High School Sports Notes for Jan. 30, 2012
January 29, 2012 5:06PM
Updated: March 1, 2012 8:17AM
Boys Swimming
Pushing toward the fast-approaching postseason, Andrew coach Frank Muchna expected his team to be dog-tired in January before tapering for sectionals. The Thunderbolts have worked through the exhaustion, becoming a force in duals.
“We’re swimming tired, but we’re racing really well,” Muchna said. “We’re working our butts off, and the guys are swimming lights-out.”
Andrew has won duals vs. Plainfield South, Lockport, Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way West, Bradley and Stagg while also taking first at the 11-team Shepard Invitational.
Ricky Osty, Zack Rentner and Kyle Fitzgerald have been team leaders, but Muchna also identified Ariel Hernandez, Mike Tamulonis, and Tanes Jannak as key swimmers.
Tim O’Brien
Wrestling
In his four years wrestling at Providence, Eddie Kilmara has distinguished himself among the Catholic League’s all-time elite. A state champion and two-time runner-up, Klimara secured his fourth consecutive Catholic League championship Jan. 21.
One feat that won’t find his lengthy record book, but is just as noted by Providence coach Keith Healy, is Klimara’s leadership ability.
“Eddie was a real quiet kid when he started with us,” Healy said. “But as a senior he’s become a more vocal leader. It’s nice to see him grow into that role. He’s been great.”
Klimara was recognized by USA Wrestling for his first-place finish at the Al Dvorak Memorial.
Logan Malloy
Boys Bowling
Richards finished ninth in last weekend’s state tournament, a strong showing for a budding program establishing itself as an area power.
“We’re ecstatic to finish in the top 10 in the state,” Richards coach Kari Vanderjack said. “We hope this will get our program some more attention and maybe we can get some more kids to come out for the team.”
The future looks bright as juniors David Walker and Andrew Byland led the Bulldogs, finishing 19th and 28th, respectively.
Walker had a strong day Friday, while Byland averaged 230 Saturday to rise all the way from 89th place.
Seniors Rick Strache and Zak Engstrom also had major contributions.
Steve Millar
Cheerleading
The past few weeks have seen a whirlwind of success for Oak Forest and coach Christine DiVenti.
After winning the Jamfest Super Nationals in Indianapolis for their performances Jan. 14 and 15, the Bengals added to their trophy case by taking home top honors Jan. 21 at the South Suburban Conference Meet.
“The girls are a very devoted, disciplined and passionate group,” DiVenti said. “They are honestly just really great people who work hard and are driven.”
“We have five seniors on our team: Kristin Clifford, Angela Freudinger, Ashley Guylch, Alexis Segoviano and Taylor Sticha. They have been instrumental in encouraging their teammates and keeping them focused.”
Logan Malloy
Comments Click here to view or make a comment