LLCC announces 2022 recipients of Dick Dhabalt Athlete of the Year Award

The 2022 recipients of the Dick Dhabalt Athlete of the Year Award at LLCC have been announced. The award winners are basketball’s Emily Meidel of Danville and baseball’s Jayden Myren of Rochester.

Emily Meidel in jersey holding basketballEmily Meidel is a repeat recipient of this award. The sophomore guard and forward averaged 17.2 points per game while rebounding 8.6 boards per game and shooting 47% from the floor. Meidel was named first team All-American, Region 24 Player of the Year, MWAC Player of the Year, All Region 24 section and member of the MWAC first team. She also earned a 4.0 GPA and Academic All-American status. Meidel will continue her basketball career at Eastern Illinois University.

“Emily led our team to a 28-5 record and the school’s first ever MWAC championship in basketball. For two years she has been in the top five in nearly all statistical categories for our region,” says Chad Jones, head women’s basketball coach. “In 21 years as a head coach, she is easily the best player and leader I have ever worked with.”

Jayden Myren Jayden Myren is a shortstop for the Loggers and ended his sophomore season with a .344 batting average, 13 homeruns, 16 doubles, 66 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. He ranked fifth in the MWAC in HRs, third in RBIs and second in stolen bases.

“Jayden played a huge part of our success this spring. His offensive production propelled our team to our 41-17 record. To finish in the top five in three different offensive categories in the MWAC is not easy to do,” says Ron Riggle, LLCC athletic director and head baseball coach. “We wish him much success as he represents the Loggers next year at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.”

The LLCC Dick Dhabalt Athlete of the Year Award recognizes annually one LLCC male athlete and one female athlete. The award was established in February 2015 in honor of Mr. Dhabalt, former athletic director, head men’s basketball coach and faculty member, and acknowledges his dedication to education, athletics and students at LLCC.

Meidel named a top 10 player in Division II women’s basketball

Emily Meidel in jersey holding basketballCongratulations to LLCC’s Emily Meidel on being named one of the top 10 players in NJCAA Division II women’s basketball! This is her second such award as she was also tabbed a First Team All-American in 2020-2021. Upon graduation from LLCC, Emily will be attending Eastern Illinois University where she will continue with her academic and athletic careers.  The All-American selections are made by the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee.

Fall Loggers Athletics

LoggersLLCC’s fall competitive seasons for volleyball, women’s soccer and esports will be kicking off in the next few weeks. Women’s soccer kicks off today at 2 p.m. against East Central College. The first home volleyball game will be on Wednesday, Sept. 15 versus Spoon River College. Come on out and cheer on the Loggers! Entrance to home games is free to students and college employees!

You can view the Loggers’ schedules at lincolnlandloggers.com.

The Loggers esports team will also be kicking off their fall season soon. We will be competing in Rocket League (Monday at 7 p.m.), Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (Wednesday at 5 p.m.), and Overwatch (Friday at 6 p.m.). The esports pre-season kicks off the week of Sept. 6 with the competitive season starting the week of Sept. 20. You can catch their matches at twitch.tv/loggersesports.

Go Loggers!

In the news

Ron Riggle, head baseball coach and athletic director, was interviewed July 19 by WICS Sports about the new NIL rules on college sports. He was also interviewed July 20 on Sports Radio 1450 about the Illinois State Fair and how it helps LLCC’s athletic program through fundraising.

Sean Keeley, culinary specialist, is the author of today’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register, “More Grilling Tips.”

Career Launch at LLCC

Teens in the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois’ Career Launch program got hands-on experience with esports at LLCC last week! They spent time in the Loggers Esports arena with Ron Riggle, LLCC athletic director, and Chase DeWitt, esports head coach.

Teens with Chase DeWitt in LLCC Esports arenaStudent playing game in esports arenaStudents playing games in esports arenaChase DeWitt talking with students in esports arena

LLCC announces 2021 recipients of Dick Dhabalt Athlete of the Year Award

The 2021 recipients of the Dick Dhabalt Athlete of the Year Award at LLCC have been announced. The award winners are baseball’s Jake Curtis of Chatham and basketball’s Emily Meidel of Danville.

Jake CurtisJake Curtis is an infielder for the Loggers and ended his freshman season with a .435 batting average, 70 hits, 15, 2B, 12 HR and 47 RBIs. He was named to first team All-Conference, All-Region and All-American, and was named the region and conference Player of the Year.

“Jake was the heart and soul of our team that was ranked in the top five almost the whole season,” says Ron Riggle, LLCC athletic director and head baseball coach. “He is an excellent leader and a solid student.”

Emily Meidel Emily Meidel led the nation in total points scored this year. She averaged 22 points, 9 rebounds, 52% FG and 43% 3-pointers. Meidel was named first team All-American, Region 24 Player of the Year, MWAC Player of the Year, MWAC Freshman of the Year and NJCAA Player of the Week. She also finished her freshman year at LLCC with a 4.0 GPA.

“Emily had amazing accomplishments on the court and an amazing season. She established herself as a not only a premier player in our region, but also in the nation. She is the type of player you just sit back and watch her work,” says Chad Jones, head women’s basketball coach. “What makes Emily even more special is that off the court she is an even better person and student. We are lucky to have her.”

The LLCC Dick Dhabalt Athlete of the Year Award recognizes annually one LLCC male athlete and one female athlete. The award was established in February 2015 in honor of Mr. Dhabalt, former athletic director, head men’s basketball coach and faculty member, and acknowledges his dedication to education, athletics and students at LLCC.

LLCC Baseball finishes seventh at NJCAA DII World Series

LLCC Baseball continued play in the NJCAA DII World Series in Enid, Okla. yesterday. Kirkwood Community College defeated LLCC 12-2, bringing the Loggers’ season to an end. The Loggers finished the season 44-12 and with a seventh place finish in the NJCAA DII World Series. Congratulations to the Loggers on a great season!

2021 Loggers Baseball team