First,
Where In Illinois are you? I am in Bloomington.

To back the plane down try taking some power away and immediately hold more elevator. When the power comes back the nose will want to drop, pumping the throttle and elevator usually will work. Power off, up elevator. Power back on to catch the falling plane. Power back off, up elevator. Hard to type an exact description but hopefully you get the idea.
Keep your entries where ever you are comfortable.