May 5, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Plotner’s dedication to cross country pays off

Jillian Plotner works hard every day to be the best she possibly can be.

St. Joseph-Ogden Cross Country Head coach Jason and Assistant Coach Terri Rein cited Plotner’s dedication to the sport when they nominated Plotner for student-athlete of the month.

“She is very encouraging and displays a positive attitude,” Retz said. “She works hard every day.”

Plotner has had a stellar cross country season thus far.

At the Doc Acklin Memorial Invite she placed third with a time of 18:35.2. At the Cow Chip Classic, Plotner finished sixth in the first flight with a time of 20:07.69. At the Richard Spring Invitational at Detweiller Park Plotner placed 101st in 19:15, which was the best time of all the SJO girls. Plotner also had the best time for the SJO girls at the Spartan Classic, running 18:29:34 and placed seventh overall.

Plotner said being nominated for student-athlete of the month was a honor.

“I am honored that my handwork and dedication are getting attention,” she said.

Plotner said her favorite part of being a student-athlete at SJO is interacting with coaches, staff and other students.

“I love communicating with both faculty and students,” she said.

Plotner said the most challenging part of being a student-athlete is getting her homework done on weekdays.

Plotner, who plans on studying forensic anthropology in college, said her current favorite class is consumer education because it teaches things that are applicable to real life.

“Lots of life learning lessons,” Plotner said.

Banner
Related Posts

SJO softball remains unbeaten

March 28, 2019

March 28, 2019

A strong offensive showing by the St. Joseph-Ogden High School softball team and baseball teams led to wins earlier this...

SJO baseball adapting to strange times this spring: ‘The most difficult part is not seeing the players’

April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020

Ever since Josh Haley took control of the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team, success has followed. So have solid...

McCarty throws no-hitter, SJO baseball picks up two wins

May 6, 2019

May 6, 2019

Each time Keegan McCarty takes the mound, the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team has to likes its chances of...

Sjuts saving the best for last

May 9, 2019

May 9, 2019

Rylee Sjuts is starting her final month as a track athlete for St. Joseph-Ogden High School. If the past is...

Cain, Pence help SJO boys’ basketball post two wins

January 27, 2020

January 27, 2020

Playing a competitive nonconference schedule is nothing new for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ basketball team. The Spartans face...

McDonald on cusp of 400th win as SJO volleyball continues success

September 11, 2023

September 11, 2023

A historic night is potentially on tap Monday at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.SJO volleyball coach Abby McDonald, in her 16th...

Rajlich, Mattsey thrive for SJO cross-country in Peoria

September 17, 2019

September 17, 2019

Thank you to Carrie Mattsey photography for the photo! The St. Joseph-Ogden High School team got its first look at...

5 Question Friday with SJO Football Head Coach Shawn Skinner

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

How has the team improved since the first game?I think the team has been as committed as you can as...

Dowing ties state home run record as SJO softball wins third straight game

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

Bailey Dowling is one home run away from cementing her name atop a state record. Add on the fact the...

With Illini Prairie title in rearview, Duval and Spartans turn attention to the postseason

February 21, 2024

February 21, 2024

Playing against the likes of Bloomington Central Catholic, Chillicothe IVC, Monticello, Paxton-Buckley-Loda, Pontiac, Prairie Central, Rantoul, St. Thomas More and...

SJO to hold summer camps

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

Boys Basketball Youth CampMay 29, 30, 31 8 AM-1:30 PMThe camp will be full of drills and fundamentals. The new...

5 questions with TREVOR AMES

March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024

How would you describe this team? This team is special. What is a lesson you have learned this season? Having...

Plotner’s positive attitude key to success

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Jillian Plotner is having an amazing track season. The St. Joseph-Ogden junior helped the 3,200 relay team win first place...

23-24 IPC WRESTLING ALL CONFERENCE TEAMS

February 23, 2024

February 23, 2024

The Illinois Prairie Conference has announced its conference wrestling teams. 1st Team: (U: means Unanimous)  PLAYER NAME GRADE WEIGHT CLASS...

Knott, Meyer win conference titles for SJO

May 2, 2019

May 2, 2019

The Illini Prairie Conference track and field meet took place over two days because of inclement weather. But when it...

Comments
Leave a Reply