Warren's Kauppila savors unique hockey experience at Fenway

Warren graduate Jake Kauppila had quite an experience with his Bentley University men's hockey team earlier this month.

The freshman forward got to skate on one of the most famous baseball fields in America, as Kauppila and the Division I Falcons played an outdoors game at Fenway Park on Jan. 5 and defeated Army West Point 3-1.

It was Bentley's second straight win in the 'Frozen Fenway' game as Falcons goalie Jayson Argue outdueled Army's Parker Gahagen with 25 saves.

"Playing at Fenway was an incredible experience," Kauppila said. "Being able to spend time in the Red Sox club house and play under the lights in one of the most historic sports venues in the country is something I will remember forever."

Kaupplia grew up playing hockey outdoors in Gurnee.

"It's always a great time playing the game outdoors like I did when I was growing up," he said. "I'm having a great time playing college hockey. I've never played for my school before, so being able to play in front of my friends and classmates carries with it a great deal of pride."

Kaupplia has played in 21 games and started in two for the Falcons (6-11-5). He has 23 goals and 5 assists in his rookie season.

"It was an adjustment at first balancing hockey and school, he said. "But it became easier as time went on."

Men's basketball

Denison University junior forward Johnny Vernasco (Libertyville) came off the bench and knocked down a clutch 3-pointer from the elbow which gave the No. 20-ranked Big Red an 80-78 lead in its thrilling 83-80 win over Ohio Wesleyan.

The 6-foot-5 Vernasco also had two big rebounds in the final minute. His second one set up the winning 3 by David Meurer with 1.9 seconds left.

The win kept the Big Red undefeated and in first place in the North Coast Athletic Conference at 5-0.

Denison's overall record improved to 11-1, its best start since 1923.

Vernasco's 12 points and 5 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench proved to be a key ingredient in the Big Red's triumph.

• Carthage junior forward Brad Kruse (Lake Zurich) had a game-high 10 rebounds as the Red Men (11-3) defeated Illinois Institute of Technology 81-79.

Barrington fundraiser

Fans of Barrington's girls softball and basketball teams know their teams have been driven to win over the years.

Now, the Fillies are hoping to see that drive from their fans.

The girls basketball and softball programs would like the help of the community.

For the whole month of January, Marquardt of Barrington Buick-GMC (1421 S. Barrington Road in Barrington) will donate $50 to these programs for anyone test driving a new Buick or GMC.

As an added benefit, a free car wash will be offered to anyone who participates. Participants must be 18 years of age, own a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance is required. There is a limit of one donation per household.

The programs can earn up to a total of $12,500.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for these programs," said Barrington Hall of Fame softball coach Perry Peterson, whose teams have captured seven state finals trophies during his tenure. "We hope that our families, alumni, and community can help our girls reach their goal."

Girls basketball coach Babbi Barreiro appreciates the community support.

"Our student-athletes get so much support from the Barrington community, it is nice to get a chance to thank them by showing our support through programs like this," said Barreiro, the dean of MSL girls basketball coaches with 24 seasons in charge of the program. "We thank Marquardt Buick-GMC for allowing us this opportunity and we recognize how crucial community support is in high school athletics."

Please let us know

Lake County sports fans, please send in news items about former local prep athletes excelling in college athletics to jleusch@dailyherald.com.