CHICAGO (07/28/2013)(readMedia)-- Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram, Director of the Army National Guard, visited various training areas in Illinois July 21 to 23 to connect with Illinois Army National Guard leaders and Soldiers.

The visit started with a tour of the General Richard L. Jones Armory in Chicago. Ingram toured the historic facility built in 1928 and home to more than 300 troops of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment and Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment. After the full tour of the facility Ingram met with Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr. of Buffalo Grove, Deputy Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and other Illinois National Guard officers.

Later, Ingram toured the North Riverside Armory, which houses eight units with more than 700 troops drilling at the armory. While at North Riverside, Ingram discussed budget and mission concerns with the field maintenance shop chiefs.

"We took General Ingram to the General Jones and the other locations so he could get a sense of the history with the Illinois Army National Guard, but also to show the challenges we face at our facilities," said Hayes.

The next day Ingram flew to Marseilles, Ill., where he toured the 2,551-acre Marseilles Training Center. Ingram had face-to-face talks with many Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who were on annual training and observed improvised explosive device defeat training.

"You really can't talk about something until you have eyes on it," said Ingram. "I am trying to get out to as many National Guard training sites as I can, and I really appreciate the visit here in Illinois."

After Marseilles Training Center Ingram headed to Chicago where he met with Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command and six Adjutants General from Midwest states to discuss the overall readiness of the National Guard.

Rounding out Ingram's trip to Illinois, he visited Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill., where he met with the 129th Regional Training Institute Soldiers and toured the Illinois State Military Museum.

"I really appreciate being able to see not only the historic General Jones Armory, but also to get to meet with leadership and Soldiers," said Ingram. "It is always gratifying to see Soldiers because that's who we are and what we do and looking someone in the eye really makes a difference."

Teoscar Hernandez hits leadoff home run and finishes a triple shy of the cycle for Quad Cities

BELOIT, Wis. (JULY 28, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez led off Sunday afternoon's game at Pohlman Field with a home run to start his team's five-run first inning, and left-hander Joe Bircher pitched a career-high seven shutout innings in a 9-1 victory over the Beloit Snappers.

After Beloit had 19 hits in Saturday's series opener, the River Bandits (19-15 second half, 57-46 overall) posted 15 hits, including a season-high eight doubles and nine extra-base hits. Hernandez and third baseman Rio Ruiz each had three hits. Hernandez finished a triple shy of the cycle, while Ruiz posted three RBIs for a second straight game and has five hits in the last two games.

Hernandez hit the second pitch of the game by right-hander Deyvi Jimenez (2-1) over the left-center field fence for his team-high ninth home run of the season. Shortstop Carlos Correa and right fielder Dan Gulbransen hit consecutive one-out singles, and first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ruiz lined a two-run double to right-center field, and designated hitter Terrell Joyce added a two-out, two-run double down the left-field line for a five-run frame - the team's largest opening inning of the season.

After Bircher (2-1) worked a perfect first inning, Hernandez hit a leadoff single in the second inning to record his third straight multi-hit game. Left fielder Jordan Scott extended his hitting streak to eight games with a double to left-center field, before Correa brought in a run with a sacrifice fly to right. Gulbransen added an RBI single through the middle for a 7-0 lead.

Bircher cruised through the Snappers lineup, facing his deepest trouble when he hit a batter and allowed a single to put runners at first and second in the second inning. An infield popup ended the threat, and Beloit (20-15, 63-42) did not advance a runner past first base for the rest of his outing. Bircher also set down the final seven Snappers he faced in order.

Quad Cities added a run in the fourth inning when Hernandez and Correa each doubled against Jimenez, who finished four innings, allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits. Right-hander Derek DeYoung shut out the River Bandits on two hits for four innings, but the visitors tallied a ninth-inning run on Ruiz's RBI single against left-hander Chris Lamb.

Left-hander Mitchell Lambson followed Bircher to start the eighth, allowing Beloit's run on a Nick Rickles ninth-inning RBI double.

Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, July 29. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Monday, July 29.

The River Bandits play their finale of a 12-road-game, 13-day stretch and the rubber match of the three-game series in Beloit at 7 p.m. Monday. River Bandits left-hander Colton Cain (4-5) will oppose Snappers right-hander Seth Streich (10-5).

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

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New Law Prompted by Chicago Hornets Hockey Player Will Let School Districts Excuse Athletes with Disabilities from Physical Education Classes

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Chicago Hornets hockey player Tyler Woodworth to sign a new law that will help public school student-athletes with disabilities. Woodworth is the young athlete who prompted the legislation that will help students participating in organized adaptive athletics programs around the state. The action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all people have equal opportunities and empower people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities who participate in adaptive sports should be given the same consideration as all other athletes," Governor Quinn said. "Now, young athletes like Tyler will be able to have more academic flexibility and focus more of their learning time on classes they need to prepare them for college and a career."

Senate Bill 2157, sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) and State Representative Emily McAsey (D-Lockport), allows school districts to excuse students from their required physical education classes if those students are involved in organized adaptive athletics programs. State law already allows the exemption for students who participate in interscholastic athletic programs, marching band, or certain other activities.

The legislation was prompted by Lockport Township High School student Tyler Woodworth, who had been unable to enroll in a computer design course because of his full schedule and his required participation in physical education classes. Now, as a member of the Chicago Hornets youth sled hockey team for youngsters with disabilities, he will no longer be required to take P.E. and can instead concentrate on courses that will advance his career upon graduation.

"This law promotes equality in our schools," Sen. Cunningham said. "We need to ensure all of our students have the same opportunities."

"This measure promotes physical activity while encouraging academic success," Rep. McAsey said. "The new law gives students with disabilities who regularly participate in physical activity greater flexibility in choosing their courses. It was a privilege to work with Tyler and help his idea become law."

The new law takes effect immediately.

Right-hander keeps home team hitless for 4 1/3 innings and works career-high seven innings

BURLINGTON, Iowa (JULY 26, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Vincent Velasquez retired the first 12 Burlington Bees on the way to a career-high seven shutout innings, and an eighth-inning infield single by second baseman Austin Elkins brought in the only run of a 1-0 Friday night victory at Community Field.

Velasquez (7-4) kept the Bees without a baserunner until designated hitter Michael Bolaski led off the fifth inning with a ground ball to third baseman Rio Ruiz, whose throw was dropped at first base by Bobby Borchering for an error. Two batters later, left fielder Exicardo Cayones had the Bees first hit with a single through the right side of the infield. Velasquez then induced an inning-ending double play. He went on to allow a sixth-inning single by Bees third baseman Sherman Johnson but finished with seven strikeouts, 11 groundouts and just one fly ball to the outfield.

Bees left-hander Ryan Crowley (8-5) matched Velasquez by shutting out the River Bandits (18-14 second half, 56-45 overall) for the first seven innings. In one stretch, he retired 11 consecutive batters - including five on strikeouts - from the second to sixth innings. He allowed lone singles in the first, second and sixth innings, and a pair of hits in the seventh, although one by Ruiz struck Borchering running from first base.

Crowley also struck out the first two batters in the eighth inning for his ninth and 10^th of the game. With two outs, River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez singled to right field and moved to second base on a wild pitch. Elkins then bounced a grounder behind second base and beat the throw to first base by second baseman Garrett Cannizaro, while Hernandez never stopped running around third base and scored the first run of the game. It was the final pitch for Crowley, who tossed 7 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits without a walk. Right-hander Kurt Spomer took over for the final out of the eighth inning. Spomer, left-hander Christopher O'Grady and right-hander Joseph Krehbiel each recorded an out in the ninth inning.

Right-hander Jordan Jankowski pitched a perfect eighth inning with two strikeouts for the River Bandits, but the Bees (13-20, 39-59) threatened to tie the game in the ninth inning against right-hander Juan Minaya. The only two walks of the game by any pitcher put runners at first and second base with one out. But Minaya fanned first baseman Wade Hinkle and - after a wild pitch moved the tying run to third base - Bolaski to put away the victory for his fourth save.

Friday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Saturday, July 27. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Saturday, July 27. The River Bandits, in third place in the Midwest League Western Division, open a three-game series against the second-place Beloit Snappers at 7:00 p.m. Saturday in Beloit. River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski (0-2) will oppose Snappers right-hander Andres Avila (4-1).

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

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