Beyond the Banner

For more than 20 years, Terry Wright has been a familiar voice in Central Illinois sports, bringing the excitement of Taylorville Tornadoes athletics to listeners across the area. In Episode 8 of Beyond the Banner, Wright is honored as a true “Friend of Sports” for his longtime dedication to local athletics and his continued service to the community.A graduate of Pana High School, Wright began his association with Taylorville athletics in 1973 when he joined Keith Arnold as a color commentator on local radio broadcasts of area sporting events. The following year, Wright took over play-by-play duties for area schools while continuing to provide color commentary for Tornadoes games alongside new sports announcer Rick Doan.In 1975, Wright was offered the position of sports director, opening the door to an even larger role in local sports. His responsibilities included morning sports updates six days a week, along with play-by-play, pregame and postgame coverage of Taylorville football and both boys and girls basketball.Wright also developed the Saturday morning Sports Special Program, a program dedicated to reviewing weekend sports across the area and featuring live interviews with local players and coaches. He even took the program on the road, broadcasting live from the Illinois High School Basketball State Tournament in Champaign and interviewing prominent coaches such as Dolph Stanley and Virgil Fletcher.During his more than two decades behind the microphone, Wright broadcast more than 200 Tornadoes football games and 500 Taylorville basketball games, becoming a recognizable and trusted voice for generations of local athletes and fans.His contributions were recognized on a statewide level when he was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in the media category in 1994.But Wright's impact goes beyond the numbers and the broadcasts. His passion for local athletes, coaches and communities has made him much more than a broadcaster. He has been a supporter, advocate and friend of Central Illinois sports for decades.In Episode 8 of Beyond the Banner, Dave McCoy sits down with Terry Wright to look back on an incredible career, the people and moments that shaped it, and the lasting impact Wright has made on Taylorville athletics.Tune in to Episode 8 of Beyond the Banner and hear the story of a true Friend of Sports.

On Episode 7 of Beyond the Banner, we sit down with two men whose impact on Taylorville football has left a lasting legacy both on and off the field—Hall of Famer Bob Rahar and Hall of Famer Mike Bliler. Bob Rahar, a 1974 Taylorville High School graduate, made his mark as one of the greatest defensive backs in Tornadoes history. A two-year letterwinner, Rahar still holds the school record for career interceptions with 14 and set the single-game interception record with four picks against Shelbyville. While his playing career earned him a place in the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame as part of the legendary 1973 Tornadoes football team, his greatest contribution may have come after his playing days ended. For more than two decades, Rahar dedicated countless hours to the Taylorville Junior Football League, helping build the foundation for generations of Tornado football players. From organizing registrations and equipment to overseeing practices, coaches, officials, and game days, his leadership has shaped the youth football program and helped prepare future Tornadoes for success. His tireless commitment earned him recognition as a Friend of Sports, honoring the tremendous impact he has had on Taylorville athletics. Joining Rahar is 1994 Taylorville graduate Mike Bliler, one of the most prolific offensive players to ever wear the orange and black. A multi-sport standout, Bliler excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track, but it was on the football field where he etched his name into the record books. During his standout career, Bliler set school records that still stand today, rushing for over 1,400 career yards while scoring 32 touchdowns and 218 career points. His incredible senior season included 1,133 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 174 points in just nine games as he helped lead the Tornadoes to an 8-1 record and a Mid-State Conference Championship. He eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark seven times, scored at least two touchdowns in every game except one, and exploded for six touchdowns against Vandalia. His remarkable season earned him All Mid-State Conference First Team honors, Decatur Herald All-Area First Team recognition, and selection to the Chicago Daily News All-State Football Team. Following his playing career, Bliler continued giving back to the program, serving as a member of the Taylorville football coaching staff in 1993 and 1994. In this episode, Rahar and Bliler reflect on their playing days, the tradition of Taylorville football, unforgettable moments on the field, and the importance of giving back to the next generation of Tornadoes. It's a conversation filled with history, memories, and the pride that comes with wearing the orange and black. Beyond the Banner is presented by ILSportsWire and celebrates the athletes, coaches, and supporters who have built the rich tradition of Taylorville athletics.

On Episode 6 of Beyond the Banner, we sit down with Ron Spears, a member of the Taylorville High School Hall of Fame and one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Tornado history.Spears reflects on helping lead the 1969 football team from a 2-7 season the year before to a 7-1-1 conference championship season under legendary coach Don Anderson. As a tri-captain, All-Conference selection, and the Decatur Herald & Review Central Illinois Player of the Year, he shares what made that remarkable turnaround possible.We also dive into his standout baseball career, where he hit over .400, captained another conference championship team, and delivered one of the biggest clutch hits of the season. Beyond athletics, Spears discusses his decision to prioritize academics, leading him to graduate with high honors from the University of Illinois, earn his law degree from Southern Illinois University, serve as a Circuit Judge since 1993, and retire from the Illinois Army National Guard as a Colonel in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.It's a conversation about leadership, teamwork, service, and the lasting impact of wearing the Tornado uniform.

This week on Beyond the Banner, we sit down with Taylorville High School Hall of Famer Steve Diley to reflect on an incredible athletic and coaching career.A 1987 Taylorville graduate, Diley was a three-sport standout, lettering in soccer, baseball, and basketball. On the hardwood, he earned Team MVP honors, led the Tornadoes in scoring, was named First Team All-Apollo Conference, and collected All-Tournament First Team honors at both the Charleston and Litchfield Tournaments during his senior season.After graduating from Taylorville, Diley continued his basketball career at Lincoln Land Community College, where he served as team captain and was selected to play in the 1989 Illinois State Junior College All-Star Game.His passion for the game carried over into coaching, serving as an assistant at Pawnee and Taylorville before taking over the Tri-City boys basketball program. Along the way, he also coached soccer for nine seasons and softball for three years, building a legacy of leadership that continues today in his 14th season as Tri-City's head basketball coach.Join us as Steve shares stories from his playing days at Taylorville, his journey into coaching, the lessons he's learned over decades on the sidelines, and what it means to be inducted into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Episode 4 of Beyond the Banner celebrates two of the most influential figures in Taylorville athletics—Don Anderson and Don Williams. Don Anderson built the Tornadoes football program into a perennial contender, leading Taylorville to five conference championships, three IHSA playoff appearances, and 92 career victories while helping establish the youth football program that continues to thrive today. Don Williams left an equally lasting mark on Taylorville basketball, coaching the Tornadoes for 25 seasons, winning four conference championships, and finishing his career with 219 victories. His leadership and dedication earned him recognition in the Taylorville High School Hall of Fame. Together, these two legendary coaches helped shape generations of student-athletes and built a tradition of excellence that continues to define Taylorville athletics. Join us as we honor their remarkable careers and the lasting legacy they left on the Tornadoes community.

In Episode 3 of Beyond the Banner, Dave McCoy sits down with Taylorville Sports Hall of Famer Scott Alberssen, the coach who transformed the Tornado football program into one of Central Illinois' most respected teams.Coach Alberssen reflects on taking over a struggling program in 1993, building a winning culture, capturing conference championships, leading the Tornadoes to 11 IHSA playoff appearances, and the unforgettable moments that helped define an era of Taylorville football. He also shares the values, leadership, and vision that left a lasting impact on generations of players and the community.Beyond the Banner is presented by ILSportsWire in partnership with the Taylorville Sports Hall of Fame, preserving the stories behind the legends who built Taylorville's rich athletic tradition.

Beyond the Banner (Ep 2): Mark Stephonson and Chuck Martin

For the debut episode of Beyond the Banner, host Dave Hixenbaugh sits down with Dave McCoy to explore the origins of a Hall of Fame tradition that has celebrated excellence for generations. In this engaging conversation, McCoy reflects on the early days, the vision behind creating the Hall of Fame, and the people who helped turn an idea into a lasting legacy. Hixenbaugh guides viewers through the history, stories, and milestones that shaped the organization, offering a fascinating look behind the banner and the individuals who built its foundation. The episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to preserving history and honoring those who made a difference.