Mike Thomas, Hannibal Courier-Post Journalist Profile

Articles

Palmyra senior Renae Billups commits to Columbia College cheer

6 days ago | hannibal.net | Mike Thomas

PALMYRA, Mo. -- After four years of cheering at Palmyra High School, Renae Phillips will continue on that path. The Palmyra senior committed to Columbia College's cheer and stunt team last Thursday morning during a signing ceremony in front of her family, friends, classmates and coaches. "It was a really good ceremony," said Billups.
Puterbaugh, Hull provide the punch for Pittsfield in win over Payson Seymour

6 days ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

PAYSON, Ill. -- Pittsfield had its bats going from the start in Thursday's 15-6 win over Payson Seymour. Saukees third baseman Draven Puterbaugh led the charge, going 3-for-4 with a walk, double, four RBIs and two runs. He was one of four Pittsfield batters to collect four hits. "I finally saw fastballs," said Puterbaugh. "I'm used to curveballs all the time and sliders all the time. I finally had a pitcher who couldn't really land his and threw fastballs.
Let's Play Two: Slugging Saukees spoil senior night for Payson Seymour

6 days ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

PAYSON, Ill. -- Pittsfield's bats proved to be too much for Payson Seymour to handle on Thursday as the two teams finished a game delayed after two innings from a month ago and played their regularly scheduled game afterwards. Pittsfield defeated Payson Seymour 11-4 to complete the first game and finished off the Indians 11-1 in five innings in the second game. "They're putting the ball in play," said Pittsfield head coach Ariana White. "They're doing well.
Eagles Landing: Liberty bats bring the thunder in senior night win over Tornadoes

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

LIBERTY, Ill. -- Liberty's bats woke up out of a slumber as the Eagles celebrated senior night on Wednesday. The Eagles clubbed 15 hits and drew four walks on its way to a 15-0 wipeout over Griggsville-Perry. "We were on top of it tonight," said Liberty second baseman Anna Dietrich. "It was like every time we were at bat, the energy was just so high. I feel like the energy moved from the dugout to the field."That energy helped bring home a victory on senior night.
Have a Day: Blue Devils right-hander James Day shuts down Raiders

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

QUINCY -- Pitching in the cross town rivalry game against Quincy Notre Dame was the last thing on the mind of Quincy High School junior James Day during most of Tuesday. For Day, the main objective was taking his AP Government test during the school day, with the Blue Devils right-hander not arriving to Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Stadium until about 45 minutes prior to game time. "My first half of the day was about Plessy v. Ferguson and all of these court cases," said Day.
Lady Raiders fall short to talented Springfield team

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

QUINCY -- Quincy Notre Dame knew it was in for a challenge when it matched up against Springfield team that entered Monday's game with a 16-1-1 record. The Lady Raiders gave the Senators a battle, but ultimately came up short as Springfield won 2-1 at Advance Physical Therapy Field. "They've got some really good forwards," said QND head coach Mark Thomas of Springfield. "(Kamryn Hoffman) is fantastic. She's a Division I recruit. I know Ohio State is looking at her.
Raiders power up as Wiewel mows down Hornets

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

QUINCY -- Except for one mistake pitch, Quincy Notre Dame Abram Wiewel was dealing on the mound in Monday's game against Brown County at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. The Raiders right-hander struck out 16 batters in six innings, while allowing just four hits, one walk and one earned run in QND's 10-2 win over the Hornets on senior night. "Fastball, slider and curveball was working pretty good," said Wiewel. "I was making sure I mixed my pitches well.
Pirates cash in on scoring chances to put away Panthers

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

HANNIBAL -- It all came down to cashing in opportunities in Friday night's baseball game between Hannibal and Palmyra. Hannibal did a better job of taking advantage of its scoring opportunities and came away with a 6-2 win over Palmyra on a rainy day at Veterans Baseball Field. "It took us a couple of innings to get going and get the runs we needed across the plate," said Hannibal head coach Ian Hatton.
Superb Six: Group of Central student-athletes make collegiate commitments

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

CAMP POINT, Ill. -- After some outstanding athletic careers at Central High School, six seniors have decided on their future plans. Panthers athletic director Brad Dixon introduced all six Central student-athletes, while their family were by their side as they signed their letters-of-intent. Each one of the student-athletes head coach also spoke on the accomplishments they reached at Camp Point.
Huber caps off Bowling Green win over Wellsville-Middletown with first career homer

1 week ago | whig.com | Mike Thomas

BOWLING GREEN, Mo. -- Patience at the plate paid off for Bowling Green. The Bobcat hitters took advantage of the wildness of the three Wellsville-Middletown pitchers and drew a total of 12 walks, jump starting the offense. "Usually we are pretty anxious, but we have grown a lot over the season," said Bobcats center fielder Brady Huber. "We're being more disciplined and we're just doing better overall as a team.