Gardner-South Wilmington's softball team dropped a 10-inning thriller 2-1 to Waltonville in Thursday's IHSA Class 1A state semifinals in Peoria before bouncing back with a 10-5 win over Okawville in Friday's third-place game, ending the program's historic season with a win.

Wilmington is now a game away from its third straight sectional championship after defeating rival Manteno 6-2 in a Class 2A Herscher Sectional semifinal Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

After quickly falling behind in Wednesday's Class 2A Herscher Sectional semifinal against Manteno, Wilmington quickly responded, anchored by highlight days from seniors Ryan Kettman and Dirks Geiss in a 6-2 win.

After each team snapped a regional title drought this year, both Clifton Central and Gardner-South Wilmington had their seasons come to an end Wednesday in the Class 1A Dwight Sectional semifinals.

Twenty years after hosting his inaugural camp, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker and Bishop McNamara graduate Tyjuan Hagler continues to marvel at the impact and support as his foundation hosted its 18th football and cheerleading camp at his alma mater last Saturday.

After seven years as athletic director at Bishop McNamara, Aaron Hamilton is moving on to become the AD at Donovan, where he will return to the small town, public school environment he's spent much of his life in education.

Meet this week's Daily Journal Athlete of the Week, Gardner-South Wilmington senior softball player Maddie Simms.

With their 2-0 upset of Macon Meridian in the Class 1A Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional on Monday, the Gardner-South Wilmington softball team is enjoying something no other GSW softball team has enjoyed before. They’re heading to state.

The Gardner-South Wilmington softball team is headed to state after defeating Meridian 2-0 in the Class 1A Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional at Inspiration Field at Carol Willis Park in Bloomington Monday, June 1, 2026.