Extra Effort: Senior Cora Ellison makes sure everything is picture perfect at Illini Bluffs

GLASFORD, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Cora Ellison feels like she’s pitched at Illini Bluffs forever.

It’s actually her fourth year in the pitching circle for the Tigers.

“At the beginning, I was very nervous and scared, coming in as a freshman pithing on varsity. Now I’m the leader of the team,” said Ellison. “We (the other four seniors) are leaders. We all encourage each other to get better.”

She’s settled into her role as the Tigers main pitcher. And she’s also settled into another role at Illini Bluffs, as a sports photographer for her school’s newspaper.

She took a photographer class three years ago and got hooked on taking pictures.

“I took pictures of former athletes of the boys and girls teams. And gave them to them. I’ve seen people post them on Instagram and Facebook. It feels good to know people enjoy the pictures,” Ellison said. “It’s not only for me, it’s for the players. Some people love having pictures of themselves in their sport.”

You might see her a basketball game, a wrestling match and a swim meet on the same day.

“She does a very good job of capturing other sports for our school teams. She’ll post pictures of sports,” said IB softball coach Lindsey Lox. “She’ll walk around with her camera. We are blessed to have a small school so kids can do multiple things. I love to see her do that.”

Allison says she loves winning games for her school in softball and loves snapping pictures of athletes on other IB teams. She’s glad her classmates enjoy her roles in both areas.

“It feels wonderful knowing people like the things I do.”

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