Hampshire's Burzak selects Whitewater
Everybody loves a winner, Hampshire senior T.J. Burzak included.
A Daily Herald all-area pick in football and basketball, Burzak committed last month to play football for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the defending Division-III national champion.
"I'm really excited," said the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Burzak. "My hope is to work really hard and get some playing time on special teams right away and maybe get into a rotation at tight end as a freshman."
Burzak was a two-way force for the Whip-Purs last season. He was the fifth-leading receiver in the area and led all tight ends with 29 catches for 547 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, he made 42 solo tackles and assisted on 40 more.
The Burzak family first visited the campus during a regular season home weekend last fall and later took in a playoff game.
Last month Burzak made his official visit and was asked to commit while still on campus by Whitewater coach Lance Leipold, who was named the 2007 Division III National Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.
"I was taken a bit off guard by that," Burzak said, "but I had already fallen in love with the campus and I love the name Warhawks. And to be able to have the chance to win a national championship in college is something that really excites me."
Benson named to all-star team:ŒWestminster Christian senior Joel Benson was selected last week to play for the Class 1A/2A North team at the IBCA boys senior all-star game on Saturday, June 28 at Illinois Wesleyan University at 5 p.m.
The Class 1A/2A North team will be coached by Hampshire coach Bob Barnett. The Class 3A/4A boys game follows at 7 p.m.
Benson, the Private School League's Most Valuable Player, a two-time Daily Herald All-Area selection and an honorable mention Class 1A/2A All-State pick this season, averaged 18.3 points and 10.8 rebounds in leading the Warriors to the school's first regional title.
The IBCA will host girls all-star games on Saturday, June 21, also at Illinois Wesleyan.
Streamwood coach George Rosner will coach the Class 3A/4A girls team, assisted by Bartlett coach Denise Sarna.