Dec. 9

5 years ago (2002): No. 1-nationally ranked Washington University of St. Louis improved to 7-0 behind the 31 points and nine rebounds of Chris Jeffries in an 88-75 victory over No. 14 Illinois Wesleyan in a tense basketball battle before 2,100 at Shirk Center.

15 years ago (1992): Jason Sweeney of Central Catholic scored 28 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in leading the Saints to a 72-45 victory over Ridgeview. Sweeney hit two buzzer beaters by scoring from 45 foot just before halftime and making a shot from nearly 25 feet at the end of the third period.

25 years ago (1982): Former Normal Community High School athlete Scott Milliren scored 12 points as his Army team took a come-from-behind 59-51 victory over King's Point in college basketball. Army is coached by former Bloomington High School and Illinois assistant Les Wothke.

50 years ago (1957): Barbara Hoopes, an 11-year-old sixth grade student from Normal, won the children's equestrian crown in the National Horse Show at Chicago. Barbara was as poised as though she were a contemporary of Mrs. Loula Long Combs, who has been showing for 63 years, as she went through her final tests.

From Pages Past compiled by Roger Cushman from Pantagraph files