Saint Viator High School Fall Sports Recap

Fall sports wrapped up this month in a big way, with several state berths, new school records, conference titles, and a pair of sectional championships. Way to go, Lions!

Here’s a closer look:

In cross country, both the girls’ and boys’ teams had historic seasons. Mary Grace Hegberg '22 led the girls’ team with a second-place overall finish (16:38) in Class 2A at the IHSA state cross country championships. In doing so, she set a personal best and tied a record for the best individual finish in school history.

“She’s one of the best in the history of the school,” said Head Coach Wayne Edelman. “Her times just blew us away.”

Earlier in the season, Mary Grace was crowned ESCC conference champion, as well as finishing first place in regionals and third place at sectionals on her way to returning to the state.

On the boys’ side, the entire team advanced to the sectional championship. They were led by Michael Schumacher '22, who finished second at conference, before being named regional and sectional champion. He went on to finish 6th at the state meet (15:02), which is the best finish in school history.

Michael was named to the ESCC All-Conference team along with his teammates Alex Marchese '24, Finn McLeod '24, and Matt Doland '25.

The girls’ volleyball team wrapped up their season with a 33-6 record, making it the best record in program history. 

Some of their accomplishments included for the first time landing three players on the ESCC All-Conference team: Lilly LaFleur '22, Marie Torosian '22, and Reanne Valera '23. The Lady Lions were regional champs before being ranked No. 1 at the Saint Viator sectional, on their way to winning the sectional championship.

“It was a historic season, says Head Coach Charlie Curtin. “The girls achieved so much due to their dedication to the program. They worked day in and day out for the last four years to achieve these goals. This team has left a mark on the program that will be remembered for years to come.”

The girls’ tennis team also had a historic season. For the first time in school history, the team won the sectional championships, led by Maia Nowicki '23 who finished first in singles, and the doubles team of Ally Jodoin '22 and Meredith Garcia '24, who finished second. Rounding out the sectional team were players Megan Anderson '23, Claire Mittel '22, and Eliza Perry '22.

Advancing to state were the doubles team of Ally and Meredith, who finished seventh and made the IHSA 1st All-State Team, while Maia finished in the top 16 and made the IHSA 2nd All-State Team. 

“The team was exceptionally talented this year and encouraged and supported each other,” says first-year Head Coach Mary Louise Blaney. “They worked well together. After all, teamwork makes the dream work."
The girls’ golf team were the ESCC Conference Champions, led by All-Conference players Maggie Carlson '25, Charlotte Adler '23, Lily Zicarelli '25, Ave Reisinger '23, Claire Van Bergen '22, and Maris Welgat '22.

They advanced to winning regionals and placing third at sectionals before finishing fifth place at state. Maggie continued to rack up the honors. She was crowned ESCC champion and player of the year, before being named regional champion.

The boys’ golf team finished second at the ESCC conference championships, led by All-Conference players Charlie Bullock '22, Grayson Dossett '23, Grayson Hill '22, and David Koziol '24. Those same four advanced from regionals—where Charlie finished second as an individual—to sectionals before David, Ryan, and Charlie all played at state.

“It was a great year for boys’ golf,” said Head Coach Jack Halpin, simply.

The boys’ football team was coming off one of its strongest overall seasons—played last spring—when the team was led by 24 seniors and won the Purple Division championship, outscoring opponents 187-88. Impressively, seven players drew scholarship offers to play in Division I programs.

Consequently, they entered their fall season as a young team, but with a lot of confidence and determination. However, early on they faced some adversity with some key injuries and a loaded schedule.  

“But the team had some very strong showings and still battled into the Purple Division championship game,” says Head Coach Dave Archibald. “Highlights included conference victories over DePaul Prep (41-7), Carmel (37-20), and Marian Catholic (28-14).  

The team also saw seven players named to the ESCC All-Conference team, including Carson Eggebraten '22, Jayden Franzen '23, Dominic McDevitt '22, Justin Mirski '22, Michael Nix '23, David Orecchio '22, and Ryan Ziebka '22.

Boys’ soccer battled mightily under first-year Head Coach Byron DeLeon. They ultimately finished seventh in the East Suburban Catholic Conference but had three players named to the All-Conference team: Geovanny Andino '22, Conor Giroux '23, and John Glasstetter '23.

Finally, the girls’ junior varsity field hockey team, whose members for the most part had never played the sport before, recorded their first wins this season—which is a first in school history.
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Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.