1 • Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 - The Scoop Today
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WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, 2019
TONY CARTON PHOTO The Scoop Today
Warren honors its hometown heroine The LeWin and Warren volleyball teams gather to show respect for Trooper Brooke Jones-Story during ceremonies retiring her number and jerseys.
By Tony Carton
Volleyball fans from throughout the tri-states gathered in the Warren gymnasium last week to retire the Number 3 in honor of Illinois State Trooper Brooke Jones -Story. Brooke Jones-Story, beloved daughter, sister, wife, step-mother, friend and trooper passed away on March 28, 2019, in the line of duty, at the age of 34. Brooke is a 2003 graduate of Warren High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from UW-Parkside in 2006. Upon graduation, Brooke became a Trooper with the Illinois State Police. She loved her family and dedicated her life to serving others through her role as a trooper and through the creation of an animal rescue. “As a volleyball player here at Warren High School, Brooke was a star that received numerous individual awards and also played a major role in contributing to some very outstanding team accomplishments,” said Warren Athletic Director Joel Wild before listing her accomplishments and her contributions to the school’s athletic program. *She helped guide the volleyball program to a 50-15 conference record
in her four years including being an instrumental member of the 1999 State Qualifying Warren Warrior volleyball team. *During her junior year, Brooke earned 2nd team all-conference recognition *As a senior she was selected first team all-conference and first team all-area and was runner-up for conference player of the year. *Brooke was chosen as the team MVP both her junior and senior years. *After graduating from Warren High School in 2003, Brooke went on to play volleyball at UW-Parkside. *At Parkside, Brooke was a key member of the program who had her best year in 2004, playing in 85 games and finishing third on the team in digs. *Her contributions to the UWParkside volleyball team extended off the court. According to a program from her senior year at Parkside, she was known for loving to watch Jim Carrey movies during long road trips on the bus in a suspected effort to drive the coach crazy. *Brooke was also recognized for her academic efforts during college as a member of the 2005-2006 Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Academic Team. “With all of these great accomplish-
ments, it is with immeasurable pride and honor that Warren High School is able to honor Brooke Jones Story by retiring the Number 3 as a dedication to a true hero,” said Wild. Tiffany Nieman, a teammate, classmate, and friend of Trooper Story also addressed the gathering. “I had the privilege of being Brooks’ teammate from our first volleyball camp in grade school until our final game in senior year,” said Nieman. “I say privilege, because playing volleyball with Brooke was just that, a privilege.” She said Brooke was very talented on the court. “She knew what many high school athletes don’t know,” Nieman said. “She played on the court the way she lived her life.” Nieman said one of the lessons she learned from Brooke was to not shy away from hard work. “We played in high school for Coach Fox,” she said. “And, when you play
for Coach Fox you know she’s tough and she expects your best every time you step on the court. Brooke knew that and never complained about it. She just put her head down and got to work.” Nieman said Brooke was a tough competitor and a hard worker who never took herself too seriously. “She loved the game and it showed,” said Nieman. “At every level, from the pre-game rituals, to the way we would celebrate after a kill, if you watched Brooke play you knew her heart was in it.” She said there were good seasons and tough seasons, but they could always count on Brooke to do her best and inspire others to do their best as well. “It’s easy to have fun and play hard when you’re winning, but it’s much harder to keep that positive attitude and keep moving forward when things aren’t going your way,” Nieman said. “Brooke made me a better player. In
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fact, the way she played the game made me a better teammate, a leader, and a better person and I am forever grateful.” Nieman said it is fitting for the memorial to be held in the Warren gym where she and so many others share fond memories. “I hope it helps us all remember the way Brooke lived her life,” she said. “She didn’t shy away from hard work and doing things the right way. She was a competitor, but a competitor who had time for fun and a competitor who let her passion for life shine through in everything she did. Most of all I hope each and every one of us remembers to go back for someone. Not just during a workout, but in life. Go back and get someone. Encourage someone to journey and share your strength in their final weakness. Help them to keep moving forward. And, if you do that you will help build the legacy of our Number 3, Brooke Jones-Story.
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