By Randy Whalen

A highlight of the Joliet Township High School athletic year is always the Annual Night of Champions. 

During this past school year, Joliet Central and Joliet West celebrated the 20th version of the Night of Champions, and it was a special one. That took place on Thursday, April 16 at the IBEW 176 Hall in Joliet. 

Following a cocktail hour and another nice dinner, the festivities of honoring past and present Steelmen and Tigers began.

"It's about honoring our amazing former athletes and coaches," Joliet Township Athletic Booster Club President Tonya Rico said in her introduction to kick off the event. "We have some wonderful boosters, and we appreciate our great sponsors and everyone's help with the event.

"We have been able to help with numerous scholarships, and we recently were able to buy a record board for our Joliet swim team program."

The first team to be honored was the 1989-90 Joliet West girls basketball team. The Tigers had a great program in the late 80s, winning regional championships four straight seasons between 1987-90. But it was the 1990 team that finally broke through and won a sectional title, which was the first since Joliet West won the 1977-78 Girls State Basketball championship. 

In an introduction to the team, current Tiger girls hoops coach Bre Blackmon pointed out that she was born in 1989, the same time that the Tigers began their magical run to the Class AA Sweet 16.

"Talking to that team, they said that the moments and the mental things are what mattered," Blackmon said. "They said to me, don't worry about numbers, it's the moments that matter."

There were plenty of moments that season, the first for Tracy Djerf as head coach. Djerf, a multisport athlete at Lockport Township, graduated in 1981, and then got a degree in 1986 from Illinois State University. She was an assistant coach under Bob Dwyer for a few years before taking over as head coach.

"There are former members of the team and assistant coaches here to support," Djerf said of the celebration for the team. "That team was really special. How do you summarize it, 36 years later? Bob Dwyer passed away last October, and he was so instrumental. 

"We went 27-5 and won the SICA West. We lost to Lockport in the first conference game and then won 15 in a row to win the conference. We won 15 in a row after losing to (State finalist) IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary). The team responded and showed up every day. We were successful because of the culture and support. We've had fun celebrating. I thank you then and now."

Djerf, along with assistant coach Todd Colvin, were in attendance. So were four former players, some coming from other states. 

The players on the team were Alison Arnoldi, Tammie Beckley, Katina Bills, Jennifer Bishop, Dawn Cartwright, Laurie Goolsby, Shari Jones, Sonja Peterson, Ruth Tyrrell, Shantel Shelby, and Jackie Williams. The managers were Vicki Albarado, Nancy Bates, and Cherie Stapleton. 

A signature win for Joliet West was a 58-53 victory over 1988 Class AA State Champion Maine West. The Tigers fell to West Aurora 60-50 in the East Aurora Supersectional. West Aurora (30-3) went on to lose to Marshall 65-49 in the Class AA State Title Game. 

The next honoree was from that same era. That was Sharron Evans, a 1989 Joliet Central graduate, who was honored for her outstanding track and field career. But the truth is, she could have been honored for numerous sports.

"This person was in the National Honor Society, the band, the flag team, the volleyball team, and was the MVP on the basketball team," said former Joliet Central girls basketball coach Marvin Reed in his introduction of Evans. "But it was in track and field where she really excelled. 

"She has numerous law degrees and earlier this year was named vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago."

In her senior track season, in Class AA in 1988-89, Evans won the 100-meter high hurdles, was second in the 300-meter low hurdles, and placed seventh in the long jump. These accomplishments helped the Steelmen to a fifth-place state finish that season. 

"I want to thank the Joliet Township boosters and congratulate my fellow nominees," Evans said. "I want to thank Coach Reed and Coach Lew (Ed Lewandowski) and thank all for being here. Thank you for believing in me and guiding me. My dad, Marvin Evans, coached at Joliet West."

Evans was very appreciative of her time at Joliet Central.

"The hallways were abuzz all the time with school spirit," she said. "School spirit was all over the place. My favorite memories were with the track team. We were called 'Blue Smoke.' Joliet Central believed in me and showed me so much."

Joliet West girls volleyball coach Chris Lincoln was named as Tiger of the Year. All Lincoln has done is step into the program as a first-time head coach in the fall of 2022 and guide the Tigers to back-to-back sectional championships, including a school record 36 wins in 2023. Last fall brought 35 victories and another regional and Southwest Prairie Conference championship.

"His teams have gone 128-29 in four years," said Joliet West Athletic Director Steve Millsaps in his introduction of 
Lincoln. "Chris has brought the culture of winning, the culture of support, and thank you so much for what you have done."

Lincoln, who has won four straight regional titles, got emotional and was very thankful for the opportunity.

"I'm very thankful for this, but it takes a village," he said. "I have to credit my wife, Kendyl, for pushing me to fill out my resume and submit it to Joliet West. I want to thank our three children and my parents for being there for me. 

"I want to thank Steve Millspas. You couldn't have a more supportive person.  And, of course, the coaches and athletes. It's because of them that we've made a name for ourselves. So it's not me, it's the village."

Laura Brumfiel has done an outstanding job as the Joliet Central girls basketball coach. Because of that, she was named Steelmen of the Year.

"She's built on more than just wins and losses," Joliet Central Athletic Director Kevin Fitzgerald said of Brumfiel. "She's had three 20-win seasons and has won the last two SPC East titles. It's her intensity and attention to detail from practice to games.

"She always gets the best. Her teams don't just compete; they develop. It's with great pride that Laura is the Steelmen of the Year."

The Steelmen (20-12) went 13-3 down the stretch this past season, until losing their final game. In that time, they held eight opponents to 42 points or fewer.

"I'm really honored," Brumfiel said. "Coaching is about relationships. When I got to Joliet, I saw that the girls are tough. They compete for each other and for the school. Even with outside activities.

"I just want to thank my family for the love, encouragement, and support. I want to thank the boosters. (Former AD, current Joliet Central assistant principal) Steve Locke hired me, and Fitz puts up with me and my crazy ideas. The conference championships are great. But I will cherish the conversations and support. It's been an amazing nine years, and I look forward to leading this team in the future."

Kristine Schlismann was named the 2026 Glen Marcum Legacy Award recipient. It is awarded to someone who made a difference in Joliet Township athletics. It's named after Marcum, a long-time Joliet-area community leader who passed away in 2016 and was very active in the community with his dedication and support.

Schlismann is the Director Of Community And Alumni Relations for Joliet Township High School District 204. She was introduced at the event by Joliet Township superintendent, Dr. Karla Guseman.

"Glen worked hard to grow and sustain JTHS athletics," Guseman said. "The award is reserved for those who have made an impact on JTHS sports. Her journey began as a teacher at Joliet Central, and her work is about connection. She loves the opportunity to share in success, and she puts the extra in extracurricular. She embodies the Glen Marcum Award."|

The award-winning Schlismann was very grateful for her latest honor. 

"Congrats to all our winners and their amazing speeches," she said. "There is a commitment to serve, and I'm just trying to show up and be the best version of myself. When I started at Joliet Central between 2003 and 2008, I didn't know anything about community service and partnerships. 

"It was the people who showed up and did good work. But service is not about just that. Service doesn't just change you; it changes the people around you. Whether it's at a game or in life, showing up for someone matters. Service is not easy. But it's vitally important in our world. Maybe now more than ever."

Dr. Brett Marcum, an assistant principal at Joliet West, introduced the next honoree. That was Jamere Price, as the West Fan of the Year. He was a School Resource Officer and Detective with nearly 20 years of experience with the Joliet Police Department, primarily assigned to Joliet West.

"He's been the heartbeat of Joliet West," Marcum said of Price. "He's brought spirit to our work and community. One thing you can always count on is Price being there."

Price, who moved on from that position at the end of the school year, was happy to do that.

"I had the luxury of being a resource officer at Joliet West," he said. "The students and administrative staff made it easier to focus on the kids. I played on the freshman 'B' basketball team at Joliet Central. I always wanted to win an award, but I got one as a fan. 

"Whenever I go to away games, I see that Joliet West does it right. Thanks much to the police and school staff."

Joshua Battung, who is the JPD School Resource Officer for the Steelmen, was named the Joliet Central Fan of the Year.

"As our school security resource officer, he has a constant presence," said Fitzgerald in his introduction of Battung. "He takes time to know our athletes and our energy. He brings a lot of life lessons, fun, and positivity to the community in what can be a serious position. I sincerely appreciate it."

Although he has to deal with different situations in his job, Battung was more apprehensive about giving his speech.

"I'm so nervous. I have to mention everyone," he said. "I love everyone at Joliet Central. They support everyone. I'm thankful to the district. I love the students, and I'm thankful for them. 

"There are times that the job is personal. I just want to be the person I needed when I grew up. I approach it that if we can change one mindset, it's worth it."