High School Sports Spotlight for Dec. 3, 2012
December 2, 2012 9:32PM
Nora Collins, of Lemont
Article Extras
Updated: January 4, 2013 6:12AM
This week we shine the spotlight on: Bowlers Nora Collins, of Lemont, and Dave Kopera, of Sandburg; Oak Lawn swimmer Sean Mottl and Crete-Monee wrestler Austin Rosenfeldt.
Nora Collins
Sr., Bowling, Lemont
Collins started bowling in sixth grade on a suggestion from her mother.
“One of her friends’ daughters was bowling and she said I should try it,” Collins said. “It’s like a whole new world. People think you just go to the alley and have fun, but it’s really competitive. There’s a lot more to it.”
Collins has high hopes for her team.
“We have a lot of good seniors and we also have a lot of talent in the underclassmen, so I think we’ll do better this year,” she said.
Steve Millar
Dave Kopera
Sr., Bowling, Sandburg
Kopera is taking over as the Eagles captain after the graduation of his brother, Joey, the 2012 state champ.
“My main focus is just for us to do our absolute best this season,” he said. “Living up to Joey’s expectations will be a little tough.”
Kopera, who helped the Eagles finish 10th at state in 2011, often is recognized because of his brother.
“It’s not annoying at all. I actually love it because at least they know me.”
Steve Millar
Sean Mottl
Jr., Swimming, Oak Lawn
Mottl, who holds Oak Lawn’s record in the 100-yard backstroke, said he got started swimming from watching some of his brother’s meets.
“After a while he started coaching youth group and I figured ‘Why not?’ He likes swimming that much, it must be fun,’’ Mottl said. “There must be something in it.’’
Oak Lawn was second to Shepard in the South Suburban Red meet last season. As for this year, Mottl said “I won’t set goals until later on in the season when I find out what I’m capable of doing.’’
Tim Tierney
Austin Rosenfeldt
Sr., Wrestling, Crete-Monee
Rosenfeldt, the starting center on Crete-Monee’s football state champs, was sixth in the state at heavyweight in Class AA in 2012.
“I’m excited to be getting back into it,” he said. “I want to show everyone I can be a two-time state qualifier.”
On the mat, he said his agility is his biggest asset.
“I’ve got some moves for a big man,” Rosenfeldt said. “My quickness to snap and throw a headlock, nobody’s expecting that in the higher classes.”
Logan Malloy
