📣 We Want to Hear from YOU!
Chester School District is launching a long-term Strategic Plan, and your voice matters. As part of this process, we are conducting a Community Survey to gather valuable input from parents, employees, board members, and community members.
Your feedback will help guide our priorities, shape district goals, and strengthen the future of our schools.
📝 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey:
🔗 https://forms.gle/ZnSEDCqxxYnSjP1J8
📱 Or scan the QR code in the image attached to this post!
The survey is open to all stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, alumni, business owners, and residents who want to be part of shaping our future.
Thank you for being an important part of Chester CUSD 139’s continued growth and success.
#ChesterCUSD139 #StrategicPlanning #CommunityEngagement #YourVoiceMatters #TogetherWeGrow
Chester School District is launching a long-term Strategic Plan, and your voice matters. As part of this process, we are conducting a Community Survey to gather valuable input from parents, employees, board members, and community members.
Your feedback will help guide our priorities, shape district goals, and strengthen the future of our schools.
📝 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey:
🔗 https://forms.gle/ZnSEDCqxxYnSjP1J8
📱 Or scan the QR code in the image attached to this post!
The survey is open to all stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, alumni, business owners, and residents who want to be part of shaping our future.
Thank you for being an important part of Chester CUSD 139’s continued growth and success.
#ChesterCUSD139 #StrategicPlanning #CommunityEngagement #YourVoiceMatters #TogetherWeGrow
Become a part of our team. 🧡🖤🧡🖤
🎉📚 Congratulations, Chester High School Fall Honor Roll Students! 📚🎉
We are proud to recognize our 2025–2026 Fall Honor Roll students for their outstanding academic achievement! Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence truly reflect what it means to be a Yellowjacket.
Success in the classroom doesn’t happen by accident — it takes focus, hard work, and determination. We applaud each of you for setting high goals and rising to meet them.
Keep striving, keep growing, and keep making CHS proud!
#YellowjacketPride #CHSExcellence #HonorRoll #HardWorkPaysOff
🎉📚 ¡Felicitaciones a los estudiantes del Cuadro de Honor de Otoño de Chester High School! 📚🎉
Nos enorgullece reconocer a nuestros estudiantes del Cuadro de Honor de Otoño 2025–2026 por su destacado logro académico. Su dedicación, perseverancia y compromiso con la excelencia reflejan verdaderamente lo que significa ser un Yellowjacket.
El éxito en el salón de clases no ocurre por casualidad — requiere enfoque, esfuerzo y determinación. Aplaudimos a cada uno de ustedes por establecer metas altas y esforzarse para alcanzarlas.
¡Sigan esforzándose, sigan creciendo y sigan haciendo que CHS se sienta orgullosa!
#OrgulloYellowjacket #ExcelenciaCHS #CuadroDeHonor #ElEsfuerzoValeLaPena
We are proud to recognize our 2025–2026 Fall Honor Roll students for their outstanding academic achievement! Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence truly reflect what it means to be a Yellowjacket.
Success in the classroom doesn’t happen by accident — it takes focus, hard work, and determination. We applaud each of you for setting high goals and rising to meet them.
Keep striving, keep growing, and keep making CHS proud!
#YellowjacketPride #CHSExcellence #HonorRoll #HardWorkPaysOff
🎉📚 ¡Felicitaciones a los estudiantes del Cuadro de Honor de Otoño de Chester High School! 📚🎉
Nos enorgullece reconocer a nuestros estudiantes del Cuadro de Honor de Otoño 2025–2026 por su destacado logro académico. Su dedicación, perseverancia y compromiso con la excelencia reflejan verdaderamente lo que significa ser un Yellowjacket.
El éxito en el salón de clases no ocurre por casualidad — requiere enfoque, esfuerzo y determinación. Aplaudimos a cada uno de ustedes por establecer metas altas y esforzarse para alcanzarlas.
¡Sigan esforzándose, sigan creciendo y sigan haciendo que CHS se sienta orgullosa!
#OrgulloYellowjacket #ExcelenciaCHS #CuadroDeHonor #ElEsfuerzoValeLaPena
CHS FEBRUARY POEM OF THE MONTH
The theme for February's poem of the month competition is "THE STRUGGLE."
February is an important month celebrating Black History Month, American Heart Month, the Lunar New Year, World Cancer Day, and Valentine's Day. Despite being the shortest month of the year, it carries the weight of the world's most significant and observant dates. This February, writers are prompted to write about anything that they have struggled with, been bullied for, or learned from. All experiences are welcome, even fantastical retellings or imaginings.
Submission Link:
https://forms.gle/Uf4atJNsodHQvakz8
POEMA DEL MES DE FEBRERO DE CHS
El tema del concurso del poema del mes de febrero es “LA LUCHA”.
Febrero es un mes importante que celebra el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana, el Mes del Corazón en Estados Unidos, el Año Nuevo Lunar, el Día Mundial contra el Cáncer y el Día de San Valentín. A pesar de ser el mes más corto del año, lleva el peso de algunas de las fechas más significativas y conmemorativas del mundo. Este febrero, se invita a los escritores a escribir sobre cualquier cosa con la que hayan luchado, por lo que hayan sido acosados o de lo que hayan aprendido. Todas las experiencias son bienvenidas, incluso relatos fantásticos o imaginativos.
Enlace para enviar trabajos:
https://forms.gle/Uf4atJNsodHQvakz8
Lady Jackets close out regular season with 53-34 win over Sparta (2 of 2)
Perryville edges Chester, 51-48, in final seconds to win
BY JIM BEERS
Chester 53-Sparta 34
The Lady Jackets closed the door on the 2025-26 regular season Thursday night February 12 with a decisive 19-point, 53-34 win over cross-county rivals, the Sparta Lady Bulldogs. It was Game 30 of 30 regular season games and the ladies from “Popeye Town” closed the door in style!
The Lady Jackets buzzed out to a commanding 18-4 run to open the game. In that stinging quarter Lexi Mott had eight points. Jessica Stumpe drained a 3-pointer and a two-pointer for five points and Lillian Diskey knocked down a basket and made a pair of free throws. Marlie Caby put the “icing on the cake” with a free throw. Cierra Starr scored three points and Kaylynn French added a free throw for Sparta’s four points.
The second quarter was much more competitive. Chester outscored Sparta, 14-11, and the first quarter Lady Jacket performance allowed Chester to enjoy a safe, 17-point, 32-15 lead at the halftime break.
In that period, Lady Jacket Jessica Stumpe drained a three pointer and a two pointer for five points. Aubrey Coleman also hit a trey. Marlie Caby was perfect, 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Lexi Mott and Lillian Diskey each sank buckets for two points apiece. For Sparta, Sierra Starr led the Lady Bulldogs with three field goals for six of Sparta’s 11 points. Liberti Johnson drained a 3-pointer and Serenity Richardson hit a field goal.
After the popcorn break, both teams had “slim scoring” 3rd quarters. CHS scored just five points and SHS added three points. Lexi Mott and Marlie Caby each hit buckets and Lillian Diskey was 1-of-4 at the free throw line. For Sparta, Liberti Johnson made the Lady Bulldog’s only field goal and Serenity Richardson made 1-of-2 free throws. Chester led by 19 points, 37-18, after three quarters of play.
Both teams woke up in the 4th quarter and matched each other in the scorebook with an additional 16 points apiece. Chester was paced by Lexi Mott who hit a pair of field goals and went 4-for-4 at the free throw line. Riley Lochhead and Lillian Diskey each hit a basket apiece and each made 1-of-2 free throws. Marlie Caby rounded out the scoring making 2-of-4 free throws.
The Lady Bulldogs had scoring from five different players. Liberti Johnson and Serenity Richardson each hit a field goal apiece and each went 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Sierra Starr and Kaylynn French each added three points apiece by making a basket and a free throw. Finally, Maria Sangurima hit a bucket for Sparta’s final two points.
In the win, Lexi Mott had her second game in-a-row with 20 points to lead all players on either team. Chester had two other players who scored in double figures. Lillian Diskey and Jessica Stumpe each scored 10 points apiece. Marlie Caby added seven points and Riley Lochhead and Aubrey Coleman each scored three points apiece.
For Sparta, Sierra Starr led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points. She was followed by Liberti Johnson (9), Serenity Richardson (7), Kaylynn French (4), and Maria Sangurima (2).
With the win, The Chester Lady Jackets improved to an overall record of 17-13 to close out the regular season. They also ended the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division with an even record of 5 wins and 5 losses.
The Lady Jackets finished the 2026 portion of the regular season with 10 of their 17 wins. Since January of 2026 the Jackets recorded an overall record of 10 wins and 5 losses. In the 2025 portion of the regular season, Chester had an overall record of 7 wins and 8 losses.
The Lady Jackets are definitely on a positive roll going into the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Regional Tournament! No. 4 Chester will face No. 5 West Frankfort Monday February 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Herrin High School.
Photo 1
Lexi Mott (33) a Chester High School senior, had back-to-back 20-point games to close out the Lady Jackets regular season. She scored 20 points Wednesday February 11 in the game at Perryville, Missouri and 20 points the next night Thursday February 12 when Chester hosted Sparta in the final regular season game of the 2025-26 season. Jim Beers Photo
Perryville edges Chester, 51-48, in final seconds to win
BY JIM BEERS
Chester 53-Sparta 34
The Lady Jackets closed the door on the 2025-26 regular season Thursday night February 12 with a decisive 19-point, 53-34 win over cross-county rivals, the Sparta Lady Bulldogs. It was Game 30 of 30 regular season games and the ladies from “Popeye Town” closed the door in style!
The Lady Jackets buzzed out to a commanding 18-4 run to open the game. In that stinging quarter Lexi Mott had eight points. Jessica Stumpe drained a 3-pointer and a two-pointer for five points and Lillian Diskey knocked down a basket and made a pair of free throws. Marlie Caby put the “icing on the cake” with a free throw. Cierra Starr scored three points and Kaylynn French added a free throw for Sparta’s four points.
The second quarter was much more competitive. Chester outscored Sparta, 14-11, and the first quarter Lady Jacket performance allowed Chester to enjoy a safe, 17-point, 32-15 lead at the halftime break.
In that period, Lady Jacket Jessica Stumpe drained a three pointer and a two pointer for five points. Aubrey Coleman also hit a trey. Marlie Caby was perfect, 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Lexi Mott and Lillian Diskey each sank buckets for two points apiece. For Sparta, Sierra Starr led the Lady Bulldogs with three field goals for six of Sparta’s 11 points. Liberti Johnson drained a 3-pointer and Serenity Richardson hit a field goal.
After the popcorn break, both teams had “slim scoring” 3rd quarters. CHS scored just five points and SHS added three points. Lexi Mott and Marlie Caby each hit buckets and Lillian Diskey was 1-of-4 at the free throw line. For Sparta, Liberti Johnson made the Lady Bulldog’s only field goal and Serenity Richardson made 1-of-2 free throws. Chester led by 19 points, 37-18, after three quarters of play.
Both teams woke up in the 4th quarter and matched each other in the scorebook with an additional 16 points apiece. Chester was paced by Lexi Mott who hit a pair of field goals and went 4-for-4 at the free throw line. Riley Lochhead and Lillian Diskey each hit a basket apiece and each made 1-of-2 free throws. Marlie Caby rounded out the scoring making 2-of-4 free throws.
The Lady Bulldogs had scoring from five different players. Liberti Johnson and Serenity Richardson each hit a field goal apiece and each went 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Sierra Starr and Kaylynn French each added three points apiece by making a basket and a free throw. Finally, Maria Sangurima hit a bucket for Sparta’s final two points.
In the win, Lexi Mott had her second game in-a-row with 20 points to lead all players on either team. Chester had two other players who scored in double figures. Lillian Diskey and Jessica Stumpe each scored 10 points apiece. Marlie Caby added seven points and Riley Lochhead and Aubrey Coleman each scored three points apiece.
For Sparta, Sierra Starr led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points. She was followed by Liberti Johnson (9), Serenity Richardson (7), Kaylynn French (4), and Maria Sangurima (2).
With the win, The Chester Lady Jackets improved to an overall record of 17-13 to close out the regular season. They also ended the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division with an even record of 5 wins and 5 losses.
The Lady Jackets finished the 2026 portion of the regular season with 10 of their 17 wins. Since January of 2026 the Jackets recorded an overall record of 10 wins and 5 losses. In the 2025 portion of the regular season, Chester had an overall record of 7 wins and 8 losses.
The Lady Jackets are definitely on a positive roll going into the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Regional Tournament! No. 4 Chester will face No. 5 West Frankfort Monday February 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Herrin High School.
Photo 1
Lexi Mott (33) a Chester High School senior, had back-to-back 20-point games to close out the Lady Jackets regular season. She scored 20 points Wednesday February 11 in the game at Perryville, Missouri and 20 points the next night Thursday February 12 when Chester hosted Sparta in the final regular season game of the 2025-26 season. Jim Beers Photo
Lady Jackets close out regular season with 53-34 win over Sparta (1 of 2)
Perryville edges Chester, 51-48, in final seconds to win
BY JIM BEERS
A very long regular season came to an end this week with the Chester High School Lady Jackets playing three games in three days. It was Week 13 of 13 weeks and games 28, 29, and 30 of 30 regular season games.
Chester traveled to Carlyle Tuesday February 10 for Game 28, to battle the Lady Indians in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division match-up. CHS fell, 58-27, to a very good Carlyle team that sits in second place in the Cahokia Conference.
Wednesday February 11 The Lady Jackets traveled across state lines to Perryville, Missouri to challenge the Lady Pirates. Chester lost in a close, hard-fought game. The Pirates stole the game, 51-48, for the win.
The Lady Jackets closed out the regular season Thursday February 12 at home in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. It was Game 30 and Chester gave Sparta a 19-point, 53-34, loss to close out the regular season in style. The Jackets take an overall record of 17-13 and a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division of 5-5 into the Regional Tournament next week.
Perryville 51-Chester 48
Chester and Perryville traded leads all night on the road at Perryville. The Lady Jackets outscored the Lady Pirates by eight points, 14-6, to open the 1st quarter. Lexi Mott led the charge in that opening frame with seven points. Aubrey Coleman added four, Riley Lochhead contributed two free throws and Marlie Caby sank a free throw to round out the first quarter scoring. Fritsche and Amberger each chipped in three-points apiece for Perryville.
The Lady Pirates answered with a devastating 21-5 second quarter to take an 8-point, 27-19, lead into the locker room at halftime. During that run, Porter led with nine points followed by Gremand (7), Robles (2), and Sticht (3). Mott (2), Caby (2), and Lillian Diskey (1) came through with Chester’s five points.
After halftime the Jackets stung the Pirates, 15-14, to trail by just eight points, 41-34, after three quarters of battle. Lexi Mott led the 3rd quarter charge for CHS with seven points. Aubrey Coleman drained a 3-pointer and a deuce for five points, Jessica Stumpe came alive with two points and Lillian Diskey made a free throw for Chester’s 15-point effort.
Perryville’s Porter knocked down eight points for the Pirates, and Amberger, Robes, and Sticht each contributed a basket to round out Perryville’s offense.
Down the stretch, the Jackets outscored the Pirates, 14-10, to almost take the lead, but the final seconds proved to be the deciding factor as Perryville as able to edge the Jackets by just three points, 51-48, to steal the win.
In that 4th quarter race, Mott, Caby, and Stumpe each made two baskets apiece and Aubrey Coleman drained another bucket to total Chester’s 14-point performance. Perryville was paced by Amberger (5), Gremand (3), and Porter (2).
In the slim loss Chester was led by Lexi Mott who scored 20 points to lead all players on either team. She was followed by Aubrey Coleman (11), Marlie Caby (7), Jessica Stumpe (6), and Riley Lochhead and Lillian Diskey with 2 points apiece.
Perryville was paced by Porter who scored 19 points, followed by Gremand (10), Amberger (6), Sticht (5), Robes (4), and Fritsche (3).
Regarding the game, CHS Head Coach, Jeff Mot said, “It was Okay. We had a decent lead, then we fell apart a little. We trailed by 13 points in the 3rd quarter and came back and had it within one point with 30 seconds left in the game.” With only seconds remaining the game, the Pirates managed two more points to secure the win by three points, 51-48.
With the loss, the Lady Jackets fell to 16-13 overall and remained at 4-5 in Cahokia Conference play.
Perryville edges Chester, 51-48, in final seconds to win
BY JIM BEERS
A very long regular season came to an end this week with the Chester High School Lady Jackets playing three games in three days. It was Week 13 of 13 weeks and games 28, 29, and 30 of 30 regular season games.
Chester traveled to Carlyle Tuesday February 10 for Game 28, to battle the Lady Indians in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division match-up. CHS fell, 58-27, to a very good Carlyle team that sits in second place in the Cahokia Conference.
Wednesday February 11 The Lady Jackets traveled across state lines to Perryville, Missouri to challenge the Lady Pirates. Chester lost in a close, hard-fought game. The Pirates stole the game, 51-48, for the win.
The Lady Jackets closed out the regular season Thursday February 12 at home in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. It was Game 30 and Chester gave Sparta a 19-point, 53-34, loss to close out the regular season in style. The Jackets take an overall record of 17-13 and a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division of 5-5 into the Regional Tournament next week.
Perryville 51-Chester 48
Chester and Perryville traded leads all night on the road at Perryville. The Lady Jackets outscored the Lady Pirates by eight points, 14-6, to open the 1st quarter. Lexi Mott led the charge in that opening frame with seven points. Aubrey Coleman added four, Riley Lochhead contributed two free throws and Marlie Caby sank a free throw to round out the first quarter scoring. Fritsche and Amberger each chipped in three-points apiece for Perryville.
The Lady Pirates answered with a devastating 21-5 second quarter to take an 8-point, 27-19, lead into the locker room at halftime. During that run, Porter led with nine points followed by Gremand (7), Robles (2), and Sticht (3). Mott (2), Caby (2), and Lillian Diskey (1) came through with Chester’s five points.
After halftime the Jackets stung the Pirates, 15-14, to trail by just eight points, 41-34, after three quarters of battle. Lexi Mott led the 3rd quarter charge for CHS with seven points. Aubrey Coleman drained a 3-pointer and a deuce for five points, Jessica Stumpe came alive with two points and Lillian Diskey made a free throw for Chester’s 15-point effort.
Perryville’s Porter knocked down eight points for the Pirates, and Amberger, Robes, and Sticht each contributed a basket to round out Perryville’s offense.
Down the stretch, the Jackets outscored the Pirates, 14-10, to almost take the lead, but the final seconds proved to be the deciding factor as Perryville as able to edge the Jackets by just three points, 51-48, to steal the win.
In that 4th quarter race, Mott, Caby, and Stumpe each made two baskets apiece and Aubrey Coleman drained another bucket to total Chester’s 14-point performance. Perryville was paced by Amberger (5), Gremand (3), and Porter (2).
In the slim loss Chester was led by Lexi Mott who scored 20 points to lead all players on either team. She was followed by Aubrey Coleman (11), Marlie Caby (7), Jessica Stumpe (6), and Riley Lochhead and Lillian Diskey with 2 points apiece.
Perryville was paced by Porter who scored 19 points, followed by Gremand (10), Amberger (6), Sticht (5), Robes (4), and Fritsche (3).
Regarding the game, CHS Head Coach, Jeff Mot said, “It was Okay. We had a decent lead, then we fell apart a little. We trailed by 13 points in the 3rd quarter and came back and had it within one point with 30 seconds left in the game.” With only seconds remaining the game, the Pirates managed two more points to secure the win by three points, 51-48.
With the loss, the Lady Jackets fell to 16-13 overall and remained at 4-5 in Cahokia Conference play.
CHS honors the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team (2 of 2)
1965 was the first time in school history that a YellowJacket Football Team won a Conference Championship
BY JM BEERS
The 1965 YellowJackets had an overall record of 8-1 and they were undefeated in the Southwest Egyptian Conference (SWE). That tough conference in 1965 included Chester, Murphysboro, DuQuoin, Nashville, Pinckneyville, Sparta, and Anna-Jonesboro. That season the Jackets also defeated Dupo and Carterville. The only team to defeat Chester was Valle of Ste. Genevieve. Ste. Gen had a 9-1 record during that 1965 season and they were the “team to beat” in the area.
The 1965 team averaged 20.8 points per game and they only allowed 6.1 points per game. In that era, there no IHSA State Football Playoffs or the YellowJackets would have undoubtedly earned as bid to the event.
The 1965 Football YellowJacket Team was the only team to ever win a conference championship until 47 years later when the 2012 Chester High School YellowJackets won the Black Diamond Conference title with their 9-0 record.
In 1994 when the Chester High School Dick Roth Hall of Fame was introduced at CHS, the 1965 Football Team was the first team to be inducted into that prestigious entity.
The 1965 Championship Team had an overall record of 8-1 and an undefeated record of 6-0 in the Southwest Egyptian Conference. The 1965 schedule and corresponding scores and records are as follow:
CHESTER SCORE OPPONENT SCORE OVERALL CONFERENCE
Chester 39 Carterville 0 (1-0) Non-Conf.
Chester 20 Anna Jonesboro 0 (2-0) (1-0)
Chester 27 Pinckneyville 9 (3-0) (2-0)
Chester 7 Valle-Ste. Gen 20 (3-1) Non-Conf.
Chester 13 Nashville 6 (4-1) (3-0)
Chester 13 DuQuoin 6 (5-1) (4-0)
Chester 7 Murphysboro 0 (6-1) (5-0)
Chester 28 Dupo 7 (7-1) Non-Conf.
Chester 33 Sparta 7 (8-1) (6-0)
Members of the 1965 Championship Team had a great time gathering both prior to the CHS Football game and after, as well as sitting together at the game and being recognized during the ceremony. The 1965 team and other groups associated with the Championship season extend wholehearted thanks to everyone at CHS who worked hard to create the anniversary celebration.
1965 was the first time in school history that a YellowJacket Football Team won a Conference Championship
BY JM BEERS
The 1965 YellowJackets had an overall record of 8-1 and they were undefeated in the Southwest Egyptian Conference (SWE). That tough conference in 1965 included Chester, Murphysboro, DuQuoin, Nashville, Pinckneyville, Sparta, and Anna-Jonesboro. That season the Jackets also defeated Dupo and Carterville. The only team to defeat Chester was Valle of Ste. Genevieve. Ste. Gen had a 9-1 record during that 1965 season and they were the “team to beat” in the area.
The 1965 team averaged 20.8 points per game and they only allowed 6.1 points per game. In that era, there no IHSA State Football Playoffs or the YellowJackets would have undoubtedly earned as bid to the event.
The 1965 Football YellowJacket Team was the only team to ever win a conference championship until 47 years later when the 2012 Chester High School YellowJackets won the Black Diamond Conference title with their 9-0 record.
In 1994 when the Chester High School Dick Roth Hall of Fame was introduced at CHS, the 1965 Football Team was the first team to be inducted into that prestigious entity.
The 1965 Championship Team had an overall record of 8-1 and an undefeated record of 6-0 in the Southwest Egyptian Conference. The 1965 schedule and corresponding scores and records are as follow:
CHESTER SCORE OPPONENT SCORE OVERALL CONFERENCE
Chester 39 Carterville 0 (1-0) Non-Conf.
Chester 20 Anna Jonesboro 0 (2-0) (1-0)
Chester 27 Pinckneyville 9 (3-0) (2-0)
Chester 7 Valle-Ste. Gen 20 (3-1) Non-Conf.
Chester 13 Nashville 6 (4-1) (3-0)
Chester 13 DuQuoin 6 (5-1) (4-0)
Chester 7 Murphysboro 0 (6-1) (5-0)
Chester 28 Dupo 7 (7-1) Non-Conf.
Chester 33 Sparta 7 (8-1) (6-0)
Members of the 1965 Championship Team had a great time gathering both prior to the CHS Football game and after, as well as sitting together at the game and being recognized during the ceremony. The 1965 team and other groups associated with the Championship season extend wholehearted thanks to everyone at CHS who worked hard to create the anniversary celebration.
CHS honors the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team (1 of 2)
1965 was the first time in school history that a YellowJacket Football Team won a Conference Championship
BY JM BEERS
A long overdue celebration and recognition took place during the fall of 2025 Chester High School YellowJacket Football season. During one of the CHS home football games, Chester High School recognized and honored the Class of 1965 Football Team. That 1965 team was the first team in Chester High School history to win a conference football championship!
In 1965 Chester High School was a member of the Southwest Egyptian Conference (SEC) and the 1965 team was the first team in CHS history to secure a conference title. The 2025 CHS Football season at Chester marked the 60-year anniversary for the 1965 accomplishment.
Thanks to the efforts of numerous current Chester High School administrators, staff and coaches the 2025 tribute became a possibility. Those organizers and implementers included Jeremy Blechle, Current CHS Principal, Jenny Cartwright, current CHS Athletic Director, Billy Belton, current CHS Head Football Coach, Alison Heuer, current CHS Secretary, and Dwight Lochhead, current CHS Technology Advisor.
The 1965 Football Team included Andy Schuwerk, So. QB, Mike Usher, So. QB, John Greager, Sr. QB, Don Lowry, So. HB, Nick Wolff, Sr. HB, Joel Thornton, Sr. HB, Don Schopfer, Jr. HB, Dennis Berry, Sr. G, Larry Eggemeyer, So. E, Mike Howie, Jr. FB, Larry Dauer, Sr. WB, Bob Herschbach, Sr. WR, Steve Paulus, Jr. WB, Bill Haynes, Jr. WB, Larry Bierman, Jr. FB, Russ Rader, Sr. FB, Jimmy Carter, Jr. C, Steve Springer, Jr. C, Darrel Ehlers, Sr. C, Larry Surman, Sr. G, Bill Cushman, Jr. G, Mike Korando, Sr. G, Mike Bond, Jr. G, Robert Farmer, Jr. G, Terry Gremmels, Sr. G, Rich Hartenberger, So. FB, Donnie Petrowske, So. T, David Mueller, Jr. C, Mark Colvis, Jr. T, Kenny Taggert, Jr. T, Gary Jolly, So. T, Kenny Rathert, Sr. T, Jerry Bierman, Sr. T, Ed Hornberger, So. T, mike McLean, Sr. E, Terry Bollman, Jr. E, Terry Brown, Jr. E, Berry Smith, Jr. E, Mike Frazer, Sr. E, John Gordon, So. E, Bruce Clayton, Jr. E, Mark McLean, So. E, and Brian Thies, So. E.
The 1965 CHS Football Coaches included Jerry Germain, Head Coach, Jim Stuart, Assistant Coach, and W.O. Smith, Line Coach & Freshman-Sophomore Coach. Steve Wright and Mike Herrell were the two Football Managers. Team Captains were Kike Korando, Joel Thornton, and Larry Surman.
The Chester High School Varsity Cheerleaders included Joyce Clevenger, Joselyn Hargis, Shelia Linton, Gayle Lowery, Susan Preusse, Patsy Smith, Patty Sweany, and Lynn Weber.
On the night of the tribute at the current CHS Football game, Stadium Announcer Luke Lochhead, boldly announced during the pre-game festivities, “Attention everyone! This evening we are thrilled to welcome members of the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team. During halftime, we will honor them with a brief presentation recognizing their achievements from 60 years ago”.
Immediately following the traditional arrival of the current Chester High School Football Team and their “run-out” onto W.O. Smith Field for pre-game activities, The 2025 Football YellowJackets ran over to where the 1965 Football Champions were seated in the CHS Football Grandstands and “tipped their hats” to those formers players.
Stadium Announcer, Luke Lochhead then proclaimed. “On behalf of the YellowJackets Football Team and the CHS Community, we proudly honor you with a special “Tip of Our Cap” from our own Chester YellowJackets. Your legacy inspires us all!”
Immediately after the last notes were played by the Chester High School Marching YellowJackets during their halftime show, which was directed by Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director, Marching YellowJackets Stadium Announcer, Dr. Jim Beers, gave a brief summary of the 1965 SEC Championship Football Team’s accomplishments.
Beers said, “We have with us this evening, members of the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team. They are with us tonight celebrating the 60th Anniversary of winning the school’s first outright conference championship!” Beers then proceeded to give a brief list of their championship season’s accomplishments. Some of those very impressive facts included the following items.
1965 was the first time in school history that a YellowJacket Football Team won a Conference Championship
BY JM BEERS
A long overdue celebration and recognition took place during the fall of 2025 Chester High School YellowJacket Football season. During one of the CHS home football games, Chester High School recognized and honored the Class of 1965 Football Team. That 1965 team was the first team in Chester High School history to win a conference football championship!
In 1965 Chester High School was a member of the Southwest Egyptian Conference (SEC) and the 1965 team was the first team in CHS history to secure a conference title. The 2025 CHS Football season at Chester marked the 60-year anniversary for the 1965 accomplishment.
Thanks to the efforts of numerous current Chester High School administrators, staff and coaches the 2025 tribute became a possibility. Those organizers and implementers included Jeremy Blechle, Current CHS Principal, Jenny Cartwright, current CHS Athletic Director, Billy Belton, current CHS Head Football Coach, Alison Heuer, current CHS Secretary, and Dwight Lochhead, current CHS Technology Advisor.
The 1965 Football Team included Andy Schuwerk, So. QB, Mike Usher, So. QB, John Greager, Sr. QB, Don Lowry, So. HB, Nick Wolff, Sr. HB, Joel Thornton, Sr. HB, Don Schopfer, Jr. HB, Dennis Berry, Sr. G, Larry Eggemeyer, So. E, Mike Howie, Jr. FB, Larry Dauer, Sr. WB, Bob Herschbach, Sr. WR, Steve Paulus, Jr. WB, Bill Haynes, Jr. WB, Larry Bierman, Jr. FB, Russ Rader, Sr. FB, Jimmy Carter, Jr. C, Steve Springer, Jr. C, Darrel Ehlers, Sr. C, Larry Surman, Sr. G, Bill Cushman, Jr. G, Mike Korando, Sr. G, Mike Bond, Jr. G, Robert Farmer, Jr. G, Terry Gremmels, Sr. G, Rich Hartenberger, So. FB, Donnie Petrowske, So. T, David Mueller, Jr. C, Mark Colvis, Jr. T, Kenny Taggert, Jr. T, Gary Jolly, So. T, Kenny Rathert, Sr. T, Jerry Bierman, Sr. T, Ed Hornberger, So. T, mike McLean, Sr. E, Terry Bollman, Jr. E, Terry Brown, Jr. E, Berry Smith, Jr. E, Mike Frazer, Sr. E, John Gordon, So. E, Bruce Clayton, Jr. E, Mark McLean, So. E, and Brian Thies, So. E.
The 1965 CHS Football Coaches included Jerry Germain, Head Coach, Jim Stuart, Assistant Coach, and W.O. Smith, Line Coach & Freshman-Sophomore Coach. Steve Wright and Mike Herrell were the two Football Managers. Team Captains were Kike Korando, Joel Thornton, and Larry Surman.
The Chester High School Varsity Cheerleaders included Joyce Clevenger, Joselyn Hargis, Shelia Linton, Gayle Lowery, Susan Preusse, Patsy Smith, Patty Sweany, and Lynn Weber.
On the night of the tribute at the current CHS Football game, Stadium Announcer Luke Lochhead, boldly announced during the pre-game festivities, “Attention everyone! This evening we are thrilled to welcome members of the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team. During halftime, we will honor them with a brief presentation recognizing their achievements from 60 years ago”.
Immediately following the traditional arrival of the current Chester High School Football Team and their “run-out” onto W.O. Smith Field for pre-game activities, The 2025 Football YellowJackets ran over to where the 1965 Football Champions were seated in the CHS Football Grandstands and “tipped their hats” to those formers players.
Stadium Announcer, Luke Lochhead then proclaimed. “On behalf of the YellowJackets Football Team and the CHS Community, we proudly honor you with a special “Tip of Our Cap” from our own Chester YellowJackets. Your legacy inspires us all!”
Immediately after the last notes were played by the Chester High School Marching YellowJackets during their halftime show, which was directed by Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director, Marching YellowJackets Stadium Announcer, Dr. Jim Beers, gave a brief summary of the 1965 SEC Championship Football Team’s accomplishments.
Beers said, “We have with us this evening, members of the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team. They are with us tonight celebrating the 60th Anniversary of winning the school’s first outright conference championship!” Beers then proceeded to give a brief list of their championship season’s accomplishments. Some of those very impressive facts included the following items.
CHS FREE BASKETBALL BROADCAST (HERRIN AWAY GAME)
Today, Chester High School will host our first away game, multiplatform basketball game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook from Herrin, IL.
For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!|
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
TRANSMISIÓN GRATUITA DE BALONCESTO DE CHS (PARTIDO DE VISITA EN HERRIN)
Hoy, Chester High School transmitirá nuestro primer partido de visita con una transmisión multiplataforma de baloncesto, que se emitirá simultáneamente en Hudl, YouTube y Facebook desde Herrin, IL.
Para su conveniencia, los códigos QR están incluidos en los gráficos adjuntos y los enlaces se proporcionan a continuación. ¡Los invitamos a acompañarnos en este emocionante evento!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
En caso de presentarse algún problema con la transmisión en vivo de Facebook, le recomendamos utilizar una de las plataformas alternativas disponibles. Gracias por su comprensión.
Today, Chester High School will host our first away game, multiplatform basketball game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook from Herrin, IL.
For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!|
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
TRANSMISIÓN GRATUITA DE BALONCESTO DE CHS (PARTIDO DE VISITA EN HERRIN)
Hoy, Chester High School transmitirá nuestro primer partido de visita con una transmisión multiplataforma de baloncesto, que se emitirá simultáneamente en Hudl, YouTube y Facebook desde Herrin, IL.
Para su conveniencia, los códigos QR están incluidos en los gráficos adjuntos y los enlaces se proporcionan a continuación. ¡Los invitamos a acompañarnos en este emocionante evento!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
En caso de presentarse algún problema con la transmisión en vivo de Facebook, le recomendamos utilizar una de las plataformas alternativas disponibles. Gracias por su comprensión.
CHS: POETRY OUT LOUD REGIONAL COMPETITION
On Saturday February 14th, Chester High School students Revolution Chaput and Brodie M. Mattingly competed in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition at Artspace 304 in Carbondale, Illinois.
The Southern Illinois region includes students from Freeburg to Metropolis, enrolled in grades 9 - 12. Students selected three poems to recite from memory. Potential poems are curated by The Illinois Art Council, and this year all poems represented the excellence and history of The United States in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
After three rounds, judges awarded CHS junior Revolution Chaput with the second place title, and Freeburg Community High School student Rebekah Kreighbaum won first place.
Revolution and Rebekah will compete against other Illinois high school regional winners in the state round of Poetry Out Loud on March 2nd in Springfield, Illinois.
*Two winners from Illinois will advance to a national competition, held in Washington, D.C., this April.
CHS: COMPETENCIA REGIONAL DE POETRY OUT LOUD
El sábado 14 de febrero, los estudiantes de Chester High School, Revolution Chaput y Brodie M. Mattingly, compitieron en la competencia regional de Poetry Out Loud en Artspace 304 en Carbondale, Illinois.
La región del sur de Illinois incluye estudiantes desde Freeburg hasta Metropolis, inscritos en los grados 9 a 12. Los estudiantes seleccionaron tres poemas para recitar de memoria. Los poemas posibles son seleccionados por el Consejo de las Artes de Illinois, y este año todos los poemas representaron la excelencia y la historia de los Estados Unidos en celebración del 250.º aniversario de la nación.
Después de tres rondas, los jueces otorgaron a la estudiante de tercer año de CHS, Revolution Chaput, el título de segundo lugar, y la estudiante de Freeburg Community High School, Rebekah Kreighbaum, obtuvo el primer lugar.
Revolution y Rebekah competirán contra otros ganadores regionales de escuelas secundarias de Illinois en la ronda estatal de Poetry Out Loud el 2 de marzo en Springfield, Illinois.
Dos ganadores de Illinois avanzarán a una competencia nacional, que se llevará a cabo en Washington, D.C., este abril.
On Saturday February 14th, Chester High School students Revolution Chaput and Brodie M. Mattingly competed in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition at Artspace 304 in Carbondale, Illinois.
The Southern Illinois region includes students from Freeburg to Metropolis, enrolled in grades 9 - 12. Students selected three poems to recite from memory. Potential poems are curated by The Illinois Art Council, and this year all poems represented the excellence and history of The United States in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
After three rounds, judges awarded CHS junior Revolution Chaput with the second place title, and Freeburg Community High School student Rebekah Kreighbaum won first place.
Revolution and Rebekah will compete against other Illinois high school regional winners in the state round of Poetry Out Loud on March 2nd in Springfield, Illinois.
*Two winners from Illinois will advance to a national competition, held in Washington, D.C., this April.
CHS: COMPETENCIA REGIONAL DE POETRY OUT LOUD
El sábado 14 de febrero, los estudiantes de Chester High School, Revolution Chaput y Brodie M. Mattingly, compitieron en la competencia regional de Poetry Out Loud en Artspace 304 en Carbondale, Illinois.
La región del sur de Illinois incluye estudiantes desde Freeburg hasta Metropolis, inscritos en los grados 9 a 12. Los estudiantes seleccionaron tres poemas para recitar de memoria. Los poemas posibles son seleccionados por el Consejo de las Artes de Illinois, y este año todos los poemas representaron la excelencia y la historia de los Estados Unidos en celebración del 250.º aniversario de la nación.
Después de tres rondas, los jueces otorgaron a la estudiante de tercer año de CHS, Revolution Chaput, el título de segundo lugar, y la estudiante de Freeburg Community High School, Rebekah Kreighbaum, obtuvo el primer lugar.
Revolution y Rebekah competirán contra otros ganadores regionales de escuelas secundarias de Illinois en la ronda estatal de Poetry Out Loud el 2 de marzo en Springfield, Illinois.
Dos ganadores de Illinois avanzarán a una competencia nacional, que se llevará a cabo en Washington, D.C., este abril.
CECC, CGS, CHS: STAFF TRAINING NOTICE
CUSD 139 staff from CECC, CGS, and CHS will be participating in a scheduled training at CHS on Friday, February 13. Municipal and County law enforcement personnel will also be involved, along with possible participation from officers representing neighboring jurisdictions.
This collaborative training is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students, staff, and community.
CECC, CGS, CHS: AVISO DE CAPACITACIÓN DEL PERSONAL
El personal de CUSD 139 de CECC, CGS y CHS participará en una capacitación programada en CHS el viernes 13 de febrero. El personal de las fuerzas del orden municipales y del condado también participará, junto con la posible participación de oficiales de jurisdicciones vecinas.
Esta capacitación colaborativa forma parte de nuestro compromiso continuo de mantener un entorno seguro, protegido y de apoyo para nuestros estudiantes, personal y comunidad.
CUSD 139 staff from CECC, CGS, and CHS will be participating in a scheduled training at CHS on Friday, February 13. Municipal and County law enforcement personnel will also be involved, along with possible participation from officers representing neighboring jurisdictions.
This collaborative training is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students, staff, and community.
CECC, CGS, CHS: AVISO DE CAPACITACIÓN DEL PERSONAL
El personal de CUSD 139 de CECC, CGS y CHS participará en una capacitación programada en CHS el viernes 13 de febrero. El personal de las fuerzas del orden municipales y del condado también participará, junto con la posible participación de oficiales de jurisdicciones vecinas.
Esta capacitación colaborativa forma parte de nuestro compromiso continuo de mantener un entorno seguro, protegido y de apoyo para nuestros estudiantes, personal y comunidad.
CHS VALENTINES DAY PBIS (11:30am DISMISSAL)
Tomorrow is our Valentine’s Day–Themed PBIS Celebration Day! We are looking forward to a fun and positive way to recognize student success.
Please note that tomorrow will be an 11:30 a.m. dismissal.
CCSI Students:
You may choose to attend either the PBIS Celebration or your regularly scheduled Friday CCSI program.
Workforce & Opt-Out Students:
There will be no Workforce or Opt-Out periods tomorrow. Attendance is required for the full school day.
All CCSI/Opt-Out/Workforce need to check in at the Media center in the morning tomorrow.
We hope everyone is excited and ready to enjoy a great PBIS Celebration Day!
DÍA DE PBIS DE SAN VALENTÍN DE CHS (SALIDA A LAS 11:30 a.m.)
¡Mañana es nuestro Día de Celebración de PBIS con temática de San Valentín! Estamos entusiasmados por reconocer el éxito estudiantil de una manera divertida y positiva.
Por favor, tenga en cuenta que mañana la salida será a las 11:30 a.m.
Estudiantes de CCSI:
Pueden elegir asistir a la Celebración de PBIS o a su programa regular de CCSI de los viernes.
Estudiantes de Workforce y Opt-Out:
Mañana no habrá períodos de Workforce ni de Opt-Out. La asistencia es obligatoria durante todo el día escolar.
Todos los estudiantes de CCSI/Opt-Out/Workforce deben registrarse en el Centro de Medios por la mañana.
¡Esperamos que todos estén emocionados y listos para disfrutar un excelente Día de Celebración de PBIS!
CHS TRAPSHOOTING SPIRIT WEAR ONLINE STORE
Show your support for our Chester High School Yellow Jacket Trapshooting program with gear from the our Spirit Wear Store:
https://chestertrapshooting26.itemorder.com/
TIENDA EN LÍNEA DE ROPA DE ESPÍRITU DE CHS – TRAPSHOOTING
¡Demuestre su apoyo a nuestro programa de Trapshooting de los Yellow Jackets de Chester High School con artículos de nuestra tienda de ropa de espíritu escolar!
https://chestertrapshooting26.itemorder.com/
Show your support for our Chester High School Yellow Jacket Trapshooting program with gear from the our Spirit Wear Store:
https://chestertrapshooting26.itemorder.com/
TIENDA EN LÍNEA DE ROPA DE ESPÍRITU DE CHS – TRAPSHOOTING
¡Demuestre su apoyo a nuestro programa de Trapshooting de los Yellow Jackets de Chester High School con artículos de nuestra tienda de ropa de espíritu escolar!
https://chestertrapshooting26.itemorder.com/
CHS SOFTBALL SPIRIT WEAR ONLINE STORE
Show your support for our Chester High School Yellow Jacket Softball program with gear from the our Spirit Wear Store:
https://stores.inksoft.com/WS132384
TIENDA EN LÍNEA DE ROPA DE ESPÍRITU DE CHS – SÓFTBOL
¡Demuestre su apoyo a nuestro programa de sóftbol de los Yellow Jackets de Chester High School con artículos de nuestra tienda de ropa de espíritu escolar!
https://stores.inksoft.com/WS132384
Show your support for our Chester High School Yellow Jacket Softball program with gear from the our Spirit Wear Store:
https://stores.inksoft.com/WS132384
TIENDA EN LÍNEA DE ROPA DE ESPÍRITU DE CHS – SÓFTBOL
¡Demuestre su apoyo a nuestro programa de sóftbol de los Yellow Jackets de Chester High School con artículos de nuestra tienda de ropa de espíritu escolar!
https://stores.inksoft.com/WS132384
CHS Winter Senior Night Information for Boys Basketball, Cheer, Band and Dance
See attached graphic.
Información de la Noche de Seniors de Invierno de CHS para Baloncesto Masculino, Porristas, Banda y Danza.
Vea el gráfico adjunto.
See attached graphic.
Información de la Noche de Seniors de Invierno de CHS para Baloncesto Masculino, Porristas, Banda y Danza.
Vea el gráfico adjunto.
CHS Girls' Basketball Regional Information. Good Luck Ladies!!
Información Regional del Baloncesto Femenino de CHS. ¡Buena suerte, chicas!
Información Regional del Baloncesto Femenino de CHS. ¡Buena suerte, chicas!
CHS: JANUARY PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to recognize our January PBIS Students of the Month. These students have been acknowledged by our faculty for exemplifying this month's character trait: SELF-DISCIPLINE. Our school community is committed to fostering positive character traits that contribute to a constructive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued support.
CHS: ESTUDIANTES PBIS DEL MES DE ENERO
Nos complace reconocer a nuestros Estudiantes PBIS del Mes de enero. Estos estudiantes han sido reconocidos por nuestro personal docente por ejemplificar el rasgo de carácter de este mes: AUTODISCIPLINA. Nuestra comunidad escolar está comprometida con el fomento de rasgos de carácter positivos que contribuyen a un ambiente de aprendizaje constructivo.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo.
We are pleased to recognize our January PBIS Students of the Month. These students have been acknowledged by our faculty for exemplifying this month's character trait: SELF-DISCIPLINE. Our school community is committed to fostering positive character traits that contribute to a constructive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued support.
CHS: ESTUDIANTES PBIS DEL MES DE ENERO
Nos complace reconocer a nuestros Estudiantes PBIS del Mes de enero. Estos estudiantes han sido reconocidos por nuestro personal docente por ejemplificar el rasgo de carácter de este mes: AUTODISCIPLINA. Nuestra comunidad escolar está comprometida con el fomento de rasgos de carácter positivos que contribuyen a un ambiente de aprendizaje constructivo.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo.
CHS: PBIS JACKET SHOUT-OUTS WEEKS 18-19
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 18-19 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you!
CHS: RECONOCIMIENTOS PBIS JACKET – SEMANAS 18-19
Chester High School se complace en reconocer a los estudiantes que recibieron los reconocimientos PBIS Jacket correspondientes a las semanas 18 y 19. Los Jacket Shout-Outs brindan una plataforma para que los maestros feliciten a los estudiantes que han hecho contribuciones positivas a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje. Extendemos nuestro agradecimiento a estos estudiantes por sus esfuerzos ejemplares y por servir como modelos a seguir para sus compañeros. ¡Gracias!
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 18-19 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you!
CHS: RECONOCIMIENTOS PBIS JACKET – SEMANAS 18-19
Chester High School se complace en reconocer a los estudiantes que recibieron los reconocimientos PBIS Jacket correspondientes a las semanas 18 y 19. Los Jacket Shout-Outs brindan una plataforma para que los maestros feliciten a los estudiantes que han hecho contribuciones positivas a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje. Extendemos nuestro agradecimiento a estos estudiantes por sus esfuerzos ejemplares y por servir como modelos a seguir para sus compañeros. ¡Gracias!
CHS Football recognizes four 2025 YellowJackets for record-setting season ( 2 of 2)
Tray Peters, Ethan Colvis, TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros receive honors at CHS Basketball game
BY JIM BEERS
TaShawn Palacio
TaShawn Palacio, a junior, had the greatest receiving season in the history of Chester High School. He broke two records set by former YellowJacket receiver Jim Howie back in 1986. Palacio set new records for “Single-season receiving yards” and “Single-season receiving touchdowns”.
At CHS in 2025, TaShawn earned the team award for being the YellowJackets’ “Offensive Weapon”. Coach Billy Belton said, “TaShawn is the player that every opponent has to prepare for. If they don’t stop him, they can’t stop the YellowJacket team!”
TaShawn earned the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “All-Conference” title for both Defensive Back and Wing Back. His new CHS school records included “Most Single-Season Receiving Yards” with 900 yards and “Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns” with 13 Touchdowns. He ended 2025 with 44 overall receptions and averaged 20.45 yards per reception.
Palacio also earned the “All-South Award” and finished 19th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A in Receiving. Just as impressive is the fact that he further earned recognition for his academic accomplishments having earned the coveted “All-State Academic Award”. For his sports prowess, TaShawn was honored by being named as a 2025 “All-State Honorable Mention” recipient for his receiving skills and accomplishments.
Karim Landeros
Finally, Karim Landeros, a junior, also broke two school records in the 2025 season. Karim broke the CHS record for the number of “Yards per Punt” with an average of 40.6 yards per punt. The previous record was set by Karim’s brother, Jared Landeros, back in 2021. Jared had a record of 39 yards per punt.
Karim also set a new Chester High School record for “Most All-Time PAT’s. He finished 2025 with a total of 98 PAT’s. The previous record was set by Curt Owen. Karim earned “All-Conference” honors from the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division for his skills on the Defensive Line. Finally, Landeros earned the honor of being selected to the 2025 “All-State Academic Team” for his academic accomplishments at CHS.
PHOTO 3
CHS junior football player, TaShawn Palacio poses for a photo just after CHS Head Football Coach, Billy Belton presented him with a commemorative football for his 2025 record-breaking season in 2025. Palacio set a new Single Season record of 900 Receiving Yards as well as a new school record of Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns with 13. He also finished 19th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A for his receiving skills.
PHOTO 4
Head Chester Football Coach, Billy Belton, presents Karim Landeros, a junior, with a commemorative football, for his record-breaking 2025 season at CHS. Landeros set a new record for Single-Season Punting with 40.6 Yards Per Punt. In addition, Karim set a second record of 98 PAT's, the All Time Leader in PATs at Chester High School.
PHOTO 5
All four Chester High School Record-Breakers for the 2025 CHS YellowJacket Football Season include (left to right) Ethan Colvis, Tray Peters, TaShawn Palacio, and Karim Landeros. All four were recognized and honored at a special ceremony Friday February 6 at a Chester High Schol basketball game when Chester hosted Red Bud. All four are holding their commemorative footballs they received from CHS Head Coach Bill Belton at the ceremony.
Tray Peters, Ethan Colvis, TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros receive honors at CHS Basketball game
BY JIM BEERS
TaShawn Palacio
TaShawn Palacio, a junior, had the greatest receiving season in the history of Chester High School. He broke two records set by former YellowJacket receiver Jim Howie back in 1986. Palacio set new records for “Single-season receiving yards” and “Single-season receiving touchdowns”.
At CHS in 2025, TaShawn earned the team award for being the YellowJackets’ “Offensive Weapon”. Coach Billy Belton said, “TaShawn is the player that every opponent has to prepare for. If they don’t stop him, they can’t stop the YellowJacket team!”
TaShawn earned the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “All-Conference” title for both Defensive Back and Wing Back. His new CHS school records included “Most Single-Season Receiving Yards” with 900 yards and “Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns” with 13 Touchdowns. He ended 2025 with 44 overall receptions and averaged 20.45 yards per reception.
Palacio also earned the “All-South Award” and finished 19th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A in Receiving. Just as impressive is the fact that he further earned recognition for his academic accomplishments having earned the coveted “All-State Academic Award”. For his sports prowess, TaShawn was honored by being named as a 2025 “All-State Honorable Mention” recipient for his receiving skills and accomplishments.
Karim Landeros
Finally, Karim Landeros, a junior, also broke two school records in the 2025 season. Karim broke the CHS record for the number of “Yards per Punt” with an average of 40.6 yards per punt. The previous record was set by Karim’s brother, Jared Landeros, back in 2021. Jared had a record of 39 yards per punt.
Karim also set a new Chester High School record for “Most All-Time PAT’s. He finished 2025 with a total of 98 PAT’s. The previous record was set by Curt Owen. Karim earned “All-Conference” honors from the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division for his skills on the Defensive Line. Finally, Landeros earned the honor of being selected to the 2025 “All-State Academic Team” for his academic accomplishments at CHS.
PHOTO 3
CHS junior football player, TaShawn Palacio poses for a photo just after CHS Head Football Coach, Billy Belton presented him with a commemorative football for his 2025 record-breaking season in 2025. Palacio set a new Single Season record of 900 Receiving Yards as well as a new school record of Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns with 13. He also finished 19th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A for his receiving skills.
PHOTO 4
Head Chester Football Coach, Billy Belton, presents Karim Landeros, a junior, with a commemorative football, for his record-breaking 2025 season at CHS. Landeros set a new record for Single-Season Punting with 40.6 Yards Per Punt. In addition, Karim set a second record of 98 PAT's, the All Time Leader in PATs at Chester High School.
PHOTO 5
All four Chester High School Record-Breakers for the 2025 CHS YellowJacket Football Season include (left to right) Ethan Colvis, Tray Peters, TaShawn Palacio, and Karim Landeros. All four were recognized and honored at a special ceremony Friday February 6 at a Chester High Schol basketball game when Chester hosted Red Bud. All four are holding their commemorative footballs they received from CHS Head Coach Bill Belton at the ceremony.
CHS Football recognizes four 2025 YellowJackets for record-setting season ( 1 of 2)
Tray Peters, Ethan Colvis, TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros receive honors at CHS Basketball game
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School YellowJacket Football Team had an outstanding season! The YellowJackets recorded a regular-season record of 8 wins and just 1 loss. The Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record was 5-0, an undefeated season. It was back-to-back seasons with a conference championship.
Chester made the IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs for the 8th year in-a-row and hosted Maroa-Forsyth at W.O. Smith Field in Round 1 of the 2025 playoffs. The Jackets lost, 26-14, but Maroa-Forsyth eventually advanced all the way to the Class 2A State Championship game where they lost, to finish 2nd in the State of Illinois in Class 2A.
Chester gave them their hardest challenge in the playoffs until the championship game when they were defeated. The YellowJackets finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 8 wins and just 2 losses.
Coach Billy Belton said, “This year we outscored our opponents on an average of 37-38 points. The seniors finished their combined years of conference play with a record of 19-1. They made it to the playoffs for the 8th year in-a-row. The team broke all kinds of records!”
Four particular YellowJackets broke school records this season. For their efforts, Chester High School recognized and honored these fine young players, 2 seniors and 2 juniors, at a ceremony Friday February 6 during the CHS vs Red Bud basketball game.
Those honored include seniors Ethan Colvis and Tray Peters and juniors TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros. Each of these outstanding athletes were introduced at the ceremony and received a special football for their record-breaking seasons.
Ethan Colvis
Ethan Colvis, a senior, is the first YellowJacket in 12 years to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. He averaged 8.21 yards per carry and scored 14 rushing touchdowns. He was one of three players to earn the title of “Elite Warrior” which is the equivalent of being a YellowJacket “Most Valuable Player” (MVP). Colvis was also a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “All-Conference” selection as both an Offensive Running Back and a Defensive Linebacker.
More impressive was the fact that he earned the title of Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “Player of the Year”. Colvis further earned a place on the “All-South” squad. Ethan was extremely impressive with his selection to the Academic All-State Team. Finally, Mr. Colvis was a 1st Team All-State Football player.
Tray Peters
Tray Peters, a senior, was a “YellowJacket Elite Warrior” which is equal to being selected as a team’s “Most Valuable Player” and hardest worker. There were three such team awards for the 2025 season. Mr. Peters earned “All-Conference” honors for both Quarterback and Defensive Back in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division. He further earned the title of Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “Offensive Player of the Year”.
Mr. Peters set two school records this season. First was for “Passing Touchdowns” and the second was for “Pass Completion Percentage”. These two former records were just set last year by former CHS Quarterback Zain Al-Jassim.
Tray had a great year with three games in which he had five Passing Touchdowns. Peters finished the 2025 football season with 25 Single-Season Passing Touchdowns (a new record), 1,657 passing yards, and 99 overall passing completions. His completion percentage was 65%. This was the highest completion percentage in CHS school history (a new record). Mr. Peters was also an “All-South” selection, and an “Academic All-State” honoree.
PHOTO 1
Chester High School senior football player, Ethan Colvis, was one of four CHS football players to be recognized with a commemorative football for his record-breaking accomplishments on the field in 2025. With Colvis is his father, Matt Colvis, an Assistant Coach for the YellowJackets. Colvis was the first Chester player in 12 years to rush for 1,000 yards. Colvis has just signed to continue his football career at the collegiate level at McKendree University next fall.
PHOTO 2
CHS Head Football Coach, Billy Belton presents CHS senior quarterback, Tray Peters, with a commemorative football for his record-breaking 2025 season. Peters set two school records, one for Most Passing Touchdowns (25), and the other for best Passing Completion Percentage (65%).
Tray Peters, Ethan Colvis, TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros receive honors at CHS Basketball game
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School YellowJacket Football Team had an outstanding season! The YellowJackets recorded a regular-season record of 8 wins and just 1 loss. The Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record was 5-0, an undefeated season. It was back-to-back seasons with a conference championship.
Chester made the IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs for the 8th year in-a-row and hosted Maroa-Forsyth at W.O. Smith Field in Round 1 of the 2025 playoffs. The Jackets lost, 26-14, but Maroa-Forsyth eventually advanced all the way to the Class 2A State Championship game where they lost, to finish 2nd in the State of Illinois in Class 2A.
Chester gave them their hardest challenge in the playoffs until the championship game when they were defeated. The YellowJackets finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 8 wins and just 2 losses.
Coach Billy Belton said, “This year we outscored our opponents on an average of 37-38 points. The seniors finished their combined years of conference play with a record of 19-1. They made it to the playoffs for the 8th year in-a-row. The team broke all kinds of records!”
Four particular YellowJackets broke school records this season. For their efforts, Chester High School recognized and honored these fine young players, 2 seniors and 2 juniors, at a ceremony Friday February 6 during the CHS vs Red Bud basketball game.
Those honored include seniors Ethan Colvis and Tray Peters and juniors TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros. Each of these outstanding athletes were introduced at the ceremony and received a special football for their record-breaking seasons.
Ethan Colvis
Ethan Colvis, a senior, is the first YellowJacket in 12 years to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. He averaged 8.21 yards per carry and scored 14 rushing touchdowns. He was one of three players to earn the title of “Elite Warrior” which is the equivalent of being a YellowJacket “Most Valuable Player” (MVP). Colvis was also a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “All-Conference” selection as both an Offensive Running Back and a Defensive Linebacker.
More impressive was the fact that he earned the title of Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “Player of the Year”. Colvis further earned a place on the “All-South” squad. Ethan was extremely impressive with his selection to the Academic All-State Team. Finally, Mr. Colvis was a 1st Team All-State Football player.
Tray Peters
Tray Peters, a senior, was a “YellowJacket Elite Warrior” which is equal to being selected as a team’s “Most Valuable Player” and hardest worker. There were three such team awards for the 2025 season. Mr. Peters earned “All-Conference” honors for both Quarterback and Defensive Back in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division. He further earned the title of Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “Offensive Player of the Year”.
Mr. Peters set two school records this season. First was for “Passing Touchdowns” and the second was for “Pass Completion Percentage”. These two former records were just set last year by former CHS Quarterback Zain Al-Jassim.
Tray had a great year with three games in which he had five Passing Touchdowns. Peters finished the 2025 football season with 25 Single-Season Passing Touchdowns (a new record), 1,657 passing yards, and 99 overall passing completions. His completion percentage was 65%. This was the highest completion percentage in CHS school history (a new record). Mr. Peters was also an “All-South” selection, and an “Academic All-State” honoree.
PHOTO 1
Chester High School senior football player, Ethan Colvis, was one of four CHS football players to be recognized with a commemorative football for his record-breaking accomplishments on the field in 2025. With Colvis is his father, Matt Colvis, an Assistant Coach for the YellowJackets. Colvis was the first Chester player in 12 years to rush for 1,000 yards. Colvis has just signed to continue his football career at the collegiate level at McKendree University next fall.
PHOTO 2
CHS Head Football Coach, Billy Belton presents CHS senior quarterback, Tray Peters, with a commemorative football for his record-breaking 2025 season. Peters set two school records, one for Most Passing Touchdowns (25), and the other for best Passing Completion Percentage (65%).
