Saint Viator Athletes Sign College Letters of Intent

Character, work ethic, and sacrifice. Those traits kept coming up Wednesday at the Winter Signing Day ceremony, where four Saint Viator student-athletes signed national letters of intent to play at their chosen colleges.

The virtual event showcased Paige Klostermann, who will be playing golf at Elmhurst University, James Gorman who be playing baseball at Lake Land Community College in Mattoon, Brandon Taylor who will be playing football at Benedictine University in Lisle, and Sebastian Howarth who will be playing soccer at Aurora University.

“It’s not an easy decision to play sports in college,” said Athletic Director Jason Kuffel at the outset, “but we’re so excited for you and proud of the work ethic you’ve developed.”

Paige will join the Bluejays women’s golf team at Elmhurst, which competes in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.

“She is one of the most decorated female golfers in Saint Viator history,” said Coach Mick Drews. “From the minute she started as a freshman, she played 1, 2, or 3 for us. She was a two-time state qualifier, a two-time all-conference selection, and named captain of the all-conference team.”

He added that Paige would have racked up even more honors had their golf season not been canceled last fall due to the pandemic.

James Gorman fielded offers to play both hockey and baseball at various colleges, but he chose to play baseball at Lake Land, where he could play right away as a freshman. James played mostly infield positions for Coach Mike Manno and the Lions, but he also played in the outfield when needed and did some pitching.

His steadiness and adaptability should serve him well at Lake Land, which has a long history of developing players to matriculate to four-year programs.

“Right from the start, I’ve been impressed with his character and work ethic,” said Coach Mike Manno. “He’s started every game since he was a sophomore and is the consummate teammate. The sky’s the limit for him.”

As a defensive lineman for the Lions, Brandon Taylor has been a familiar presence in the weight room. He started on varsity his sophomore year and worked his way into being a two-way starter and captain.

Now all of his hard work on and off the field has paid off with his decision to play football at Benedictine in the Northern Athletics College Conference.

“College football is a whole new mountain to climb, but the consistency, sacrifice, and joy you bring to the game, will help you as you climb,” said Coach Dave Archibald. “Your healthy perspective on life and the game will carry you a long way.”

Sebastian Howarth has been the anchor as the center back on Coach Mike Taylor’s boys’ soccer team. Now, he will be taking his defensive skills to the Aurora University Spartans, who compete in the Northern Athletics College Conference.

He joins a contending team, eager to take the field again. The Spartans were sidelined last fall because of the pandemic, but when they last competed in 2019 they finished first place in the NACC.

While Sebastian provided depth and leadership on the soccer field, he also made an impact on the football team, as a kick-off specialist, kicking points after and attempting field goals.

“We know that football was new to you,” Coach Archibald said, “but we really appreciate all the time and effort you put in, especially in working on your kicking technique.”

Before signing their letters, all of the players thanked their parents, coaches, teammates, and Saint Viator for helping them succeed.