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‘Ready To Go’ — Confident Lilly King Eyes Olympic Opportunity

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Submitted By IU Athletic Department

Confident?

No doubt.

Cocky?

It depends on perspective.

Lilly King has no time to debate semantics. The former Indiana swimming national titleholder has more Olympic races to win, more gold medals to earn, and a record-breaking reputation to enhance.

It won’t happen without fierce resolve and competitiveness.

Oh, and a strong dose of talent.

If you believe Hoosier coach Ray Looze, who is a Team USA assistant swim coach for the second time, King is poised to do just that when the Tokyo Games start on July 23. She qualified for the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststrokes, plus potentially a couple of relays.

Looze says the 24-year-old King is in the best shape of her life, impressive given her accomplishments.

She isn’t about to argue.

“That is definitely reassuring,” King says via a recent Zoom press conference opportunity. “I am ready to go. I feel much more experienced at this point.”

Experience comes from a breakthrough 2016 Olympics in Rio. She won gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and the women’s 400-meter medley relay with a refreshingly outspoken approach that generated international attention.

“Going into 2016, I was like a deer in the headlights,” she says. “I had no idea what was going on. I am feeling a lot more at ease, but also prepared.”

Preparation comes despite pandemic conditions. Challenges peaked last spring and summer when facilities closed all over the country.

“It was crazy,” King says. “Pools shut down here. We were driving to Indianapolis to swim in a one-lane pool for a couple of months. We were swimming in a pond. I did not like that. Then we found a pool in Martinsville we were training at.

“We got back (to Indiana) on July 4. Training started to resemble normal around the end of August. It was a long summer.”

The 200 breaststroke field includes King’s training partner Annie Lazor. They will help each other, King says, even as they try to beat each other.

“It is comforting having someone from home next to you,” she says. “It’s not just in that comfort of her being there, but Annie and I can strategize races together.

“It’s fun. I have never been in a major international competition with a teammate in my event. It is very special, and I am going to live in the moment. I am very excited to race.”

As for the competitiveness between the two, King says, “I like to think of it that we do want to beat the crap out of each other, but we don’t want anyone else to beat either of us.

To put it in another way, “We want to be 1-2,” King says, “we just want to be the 1 and not the 2.”

Ask her about the pressure surrounding last month’s U.S. Olympic Trials and you get the truth, not spin.

“The Trials are great,” she says. “You go in to make the team. Most people, you have to be all in at the Trials. For me, that’s not necessarily the case.

“My focus has always been the Olympics. It was like, ‘Let’s get through Trials and get the job done.’ The real show will be at the Olympics. That’s where my focus is.”

In 2016, King didn’t make the Olympic 200 breaststroke finals. It burned her then. It burns her now.

“I’m ready to go. I want to prove myself in the 200. Five years ago, I watched the final from the stands. That won’t happen this time. I’m excited to have the race I know I can have.”

If this excitement comes a year late because of the pandemic, King doesn’t care.

“It all worked out fine,” she says. “We’re all still going to the Olympics, so it’s all good.”

The “we” consists of eight current or former Hoosiers who qualified for the Olympics. It’s 12 when adding IU swimmers competing for their native countries.

Specifically, it’s King, Lazor, and fellow swimmers Blake Pieroni, Michael Brinegar and Zach Apple, plus divers Andrew Capobianco Jessica Parratto, and Mike Hixon.

Hoosiers competing for other nations are Tomer Frankel (Israel), Bailey Andison (Canada), Vini Lanza (Brazil), and Marwan Elkamash (Egypt).

Besides Looze, IU diving coach Drew Johansen is the Olympic diving head coach for the third time.

In the Olympics of 2012 in London and 2016 in Rio, Johansen divers won a combined one gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.

“It’s just a tremendous honor,” Johansen says. “To be a head coach of an Olympic team once, I thought was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here it is, the third time. You get named the head coach based on the performance of your athletes. So, it’s (Parratto and Capobianco) and their performances that gave me this honor.

“It’s a tremendous gift. The experience I bring to this team is only going to continue to help us have great performances.”

As for Looze, who was a big reason why King won her 2016 gold medals, he says, “I’m humbled and grateful that we have really good coaches here and awesome swimmers. That’s what makes it possible.”

Possibility brings responsibility.

“I don’t have any satisfaction yet,” Looze says, “because we still have the big one to go. That’s Tokyo.

“We’re going to be judged by what we do at the Games.”

Adds Johansen: “They are poised to challenge anybody in the world.”

King couldn’t agree more.

“I’m looking forward to some fast racing.”

TROPICANA-EVANSVILLE IS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF DOWNTOWN FIREWORKS SHOW

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Tropicana-Evansville is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Evansville’s largest public fireworks celebration, Fireworks on Ohio, returning on July 4, 2021. This signature summertime event will take place on the stretch of the Ohio River parallel to Riverside Drive in downtown Evansville.

Spectators can arrive in the area as soon as 6:00 p.m. on July 4, where food trucks and other activities will be available on Riverside Drive, from Court Street to Cherry Street.

The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The event is free to the public.

For over 25 years, Tropicana Evansville has been a regional entertainment destination on Evansville’s downtown riverfront. Tropicana’s casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for guests 21 years of age and older.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS

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Student Journalists For The Student Run Radio Station Earn Awards From Indiana SPJ

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Three University of Southern Indiana students were recognized for their reporting and broadcasting skills for 95.7 The Spin, USI’s student-run radio station, by the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists in the 2020 Best in Indiana Contest.

Cole Carter, a news and sports team member for The Spin from Carmi, Illinois, was awarded 1st Place in the Student Radio Sports Reporting category for his report on basketball attendance and the new Screaming Eagles Arena.

Nathaniel Barbee, of Wayne City, Illinois, was awarded 1st Place in the Student Radio News Reporting category for his report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted student tours at USI. Marina Current, News Director for The Spin from Oakland City, Indiana, received 3rd Place in the same category for her story on the overall impact COVID-19 has had on the University.

The 2020 Best in Indiana Journalism Awards are given annually by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists. This year’s award ceremony was held virtually due to the pandemic and can be viewed at www.indyprospj.org/awards.

For more information about 95.7 The Spin, visit their website at www.957thespin.com.

Stephens Named Academic All-District IV​​​​​​​

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University of Southern Indiana senior infielder Kobe Stephens (Dale, Indiana) was named Academic All-District IV by the College Sports Information Directors of America. The award is the first for Stephens.

To be eligible for the CoSIDA Academic All-District, the student athlete must be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials and at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale). They must have reached a sophomore athletic and academic standing at the institution and must have completed at least one full academic year at the institution.

Stephens, a sport management major and earned Academic All-GLVC honors, batted a career-best .358 in 42 games and 39 starts at shortstop and second base. He also posted a career-high 36 runs scored, 27 RBIs, and seven doubles.

The senior also recorded a career-high four hits against Lindenwood University and Quincy University, while driving in a career-best four RBIs at McKendree University. He had a team-best .500 batting average and five RBIs in the GLVC Tournament.

Stephens finished his career as a .283 hitter with 69 runs scored, and 56 RBIs in two seasons.

ELLIS PARK TO CELEBRATE MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS THIS WEEKEND

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ELLIS PARK TO CELEBRATE MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS THIS WEEKEND

HENDERSON, KY (Thursday, July 1, 2021) — Starting today and extending through Sunday, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming will host a Military and First Responder Appreciation Weekend to celebrate those who serve our community and country. The weekend will be filled with live racing and live music as well as other fun activities and giveaways.

Ellis Park will be working in conjunction with Mission BBQ — an Evansville-based restaurant — on a giveaway for all current and former military personnel as well as first responders. The bucket giveaway will include a $20 gift certificate to Mission BBQ, a refillable sauce bottle, a coupon for a free sandwich, and a random assortment of refreshments. Those wishing to participate in the giveaway need only show a valid military or first responder ID. There will be a table set up at Ellis Park on July 1st and July 2nd from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Clubhouse on the gaming floor. Winners will be selected on both days.

On Saturday, July 3rd between races, Ellis Park and Farm Boy meats will host a hot dog eating contest. Those who wish to participate can sign up on Ellis Park’s Facebook post announcing the contest. Only 10 spots are available and they will be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis. The contest is tentatively scheduled for 3 p.m.

Also on Saturday after the day’s racing is complete, Ellis Park will host live music presented by The Duke Boys — who will be making a stop at our facilities during their reunion tour. The concert, which will be held near the Ellis Park Beer Garden, is set to start at 7 p.m. after the final race of the day. Admission is free.

“We have a lot of exciting things going on at Ellis Park this weekend,” said General Manager Jeff Inman. “Come for the racing and stay for the entertainment!”

The 99th season of world-class horse racing continues at Ellis Park through September 4th. The track is open daily for Historical Horse Racing gaming and simulcasting.

For more information regarding the racing schedule and upcoming events, please visit www.ellisparkracing.com.

 

 

 

FSSA Secretary Dr. Jennifer Sullivan Stepping Down

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Dr. Dan Rusyniak Named New Secretary

After more than six years of state service as the secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and as the deputy state health commissioner, Dr. Jennifer Sullivan has notified Gov. Eric J. Holcomb that she is stepping away from her position for a new role in North Carolina. To ensure a smooth transition, Gov. Holcomb today named Dr. Dan Rusyniak, FSSA’s chief medical officer, as the new secretary, effective Aug. 1.

“Jennifer Sullivan has dedicated herself to improving the social and human needs Hoosiers are faced with every day,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Secretary Sullivan tackled some of the most complex issues our state has ever dealt with and found new innovative ways to deliver improved results. She created a purpose-driven work culture that empowers staff, collaborates with experts while leading with courage and creativity. I’ll never be able to say thank you enough for all she has done for health care and social services in Indiana, but I’ll never stop trying.  I wish her and her family all the best in this next chapter in their lives.”

Dr. Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H., was appointed FSSA secretary by Gov. Holcomb in January 2017 and has the longest tenure of any secretary in the agency’s 30-year history. Under her leadership, the agency achieved a number of high-profile accomplishments:

  • Securing a first-ever 10-year extension of the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) to continue uninterrupted health coverage for more than 572,000 low-income adults;
  • Integrating Indiana 211 to better connect Hoosiers with local, state, and federal resources;
  • Expanding On My Way Pre-K statewide;
  • Implementing SNAP delivery and uninterrupted emergency food benefits for children during the COVID pandemic;
  • Achieving the lowest infant mortality rate in state history through collaborative programs such as My Healthy Baby OB Navigator;
  • Creating the only comprehensive human services state/academic partnership in the country.

During Dr. Sullivan’s time as the deputy state health commissioner, the Indiana Department of Health accomplished a number of achievements:

  • Implemented the first needle exchange program in state history;
  • Led the Scott County HIV response as the medical incident command;
  • Directed the implementation of a statewide bystander naloxone program.

“I am most grateful for the way in which the Holcomb administration has fostered innovation, autonomy and accountability,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I have had every resource needed to make changes based on the priority pillars laid out each year. My voice has been heard and I have grown as a leader, a policy expert and a citizen of this great state.”

Dr. Sullivan has accepted a role at Atrium Health as senior vice president of strategic operations where she will develop and execute a strategy to integrate clinical service lines across health systems and states.

Dr. Rusyniak was critical in leading the statewide COVID-19 long-term care response and is the point person for the state’s efforts to reform Indiana’s long-term care systems.

“Dr. Rusyniak showed his true character and leadership skills on a statewide stage during the pandemic,” Gov. Holcomb said. “He was consistent under pressure and always based his decisions on the overall health and well-being of Hoosiers. “Dr. Dan” will seamlessly step into this new role and continue to serve some of our most vulnerable with that same compassion and a steady hand.”

Going beyond his dedication to improving public health care and social services, Dr. Rusyniak continues to practice medicine one day a week at Eskenazi Hospital, which Dr. Sullivan has done throughout her term at Riley Hospital for Children.

Prior to his role at FSSA, Rusyniak was the medical director at the Indiana Poison Control Center and the division chief of medical toxicology. He previously held several positions at IU School of Medicine including vice-chair of faculty affairs in the Department of Emergency Management.

“I am honored by this opportunity and committed to continuing the work of assuring that Hoosiers get the medical and social services they need to reach their greatest emotional, mental and physical well-being,” Dr. Rusyniak said. “I appreciate Gov. Holcomb’s confidence in me and I’m excited to build on the important work started under Secretary Sullivan.”

Dr. Rusyniak earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency and a toxicology fellowship at IU School of Medicine.

Jacob’s Village Benefit Game Rescheduled for July 8

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Following the change in schedule and postponement of Wednesday’s Evansville Otters game to a doubleheader on Thursday, tonight’s Jacob’s Village Benefit game night has been moved to Thursday, July 8 at Bosse Field.

The Otters’ doubleheader is still on for tonight, starting at 4:05 p.m. from Bosse Field.

All Jacob’s Village Benefit Game tickets issued for July 1 will be honored one week from today on Thursday, July 8.

The benefit game will still include a night packed with Otters baseball, postgame fireworks, free popcorn by Wolk Financial, half-pot raffle, Thirsty Thursday beer night, live DJ music, door prizes and more!  Please come out and support people with disabilities on Thursday, July 8.

 

“We are looking forward to next week where our Jacob’s Village benefit game will go forward on Thursday, July 8.  All tickets issued for July 1 will be honored on Thursday, July 8.  Come join the fun and help us pack the stadium in support of people with disabilities,” Jacob’s Village Executive Director Michele Current said.

Tonight’s Otters doubleheader at Bosse Field will still feature Thirsty Thursday discounts on domestic drafts and cans.

USI’s Goodin snares Academic All-District honors

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University of Southern Indiana Softball sophomore Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) has been named Academic All-District IV by the College Sports Information Directors of America as a designated player following a vote by the Division II SIDs in the Midwest Region.

Goodin, a health services major with a pre-health administration concentration at USI, has compiled a 3.605 grade point average during her first two years at USI.

On the field, she played through injury to hit .333 with 10 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 20 RBI. She tied for 10th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in doubles and was 19th in the league in slugging percentage (.553).

In the circle, Goodin appeared in 21 games, making 17 starts, and posted an 8-8 record with a 2.58 ERA, .228 opponent batting average and team-high 83 strikeouts in 108.1 innings of work. She finished eighth in the GLVC in opponent batting average and tied for 14th in the league in ERA.

Goodin is a graduate of Evansville’s Mater Dei High School and is a two-time Academic All-GLVC honoree. She advances to the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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