The West Central Illinois All Star Classic is joining in the community effort to assist a local coach battling lung cancer.
WLDS/WEAI General Manager Gary Scott announced the head coaches for the 37th annual event during “Sports Line” on Saturday.
Scott says Tyler Crum of Rushville-Industry will represent the North Team and the South Team will be led by Turner Junior High coach Bill Pool.
Scott says Pool, who was selected years ago as a varsity coach, will become the first junior high coach of an All-Star Classic team.
“When Jerry Symons and Don Hamilton started this All Star Game, they were picking past coaches. Then they starting picking coaches within the system and that is the way it has been until now. It is sort of a community effort and a way the coaches can come together and rally around Bill Pool a little further.”
Pool was selected for the All-Star Classic in 2011 when he coached for Waverly High School and says it was an amazing experience.
“When you competing against (the kids) you have an impression of them. Then when they come in and you coach them you get a different side of them. It is a fun side, because it is a fun game and a feel good game. After that you get to know them a little better.”
Scott says a portion of the game’s proceeds will go towards Bill Pool’s medical expenses.
Last year’s game generated $3,000 worth of donations for Camp Care A Lot, Camp Courage and the Morgan County MADD Chapter.
The All Star Classic is scheduled for March 25th at the Jacksonville High School Bowl.