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The Herrin Independent - Swinford Media Group, Marion, IL (2025)

09/05/2025

PICK UP A COPY TODAY! Check out this week’s top stories in your hometown’s weekly news from Swinford Publications! 📰✨

The Marion Star: Swinford Media Group office (box), Post Office, Small's Meat Market, KB’s BBQ, Hucks (E. DeYoung St.), City Hall (box), Carnegie Library, Hucks (Court St.), Walt's Pizza & Restaurant, CVS, McDonald’s (Court St.), Hardee’s (box), Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, Kroger, Walmart, Hucks (W. DeYoung St.), McDonald’s (W. DeYoung St.), Hucks (Halfway Rd.), Motomart

The Herrin Independent: Swinford Media Group office (inside), Energy Village Hall, Polar Whip, Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens, Chuck’s BBQ, Farm Fresh, Burger Nook, Louie’s P&R, Library, First Southern Bank, Bank of Herrin, American Legion, City Hall, VFW, Williamson Co. Programs on Aging

The Courier: Farm Fresh, Steve and Rich's Barber Styling, City Hall, Post Office (box), Country Cupboard (box), First Southern Bank, McDonald’s

09/04/2025

𝐆𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫

In Episode 53 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with Marion High School baseball coach Kyle Geiger. From his days as a multi-sport standout at Center Grove High School in Indiana, to being drafted by the Minnesota Twins and playing five seasons in professional baseball, to now leading one of Southern Illinois’ premier programs, Geiger’s story is defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a lifelong love for the game.
At Rend Lake College, he became an all-conference and all-region catcher, earning team MVP honors and catching the eye of the Twins’ scouts. His pro career included an All-Star selection with the Fort Myers Miracle and a Catcher of the Year award in the Can-Am League with the Ottawa Rapids. After hanging up the gear, Geiger turned to coaching—first at Du Quoin, where he guided the Indians to conference and regional titles and was named SCCA Coach of the Year, and now at Marion, where in just two seasons he has delivered multiple 20-win campaigns, South Seven Conference championships, and back-to-back SCCA Coach of the Year honors.
In this episode, Coach Geiger reflects on his journey from the grind of minor league baseball to building championship culture in Southern Illinois. He shares stories of resilience, leadership, and what it means to earn the trust of a team and community. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the region’s rising coaching voices.

Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/_-rp701lNuE
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachesatcrownbrew
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaches-at-crown-brew-getting-coffee/id1709412544
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6ea26f0-09d9-4998-976a-1edd9d053da4

Click the links above to listen or watch now, and be sure to subscribe for more amazing episodes to come!

09/04/2025

LATER THIS MORNING AT NOON—Episode 53 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee spotlights Marion Wildcat baseball coach Kyle Geiger, a former pro catcher whose path from Indiana multi-sport standout to the Minnesota Twins organization to championship high school coach is a masterclass in grit and growth.
Geiger grew up in Greenwood, Indiana, where he was a three-year starting quarterback and an all-state catcher at Center Grove before starring at Rend Lake College. Drafted by the Twins in 2002 and signed in 2004, he spent five seasons in their system—reaching Double-A, earning an All-Star nod—and later captured Catcher of the Year honors in the Can-Am League.
When the playing chapter closed, the coaching one took off. Geiger helped turn Du Quoin into a perennial contender, collecting conference and regional titles and SCCA Coach of the Year recognition. In 2023 he took the helm at Marion, where he’s stacked 20-win seasons, South Seven crowns, and back-to-back SCCA Coach of the Year awards while building a culture centered on fundamentals, trust, and relentless preparation.
In this episode, Geiger traces the lessons from the minors to the Marion dugout—leadership, resilience, and how a catcher’s view of the field shapes a program. Tune in today at noon on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

08/29/2025

Saluki basketball Hall of Famer, Jamaal Tatum and Athletics Against Substance Abuse (AASA) is proud to announce Reunion at the Rim, a powerful evening of connection, inspiration, and purpose; bringing together Saluki basketball legends (the 2002 and 2007 Sweet 16 teams), community advocates, and youth mentors to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention through athletics.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 5:15–8:00 PM at the Giant City Lodge Banquet Room in Makanda, Illinois.

Highlights of the evening will include:

• Keynote Speaker: Chris Carr, former NBA player and SIU standout

• Panel Discussion moderated by Mike Reis with Coach Rodney Watson

• An exclusive art auction featuring original works by Jamaal Tatum

• Dinner, networking, and signed memorabilia from the legendary Sweet 16 Saluki teams

Only 80 seats are available for this intimate, purpose-driven gathering. Proceeds support Athletics Against Substance Abuse, a nonprofit committed to using sports as a platform to educate, uplift, and empower youth to live drug-free lives.

“This event is more than a reunion, it’s a recommitment to the next generation,” says Tatum, founder of AASA and former SIU All-American. “We’re using the power of sports to spark real change.”

For more information, interviews, or media inquiries, contact: [email protected] and visit their website www.aasaofficial.org.

08/28/2025

𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬 & 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐨𝐧

In Episode 52 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with one of Midwest’s most respected college basketball coaches—Rodney Watson. From his small-town roots in Paris, Illinois, to more than two decades on the SIU sidelines under Rich Herrin, Bruce Weber, Matt Painter, and Chris Lowery, Watson helped guide the Salukis to 11 Missouri Valley Conference titles, nine NCAA Tournament bids, and a run that turned Carbondale into one of the nation’s toughest places to play.
In 2009, Watson took over at the University of Southern Indiana, where he became the winningest and longest-tenured coach in program history. Over 11 seasons, he led the Screaming Eagles to nine 20-win campaigns, multiple NCAA Division II Tournament appearances—including a Final Four run—and built a culture of toughness, accountability, and family.
In this episode, Coach Watson reflects on his coaching journey, from learning under legends to carving out his own legacy. He shares the lessons of resilience that carried him from farm life to the national stage, the mentors who shaped his philosophy, and the values of loyalty, faith, and community that have guided his career.
Don’t miss this conversation with a coaching legend whose impact has stretched from high school gyms to NCAA arenas—and whose story continues to inspire.

Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/RTRhEdyEc28
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachesatcrownbrew
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaches-at-crown-brew-getting-coffee/id1709412544
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6ea26f0-09d9-4998-976a-1edd9d053da4

Click the links above to listen or watch now, and be sure to subscribe for more amazing episodes to come!

08/27/2025

Episode 52 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee drops tomorrow—featuring Southern Illinois coaching legend Rodney Watson. He helped put Saluki Basketball on the national stage, spending more than two decades on the SIU sidelines under Rich Herrin, Bruce Weber, Matt Painter, and Chris Lowry. During that run, the Salukis captured 11 Missouri Valley Conference titles, made nine NCAA Tournament trips, and turned Carbondale into one of the toughest places to play in the country.
In 2009, Watson took over at the University of Southern Indiana, where he became the winningest coach in program history. Over 11 seasons, he guided the Screaming Eagles to nine 20-win campaigns, multiple NCAA Division II Tournament runs—including a Final Four appearance—and built a culture of toughness, accountability, and family. Known for his steady leadership and relentless commitment to his players, Watson’s story is one of small-town values meeting big-time success.
In this episode, Coach Watson reflects on his coaching journey, the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons he carried from the farm fields of Paris, Illinois, to the national spotlight. He opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the wisdom that comes from a lifetime in the game.
Catch the full episode tomorrow at noon on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube. And if you missed last week’s conversation with Southern Illinois media legend Mark Kiesling, it’s streaming now at linktr.ee/coachesatcrownbrewpod.

08/24/2025

🚨 Saluki Nation — mark your calendars! 🚨

On Saturday, Sept. 6, SIU Hall of Famer Jamaal Tatum and Athletics Against Substance Abuse (AASA) present Reunion at the Rim at Giant City Lodge. This evening brings together the 2002 & 2007 Sweet 16 Saluki teams, community leaders, and youth advocates to use the power of sports for change. Highlights include a keynote address from Chris Carr, a former NBA player and SIU star; a panel discussion with Coach Rodney Watson moderated by Mike Reis; an exclusive art auction featuring original works by Jamaal Tatum; and dinner, networking, and signed memorabilia from Saluki legends. Special guests will include Saluki favorites like Tony Young, Randal Falker, Matt Shaw, Darren Brooks, Jermaine Dearman, and many more! Tickets are on sale now and support AASA’s mission to inspire youth to live drug-free lives. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime reunion! For more information, go to aasaofficial.org.

08/22/2025

Join us live tonight on The Marion Star page! Our Wildcat Gameday crew will be on air at 6:00 PM with a full preview of the Marion football season, highlighted by the Week 0 scrimmage vs. Harrisburg. Don’t miss the breakdown, analysis, and first look at your 2025 Wildcats under the lights!

08/22/2025

“𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐩” 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟒𝟖 - 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝!

In this, the 48th episode of “Squared Up,” we celebrate the matrimonial union of two of our hosts (no, not Bill and Tom). Get a look at some early images from wedding weekend and join the celebration as Bill and Monica recount the experience and Tom gives his critical review. We also meet Monica’s son Seth before he heads off to Oregon State University to study Nuclear Engineering! Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew” or “Hometown Heat", or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/9J_S-GSdahc
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/squareduppodcast
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/squared-up/id1745972207
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/431d324a-aa79-41ce-b193-2a89e0e6a0df

08/21/2025

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

In Episode 51 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with one of Southern Illinois’ most recognizable voices—retired broadcaster Mark Kiesling. From his start at WSIL in 1981, to 16 years as sports director, to two decades as a trusted news anchor, Kiesling built a career defined by professionalism, respect, and storytelling.
As a host of Sports Extra, he turned Friday nights into a regional tradition, spotlighting athletes, coaches, and communities in a way that became Southern Illinois’ own version of SportsCenter. After shifting from sports to news, he guided viewers through some of the region’s biggest stories over four decades, earning multiple broadcasting awards along the way. Kiesling also served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, investing in coaches and young people across Southern Illinois, before returning to the anchor desk and later stepping into retirement.
Now, he’s entering a new chapter—this fall, Kiesling is launching Illinois Backroads, a WSIU series that celebrates the people and places of our state. In this episode, he reflects on his journey from small-town Missouri kid to one of Southern Illinois’ most trusted media figures. He shares stories of building Sports Extra, the lessons learned in both sports and newsrooms, and the values of faith, respect, and connection that have guided his path.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode with a Southern Illinois legend whose career has touched generations of athletes, coaches, and viewers.

Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/Ws1Px_MSrik
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachesatcrownbrew
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaches-at-crown-brew-getting-coffee/id1709412544
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6ea26f0-09d9-4998-976a-1edd9d053da4

Click the links above to listen or watch now, and be sure to subscribe for more amazing episodes to come!

The Herrin Independent - Swinford Media Group

09/05/2025

09/04/2025

09/04/2025

08/29/2025

08/28/2025

08/27/2025

08/24/2025

08/22/2025

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08/21/2025

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