 victory over the Downers Grove North Trojans Monday, propelling them into Friday’s 4A IHSA State Semifinals at Illinois’ State Farm Center. The 31-5 Ironmen tipoff against the 28-8 Palatine Pirates at 2 p.m. after the Pirates narrowly...

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The box score doesnt tell the full story of Communitys 40-35 loss to Downers Grove North in January.

Ironmen vs. Trojans: Previewing the 4A IHSA Super-Sectional

Inkspot Staff and Jeffery Woodard Mar 4, 2024

Heading into tonight’s 4A IHSA Super-Sectional matchup between the Normal Ironmen (30-5) and Downers Grove North Trojans (29-4) at Illinois State’s CEFCU Arena, it’d be easy to look at the team’s earlier encounter-a 40-35 Trojans win-and draw your conclusions.  But the box score from Jan....

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Ironmen dance with the Devils: Face Quincy in Pekin Sectional Championship clash

Ironmen dance with the Devils: Face Quincy in Pekin Sectional Championship clash

Inkspot Staff and Jeffery Woodard Mar 1, 2024

The Ironmen boys basketball team take on 31-3 Quincy Blue Devils in tonight’s Pekin Sectional Championship game, hoping to prevent the storied program from adding to its list of accolades.  The Quincy program, which played its first game in 1907, has claimed Illinois high school records for state...

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Braylon Roman enters tonights contest as the Ironments leading scorer. Roman is averaging 11.6 points a game. 
Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Ironmen seek redemption against Maroons in Pekin Sectional Semifinals rematch

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Feb 27, 2024

The 28-5 Ironmen boys basketball team faces the 27-6 Moline Maroons in tonight’s Pekin Sectional Semifinals. The 7 p.m. tip is the third straight season the two teams have matched up in the Semis. Community is hoping to avenge last year’s 68-51 season-ending loss, while Moline looks to a chance...

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Post-game interview: Iron win 4th straight Regional Title over Rock Island [video]

Jeffery Woodard caught up with Coach Witzig, Jaheem Webber after the 62-46 win
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Feb 24, 2024

After being shut down offensively the past few weeks, Jaheem Webber led the Ironmen in scoring with 15 points in the Iron's Regional Title win over Rock Island. Webber lit up the Inkspot's dunk-o-meter with four dominant dunks. Webber will look to replicate that success when Community takes on Moline...

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Community seeks fourth consecutive Regional Title, aims to hand Rock Island a milestone 1000th loss in championship clash

Community seeks fourth consecutive Regional Title, aims to hand Rock Island a milestone 1000th loss in championship clash

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Feb 23, 2024

The 27-5 Ironmen boys basketball team hosts the 24-8 Rock Island Rocks in the IHSA Regional Championship Feb. 23. Community is eying a fourth straight Regional Title and the chance to hand the Rocks program loss number 1000. In Feb. 21’s opening round of postseason play, Community took down the...

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Boys basketball Regionals preview: Top-seeded Ironmen face Minooka; Wildcats take on Rock Island

Boys basketball Regionals preview: Top-seeded Ironmen face Minooka; Wildcats take on Rock Island

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Feb 20, 2024

The top-seeded Ironmen boys basketball team (26-5) aims for a fourth consecutive Regional title when they host eight-seed Minooka on Wed. Feb 21. The Indians’ 12-19 record might be misleading; after opening the season 3-13, the Indians have gone nine and six down the stretch under first-year head...

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The Ironmen and Maroons are tied at 2-2 the last two seasons. Community swept the season series against Moline in 2022, eliminating the Maroons from the postseason. 
Last season, the Maroons repaid the favor, ending the Ironmens season. 
// Digital Illustration

Ironmen seek redemption against reigning 4A boys basketball champs Moline Maroons

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Feb 9, 2024

The Ironmen boys basketball team (24-5) hosts defending 4A champions the Moline Maroons Community’s final regular season home game, tipping off Saturday at 3 p.m. in a potential postseason preview. The Moline matchup has morphed into a rivalry in recent years, Iron assistant coach Mr. Matt Schweinberg...

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The Midwest Crossroads tournament will feature five state ranked teams Saturday. The annual Normal West shootout began in 2022.

Top-ranked showdown: Ironmen boys basketball face Metamora Redbirds at 2024 Midwest Crossroads Shootout

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Feb 2, 2024

The Ironmen boys basketball team takes on the Metamora Redbirds in a clash of two state-ranked teams in Saturday’s 2024 Midwest Crossroads Shootout at Normal West. The Redbirds, as of Jan. 31st’s Associated Press rankings, are third in Class 3A and the Ironmen seventh in 4A, with both teams...

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Adopting a shot clock, Communitys head basketball coaches said, is complicated by the cost of installation and finding skilled workers to operate them during games.

Community basketball coaches think it’s time for shot clock

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Jan 26, 2024

Is time expiring on the no shot clock era in Illinois high school basketball? Community’s head varsity basketball coaches Mr. Dave Witzig and Mr. Dave Feeney hope so. While the IHSA approved the use a 35-second shot clock for regular season shootouts and tournaments two seasons ago, the shot...

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While Communitys height and length have been tauted as the teams strength this season, point guard Braylon Roman has been the squads most consistent offensive threat. 
Photo Courtesy: Jeff Christopherson

Ironmen boys basketball take on DePaul College Prep Rams in elite matchup

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Jan 19, 2024

The Ironmen boys basketball team take on the DePaul College Prep Rams in Saturday’s When Sides Collide Showcase. Community (18-3) tips off against the Rams (17-1) at 1 p.m. at Lisle’s Benet Academy looking for a win against an elite opponent.  Community’s three losses this season have all come...

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Ironmen boys basketball (15-1) face off against Richwoods Knights (12-3) in high-stakes Big 12 battle [preview]

Ironmen boys basketball (15-1) face off against Richwoods Knights (12-3) in high-stakes Big 12 battle [preview]

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Jan 12, 2024

The Ironmen (15-1) boys basketball team looks to extend their eight-game win streak Friday when they host the Peoria Richwoods Knights (12-3) in Big 12 action. The 7:30 p.m. matchup has large conference title implications as both the Ironmen (5-0) and the Knights (5-0) are undefeated in Big 12 competition.  Winning...

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Digital Illustration // Inkspot Archives

Boys basketball: Ironmen seek redemption against Rock Island Rocks after first season loss

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Dec 18, 2023

The Ironmen boys basketball team (7-1) are looking to rebound from their first loss of the season when they host the Rock Island Rocks (8-2) in non-conference action Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The Iron fell 44-37 to the Thornton Wildcats Saturday, Dec. 16 in the Southern Illinois Classic. Despite leading...

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The brackets for the 44th annual State Farm Holiday Classic were released Dec. 7 with both Community teams recieving the top seed.
 This year’s event will be held Dec. 27-30 at four venues across Bloomington-Normal — Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, Bloomington High School, Normal Community High School and Normal West High School.

Image Courtesy of: State Farm Holiday Classic

Boys, girls top seeds in State Farm Holiday Classic

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Dec 15, 2023

Community's boys and girls basketball teams were announced as the top seeds in 44th annual State Farm Holiday Classic Large Schools division when brackets were released on Dec. 7.   The tournament tips off Dec. 27, with play running through Dec. 30 at venues across Bloomington-Normal. In the...

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The Ironmen are back in the IHSA Semifinals for the first time in over 15 seasons after a stunning comeback win over Glenbard East. 
They take on the 10-2 Downers Grove North Trojans on the road Saturday. 
Photo Courtesy of: Steph Mazanowski //
MazPix Photography // Mazpix.com

Undefeated Ironmen gear up for IHSA Football Semifinals showdown with Downers Grove North Trojans

The Ironmen (12-0) return to the IHSA Football Semifinals for the first time since 2007, traveling to take on the Downers Grove North Trojans (10-2) on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Last week, the Iron (1) battled back from a two-touchdown deficit to secure their spot in this week’s contest, while...

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After a string of shutouts, the Iron defense surrendered 30 points last week. 
This week the defense is tasked with stopping Glenbard Easts explosive running game.

Ironmen take on Glenbard East Rams in IHSA 7A Football Quarterfinals [game preview]

The Ironmen punched their ticket to the IHSA 7A Football Quarterfinals for the first time since 2015 with a 31-30 overtime victory over the Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers Saturday at Dick Tharpe Field. For the second time in two years, one point would decide the Ironmen and head coach Mr. Jason...

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Digital Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk

Ironmen aim to break Quarterfinal drought as they host Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Nov 2, 2023

The Ironmen head into Saturday’s second round of the IHSA playoffs looking to advance to the State Series quarterfinals for the first time since 2015 when they host the Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers. Community (1) enters the contest outscoring opponents 494-72 and are coming off their fourth...

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The Irons offensive line has been key in the teams success this season, protecting Kyle Beaty and opening running lanes for Tommy Davis.

Ironmen football pursues undefeated record, outright Big 12 Title, Eye postseason success

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 20, 2023

The Ironmen clinched a share of the Big 12 conference title with a 50-0 victory over the Peoria Notre Dame Irish on Friday, Sept. 13, improving to 8-0 on the season  The win puts the 3rd ranked Community 7-0 in league play heading into this week’s contest against Peoria Manual Rams (1-7, 1-6).   A...

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The Iron are 4-0 in the Big 12, the only team undefeated in conference play.

Ironmen eye playoff berth as they face Danville Vikings in conference showdown

The Ironmen (5-0, 4-0) sit atop the Big 12 Conference standings in sole possession of first place after last week’s 34-0 shutout win over the Raiders of Bloomington. The Champaign Centennial Chargers fell to 4-1 in conference play, losing to the Danville Vikings last Friday 25-12. With a road...

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MarQuan Gary leads the Ironmen in scoring after four weeks. 
Gary has nine touchdowns on the season, recording two against the Peoria Lions.

Special teams, explosive offense lead Ironmen to undefeated record

Community defeats Peoria High Lions 63-42
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 21, 2023

The Iron remain undefeated, tallying nine touchdowns on the way to a 63-42 win over the Peoria High School Lions on Sept. 15. Partial credit for the win, Community head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said, belongs to the Ironmen’s special teams. Ahead of the Week 4 matchup, Drengwitz said special...

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The Ironmen look to Kyle Beatys calm demeanor to lead Community in Week Three.

High-Stakes showdown: Ironmen face Normal West Wildcats in conference clash

Ironmen look to QB Beaty's calm demeanor to lead Community in Week Three
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 8, 2023

The excitement is palpable as the Ironmen face off against the Normal West Wildcats in a game with conference title implications. Community and West both enter the contest undefeated; West sits atop the conference standings at 2-0 after last week’s 35-14 win over the Bloomington Raiders. The Iron...

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MarQuan Gary pulls in a 27 yard touchdown. Gary had four receptions for 86 yards and scored on a nine-yard run in the season opener.
Photo Courtesy of:

Ironmen dominate defending 4A Champs in team-effort

Five Ironmen found the end zone in Friday’s 54-14 rout of defending 4A State Champions Sacred Heart-Griffin. Tailbacks Tommy Davis and Calen Taylor and wideout Mar’Quan Gary were key offensive contributors in the statement victory over the Cyclones, scoring two touchdowns apiece in the season...

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Sophomore QB Kyle Beaty was impressed with the Iron’s season overall, but “wished it had been longer.” 	     
Photo Courtesy of:

Iron open ’23 campaign against Sacred Heart Griffin, eyeing the post-season

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Aug 25, 2023

The Ironmen football team has one goal in mind for the 2023 season–win the IHSA 7A Quarterfinals and “hang a banner,” head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said. To achieve that goal – a quarterfinal victory – the Ironmen must first make it to the quarterfinal round. Last season, the Iron fell...

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Iron girls basketball season ends in Sectional Finals loss: Season recap

Iron girls basketball season ends in Sectional Finals loss: Season recap

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Apr 26, 2023

For the second year in a row, the girls basketball team’s postseason run came to an end with a loss in the IHSA Sectional Finals.  Community fell 60-42 to the O’Fallon Panthers on Feb. 23, extending the Iron’s Sectional Title drought to 18 years.  O’Fallon, led by Illinois State commit...

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Passion for pickleball fueling Feeney’s competitive spirit

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Apr 1, 2023

The Feeney family has a history of presiding over courts.  Sisters Sophia (’23) and Madison (’21) reigned over Community’s basketball and volleyball courts, tallying up All-Conference honors year after year.  Mrs. Amy Feeney’s husband, Judge Charles Feeney III has served more than two...

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On the Spot: Ep. 6 – ‘Winter Break plans’ [video]

Anna Dunne and Jeffery Woodard Dec 16, 2022
Anna Dunne and Jeffery Woodard asked Community students and staff about their Winter Break plans.
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Senior Sophia advances the ball up court in the season opener win over U-High.
Feeney averages 7.1 points per game, and leads the Iron in assists (18), steals (20) and deflections (20).

Girls basketball: Undefeated Iron face unbeaten Washington

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Dec 15, 2022

Community’s girls basketball team’s undefeated season is on the line as they face an unbeaten Washington Panthers squad at home Thursday, Dec. 15. When Community tip-offs against Washington (9-0) in non-conference play, they look to extend a 14-game regular season winning streak that dates back...

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Sophomore QB Kyle Beaty was impressed with the Iron’s season overall, but “wished it had been longer.” 	     
Photo Courtesy of:

State of the Season

2022 football season recap
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Nov 25, 2022

The Ironmen’s season concluded after a 32-31 loss to the Pekin Dragons in the second round of the 7A IHSA playoffs Friday, Nov. 4. Pekin sealed the victory with an extra point from Mylee Hansen, the Dragon’s first female player in school history. Community’s head coach wasn’t thinking about...

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“New” Ironmen open season against U-High in Intercity action

“New” Ironmen open season against U-High in Intercity action

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Nov 21, 2022

The Ironmen will hit the hardwood taking on the U-High Pioneers in the Intercity tournament Monday night at the Shirk Center. The Iron are looking to defend last season’s Intercity championship, extending their streak of five consecutive wins over the Pioneers in tournament play. Community takes...

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On the Spot: Ep. 5 – ‘Community shares their Halloween costumes’ [video]

Anna Dunne and Jeffery Woodard Nov 10, 2022
Anna Dunne and Jeffery Woodard took to Community's halls on Oct. 31 to find out what students, staff dressed up as for Halloween.
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The Ironmen celebrate a score in last seasons 57-22 victory over Manual. Before the Sep. 3, 2021 game, Community dedicated their football field as “Dick Tharp Field” in honor of the former Ironmen head coach.

Ironmen aren’t underdogs heading into Pekin playoff contest

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Nov 4, 2022

The Ironmen will host the Pekin Dragons in the second round of the IHSA playoffs Friday, Nov. 4, after defeating the Rockton-Hononegah Indians 44-13 on Oct. 28 That was a game, Coach Jason Drengwitz said, many people didn’t expect Community to win. The undefeated Dragons are coming off a 51-14...

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The Ironmen celebrate a score in last seasons 57-22 victory over Manual. Before the Sep. 3, 2021 game, Community dedicated their football field as “Dick Tharp Field” in honor of the former Ironmen head coach.

‘Win and in’: Ironmen face Rams with playoff streak on the line

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 21, 2022

The Ironmen are 5-3 on the season after defeating Peoria Notre Dame in overtime 19-13 on Friday, Oct. 14. Community plays host to the Peoria Manual Rams tonight. With a win, Community will extend its streak of consecutive postseason appearances to 26 seasons. After posting a 10-0 regular season...

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Combo of Augstin, Beaty contribute to Iron’s resurgence

Combo of Augstin, Beaty contribute to Iron’s resurgence

Jeffery Woodard and Dylan Wehmeyer Oct 14, 2022

The Ironmen improved to 4-3 on the season with Saturday’s 47-26 victory over Dohn Community High School, keeping Normal’s playoff hopes alive.  Junior Brady Augstin was a decisive factor in the Ironmen’s win, playing a pivotal role on both sides of the ball.  In the first half of the “Clash...

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Clash of the Communities: QB combo can lead Iron over Dohn Community, into playoffs

Clash of the Communities: QB combo can lead Iron over Dohn Community, into playoffs

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Oct 8, 2022

A 50-43 triple-overtime victory over Danville kept Community’s playoff hopes alive with three games remaining in the season.   The Iron (3-3) look to extend their two-game winning streak as they host Dohn Community of Cincinnati Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. Dohn (3-2) enters the first-ever Clash...

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Senior Cemeron Thierry put the Ironmen up early over Bloomington, scoring on a 37-yard touchdown run on the first series of the contest. The Ironmen would win 35-7 to improve to 2-3 on the season.

Ironmen face Danville in must-win matchup

Ironmen need to win out to extend streak of 25-straight playoff appearances
Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 30, 2022

Following a 1-3 start, Community’s 35-7 win over Bloomington on Friday kept the Ironmen’s playoff hopes alive. With the Big 12 Conference title out of reach, the Ironmen will need to win out in order to extend their streak of 25-straight playoff appearances. For the Ironmen to hear their name...

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By the Numbers: Ironmen Soccer vs. Peoria Richwoods [video]

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 20, 2022
See how the Ironmen soccer team stacks up against Peoria Richwoods.
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By the Numbers: Ironmen Soccer vs. Morton [video]

Jeffery Woodard, Senior Staff Reporter Sep 17, 2022
See how the Ironmen soccer team stacks up against the Morton Potters.
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On the Spot: ‘How Stressed are You?’ [video]

Anna Dunne and Jeffery Woodard Sep 13, 2022
The Inkspot asked Community students how stressed they were after returning from summer break. Check out their On the Spot answers.
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New Faces of Normal 2022-23

New Faces of Normal 2022-23

A Q & A with Community's nine new instructional staff members

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Lady Iron’s 5th annual ‘Kick it for Max’ fundraiser benefits GFPD [video]

Soccer team's annual benefit game supports Peroxisomal Disorders research

The Lady Iron soccer team hosted the 5th annual "Kick it for Max" benefit during the program's games against Naperville Central on Saturday, May 7. Proceeds from the fundraiser were donated to the Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders in honor of Max Chapman, the nephew of head soccer coach...

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Alfred Hitchcock Day -- March 12 -- celebrates the genius of “The Master of Suspense”

The psycho behind ‘Psycho’

Alfred Hitchcock Day -- March 12 -- celebrates the genius of “The Master of Suspense”

Recognized by film buffs as one of the most influential directors of all time, Alfred Hitchcock’s place in film history often goes underappreciated by modern audiences.  Hitchcock, the filmmaker behind classics like “Psycho” (1960) and “The Birds” (1963), directed over 50 films throughout...

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