NeveHarms For forty-one years, Bert Sanders has been promoting and volunteering at sporting and outdoor events in the Peoria area. An enthusiastic individual in the community, he has been foremost at the front in many aspects of area sporting events. Bert has actively been a hands-on person. Peoria Journal Star sports writer, Jack Ehresman said, "With the help of Bert, Don Wolland and the Isaac Walton Legion, they started what was called National Hunting and Fishing Days." This involved thirty-two outdoor clubs. Bert and Don served for 3 years (1971-1974) as co-chairmen of the event.
From 1965 to 1975 Bert was a shooting exhibitor in the field of archery. During that period, he was heavily involved as an instructor for teenagers at many area high schools. He also served as archery club secretary.
In 1984, he became race director for the Peoria Motorcycle Club of the TT Races. After 28 seasons, he still holds that position. This event has produced an unbelievable amount of revenue for the community. In 1993, Bert was awarded Dirt Track Promoter of the Year by the Motorcycle Association. Continuously tied to racing throughout the year, he has volunteered for obstacle races and poker runs. He's often called upon by others for his expertise when it comes to anything with events associated to the Peoria motorcycle track. He was on the committee which created the Grand National Weekend. Presently, he's in the process of expanding this to a 3-day event. For his contributions, Bert was named Grand Marshal of the event in 2005.
In 1994, he became a member of the Peoria Area Sports Commission. Since that time, he has been the most active volunteer for the organization. Bert has spent countless hours at March Madness, the state cross country meet, state girls softball and boys baseball tournaments, Steamboat Days and other sporting events sponsored by the Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 2005, he received the PCVB "Steve Kouri MVP Award" for promoting and volunteering at March Madness. His lifetime of service is greatly appreciated.
Tim Simpson Tim Simpson was a 3-sport athlete at East Peoria graduating in 1987. His wrestling career consisted of an overall 157-4 record. He won back to back medals (3rd & 4th) in the IHSA finals. In track, he threw the shot and disc twice leading his team in scoring. In football, he was a 3-year, 2-way starter for the Red Raiders achieving All Conference twice and All State his senior year.
He attended the University of Illinois to play football. There, while shattering the Illinois strength records, he went on to start a school record 48 consecutive games including four bowl games and a Big Ten Championship. Upon completion of his senior year he earned both 1st team All-Big Ten and 1st team All-American honors. He completed his college career by being selected to play in the Hula and East West Shrine games.
In 1992, Tim was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 12th round of the NFL draft, however he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1993 and 1994 seasons. During the 1996 season he was with with the London Monarchs of the World League (NFL Europe). He also played for the local Peoria Pirates where he participated on 2 championship teams. |