Official signing event took place Tuesday January 23 at Chester High School’s James F. Sharp Cafeteria
By Jim Beers
CHESTER, Ill. — Chester High School senior, Jordan Buskohl, has decided to continue her volleyball career next year when she begins her collegiate journey at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois.
The billboard at Chester High School announces the signing event for Jordan Buskohl. Jim Beers Photo
Jordan is the daughter of Jason Bart Buskohl and Dr. Jodi Beth Buskohl who joined her at the official signing event held Tuesday January 23 at the James F. Sharp Cafeteria at Chester High School. Her sister, Jenna Brianne Buskohl, a freshman at CHS also joined her along with maternal grandparents, Larry and Cindy Eggemeyer.
The signing event began at 4:30 p.m. with CHS Athletic Director, Jenny Cartwright serving as Master of Ceremonies. Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle, Assistant Principal, Robin Barton, and Math Teacher/ Technology Advisor, Dwight Lochhead, were also there to demonstrate support for Miss Buskohl.
In addition to immediate family, there were numerous other friends, classmates, and fellow Lady Jacket Volleyball players on hand to celebrate with Jordan on her special day.
Chester High School senior Jordan Buskohl (center) signs her letter of intent to play volleyball next year as a freshman at Lewis and Clark Community College. With her are her Father, Jason Bart Buskohl (left) and her Mother, Dr. Jodi Beth Buskohl (right) at the signing event at Chester High School’s James F. Sharp Cafeteria Tuesday January 23, 2024. Jim Beers Photo
Two of her Lady Jacket Volleyball coaches stood by her side at her signing including Head Coach Colleen Runge and Assistant Coach, Alyssa Keith. Volunteer Assistant Coach, Reese Chandler was unable to attend, but sent her congratulations and praises.
Jordan Buskohl (middle) at her signing event to play volleyball at Lewis and Clark Community College with members of her support group from the Carrie Eggemeyer family with Isaiah, Gianna, and Aleah Eggemeyer. Jim Beers Photo
Most importantly, her future Head Coach at Lewis and Clark, Jim Hunstein, made the nearly two-hour trip to CHS to attend the event and gave a warm welcome to one of his newest recruits, Jordan Buskohl.
Jordan Buskohl poses for a photo at her Collegiate Signing Day Ceremony at Chester High School with her CHS Lady Jacket Coaches Alyssa Keith, Assistant Coach and Colleen Runge, Head Coach, and future Lewis and Clark Coach, Jim Hunstein. With Jordan at the table are Father, Jason Buskohl and Mother Jodi Buskohl. Jim Beers Photo
Hunstein noted that he is both excited and looking forward to having Buskohl on his Lewis and Clark Volleyball Team. He also stated that the drive is only approximately one hour and forty minutes from Chester so he is hopeful that many of Jordan’s friends and family will be able and willing to travel to Godfrey for home volleyball games.
Lewis and Clark Community College is a 2-year higher education college with multiple campuses; a river research center; and community education and training center located throughout the 220,000 plus college district.
Jordan Buskohl, CHS senior volleyball player, signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career next year at Lewis and Clark CC. Pictured here with her at the event was good friend, and fellow Chester High School Class of 2024 classmate, Katelin Conway. Jim Beers Photo
The mission of Lewis and Clark College is, “To empower people by raising aspirations and fostering achievement through dynamic, compassionate, and responsible learning experiences.”
The college offers 30 Short-Term Degree and Certificate Programs and 44 Transfer or Bachelor’s Degree-Track Programs. The school mascot is “Blazer the NewFie”, which was founded in 2018 and “NewFie” relates to the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the explorers, Lewis and Clark on their Corps of Discovery.
Chester High School Administrators and Staff were on hand to support CHS Volleyball player Jordan Buskohl Tuesday January 23rd when she signed her letter of intent to play volleyball next year as a freshman at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois. Sitting with Buskohl at the signing table are Assistant Principal, Robin Barton, Buskohl (middle), and CHS Athletic Director, Jenny Cartwright. Standing left is Dwight Lochhead, Math Teacher and Technology Advisor and standing right is Jeremy Blechle, CHS Principal. Jim Beers
The sports teams are named, “The Trailblazers” and they compete at the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) level. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Trailblazers have one local volleyball player, Jenna Hood, from Steeleville on their roster. Hood will be a sophomore nest year when Buskohl is a freshman.
Some of the teams on the 2023 Trailblazer schedule included, Shawnee CC, Southeastern Illinois College, Frontier CC, Metropolitan CC, Kaskaskia College, Parkland College, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), St. Louis CC, Lincoln Land CC, Missouri Baptist JV, John Wood CC, Mineral Area College, Illinois College JV, Heartland College JV, Spoon River CC, Rend Lake College, Millikin JV, and Principia College.
Several teammates of Jordan Buskohl joined her at the signing table Tuesday January 23rd when she signed a letter of intent to play volleyball next year at Lewis and Clark Community College. Buskohl plans to become an Occupational Therapist after completing her college education, and will continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level while she studies. Jim Beers Photo
Jordan’s Mother, Dr. Jodie Buskohl said, “Volleyball is near and dear to our hearts and has been since Jordan was in the 4th grade. She’s come a long way since her early volleyball days at St. John Lutheran School. Her determination to excel in both academics and volleyball is admirable and we couldn’t be more proud.”
“Special thanks to the coaches and volleyball programs that have helped her along the way. Jordan has created lifelong connections with teammates from her school and club teams, and I know she looks forward to making more connections at Lewis and Clark.”
“The healthcare field is going to be her focus, so a two-year program will allow her to play the sport she loves while earning some college credits towards her future degree in Occupational Therapy or Nursing at another university. We are excited to watch her play at the next level.”
Jordan commented, “I am super excited to go to Lewis and Clark to play volleyball. I am planning to do something within the medical field. I am really interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist right now. I have been very blessed to have a great support system behind me. My family has been the reason that I have remained motivated throughout my high school career.”
Miss Buskohl attended St. John Lutheran School for her elementary education and is currently in her final year at Chester High School where she is an excellent student academically and athletically as one of the Lady Jacket’s top volleyball players.
Jordan earned positions on the All-Tournament team twice, once at Benton and once at Trico, and was a member on the All-Conference and All-South Teams. She holds the Chester High School record for kills with a total of 564 kills. She earned the “Best Offensive Player Award” twice and the “Most Kills Award”.
CHS Head Volleyball Coach, Colleen Runge said, “Jordan has been a force for our program these last few seasons and she plays the game with such confidence and passion that it’s fun to watch and coach!”
“During her time at Chester High School she has achieved many goals like passing 500 kills, being named All-Conference, multiple All-Tournament Teams, and even “Offensive Player of the Year”.
“I have had the pleasure of not only coaching Jordan during her high school career, but also at St. John Lutheran School. To watch that little girl’s love for volleyball grow over the years has been a blessing for me and we have shared memories that I will never forget!”
“Lewis and Clark is receiving one heck of an athlete and person. I have no doubt that she will excel in all of her future endeavors.”
At CHS Jordan has been active in extra-curricular activities such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD Secretary 1-year), Spanish Club (3-years), HIVE Pep Club (3-years), National Honor Society, CHS Summit Chapter, and CHS Environmental Team.
Academic Honors include Graduation Marshall (junior year), Academic “C” her freshman year, Youth Advisory Council, Illinois State Scholar, and consistent appearances on the CHS Honor Roll.