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.
1985-86 Bradley Basketball Team  Picture left to right: Anthony Manuel, Jim Les, Hersey Hawkins, Donald Powell, Trevor Trimpe, Keith Berry, Jerry Thomas, Mike Williams, Bruce Mordini, Greg Jones, Paul Wilson, Len Bertolini, Jeff Anthony. Coached by Dick Versace and led by the dynamic backcourt of Jim Les and Hersey Hawkins, the 1985-86 Braves enjoyed one of the best seasons in Bradley Basketball history. The Braves tied the program record for victories, finishing 32-3 overall, and remain the last unbeaten Missouri Valley Conference regular-season champion (16-0). The 16-0 season tied Indiana State for the league all-time best mark. The Braves also had 6' 8'' senior Mike Williams and 6' 8'' sophomore Donald Powell inside, and 6' 7'' sophomore Trevor Trimpe on the wing. Jerry Thomas, Len Bertolini, Anthony Manuel and Greg Jones provided great production off the bench. Point guard Jim Les was named the MVC Player of the Year and Hawkins was second in scoring. |