Vikings Fall in Program Debut to Southwestern Illinois College 87-67
November 1, 2023 11:16PM CDT
Cole Rickerman warms up prior to the Jefferson College vs Southwestern Illinois College game Wednesday in Hillsboro. Photo courtesy of Hal Neisler.
(HILLSBORO) In a game broadcast last (Wednesday) night on KJFF and mymoinfo.com, the Jefferson College men’s basketball team took a 38-36 lead into the locker room at halftime but things slipped away in the second half and the Vikings lost in their program debut to the Southwestern Illinois College Blue Storm 87-67.
A good sized crowd turned out for the game to see the new team and to enjoy free hotdogs, bottled water and T-shirts for the first 250 fans. Jefferson College president Dr. Dena McCaffrey stepped in between the two centers at mid-court to do the honors of tossing up the ball for a ceremonial opening jump ball.
The event also brought out memorable personalities of the college athletic department like former athletic director Harold Oetting who spoke with KJFF’s Hal Neisler prior to tip-off.
Also on hand was former Jefferson College women’s volleyball coach Jo Ellen Stringer.
After the game Vikings coach C.B. Walker said the team couldn’t overcome adversity in the second half.
Walker said he wasn’t disappointed with the team.
The Blue Storm were led in scoring by Saxton Hoepker who poured in 25 points. The Vikings were led by Cole Rickerman’s 13 points, Kade Harmin netted 11, Shawn Villanea and Jordan Wade also added ten points each.
Next up for the Vikings, they will travel to North Arkansas College in Harrison to play the Pioneers on November 8th.
