Coach Shawn Byers Resigns After 27 Years Leading Stillman Valley Softball
Stillman Valley High School announces that longtime head softball coach Shawn Byers has resigned after 27 years of leading the Cardinals.
The Stillman Valley softball program began during the 1996–97 school year. After the program’s first two seasons, Coach Byers took over and transformed Cardinal softball into a perennial contender and one of
Northern Illinois’ most respected programs.
During his remarkable tenure, Byers compiled a career record of 517–262 while leading the Cardinals to 11 Big
Northern Conference Championships, 10 IHSA Regional Championships, and two IHSA Sectional Championships.
Coach Byers’ connection to the diamond spans 52 years, beginning with his own time as a player. Before taking over the Stillman Valley softball program, he also spent nine years as the head baseball coach at Malta
High School. Baseball and softball have been lifelong passions, and his knowledge, commitment, and competitive spirit have influenced generations of student-athletes.
“Coach Byers leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by wins and championships alone,” said Stillman Valley High School Athletic/Activities Director Heather Alderks. “He built Stillman Valley softball into a program known and respected throughout Northern Illinois, but his greatest impact can be seen in the generations of student-athletes he coached, challenged, and prepared for life beyond the diamond. The
standard he established will remain a part of Cardinal softball for years to come.”
Coach Byers’ impact extends far beyond the field. He established a tradition of excellence built on hard work, consistency, and Cardinal pride. The relationships he formed with players, families, assistant coaches, and
community members will remain an important part of his lasting legacy.
Stillman Valley High School and Meridian CUSD #223 sincerely thank Coach Byers for his 27 years of dedication and service to Cardinal softball. We congratulate him on an extraordinary coaching career and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
Additional information regarding the future leadership of the Stillman Valley softball program will be shared at
a later date.
Varsity Football hosts Genoa-Kingston, and we have a full night of Cardinal recognition planned!
🚪 Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Pre-Game Youth Recognition
📣 6:15 p.m. — Lil Warrior & Jr. Tackle Cheer Recognition
🏈 6:20 p.m. — Flag Football Recognition
🏈 6:30 p.m. — Jr. Tackle Recognition + varsity tunnel
⏱️ 6:40 p.m. — Varsity warm-ups
🏈 7:00 p.m. — Kickoff
During the Game
📣 Little Cheer Camp performance — between the 1st & 2nd quarters
💃 SVHS Dance Team — halftime
👏 Special recognition of Mr. Jim Miller — halftime following Dance
🎟️ Admission
Adults — $5
Students/Seniors — $3
SVHS Students — FREE
📺 Livestream:
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/stillman-valley/organization/16027/stillman-valley-high-school
GAME DAY REMINDERS
• Football games are not a drop-off event. Students in 8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
• No outside play balls are permitted inside the stadium.
Come early — there’s a lot to celebrate Friday night!
#CardinalPRIDE
Stillman Valley High School is proud to announce the Athletic/Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2026!
This year’s class represents outstanding achievement, leadership, service, and championship history across generations of Cardinal athletics and activities.
Coach — Bobby Mellon
Since joining the SVHS girls basketball program in 2010, Coach Mellon has compiled a 252-105 varsity record, won 5 regional titles, 2 sectional titles, and a Big Northern Conference championship, and earned 5 IBCA District Coach of the Year honors.
Student-Athlete — Michelle Fager Rogers, Class of 1996
A three-sport Cardinal, Michelle competed in volleyball, basketball, and track, was part of two state-qualifying basketball teams, and also qualified for the IHSA State Track Meet in the hurdles.
Student-Athlete — Dan Godfread, Class of 1985
Dan’s basketball career took him from Stillman Valley to the University of Evansville, the NBA with Minnesota and Houston, and seven years of professional basketball in Europe.
Friends of Athletics — James & Russ Elliot
James and Russ have been longtime supporters of Cardinal athletics, regularly attending SVHS contests both home and away and consistently supporting generations of student-athletes.
Team — 2002–2003 Scholastic Bowl
The Cardinals finished 68-6 overall and 13-0 in conference play, captured their fourth straight conference and regional titles, second straight sectional title, and went on to win the IHSA Class A State Championship.
Team — 1989–1990 Chess
The Cardinals finished 8-0-1, went unbeaten at the IHSA State Finals, scored 957 points, and captured the first IHSA State Championship in any sport or activity in SVHS history.
The Class of 2026 will be introduced on Friday, September 25, following the
Homecoming Court and prior to the varsity football game, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
We look forward to celebrating this outstanding group and their lasting impact on Stillman Valley High School.
#CardinalPRIDE
Cardinal Football opens the season at home!
📅 Friday, August 21
🆚 Winnebago HS
🚪 Gates Open: 6:00 p.m.
🏈 Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Stillman Valley High School
📺 Watch LIVE on Hudl Fan:
https://fan.hudl.com/.../boys-varsity-football/watch...
GAME DAY REMINDERS
🔹 Students in 8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult — games are not a drop-off event.
🔹 No outside play balls are permitted inside the stadium.
Thank you for helping us keep Cardinal events safe and enjoyable for all spectators!
#CardinalPRIDE
Join us Friday, August 14, at the SVHS Track!
5:30 p.m. – Fall athlete introductions
Football and boys soccer intersquad scrimmages to follow
Come meet your SVHS fall athletes and grab your first pork chop of the year! ❤️🤍🖤
#GoCardinals
Please see the Day 1 practice schedule below. Athletes must be registered and have an updated physical on file before participating.
Let’s have a great fall season—Go Cardinals!
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: hhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1f5aseO3ZJw3U2Tv-pUJBWFIRL1RHwJ-d/view
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: hhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1vpLn9aNasJOiy6dRcyy1ln2wv4_3En37/view
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: hhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1QhTvqoJ4TLOHoiGiZVaGQ14ceySHyiTr/view
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: hhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1caEZp8NczSgudzXqcNds0Dczx-eXpQ0k/view
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: hhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1wR3keODe7sClc3V7a8fqtitYJrImUb7x/view
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: hhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1C_sV79BrI5Y61rN04ppGeXxJ1nxdJpVD/view
Nominations are NOW OPEN for the 2026 SVHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class!
Do you know a former athlete, coach, or contributor who exemplifies Cardinal excellence? We want to hear from you!
👉 Submit your nomination here:
https://forms.gle/PQMtAifCxZQkvs8t9
📌 Please include as much detail as possible. Incomplete nominations will not be accepted.
❓ Questions? Contact Athletic/Activities Director Henry Robison at hrobison@mail.meridian223.org
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/14aMgxoQvF4x-aanILreB9kHBxTWhBfQ2/view?usp=drive_link
This week, we celebrate and thank our incredible school counselors!
From academic guidance to social-emotional support, our counselors are champions for students every day—listening, advocating, and helping students navigate both challenges and opportunities.
Thank you for the heart, care, and dedication you bring to Meridian CUSD #223. We appreciate you! 👏✨
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m_TH1q1qLwDuBhnkKJNXPTNTXB2gjtZ2/view?usp=drive_link
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CxSlfIFTK-tp_CFt6N26t2eVVHbzFnoV/view?usp=drive_link
Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XXzJKyz8XunOWU18G4nwwArvdERiHNPC/view?usp=drive_link
📚✨ Meridian Jr. High Families — Our Scholastic Book Fair is OPEN! ✨📚
Literature classes are previewing the Fair and creating wish lists this week and early next — keep an eye out for your child’s list (a great gift idea!). Student in-person shopping: Friday, Dec. 5, and Monday–Thursday next week.
Book Fair Homepage Set up a Book Fair eWallet today so your child can shop cash-free and independently, and share the link with family and friends. Online orders over $35 ship free, and every purchase benefits our library.
Stop by the Cardinal Community Christmas this Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3–7 PM — we’ll be there! 🎄
Thank you for supporting the Meridian Jr. High Library.
