Saint Viator Experiences Best Fall Sports Season in History

Two state championships, a first-ever trip to state and a record 29 wins in one season are just a few of the highlights from the fall sports season at Saint Viator High School. Congratulations, Lions on a great year.

Boys’ Soccer Wins State For A Second Time
Saturday marked the culmination of what was a great season for the Lions varsity soccer team.  With a chance to avenge one of their losses from earlier in the season, the Lions came out ready to play Peoria Notre Dame at North Central College.  Senior Billy Hamilton got the Lions off on the right foot by converting a free kick in the games early moments.  That goal would be all the Lions would need as they defeated the Irish 1-0.  Goalkeeper Scott Faul, junior, made a number of fantastic saves to keep the Irish off of the scoreboard.  He was supported by the strong defense of senior Brendan King, juniors Joe Surdam and Bill Krawzak, and sophomore Nick Abel.  Seniors Trevor Wheeler and Kevin Cavers helped the Lions control the tempo of the game, while seniors Alan Aboona and Mark Lada, along with junior Jack Horvath kept the pressure on the Irish defense throughout the match.  As Coach Mike Taylor told the team all season, it was about 11 through 22, which means the 11 starters plus the 11 reserves all contributed to the team's success.  That message was none more apparent than during this unforgettable run to the state championship, which marked the second time the boys’ soccer program has brought home the top trophy.  Every member of the team contributed along the way making this season a truly memorable one.  The Lions finished the season with a record of 24-4-1.  The team also included: seniors Patrick Windle, Joe Schmidt, Tyler Stanley, Tim Phillips, Matt Rochetti, and Mark Bernacchi; juniors Jack Simpson, Tim Hogaboom, Matt Morsches and Dan Loizzi; and freshman Michael Decker. All-Conference selections include: Alan Aboona (Daily Herald All-Area Team), Kevin Cavers (DH All-Area Team), Billy Hamilton (DH All-Area Team), Brendan King, Mark Lada and Trevor Wheeler (Daily Herald All-Area Team Co-Captain; Co-MVPESCC).

Girls’ Cross Country Makes Historic Team Trip to State
For the first time in school history, the Saint Viator High School girls’ cross country team qualified for the state finals after finishing third in sectionals. Freshman Hanna Winter came in 9th place edging out a runner from Johnsburg. The team finished 9th place overall at Detweiller Park in Peoria. The other contributors to the state team included senior Ronnie Mack, juniors Keegan Griebel, Carolyn Hutyra, Kathleen Kane, Sarah Levenson and Nicole LoVerde. Conference medalists were: Hanna Winter, Keegan Griebel and Ronnie Mack.

Girls’ Volleyball Team Completes a Record-Breaking Season
The girls’ volleyball team ended their most successful season in school history with a hard-fought loss to top-seeded team Crystal Lake Central. The Tigers beat the Lions 25-19 and 25-20. Everyone contributed to the Lion’s successful season. This is the farthest any Saint Viator volleyball team has advanced in the state tournament. The team won a record 29 matches this season on their road to the finals. All-Conference and Daily Herald All-Area Team members are Emily Leazer, Kelly McConnell and Kelly Travaglio. Christina Brinkman was named to the All-Area team.

Football Makes Triumphant Return to State Playoffs
The Lions had many thrilling victories on their way to the Class 6A State Playoffs. The Lions defeated the 13th ranked Marian Catholic Spartans during the highly-anticipated homecoming game. All-Conference selections include: Sean Conerty, Richard McLoughlin, Connor Ptacin (Academic All-State) and Julian Sipiora (ESCC MVP).

Boys’ Golf Wins State Three Times in a Row
Led by senior Dan Stringfellow, individual Class 3A State Champion, the Lions won their third consecutive title at the highest level, which had not been done in 46 years by a high school golf team.  Dan is only the 2nd player in IHSA history to place in the top 10 all four years.  Also on the team were seniors Joe Carlson, 2008 Champion and holder of the IHSA all time low score of 7 under par for a State Championship, captain Brad Klune and Joe Ferrari.  Junior Ken Wienckowski finished 17th in the Championship and was joined by freshman Luke DeTrempe on the Championship Team.  Conference Medalists were Brad Klune, Joe Carlson, Dan Stringfellow and Ken Wienckowski.

Girls’ Golf Wins First Regional Championship
The Lady Lions finished their season as regional champions for the first time, after completing back to back seasons as East Suburban Catholic Conference champions, and undefeated seasons in dual meets. They were led by senior golfer Kelly Sullivan who earned “Golfer of the Year” honors in the conference, as well as regional medalists seniors Abby Dickey, Hallie Dunn and Hailey Haworth, junior Jill Haworth, and freshman Amy Stringfellow. Their coach, Mick Drewes, was named “Girls Coach of the Year” by his East Suburban Catholic Conference coaching peers. The conference medalists were Kelly Sullivan, Abby Dickey, Hallie Dunn, Hailey Haworth and Amy Stringfellow.

Girls’ Swimming had an outstanding Sectional meet at Barrington HS. The Lions roster was made up of the 11 top female swimmers at Saint Viator. Of the total 35 competitive swims, 31 were lifetime best times, some coming very close to state time standards. Stephanie Nolan lowered her own school record by over a second and qualified for the IHSA state meet in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.02). Nolan went on to the state meet one week later and swam the 2nd fastest 100 breaststroke in school history which placed her 33rd in Illinois.

Girls Tennis Conference Medalists: Sam Gavin ’10 & Maura Wolfe ’10 (3rd at 2nd doubles)

Boys’ Cross Country Conference Medalists: Mike Cervantes-Lara ’10, Nick Fiore ’11, Eric Loy ’11, Tim Brinkman ’10 and Peter Cleary ’11