Extra Prep

Joey Wright and Matt Daniels chat with Unity girls' cross-country runners Olivia Shike, Reagen Stringer and Erica Woodard and coach Kara Leaman as the Rockets prepare to open the 2023 season and chase their third-straight IHSA Class 1A state championship.

Joey Wright and Jeff Primmer call the second half of St. Joseph-Ogden and Monticello football on Aug. 25, 2023.

Listen to Joey Wright and Jeff Primmer's call of St. Joseph-Ogden and Monticello football on Aug. 25, 2023.

Joey Wright and Colin Likas visit with Le Roy softball coach Doug Hageman and the entire Panthers roster as the program enters the IHSA Class 1A state finals with a 32-6 record and a chance at its first-ever state championship.

Joey Wright and Matt Daniels chat with Urbana High School Athletic Director Steve Waller and administrative assistant Tyler Laing. A top priority for Urbana in 2023-24 is fielding a varsity football team, something it hasn't done for a full season since the 2019 IHSA football campaign.

Joey Wright and Colin Likas chat with Salt Fork's Garrett Taylor and Tuscola's Ella Boyer – and their parents – after the pair were named The News-Gazette's 2022-23 male and female athletes of the year.

Joey Wright and Matt Daniels talk with Champaign Central baseball coach John Staab and players Mitchell Crompton and Owen Hobbs after the Maroons' 15-4 start to the 2023 season and before a week that features two games against rival Centennial.

Joey Wright and Matt Daniels chat with St. Joseph-Ogden baseball after the Spartans' 19-4 start to the 2023 season. Featuring head coach Josh Haley and players Luke Landrus, Adam Price and Braxton Waller.

Joey Wright and Matt Daniels talk with Champaign Central boys' tennis players Ezra Bernhard and Elliot Gulley and head coach Scott Davis ahead of the Maroons' match with cross-town rival Centennial scheduled for April 20, 2023.

Joey Wright and Matt Daniels visit The High School of St. Thomas More to catch up with the Sabers' girls' basketball team ahead of the Class 1A state finals at CEFCU Arena in Normal. Head coach Erin Quarnstrom gives a brief interview before every player on the roster answers a randomized series of three questions.