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A mockup of the video scoreboards being installed in the East Gym over the summer. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics department // Used with Permission
New digital scoreboards to be installed in East Gym
Community’s bass fishing team poses after winning the inaugural Big 12 championship. Coach Derrick Schonauer said the sport is rapidly growing, adding a conference and regional tournament this season. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Derrick Schonauer // Used with Permission
Community wins Big 12 bass fishing title, falls short at regional
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
TikTok trend promotes Chromebook vandalism, raises fire safety concerns
During an interactive presentation at Community, music students explored how certified music therapists use rhythm and melody to support clients in settings ranging from hospitals to schools to hospice care. Image Courtesy of: Illinois State University
Music therapy presentation introduces students to new career path
Tied to lawn chairs and soaked in ice water, Bryce Hickman (left) and Carson Folwer (right) put a playful spin on the #SpeakYourMIND challenge. Photo Courtesy of: Bryce Hickman
Students revive viral challenge for new cause
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
YouTube, founded in 2005, was still in its infancy when Soulja Boy uploaded an instructional dance video for his track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" on the platform. The video quickly racked up millions of views, launching the young artist's career. Screencapture: YouTube // @Soulja Boy
From viral sensation to industry architect—Soulja Boy brings his legacy to Bloomington’s Castle Theatre
From Ryan Coogler comes “Sinners,” a haunting tale about what it means to fight for your identity—before it’s drained away. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers whose juke joint dreams turn into a battleground for the soul of a community. With vampires standing in for colonizers and appropriation as the real curse, “Sinners” might be the best film of the year. Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Sinners’ sinks its teeth into cultural appropriation with sharp, stylish bite
"Mickey 17" is a dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, released in March 2025. Image Courtesy of: ​Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Mickey 17’ blends Sci-Fi satire, dark humor and existential horror in a capitalist critique
Photo Illustration
Top ‘toons showdown bracket
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Studio Ghibli
Top 5 Studio Ghibli films
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
Almost Famous: 3 artists on the brink of a breakout
YouTube, founded in 2005, was still in its infancy when Soulja Boy uploaded an instructional dance video for his track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" on the platform. The video quickly racked up millions of views, launching the young artist's career. Screencapture: YouTube // @Soulja Boy
From viral sensation to industry architect—Soulja Boy brings his legacy to Bloomington’s Castle Theatre
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Why Harrison Gordon is the band you need to see live
Tyler, the Creator served as "Chromakopia's" producer, writer and arranger. Among some of the features on the album's 14 tracks are Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Wayne and Santigold. Album Art Courtesy of: Columbia Records
Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’ delivers bold introspection, evolution
"Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, it's what I love to do," Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned 'American Idol' drop out wasn't so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
WWE RAW Raw debuted on Netflix in early January as part of a $500 million agreement between the TKO Group, the parent of WWE, and Netflix. Graphic Courtesy of: TKO Group
From Body Slams to brand deals: WWE’s Netflix era leaves some fans tapping out
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk // Image Partially Created Using Artificial Intellegence: Adobe Firelfly
Hollywood’s game plan: 3 video games begging for screen adaptations
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
The 2024 Game Awards: Who deserves the spotlight this year
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Connections, the newest of New York Times' game offerings, is the best game you aren't playing, according to the Inkspot's B.J. Dumas. Screenshot // New York Times
Finding ‘Connections’: the best game you aren’t playing
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
The Purple Iron Cats are looking for their first playoff win under second-year head coach Jackson Fischer. Photo Courtesy of: Parker Maurer // Used with Permission
Purple Iron Cats seek redemption in sectional opener against Dunlap
Mr. Matt Chapman, who has led Community’s girls soccer program since 2001 and helmed the boys team for the past decade, has compiled a combined career record of 544-182-74— a .726 win percentage cementing his legacy— as one of the winningest coaches in Iron soccer history. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Chapman earns 400th win
Max Heineman leads the team in extra base hits with seven doubles and three triples. The junior is second on the team in home runs (3). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge to 24-4 record behind dominant junior class, midseason chemistry
Senior leaders Ava Prevo (second from left), McKenna Baughman (third from left) and Tatum Yokley (far right) have anchored Community’s turnaround this season—Prevo in the circle, Baughman with her power at the plate, and Yokley leading the Iron in RBIs and extra-base hits. Photo Courtesty of: Tatum Yokley
Softball improves to 10-9 with win over Danville, takes Big 12 lead
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
Headlined by senior Cassius Sharp and a strong junior core, the boys soccer team had its deepest playoff run since the 2018 season. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen soccer season ends in Sectional Finals
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
Coach Drengwitz on the loss to Mt. Carmel, 2024 season [video]
AJ Montoya, in addition to his defensive play, served as a goal line back for Community, rushing for 77 yards on the season and scoring four touchdowns. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Taylor, Montoya earn football All-State, Big 12 honors
Mt. Carmel enters Saturday's Quarterfinals contest with an 8-3 record, something that Ironmen coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz thinks speaks to how battle-tested the Caravan are.
Ironmen brace for toughest test yet in Round Three showdown against Mt. Carmel Caravan
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Quarterfinals: Ironmen head coach on facing the Mt. Carmel Caravan [video]
IHSA 7A Football Playoffs Quarterfinals: Ironmen head coach on facing the Mt. Carmel Caravan [video]
As a senior, Walker averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game—and shattered two program records. His 24-rebound night against Richwoods set a single-game record and his 426 rebounds on the season broke a record that stood since 1972. Image Courtesy: Kobe Walker // X
Basketball standout Kobe Walker commits to Valparaiso after Central Michigan coaching shake-up
With a 27-7 finish and a return to the IHSA 4A Sectional Semifinals, this year’s Community squad stepped out of the shadow of the past and forged a new identity. Photo Courtesty of: Charles Green
Iron forged: Girls basketball exceed expectations with fourth-straight Sectional Semifinal berth
Junior Wade Pyle took home two State medals and set new school bests at the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Finals in February. Image Courtesy of: Community Athletics Department
State swimming: Wade Pyle cracks top-eight in two events, breaks records
Kobe Walker was a standout this season, slamming home 34 dunks and setting the program record for single-season rebounds. Walker finished the year fourth all-time in career rebounds, with 764, despite just one season as a starter. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Iron resolve: Community defies rebuild talk; Repeats as Big 12 champs
In his lone season as a starter, senior Kobe Walker has been a prolific scorer, totaling 631 points. He ranks second in program history for most points in a single season, trailing only Dick Metzger, who recorded 719 points in 1953. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen, Blue Devils set for Sectional Final rematch
The Purple Iron Cats are looking for their first playoff win under second-year head coach Jackson Fischer. Photo Courtesy of: Parker Maurer // Used with Permission
Purple Iron Cats seek redemption in sectional opener against Dunlap
Mr. Matt Chapman, who has led Community’s girls soccer program since 2001 and helmed the boys team for the past decade, has compiled a combined career record of 544-182-74— a .726 win percentage cementing his legacy— as one of the winningest coaches in Iron soccer history. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Chapman earns 400th win
Max Heineman leads the team in extra base hits with seven doubles and three triples. The junior is second on the team in home runs (3). Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen surge to 24-4 record behind dominant junior class, midseason chemistry
Senior leaders Ava Prevo (second from left), McKenna Baughman (third from left) and Tatum Yokley (far right) have anchored Community’s turnaround this season—Prevo in the circle, Baughman with her power at the plate, and Yokley leading the Iron in RBIs and extra-base hits. Photo Courtesty of: Tatum Yokley
Softball improves to 10-9 with win over Danville, takes Big 12 lead
Softball climbs to .500 after 0-8 start, fueled by dominant stretch from Prevo, Yokley
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on the teachers who made a difference
Students reflect on the teachers who made a difference
In the Family and Consumer Science department, department head Mrs. Laura Thomas said the store closure will not have a severe impact with other local and online retail options. But it won't go unnoticed. In Thomas's classroom, a dress form stands beside a countertop piled high with colorful fabric scraps—a visual reminder of how frequently students rely on fabric materials for their clothing construction projects.
Joann Fabrics closing hits Community crafters, classes
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Photo Courtesy of: HR Imaging // Used with permission
Beyond the Mock Awards: Senior Awards Night spotlights student impact
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
Students reflect on childhood programming as PBS faces major funding cuts
The six-member counseling team—Mrs. Addie Ince, Mr. Ryan Short, Ms. Carlie Newton, Mrs. Jenn Giermann, Mrs. Kristi Chase and Ms. Brooke Bollmann—helps guide over 2,000 Community students through academic planning, mental health support, peer and family conflict, standardized testing and post-secondary prep. The group's largely unsung role? Offering stability in moments of crisis and clarity in times of uncertainty.
The counselors who carry it all
BounceNet’s big break
BounceNet’s big break
Inkspot Madness contest
Inkspot Madness contest
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
The Inkspot's Cutest Canine Contest
The Inkspot’s Cutest Canine Contest
Prom dinner choice trivia
Prom dinner choice trivia
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 21
Connections: May 21
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Licensed Image: Envato
Our two cents: Should we get rid of the penny?
The top 5 hottest presidents
The top 5 hottest presidents
A work glove, located on a reflective post in the median of the intersection of Airport and Raab, is decorated for St. Patrick's Day.
The glove that won’t go away (and why it’s kind of awesome)
Bryce Hickman doen't believe that the movie theater is a thing of the past; we are just forgetting the magic. Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Cinema’s not dead—we just need to remember why it matters
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Going to the mat for pro wrestling
Head 2 Head: Wrigley Field vs. Busch Stadium
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5: Iconic Snoop Dogg albums
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Top 5 must-have expansion packs for ‘The Sims 4’ Fans: From family drama to island escapes
Promotional Image Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Discovery
Top 5: Most mind-bending ‘Rick and Morty’ episodes
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Seniors "skipped" at the Senior Picnic, Armoni Conner spreading her lifelong love of jump rope.
Senior leads classmates in double dutch, sharing passion for jump roping [photo gallery]
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Meet the 2025 Prom Court
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Generation Gap – Ep. 1 – “A Minecraft Movie” Mayhem
Lily Mavros’ voice has taken her to magical worlds, mythic battlefields and Broadway-inspired stages. Her passion for musical theater began with "The Secret Garden" and was reignited this summer when she performed in "The Six." Photo Courtesy of": Mr. Jeff Christopherson
From the fourth-grade talent show to center stage: Lily Mavros’ musical journey
The Up-Beat – S.2, Ep. 1 – Orchards; Tyler, the Creator; Mr. Bovenkerk cries and the Impact Project
The Up-Beat – S.2, Ep. 1 – Orchards; Tyler, the Creator; Mr. Bovenkerk cries and the Impact Project
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
Inside the Paint is a roundtable discussion where the Inkspot's basketball beat reporters dive deep into the Ironmen boys and girls basketball seasons. Zachary Knox-Doyle, B.J. Dumas, Bella Green and Ben Kerber offer a courtside pass to all things Ironmen basketball, breaking down the season so far. Digital Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Inside the Paint: Talking March Madness, post-season Ironmen basketball
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
Cell phone ban in schools? Community responds to proposed legislation [video]
For more than a decade, each week before spring break Community showcases its music offerings with lunchtime concerts.
Jazz Ensemble, acapella celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with atrium performances
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Ironmen spring sports update: April 9 [video]
Mental health in athletics is no longer a silent struggle. At Community’s annual Stay Another Day night, athletes took the floor not just for competition but for a cause—supporting alum Mackenzie Nelson’s growing movement.
Stay Another Day night: How a Community alum’s message is changing the conversation on mental health [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Ironmen in the hunt: Coach Feeney talks Big 12 Title race ahead of PND matchup [video]
Image Courtesy of: Netflix Promotional Materials
Tyson vs. Paul: Community weighs in on boxing’s generational showdown [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Halloween [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Fall favorites [video]
On the Spot: This or That – Fall favorites [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
February 2023
February 2023
December 2022
December 2022
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
February 2022
February 2022
January 2019 Inkspot Print Edition_Page_01
January 2019
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

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

Inkspot
The boys track and field team avenged its second place finish to the West Wildcats last season, defeating the defending champs by three points to claim Community's first Intercity title in over a decade.

Intercity champs: Girls win third straight crosstown title; Boys secure first win in over a decade

BJ Dumas, Zachary Knox-Doyle, Brayden Blackwell and Libby Price
May 5, 2023

Community’s boys and girls track and field teams can both boast the title “Intercity champs” after winning the annual crosstown competition at Bloomington High School on April 25.   Girls Track & Field The girls team, led by Ali Ince, defended their title for the third consecutive...

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By the Numbers: Ironmen girls basketball vs. Normal West Wildcats [video]

Ruth Oliveros-Gallardo and Giana Rawlings
Nov 18, 2022
Take a look at how Normal Community's girls basketball team stacks up against Central Catholic in game two of the Intercity tournament [video]
Read Story
Community swim wins second straight Sectional, advances 7 to State

Community swim wins second straight Sectional, advances 7 to State

Inkspot Staff
Nov 9, 2022

Seven members of Community's girls swimming and diving team will race in the IHSA State competition in Westmont after the team won the Normal West Sectional on Saturday, Nov. 5.   Community took first in six of the meet's 12 events, finishing 39 points ahead of the Normal West Wildcats to secure...

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Ali Ince leads the field early in the Randy Sharer Intercity Meet on Sep. 22. Community's girls would finish 2nd in Intercity behind West.

Girls X/C wins Big 12 Conference meet; Boys team takes 2nd

Marielsie Iglesias, Senior Staff Reporter
Oct 22, 2022

The girls cross country team won the Big 12 Conference title Saturday, Oct. 15, at Peoria’s Detweiller Park, finishing 10 points ahead of the Normal West Wildcats. Community’s boys placed 2nd in the championship meet, finishing behind Peoria Notre Dame’s team and ahead of West by a one-point margin. After...

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Volleyball finishes 3rd in Intercity

Volleyball finishes 3rd in Intercity

Ava Yokley, Kate Johnson, Kirsten Santana, Brady Boyd and Giana Rawlings
Oct 7, 2022

The Lady Iron took 3rd in the Intercity volleyball tournament Sep. 24, finishing 2-2. Community’s two losses came at the hands of eventual champions the Normal West Wildcats and tournament runners-up the U-High Pioneers. After defeating Central Catholic in three sets in the tournament’s opening...

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Cross country teams take 2nd at Intercity

Cross country teams take 2nd at Intercity

Libby Price, Ruth Oliveros-Gallardo, Christian Hofmann, Zachary Knox-Doyle, BJ Dumas and Brayden Blackwell
Oct 6, 2022

For the second straight year, Community’s boys and girls varsity cross country teams finished 2nd at the Intercity meet at Maxwell Park, Thursday, Sep. 22.   Girls Varsity  Normal West won the girl’s race, with the Wildcats finishing 7 points ahead of Community. Four Community runners...

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By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Intercity competition [video]

By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Intercity competition [video]

Tyler Chapman, Senior Staff Reporter
Sep 23, 2022
Lady Iron volleyball head into Intercity with a 7-6 record; see how they stack up against their Intercity competition
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By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Normal West [video]

Tyler Chapman, Senior Staff Reporter
Sep 19, 2022

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Urbana Tigers complicate the Big 12 playoff picture

Urbana Tigers complicate the Big 12 playoff picture

Inkspot Staff
Sep 9, 2022

The IHSA postseason structure is already convoluted and confusing (an issue the Inkspot tried to clear up last season). Add in details like the fact that the Big 12 Conference has 11 schools while the Central State Eight has 10, and it only gets more complicated. The 2022 football season poses...

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Community won last season's Chili Bowl, defeating Normal West 45-7.

West, Community seek to protect streaks in Chili Bowl game

Inkspot Staff
Sep 8, 2022

Community (1-1) looks to snap Normal West’s (2-0) shutout streak when the Ironmen host the Wildcats in Friday’s annual Chili Bowl game at 7 p.m. West enters the rivalry matchup outscoring opponents 88-0, with the Wildcats looking to snap a streak of their own -- Community’s nine consecutive...

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By the Numbers: Volleyball vs. Normal West [video]

Tyler Chapman, Senior Staff Reporter
Sep 7, 2022
Check out how Normal Community's volleyball team stacks up against rival Normal West [video].
Read Story

By the Numbers: Ironmen vs. Normal West [video]

Dylan Wehmeyer, Senior Staff Reporter
Sep 6, 2022
Check out how Normal Community stacks up against rival Normal West [video].
Read Story

By the Numbers: Boys basketball v. Normal West [video]

JD Koehler, Tyler Tanton and Jeffery Woodard
Jan 27, 2022

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By the numbers: Lady Iron basketball v. Normal West [video]

Inkspot Staff
Nov 20, 2021

The Lady Iron basketball team takes on the Normal West Wildcats in non-conference play Saturday, Nov. 20. Check out how the crosstown rivals matchup heading into their Intercity tournament contest.

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Lady Iron volleyball crowned Big 12 Champions with victory over Normal West

Lady Iron volleyball crowned Big 12 Champions with victory over Normal West

Jonah Kramer, Sports Editor
Oct 21, 2021

The implications of the matchup between Community and West's volleyball teams were clear well before the Oct. 19 competition: Tuesday night's winner would take home the Big 12 Conference title.  Heading into the teams' final regular-season matchup, the Lady Iron and Wildcats sat undefeated atop the...

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