News Summary

Bartonville is abuzz with excitement as Cory Bielema is set to become the new head football coach for the Limestone Rockets. This decision, pending school board approval, marks a new chapter for the team after a challenging season. Bielema, previously a successful coach at Morrison, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the role. With the team looking to improve on a dismal 0-9 record last season, the community is optimistic for a turnaround under Bielema’s leadership.

Bartonville Excited to Welcome Cory Bielema as New Head Football Coach at Limestone

In what has become the talk of the town, Bartonville is buzzing with anticipation as Cory Bielema is poised to take the helm as the new head football coach for the Limestone Rockets. This exciting decision is slated to be confirmed following Tuesday’s meeting of the District 310 school board, where Bielema’s name appears under the “action items” for employment approval. If all goes according to plan, he will soon don the coach’s cap in his new role.

A Change in Leadership

With a journey that stretches back to the year 2000, Bielema will be stepping in as the sixth head coach for the Limestone football program. He takes over from Jeff Schmider, who stepped down in December after an eventful three seasons leading the team. It’s certainly a fresh start for the Rockets, who are eager for a turnaround in their fortunes.

The Legacy of Cory Bielema

Let’s dive into who Cory Bielema is! A proud graduate of Sterling High School in 1990, he made quite a name for himself during his coaching tenure at Morrison from 2008 to 2017. Under his leadership, the Morrison team not only reached the playoffs five times, but they also clinched the prestigious Class 2A state championships in both 2009 and 2011. What a remarkable accomplishment!

Bielema wraps up his time at Morrison with an impressive overall coaching record of 64 wins and 42 losses, yielding a winning percentage of .604 over a decade. After hanging up his coaching whistle, he transitioned into principal roles at both elementary and high schools in Morrison, showcasing his versatility and commitment to education.

A New Dawn for Limestone Football

Now, the spotlight shifts to Limestone, a community nestled in Bartonville, which is part of the Mid-Illini Conference. Last season was particularly tough for the Limestone Rockets, who finished with a disheartening 0-9 record. Over the last five seasons, the team has only managed to secure two wins, creating a sense of urgency for new beginnings and strong leadership from their incoming coach.

What Lies Ahead

The Limestone Rockets are gearing up to kick off the 2025 season against Mount Zion on August 29 at 7:30 p.m. This will be a crucial moment for the team—especially with standout four-star tight end JC Anderson in the mix. Fans and players alike are hopeful that Bielema’s extensive experience and proven track record will turn the tides for the team.

Community Enthusiasm

As the news about Bielema potentially taking over as head coach spreads, enthusiasm is palpable among local supporters. Many are looking forward to seeing optimistic changes both on and off the field as he brings his significant expertise and passion for football back into the spotlight.

For everyone in Bartonville, the excitement is mounting. Hopefully, with Cory Bielema at the helm, the Limestone Rockets will not only bring home a few victories but also foster a sense of teamwork and community pride that resonates throughout the school and beyond.

Stay tuned as the school board meeting approaches; this could very well be the start of a thrilling chapter in Limestone’s football history!

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