Written by Dave Oberhelman
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
It’s like a super super senior edition.
In the past, three times a year, Sidelines’ prep sports-based column would be devoted to something called “College Achievers.”
In keeping with the college’s postseason awards for fall, winter and spring sports, these columns noted several athletes in the DuPage area and occasionally the Tri-Cities who were honored for their accomplishments.
Or they may have been highlighted by spectacular one-off performances, record-breaking events, or academic endeavors.
However, a semester’s worth of work was equivalent to unprofitable 60-inch articles that taxed editor and reader alike.
Here, intended as a weekly return of “College Achievers,” it will be broken down into more palatable editions featuring athletes from across the Daily Herald’s coverage area.
Only a few schools provide the information; If you, the reader, have insight into other “college achievers,” contact the writer at the email address below.
Here’s how it goes…
Alex Santiago (Buffalo Grove), a junior at Southern Illinois, on Nov. 15 was named Mid-American Conference Swimmer of the Week for his swim at the A3 Performance Invitational, Nov. 11 in Carbondale. Men’s meet swimmer, Santiago, won the 50 freestyle (19.92 seconds), the 200 freestyle (1 minute, 38.63 seconds) and the 100 freestyle (44.31).
At the Big Ten men’s cross country championships on Oct. 27 in Verona, Wis., Wisconsin junior Bob Licking (St. Charles East) became the seventh Big Ten men’s cross country runner to win three consecutive individual conference titles. He covered a distance of 8 kilometers in 23 minutes and 57 seconds. The impressive continued by winning the Great Lakes Regional on November 10. His Badgers teammate, Micah Wilson (St. Charles East), was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Anna Kipp (South Elgin), a defender on the Valparaiso women’s soccer team, joined the Missouri Valley Conference all-freshman team this fall. Starting all but one game for the 11-6-6 Beacons and all 10 in the MVC, Cup helped limit opponents to 0.87 goals per game and a .070 shooting percentage.
Valparaiso teammates Allie Anderson (Wheaton Warrenville South), a fifth-year player, and senior goalkeeper Nikki Coryell (Metea Valley), a second-team MVC selection, were both named Academic All-District. Anderson has a perfect grade point average of 4.00 in exercise science.
The first team all-conference in the College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin was a reward for area football players. Topping the list was Coach of the Year Brad Spencer (Naperville Central) of North Central College, who has the Cardinals in the Stagg Bowl on Friday. On offense, selections included Carroll quarterback Josh Rabe (Dundee Crown), Wheaton College receiver Seth Kortenhoven (Wheaton North), offensive lineman Trevor Gabriel (Wheaton North), and three local players from North Central — running back Joe Sacco (St. Edward). ), receiver DeAngelo Hardy (Lakes) and offensive lineman Sam Pryor (Kaneland). Kortenhoeven was the CCIW Offensive Athlete of the Year.
On defense, CCIW first-team selections included Carthage midfielder Chris DeVito (Rolling Meadows), Carroll defensive lineman Nick Mantas (Glenbrook North), Wheaton College defensive lineman Peter Johanek (Wheaton Academy) and defensive back Max Wilson (Wheaton Warrenville South ). ).
Several other players received the CCIW Respect Award, including: Antonio Carrillo of Elmhurst (York), Aidan Lombardo of Millikin (Lisle), and Nick Rummel of North Central (Hampshire).
Please stay in touch…
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of high-achieving students attending college. Many factors such as rising tuition costs, a lack of financial aid, and the increasing emphasis on vocational training have contributed to this trend. However, it is crucial to bring back “college high achievers” as they contribute to a diverse and intellectually stimulating campus environment, as well as driving innovation and success in the workforce. By focusing on creating more opportunities and support for these students, we can ensure that our colleges and universities are attracting and retaining the best and brightest minds for the future.