Barajas makes the run to Eastern Illinois

Harper College sophomore Juan Barajas has become the second runner from his program in recent years to earn a scholarship to Eastern Illinois University.

Hawks coach Jim Macnider thinks it's a good fit.

"Juan fits that bill," Macnider said. "He will be a good member of their team."

Barajas, a Schaumburg High School grad, certainly had a good run at Harper, leading the men's country team to national championship efforts in both his seasons. Last fall he was also the individual national champ.

The success carried over to track and field this spring, as Barajas won the 5,000 meters and placed second in the 10,000 at the national championship meet.

Barajas follows the path taken by another Harper standout, Conant product Pablo Ramirez. Macnider looks forward to seeing Barajas thrive with the Panthers and says his dedication to his sport will only help.

"He works hard - he never missed a practice," Macnider said. "Juan's a good kid. I'm glad for him."

Pettingill nets national honor: Harper College freshman Roy Pettingill, who attended St. Viator High School, has earned a spot on the NJCAA Division III All-America baseball squad.

Named to the third team, his selection marks the second straight year a Harper player has merited All-America status.

Pettingill drove in a team-high 26 runs and had 47 hits and a .343 batting average as a designated hitter.

He earlier earned first team All-Region and second-team All-Conference honors.

Crussen moves on: Harper College baseball player Tyler Crussen, a native of Wheeler, Ind., is headed back to his home state. He's committed to join the program at Purdue-Calumet in Hammond, Ind. The Peregrines are an NAIA school which plays in the Chicagoland Athletic Conference.

A two-time second team all-North Central Community College Conference pick, Crussen this spring hit .377 in league play.

Softball futures: Harper softball players Raegan Fingerman and Sara Markelonis will extend their playing careers next school year at Wisconsin-Parkside. The Rangers are an NCAA Division II school which competes in the Great Lakes Conference.

Fingerman, a catcher, led the team in batting average (.510) and RBI (34) on the way to first team All-Conference and All-Region honors for a second straight season.

Markelonis hit .421 and had an on-base percentage of .505; on the mound the Cary-Grove grad finished with a 4-5 record. She was a second team All-Conference and All-Region pick.