Cary-Grove grad Ferlito making her mark at UNI

Nicole Ferlito played in a grand total of 10 games as a freshman on the Northern Iowa University women's soccer team last year.

But the Cary-Grove alum wanted to do more.

So she got to work.

"I worked really hard in the off-season," said Ferlito, a sophomore forward. "I did a lot of running and weightlifting. We had a lot of underclassmen coming in, so there was going to be a lot of competition. I worked hard to improve myself when preseason came and the games came along."

Ferlito's off-season work ended up paying off. Ferlito, who did not record a goal or assist as a freshman, played in 18 of the team's 19 games this year (15 starts) and scored 5 goals.

Ferlito ranked second on the team in goals and was also second in points (10), shots (36) and shots on goal (22). Ferlito led the team in shots on goal percentage (. 611).

Ferlito credits her brother, John (a former Cary-Grove football player), with helping her with her workout regimen. John Ferlito, a member of Harper College's 2003 and 2004 national championship teams who later played professionally (arena football) started the company Split Second Speed.

"He's a huge workout fiend," said Ferlito. "He wants to help kids get bigger and faster. He just got started. I worked out with him. I did a bunch of plyometrics and squats and bench press - that kind of stuff."

Ferlito feels she brings a variety of positives to the table.

"My knowledge and speed," said Ferlito when asked what makes her a strong soccer player. "I'm good on the ball with my foot skills and I can move off the ball. It helps not only me, but my teammates by creating opportunities."

Ferlito said she has improved the mental side of her game as well.

"It's knowing that if you are on the ball if there is a chance to put the ball in or it's which pass to make or which run to make," said Ferlito. "I like to create opportunities."

Ferlito knows she can't neglect the defensive side of the game.

"We're the first line of defense," said Ferlito. "We have to know where to funnel the ball so the midfield and defense can read it."

Ferlito admits her first year at Northern Iowa was an eye-opener of sorts.

"The game is a lot faster," said Ferlito. "You need to know a lot more, too. The first year I did not expect what came out of it. But I worked hard in the off-season and that definitely paid off. It took time to adjust. Playing a Division I sport is a different experience. You are playing against big-time schools. It's a different rush and excitement when you put on your shoes and step on the field for the first time. The pace is a lot different. Everything is so much more exciting."

Ferlito enjoyed one goal she scored in particular this season.

"In our first conference game against Indiana State we were down 2-1 with 15 minutes left," said Ferlito. "I got a pass from a teammate at the top of the 18. I made a crazy turn and hit the upper-90 far-post. That put us right back in the game. It was exciting. It upped the intensity of the team."

Ferlito is currently studying dental hygiene at Northern Iowa.

"I'd like to be a dental hygienist hopefully," said Ferlito. "The classes are kind of hard. We'll see."

Ferlito is enjoying her time at Northern Iowa.

"I like the campus and the teachers," said Ferlito. "The teachers are hands-on. They are willing to spend extra time to help you. I like the atmosphere here in general. People are so nice and welcoming. It makes me feel like I'm at home.

Pelkas at Carthage: Elgin Academy graduates Michelle and Bryan Pelka are now swimmers on the Carthage College swim teams.

At the recent Kiefer Fall Swimming Classic in Kenosha, Wis., recently, Michelle Pelka won 3 events for the Carthage women's team. Pelka won the 100 butterfly (1:00.67), the 200 butterfly (2:12.25) and the 200 IM (2:16.71). Pelka was also part of the winning Carthage 200 medley and 400 freestyle teams. Pelka was named the 2008 CCIW most valuable swimmer and was named to the all-conference team. Pelka won 3 events at the conference meet (set the conference record in the 400 IM). Pelka qualified for the NCAA national meet last year. Pelka is a sophomore biology major who plans on pursuing a medical career.

Pelka's brother, Bryan, competed for the Carthage men's team at the Kiefer event.

Pelka was fourth in the 500 (4:55.93) and 1,000-yard freestyle (10:00.98). Pelka was defeated by 3 Division II swimmers from Lewis University in both events.

Pelka is a senior biology major who is currently in the process of applying to medical school.

He is a 2-time NCAA qualifier and holds the CCIW championship meet record in the 1,650-yard freestyle (15:59.43) and the CCIW open records in the 1,000 (9:59.39) and 1,650 (15:47.55) freestyle.

Both Michelle and Bryan Pelka attended school-sponsored medical relief trips to Nicaragua (Bryan went in January; Michelle went in June). They helped with medical opportunities on the island of Ometepe.

"These trips not only helped them bolster their desires to pursue careers in medicine, but gave them the understanding of the hard work and sacrifices that are needed for things that worthwhile," said Leslie Pelka, Bryan and Michelle's mother.

Sainz at Mississippi State: Former Larkin star golfer Carlos Sainz, Jr., is senior on the Mississippi State men's golf team. Sainz recently finished in a tie for fourth individually at the UNCG Bridgestone Collegiate Championship at Forest Oaks Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. Sainz's effort helped Mississippi State finish 10th (climbed 4 spots on the final day).

Sainz finished with a 3-round score of 216, finishing at even par for the tournament. Sainz started the tournament with a 2-under par effort, but followed that with a 4-over mark in the second round.

But Sainz rebounded to notch another 2-under par showing in the final round. Sainz's fourth-place finish was his best ever at the college level.

Off at College wants your help: Send information and/or statistics on Fox Valley area athletes playing collegiately to Mike Miazga at mmiazga@dailyherald.com.