Community members looking to get fit have a new option for getting in those workouts. The Fitness Lab at Rock Valley College is now open to the public. (RVC photo)

ROCKFORD

District looks to Sandine as director

During a recent special open board meeting, Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners interviewed Assistant Executive Director Jay Sandine for the position of Executive Director.

Last month, current Rockford Park District Executive Director Tim Dimke announced plans to retire this summer. Sandine’s interview took place in front of a packed room of supporters and the Board was presented a petition with hundreds of signatures in favor of Sandine being offered the position. After the interview, Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners determined next steps and announced plans to enter into contract discussions with Jay Sandine.

“Jay lives and breathes the Rockford Park District in every aspect of his life. His commitment to the institution is evident to everyone around him. We think he is the best choice to lead the Park District in the years to come,” said Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners President Ian Linnabary.

Pending contract discussions, the Board will take a formal action on an Executive Director contract at the next Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners meeting on May 23, 2017 at 5 p.m.

ROCKFORD

RVC Fitness Lab now open to public

Community members looking to get fit have a new option for getting in those workouts. The Fitness Lab at Rock Valley College is now open to the public. Gain access to Rock Valley College’s Cybex Showcase facility in the Physical Education Center (PEC) on the RVC main campus (3301 North Mulford Road).

Exercise on your own schedule using the RVC Fitness Lab and indoor track during the following times this summer: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m-6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The indoor track is also available for use, Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The cost is just $35 per month and the registration fee includes fitness assessment, equipment orientation, supervision by qualified fitness staff, and access to locker rooms.

Register online at RockValleyCollege.edu/CEOnline, using the following course codes:

FIT 800 RV (for June 2017), FIT 800 RV2 (for July 2017), and/or FIT 800 RV3 (for August 2017).

If the community response is positive this summer the College will look to continue offering access to the public year round.

For more information call (815) 921-3804. 

ROCKFORD

Colliton named new IceHogs head coach

The Chicago Blackhawks have named Jeremy Colliton as new head coach of the organization’s top minor league affiliate, the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.

Colliton, 32, is the fourth head coach in Rockford’s AHL history, and 10th overall as the team enters its 19th season.

He succeeds Ted Dent, who coached the IceHogs from 2011-17 before his dismissal following the recently concluded season.

“Jeremy’s experience as a player and a coach will allow him to be a great leader and mentor for our young prospects in Rockford,” said Stan Bowman, the Blackhawks senior vice president and general manager. “He is coming off a great start to his coaching career with four successful seasons in Sweden and fits very well into our plan of continuing to develop our younger players.”

Colliton, a native of Blackie, Alberta, Canada,  spent the last four seasons as the head coach of Mora IK in Sweden. He led the team to a league-best 35-4-13 record and 105 points during the 2016-17 season and a promotion to the Swedish Hockey League for the 2017-18 season.

“I’m honored to join the Blackhawks organization as they have a proven track record of winning that I’m excited to help continue,” said Colliton. “In Rockford, we will do everything we can to help our young prospects develop into the best players and people they can be.”

Colliton spent eight seasons in the National Hockey League and AHL, including 57 NHL games over five seasons with the New York Islanders.

SUGAR GROVE

Men’s golf finals this week at Rich Harvest

College golf fans will have a local favorites to cheer on as the NCAA Division I men’s golf finals get underway this week at the Rich Harvest Farms course.

The University of Illinois team finished third of five teams at the West Lafayette, Ind., regional to advance to the men’s championships. Illinois State’s Trent Wallace qualified as an individual.

The NCAA women’s finals were set to conclude Wednesday with the final championship round starting at 2:10 p.m.

The men’s tournament opens on Friday and runs through May 31.

For more information visit www.richharvestfarms.com/tournaments/2017-ncaa-national-golf-championships/ or call Rich Harvest Farms at (630) 466-7610.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–