Dawn Patrol: Wheaton Warrenville South athletes give back; Bears lose 20-14
Wheaton Warrenville South athletes participate in Day of Caring
"This guy can play ball," said Brian Shallcross, a junior at Wheaton Warrenville South High School and a member of the varsity basketball squad. "We better watch out for him." Shallcross was referring to a 2-year-old boy in one of the child-care rooms at Blanchard Alliance Church in Wheaton, where a number of basketball players volunteered their time yesterday. Full story.
Cagers of all ages have fun at Mustang tourney
Students may be on break, but there is no hiatus from hoops - at least not for the basketball junkies at Rolling Meadows High School yesterday. The Mustang 3-on-3 Shootout Basketball Tournament, in its 20th year, is stronger than ever. The booster club's president, Jerry Kramp, said more than $250,000 has been raised over the past eight years. "It's where we make our money," he said. "This is how we get our money to donate it back to the school." Full story.
Traffic
There are no delays to report on the expressways this morning. A crash on westbound Lake Cook Road near Route 53 in Arlington Heights is causing some traffic. Full story.
Weather
Expect some fog, a few flurries or drizzle and temperatures just above freezing this morning as you walk out the door. It will be a breezy day with some rain expected in the afternoon and a high around 40. Full story.
Despite Lions' miscues, Bears fall 20-14
Playing in place of benched starter Jay Cutler, quarterback Jimmy Clausen avoided mistakes and managed the game but still came up short. It remains to be seen whether a competitive, 20-14 loss to the playoff-bound Lions will prevent the massive firings expected at the end of the season at Halas Hall. The Bears' fourth straight defeat and ninth in 12 games left them at 5-10 and clinched the franchise's first double-digit-loss season in a decade. Full story.
Imrem: Winston an intriguing question for Bears
Daily Herald Sports Columnist Mike Imrem writes in his piece for Monday's paper that the Bears might do well to draft Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston because, in his words, "the Bears have two quarterbacks who they would be better off without next season. ... Winston is the No. 2 quarterback and No. 6 overall player on ESPN's draft board and might be first in each category if not for off-field issues ... Teams have to take chances on talented athletes with dubious character and on athletes with great character but dubious talent." Full column.
Blackhawks win, but with heavy hearts
Playing with the heaviest of hearts due to the unexpected passing of beloved assistant equipment manager Clint Reif earlier in the day, the Blackhawks rallied like only family can to top Toronto 4-0 yesterday at the United Center. In a sullen locker room afterward, the team's 14th win in 17 games was the last thing on any of the players' minds. "I think you're more in shock than anything all day long," said Patrick Sharp, who finished with 3 assists on Sunday. Full story.
DuPage officials investigate death of Blackhawks staffer
Officials are investigating the death of Clinton Reif, the assistant equipment manager for the Chicago Blackhawks, who was found unresponsive in his home Sunday morning, according to the DuPage County Coroner's Office. Members of the Lombard Police and Fire Departments found Reif, 34, unresponsive in his home and eventually pronounced him dead at 8:32 a.m., according to a media release by the DuPage County Coroner's Office. Full story.