High School Sports Spotlight for May 28, 2012
May 27, 2012 4:44PM
Jesse Long
Article Extras
Updated: July 23, 2012 4:53PM
This week we shine the spotlight on: Michelle Balcerzak, Lincoln-Way North soccer; Tony Natalino, Marist volleyball; Eric Pontow, Sandburg tennis, Jesse Long, Providence track and field.
Michelle Balcerzak
School: Lincoln-Way North
Sport: Soccer
Year: Senior
Balcerzak posted 14 shutouts in earning All-Area honors in 2011 and had a goals against average under one this season through Thursday.
She enjoys being a vocal leader. “I’m always yelling,” she said. “I have a different view of the field and can see everything and anticipate.”
Balcerzak is hoping for a strong finish for her and her senior teammates.
“The core group of girls has been together since freshman year,” she said. “We’ve grown together.”
Steve Millar
Tony Natalino
School: Marist
Sport: Volleyball
Year: Senior
One of the best middle blockers in the state, Natalino will continue to play volleyball next year for St. Ambrose, the two-time NAIA runner-up.
“One of the big things was how small the school was so I know I won’t get into trouble there,” he said. “My brother and a lot of his friends went there, and I liked the school a lot when I visited.”
Natalino recently was named the East Suburban Catholic Conference Most Valuable Player for 2012.
Tim O’Brien
Eric Pontow
School: Sandburg
Sport: Tennis
Year: Junior
Having qualified for state as a freshman and sophomore, Pontow made it a perfect 3-for-3, winning the recent Sandburg sectional.
The wear and tear of the state tournament can be a grind.
“It’s pretty intense (the meet),” Pontow said. “The only meet you play four matches in a day is state, so you’ve just got to stay hydrated. Last year, I almost cramped up, but I was able to avoid it.”
Tim O’Brien
Jesse Long
School: Providence
Sport: Track and Field
Year: Senior
A state discus qualifier a season ago, Long won the first sectional championship of his career by launching the shot put 52 feet, 6 inches at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way West Sectional. The Celtics offensive lineman didn’t neglect the discus, however, qualifying in consecutive years with a toss of 156-5, good for second place.
“I had a really good week of practice coming into sectionals. My footwork especially seemed to come together,” Long said.
Logan Malloy
