Athlete of the Month: Celebrating Excellence in Local Sports Teams

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Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of The Month: East Alton-Wood River Senior Excels in Wrestling and Multiple Sports

January 7 2026 at 1:30 PM

WOOD RIVER - Canaan Cook, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his...

Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of Month: Granite City Senior Sydney Houston Excels in Fall Golf Season

January 6 2026 at 1:06 PM

GRANITE CITY - Sydney Houston emerged as a key player for Granite City High School’s girls golf...

Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete Of The Month Chase Jones Leads Marquette Catholic In Overtime Victory

January 6 2026 at 10:19 AM

ALTON — Marquette Catholic’s Chase Jones scored 33 points to lead the Explorers to a 67-64...

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete Of Month: Southwestern Senior Excels in Soccer and Cross Country

January 5 2026 at 3:23 PM

PIASA - Southwestern senior Bram Buettel has distinguished himself both on the soccer field and in...

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete Of Month: Anderson’s Multi-Sport Commitment Highlights Athletic Versatility

January 5 2026 at 3:07 PM

PIASA - Southwestern High School’s girls volleyball team is looking ahead to the 2025 season...

Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes Of Month: Roxana Cheer Squad Advances to Illinois State Competition

January 5 2026 at 2:22 PM

ROXANA — The Roxana Shells cheerleading squad secured fourth place in the Small...

Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of Month: Oilers' Handler Praised for Leadership and Commitment in High School Sports

January 5 2026 at 2:11 PM

WOOD RIVER - Hailey Handler, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for...

Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete Of The Month: Griffins' Claire Berger Lowers Times in All Swimming Events

January 4 2026 at 11:44 PM

EDWARDSVILLE - Claire Berger is a swimmer for Father McGivney Catholic High, and swam a great progra...

Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of Month: Joi Story Signs With University Of Texas For Women's Track and Field

January 4 2026 at 11:33 PM

EDWARDSVILLE - Joi Story, a senior this coming season on the Edwardsville High School girls track...

Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete Of Month: Griffins Issac Wendler Signs To Play For UIS

January 4 2026 at 10:06 PM

GLEN CARBON - Issac Wendler, who was a key part of Father McGivney Catholic's run to the IHSA Class...

Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete Of Month For CM: Versatile Senior Charlie Kilpatrick Shines in Basketball

January 4 2026 at 9:30 PM

BETHALTO - Coach Lee Green of Civic Memorial’s boys basketball team highlighted senior guard...

Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete Of The Month: Antonio Dean Plays Important Role In Granite City's Basketball Team

January 4 2026 at 6:03 PM

COLLINSVILLE - Antonio Dean III is a key part of the Granite City High boys basketball team and i...

Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete Of Month: Eli Miller Is Solid Sophomore Wrestler For Warriors

January 2 2026 at 3:51 PM

GRANITE CITY - Eli Miller is one of 10 sophomores on a young Granite City High School wrestling team,...

Auto Butler Male Athlete Of The Month: Alton's Brayden Drew Wins 165-Pound Championship At William "Red" Schmitt Holiday Tournament

January 2 2026 at 1:24 PM

GRANITE CITY - Brayden Drew, a senior wrestler competing at the 165-pound weight class for Alton High,...

Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete Of Month: Grady Farrell Executes Perfect Shot to Win CM Basketball Game

December 23 2025 at 2:24 PM

BETHALTO - Civic Memorial head boys basketball coach Lee Green described Grady Farrell's half-court...

Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of Month: Edwardsville Girls Soccer Star Thea Dimitroff Signs With Missouri State

December 18 2025 at 12:45 PM

EDWARDSVILLE - Defender Thea Dimitroff signed recently to play soccer with Missouri State University...

Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of Month: Marquette Catholic's Davis Excels On Court and In Class

December 17 2025 at 10:16 AM

ALTON - Laila Davis, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements...

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union: Kallal’s Consistent Improvement Boosts Southwestern's Cross Country Season

December 16 2025 at 2:52 PM

PIASA — Southwestern High School freshman Chase Kallal concluded a notable cross country season...

Auto Butler Male Athlete Of Month: Alton's Stampley’s Decision Regarding South Dakota State University Based On More Than Basketball

December 16 2025 at 7:00 AM

ALTON – It’s been official since before the 2025-26 basketball season started, but Semaj...

BJ's Printables Female Athletes of the Month: Katie Albrecht and Dani Spann Lead Bowling Honors at MELHS

December 15 2025 at 4:19 PM

EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School’s girls bowling team earned recognition...

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At Riverbender.com, the spirit of competition and sportsmanship comes alive as we honor the exceptional achievements of individual athletes across 12 distinguished local high school teams. Our Athlete of the Month feature shines a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond on the field, displaying excellence, dedication, and a love for the game. From the relentless determination of the Edwardsville Tigers to the unwavering teamwork of the Alton Redbirds, we celebrate these athletes who inspire us all. Join us in recognizing the Athlete of the Month, a tribute to hard work, talent, and the vibrant sports community in our region. Explore profiles, interviews, highlights, and more, as we pay homage to the local heroes of our favorite sports.