May 23, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Jones named SJO student-athlete of the month

Helene Jones likes a challenge.


Jones, the October St. Joseph-Ogden student-athlete of the month, enjoys math because it challenges her.


Her can-do attitude can also be seen on the cross country course.


“Helene is among the top freshman in 1A cross country,” said Head Coach Jason Retz. “She was our number one runner at the Spartan Classic.”


Jones finished with a time of 20:46 at the Spartan Classic and bested that time at the IHSA Regionals with a time of 19:36.


Jones said being a member of the SJO cross country team is rewarding and enjoyable.


“The best thing about being a student-athlete at SJO is all the fun that me and my team have,” she said.


Her positive attitude expands to even the part of cross country she doesn’t love—early morning practice.


“The most difficult thing about being a student-athlete at SJO would be having morning practice,” she said. “But that isn’t even that bad. I love being an SJO athlete.”


The SJO Freshman dreams of going to the University of Tennessee and majoring in business of some sort.


She said she was surprised and appreciated being named student-athlete of the month.


“It makes me very happy and honored,” she said. “I would not have thought that I would have got this but I am so glad I did.”

Photo provided by Carrie Mattsey

Banner
Related Posts

First night game in program history in books, SJO soccer looks to continue successful start

September 11, 2023

September 11, 2023

The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team was scheduled to play Uni High on Thursday, Aug. 24. At a normal time for...

SJO baseball on roll as Haley collects 300th career win

April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

Some convincing wins have ensued recently for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team. And a historic win happened for...

SJO football adjusts its routine this summer, picks up formidable Week 1 opponent

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

Life the last few months for St. Joseph-Ogden High School football coach Shawn Skinner has been much like it has...

They’re going to state! SJO volleyball continues dream season

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

All season long, the St. Joseph-Ogden High School volleyball team has risen to the occasion. The Spartans did so again...

Orcutt named Student Athlete of the Month

January 30, 2019

January 30, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Joel Orcutt isn’t just a standout basketball player. He is also an artist. “I enjoy doing art...

Public Statement from Dan Vogelsang

December 23, 2019

December 23, 2019

It was with a heavy heart that I submitted my resignation to the Saint Joseph-Ogden High School Board of Education...

Five key SJO baseball games to watch for in 2019

March 5, 2019

March 5, 2019

The 2018 baseball season for St. Joseph-Ogden High School was another successful one. Under the leadership of coach Josh Haley,...

SJO girls’ basketball makes lifetime memories with run to state

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

Shortly after the Class 2A girls’ basketball state championship game, the story made its rounds on social media. And it...

Ingram shines, but SJO football still seeking first win

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

Six wins are needed to automatically qualify a high school football team into the playoffs in Illinois. For St. Joseph-Ogden...

Ward, Martlage and Immke help SJO softball get back in win column

May 5, 2021

May 5, 2021

A flurry of games is usually the norm for St. Joseph-Ogden softball.But usually, at this juncture in the calendar, the...

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...

Immke ties IHSA single-season home run record as SJO softball gears up for regional play

May 16, 2023

May 16, 2023

Some big home runs.Some big wins.Coincidence? Perhaps not. The St. Joseph-Ogden High School softball team has recovered from a slow...

McCarty hurls shutout, SJO baseball cruises to win at STM

April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019

Excellent pitching has defined the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team throughout much of its 2019 season. The trend continued...

SJO football back in the playoffs, meets Williamsville in first round

October 26, 2019

October 26, 2019

The last time St. Joseph-Ogden High School football met Williamsville in a playoff game, the Spartans ended up playing for...

A field of art

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Call it art in progress. The fans at St. Joseph-Ogden High School always take note of the painted field, endzones,...

Comments
Leave a Reply