Athletes' turn to write

It's become a rite of spring for us. With so many talented scholar-athletes in the Tri-Cities area, we can't let the school year end, and the seniors move on to bigger and hopefully better things, without asking a few of them to share their thoughts with us.

Once again we asked 10 senior varsity athletes -- boys and girls, from each of the area schools we cover -- to write about their thoughts as they begin to consider their high school sports days in the past tense.

The "rules" were simple. We asked each senior to write about anything they wanted, as long as it related to high school sports. We printed the essays in alphabetical order by last name.

As always, we were impressed with the depth of their emotions and thoughts. They write not just about wins and losses but about relationships with coaches and teammates, about good times on and off the court or field. It's what high school sports is all about, and it reminds us why we have enjoyed writing about them.

Mark Adams, Aurora Central

Being a three-sport athlete for four years at Aurora Central has developed a character and work ethic that will remain with me for the rest of my life. The memories I have and the relationships I have formed are things that a lot of people do not get the chance to experience. My family, friends, coaches and teachers have guided me through this experience and are the reasons I am who I am today.

Remembering back to my summer coming into my freshman year of football camp as a scrawny immature 14-year-old kid that did not know what a weight room even was, I would have never dreamed of developing into the athlete and young man that I did. The win/lose records in my football career do not even come close to explaining the experience that I had as a football player for Aurora Central. Being on the field with some of my best friends along with being the primary target for my brother are some things I would not trade in for anything. Football at Aurora Central is not easy -- practice or games. However, it taught me lessons in ways that I never could have been taught in any other place. You are going to face defeat, you are going to get knocked around, and you are going to be tired. That is life, and if you are strong enough to stick with it, you will be a successful person.

When I was a freshman playing varsity basketball for a losing team, I would have never dreamed of developing into the player I did. I would have also never thought I would be a part of such a successful team that I ended up on. That season will be a time in my life that I will never forget. The way our team bonded and acted as if we were a group of brothers does not happen too often. Achieving the success that our team did this year is something that not too many people expected besides ourselves.

Since the end of my junior year after having an average season and losing in the regional championship game, everyone worked very hard to improve and develop into better players. It showed tremendously the following season. Every game we took the court we thought we were going to win the game. It was a great feeling to be able to have. After capturing the school's first boys basketball conference crown and setting a new school record for wins, we continued on the ride as we won our regional. Then, it came to an end as we went neck and neck with the soon to be state champions (Marshall) and fell short. It was a horrible feeling to know that the great experience we were apart of, that we thought would never end, finally came to a halt. Now, I look back and realize how fortunate and lucky I am to be a part of something so special that I will never forget.

It was a tough transition from that last basketball season to baseball, but baseball is a sport I have loved to play ever since T-ball when I was a little kid. It is a lot more relaxing and less stressful than my other two sports. As my baseball season comes to an end, it is finally starting to hit me. My high school experience is over. I am starting to realize how much I am going to miss being able to play three sports that I love to play and for a school that I love to play for. There is no going back.

Soon, the only things I will have left will be memories. I am going to take those memories, life lessons, and experiences and use them as I continue my life and athletic career at the college level.

Mattie Boyd, St. Charles East

My experience as an athlete at St. Charles East was short but well worth it. From problems with my transfer, to injuries, to being the "new kid" it was a bit rough at times. Everything always seemed to work out OK. I couldn't have asked for a much better end to my high school career as an athlete.

I remember walking into the gym during the summer before my junior year. Like many times in my life as a volleyball player, I was injured. I limped into the hot gym with a big, black boot on my right foot and all the heads turned my way. I'm sure there were tons of questions running through everyone's head. Is that the new girl? Is she any good? Is she trying to take my spot? I met Coach (Jennie) Kull for the first time and she was happy as ever to see me. I was more nervous to meet the girls than anything else. I was very quiet the first practices to say the least. I warmed up pretty quickly, because all of the girls were extremely nice and welcoming.

As my season started I wasn't allowed to play because there were problems with my transfer. By this time, I had already become pretty close with the girls. The first game that I got to play in was the East vs. North game and boy was that a treat! I had never seen a bigger rivalry than that and I came from Larkin who's a huge rival with Elgin. I completely freaked out! I probably played one of the worse matches of my life, but the team forgave me. My first year at East was a blast. But nothing can compare to what happened my senior year!

As a team that lost half of their starters in 2007 we weren't expected to do very well. Throughout the season we proved everyone wrong, beating teams that only we knew we could. We went through our season without losing a home game until, of course, senior night. It was a huge upset, because not only was it senior night, but it was the game to win conference. Many people thought that after that game our season was over…not us! We were determined to prove everyone wrong. We were the team that was not even expected to win regionals and we did just the opposite. We became regional champs, sectional champs, and supersectional champs. Who knew a team like us would do so well? We were state bond!

State was an unforgettable three days. The stadium was huge and very over-whelming. We lost our first match at state and our dreams were crushed. We wanted to be state champions more than anyone and deserved it. We came back the next day as if nothing happened and played our hearts out. We took third place in state and couldn't have asked for a much better end to the season.

I am so happy that I made my transfer from Larkin to East. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to be. From the seniors: Alicia, Alex, Courtney, Jordan, Julia and Raechel, to the underclassmen, there was not one girl that I didn't love to be with. Coach Kull is one of the nicest people I have ever met and not to mention an amazing coach. She has become like a second mother to me. I hope I have become a girl that the younger players look up to, not only as a player, but as a person. This past year was the best time I have ever had in my volleyball career and I can't wait to continue playing next year at DePaul as an outside hitter.

Andy Filipiak, Geneva

I have been fortunate to play three years of soccer at Geneva. My sophomore year I played with great players like Kyle Knotek and Steve Sloan, and I played with Brian Hinchman and Nick Helmer my junior year. Each of those years was memorable, but my senior year was the best.

The season began quite mediocre and after 10 games our record was a disappointing 3-5-2. Our team had not jelled yet and it was frustrating. At around this time two season changing events occurred. The first was a game against an excellent team from Ohio. We played with them and should have won; however, we gave up two own goals and lost 3-1. This game turned our season around and we won 17 straight after that. The second season changing event was when we went bowling dressed as our assistant coach. The most memorable outfit was Storm Obuchowski's who wore a dress.

The comeback season was nothing compared to our run in the playoffs. The previous two years were disappointing in the playoff department. This year was the last chance for me and my senior teammates. Which made it very different than the previous years because we didn't have a next year. Our first two regional games were easier victories and kept us alive.

Our first sectional game was against a very strong Wheaton Warrenville South team whom we had beaten earlier in the season. Every game was even more intense than the last because a win meant we were one step closer to getting to state. We won our next game against Wheaton Academy 4-0 due to the goal-scoring prowess of Adam Cornwell and Shawn Sloan. I don't remember that game as much as the celebration and the feeling afterward which will stay with me for the rest of my life.

We made it to supersectionals to face Neuqua Valley. That was the last game I would ever play for Geneva. That loss stung for a while but once it went away I started to realize what an amazing season it had been.

A little over a week ago the team had a party for our "extreme" assistant coach who will not be coming back next year. We had a chance to reminisce over some of the better memories that season. I will always remember our team and the amazing season and chemistry we had.

Nick Fruendt, Batavia

My high school athletic experience has been nothing short of incredible. It has been an honor to represent Batavia and play basketball at Batavia High School. High school has passed so quickly, and I am now ready to go on to play college basketball, but the times I had in high school athletics are times that I will forever appreciate.

All throughout my childhood, I looked up to the high school athletes in our town. I dreamed of one day running out onto the basketball court and being able to play for my high school. I used to go to all the games with my friends or family. When high school finally arrived, I could not wait to be a part of the action. One of the most thrilling memories of my entire life is running onto the Batavia court for the first time as a freshman. I had waited for it for such a long time, and I just won't forget it.

I have a ton of other memories that I will not forget as a Batavia basketball player. The Ken Peddy Classic is always a good start for us. One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas because there is so much basketball being played. I loved playing at the Elgin Holiday tournament. Every game had a special meaning to me. I played over 100 games in high school, and I could probably tell you a little bit about each and every one of them if you asked.

The most anticipated games were always the Geneva games. Each school really gets behind their team, and I think it is one of the best rivalries around. The Night of Hoops was always my favorite "single game" to play in each year. Finally, the playoffs were exactly as described: March Madness.

I have many memories from all four years of high school. Every time there was a game on a day at school, I could not wait for the day to be over. There is nothing like sitting in school with so much anticipation and energy. On game days with no school, I would try to conserve my energy as much as possible to be ready for the game. I can remember some particular days very vividly, down to what music I listened to before the game. Since it is so fresh in my memory, I can remember just about everything from my senior year.

Since there is so much about my senior year, I will focus in on my favorite game of the year: The Night of Hoops against Simeon. Everyone was so amped up for this game. I remember riding to the game with Phil and Peter. We had to park a block away. I had to sit in the top row of our bleachers that normally aren't fully pulled out.

The game was extra intense, and the gym was the hottest gym I have ever played in in the winter. All of my friends were in the stands, even friends from other high school teams that had games that night rushed to the game! My whole family was there, and it seemed like the whole city was behind us. I don't care what anyone says, there was nothing like it, and I'll never forget it.

Lindsay Hansen, Kaneland

High school -- the best four years of your life, right? Well, maybe not all the best memories come from high school, but there are some of those moments that take your breath away, and in my situation, a majority of these moments involve sports. As I get ready to walk across the stage, accept my diploma, and forever be done as a Kaneland student, I look back on what I've learned and what I'm going to miss most about being an athlete at my "middle of the cornfield" high school.

Growing up in the Kaneland community, I went to football games and basketball games galore. I watched in awe as the high schoolers played in front of hundreds of fans, the cheerleaders threw basket tosses without a scare, and the "Rowdies", as we know them at Kaneland, constantly cheered.

Finally, freshman year hit and I surrounded myself by this environment for the rest of high school. Being a cheerleader for these 4 years, I was constantly surrounded by fans, players and that good ol' Kaneland spirit, but not until senior year did I really realize what I was going to miss. Our senior night was the most exhilarating, proud night of the whole season. Our cheer squad is not known to be one of the best, but boy did we prove that wrong -- we hit stunts only competition squads knew and we looked absolutely outstanding. To be able to show the crowd what we've got and perform in front of our fans, classmates and parents is something I will truly miss -- it is something I can only feel at Kaneland.

Performing is one thing, playing is another. At the end of freshman year, I got pulled up to the varsity softball team. Did I play? No, but I worked hard and earned my way to starting catcher my sophomore year. The Kaneland softball team has quite a reputation. They went downstate and have won several regionals -- I couldn't be more excited to be part of this team.

Now, 4 years later, I am part of this team, have been part of this team, and as a senior I couldn't be any happier. We've had our fair share of bad moments and good ones, but I know any girl on the team will admit there are far more good than bad. The girls who I've played with while at Kaneland are my closest friends and we hold a special bond. We enjoy watching Coach (Dennis) Hansen get furious at umpires; We hate listening to Def Leopard (Hansen's favorite) while warming up; We love joking around with Coach Neahring; We can't stand running the halls, but overall, together, we love the game. And this is what brings us together, these memories that only the Kaneland softball team will know and will remember.

Kaneland softball hasn't only introduced me to new people, it has taught me life lessons. I learned that it is a MUST to practice during the off-season -- without it, I wouldn't be where I am now. I learned that during softball season, you don't have a life. I learned that you can make a few mistakes, no matter how big, and there will still be people behind you. I learned that no matter what kind of music you like, the coach has the final say in warm-up music. And I ultimately learned how to be a kinder, less selfish, considerate person. Through the 4 years of playing this sport which is my passion, I have simply become a better person.

As I say goodbye to Kaneland this year, I not only take the knowledge I learned in school with me, I take the life lessons I learned from being a high school athlete. I am going to miss the feeling of knowing almost everyone who comes to the games and the feeling of security in the small community of Kaneland. But I know that for me, and for my fellow Kaneland athletes planning to continue sports in college, there is a big bright future for us that we intend to make good use of and it couldn't be possible without having this unique experience at our "home in the country."

Lauren Heck, Aurora Christian

As my final year of high school comes to an end I look back and reflect on my basketball career as a Lady Eagle. It wasn't always an easy ride for me. I, like any other athlete, had my ups and downs. Nothing in life comes easy in life and for someone to be placed upon a high pedestal hard work and dedication are two things that can help get you there.

I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to be taught by some great coaches throughout my career. They have taught me not only how to become a better and stronger player on the court but also to become a better person.

I have accomplished so much since my freshmen year in basketball. My style of play, confidence and size! Basketball has been a love and passion I've had in my life since fourth grade. I have worked extremely hard at it and my goal is to continue to improve my game.

Of course, I have endured my fair share of frustrating moments and difficult times, but all those situations only drove me to push harder. I have realized throughout my career that it's not worth anything if you're playing with the wrong motives. Playing for yourself can only get you so far in life. I know that when on a team one can accomplish much more than on their own. When I step on the court, I am playing for God. He got me here and gave me my talents. I play for the one who truly deserves it.

Aurora Christian has given me great opportunities to play basketball. I have established many great relationships and have met some amazing people. Basketball is a great part of my life and I hope that beyond high school it will continue to be.

"If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worth while, it can be done." -- Vince Lombardi

Kylie Schalz, Rosary

Looking back on my past four years I remember the successes, the failures, the laughs, the tears, the teams, the friends, the impossible practices, the excitement of fans, and the many people who have helped me achieve above and beyond what I had ever imagined.

As I finish my final days at Rosary I find myself wondering what my life will be like without this school, community, and athletic atmosphere. As a female athlete I feel more than privileged to have played four amazing years in three different sports as a Royal. The unbelievable support and dedication that comes from this school is almost overwhelming and rarely experienced outside of this community. My four years in a Rosary uniform have been some of the greatest and most memorable years of my life, and certainly will have special significance to me. Either through my personal success or the success of the various teams, I know that my years at Rosary will never be forgotten.

Having been around Rosary since I was in the womb; following my dad on the pool deck and in the halls of Rosary as a young tot growing up knowing that I was going to be a "future Bead" I knew that I would be going to Rosary. Although I turned out not to be a Bead and swim for my dad, I became a Royal, participating in volleyball, basketball and softball. As my dad was making huge splashes in the pool during my high school career, I knew that I needed to make a name for myself.

My senior year is when the success of every team I participated took stride. Our volleyball team defeated St. Francis twice in conference, taking the SCC title for the first time outright. We won our seventh consecutive regional title and made it to the sectional finals. Our basketball team broke a school record in wins and won the second consecutive regional title. Our softball team, although still competing, won conference for the first time since 2004 and has a winning record going into postseason play. Needless to say my senior year is one of great success.

With every success and failure comes a vast array of memories. The past four years have been filled with memories, laughter and friends. Although I will always remember the many accomplishments and successes of the teams I have participated with, the friendships I made and people I met will remain with me forever. My teammates have been my biggest support and my best friends and I hope I have been the same for them.

The best memories have come from my teammates and coaches. The crazy bus rides with the softball team with Kaz at the wheel, the dance parties in the locker room before every basketball game, the "ring that bell days" and victory laps during school for every major athletic achievement, decorated lockers before every big game, girls with painted faces and dyed hair cheering until their voices were almost gone, the spider-man volleyball that had the status of team mascot, my parents at all the games and of course my teammates and coaches during every practice, game, and everything in between and all the inside jokes that come along with them are just a few of the unbelievable memories that I will never leave behind.

The people at Rosary are some of the most dedicated people that I have ever met, but there is one person in particular that I believe is the reason that Rosary is so successful. Our athletic director, Mary Lou Kunold is one of the most dedicated and hard-working human beings on this planet. Being Rosary's only athletic director in the school's history, she is the guiding light in the success of the athletic program. In four years with Kuhn I have learned so much about hard work, dedication, athletics, faith and of course myself.

This year was a special year in Rosary athletics having been Kuhn's 35th year as athletic director and as a result the athletic facilities were dedicated in her honor. Seeing current and alumni athletes come together for Kuhn made me realize how much of an impact Kuhn has had on the Rosary community. Her excitement for the athletes is something I will never forget. Having pitched two perfect games in a row during this 2008 softball season I got to personally experience her joy and happiness when she was cheering and jumping around the St. Francis softball field when I accomplished this feat. It truly showed me what it means to be a Rosary Royal.

As I look back with fondness on the past four years, I also look forward to the next phase of my life. This fall I will be attending Oakland University on a softball and academic scholarship. I know that Rosary has prepared me to be the best student-athlete that I can be as it is truly a place of unbelievable people and personalities, successful athletes and dedicated coaches and teachers.

I feel that in my four years here at Rosary I have changed and evolved into the best person that I can be. It has been an honor and a privilege to play in a Rosary Royals uniform for the past four years and I am proud to say that I will never forget this incredible place.

Josh Stein, Marmion

These past four years at Marmion on the cross country and track teams have made me grow more than any other activity I have participated in while at Marmion.

Starting on the varsity squad as a freshman I have had the luxury of being able to see how each set of senior captains before me have dealt with adversity that would arise during the season. Freshman year it was the trio of Keefe, Nothnagel and Ritchey almost miraculously pulling our team to a conference championship. Sophomore year it was watching our team fight tooth and nail to earn a fifth place at regionals for our captain Ryan who was battling cancer. Junior year I had the pleasure of running with Dave Grange who ran with an unbeatable passion.

Now as a senior I have tried to combine what I've learned from these fantastic leaders. I hope that I too have left my mark on the cross country and track teams at Marmion now that my time is up. I know that the program is in good hands and that it will continue to grow.

Tyler Thompson, West Aurora

As a freshman, I knew I was entering into a big high school that had a great tradition. West Aurora was not just a school with a strong tradition in academics but in basketball as well.

As a kid, I grew up watching numerous West High teams have great success in their basketball seasons. I grew up watching and looking up to many of the guys on the 2000 state championship team. I'll never forget standing on the free-throw line with my dad after West High had just won the state championship against former NBA player Darius Miles, or watching the 2004 third place team at the Welsh-Ryan Arena at Northwestern playing former NBA player Sean Livingston.

I started my freshman basketball career on the sophomore level. I learned how to play in Coach (Gordie) Kerkman's system and was moved up toward the end of the season on the varsity level. I had the opportunity to practice with the varsity guys and got my first taste of being a varsity basketball player at West High.

As a sophomore, I was fortunate enough to earn a starting position on the varsity. As a sophomore, I was forced to mature very quickly. I had a great group of teammates that helped shape me into the basketball player I am today. They helped pick me up and made me push myself.

My sophomore season turned out to be a year I will never forget. We ended up with a record of 29-2 and made it down state to Peoria, Illinois. I can honestly say those were some of the best memories I had at West Aurora High School. That season stood for so much more than just another season. We were one of the elite in the state and were joined by other great teams from across the state. To play in front of all those people and represent the city of Aurora and West Aurora High School was one of the most proud memories I have at West.

My junior year I decided to play varsity football as well as varsity basketball. As I look back on the football experience I wouldn't change it if I could. Football helped me with so many parts of my game. I became quicker, faster and stronger for basketball. At the same time I met other guys that I would not have really met if it wasn't for football. I was also fortunate enough to have a great coaching staff that was always willing to put in the extra time and effort to help me grow not just as an athlete but as an individual.

Lastly, my senior year was one of my fondest years at West High. As a senior, I had to make the tough decision of not going out for football. After battling tendonitis in the knees all summer and months of physical therapy, I had to miss numerous tournaments with my AAU team, the Illinois Wolves. I also missed several West High summer tournaments as well. Although I was injured, I tried to make the most of it by spending this time lifting and traveling with my team for support. As a senior I took it as my responsibility to help and encourage my teammates as much as I could. The summer time is a great time to really grow and develop as a team. All my time away from basketball due to my tendonitis paid off. I gained about 25 pounds of muscle. After giving up football, I focused my time and efforts toward basketball.

My senior season started off very well. We started off winning the Rock Island Thanksgiving Tournament and starting our record off at 10-0 going into Christmas. Our tournament in Pontiac did not go as well as we would have liked but the team bounced back. After one round through the conference, we were undefeated in the DVC. We also gained bragging rights for beating our cross-town rivals East Aurora. At the end of the season we ended up 18-8 and third in the DVC. We didn't finish the season as well as we would have liked but sometimes this happens.

One thing I will always remember about my career at West Aurora High School is the irreplaceable support the basketball program receives from the community, student body and pep band. Anyone who's been to a West High basketball game will tell you that the atmosphere is truly something you will never forget.

The student support is hands down one of the best in the state. Our "Rowdies" as we like to call them have a great tradition at West High and show complete loyalty and give great support to our school and team. We truly feed off of their energy every time we step on the floor.

I am also very fortunate to have such an awesome pep band that completely sets the mood for our games. I can remember as long as I've been a basketball player at West High that we would not enter onto the floor without the band.

Last but certainly not least, I am so thankful to have been part of West High's great basketball tradition and am so grateful for all the support the community gives to West High basketball. You have truly made my career at West High something I will never forget and I am truly blessed to have played all four years in such a highly supportive community. I can truly not say enough about all the fans and supporters of West High basketball and how much they mean to this school and basketball program. Without you, my memories at West High wouldn't be so special.

Keep supporting the West High basketball program. You make the season special. GO BLACKHAWKS!

Caitlin Winkelman, St. Charles North

When I look back on the past four years, I can't believe that they are actually coming to an end. I now finally believe the cliché saying that high school flies by in the blink of an eye. You don't realize how fast it goes until it is all winding down. Everyone always counts down the days until graduation, but once it finally comes, it's really hard to believe. Although I am excited to move on to a new chapter of my life, there are so many things that I am going to miss about high school.

I never could have imagined how much I would learn and grow as a person. Throughout all of the great experiences I've had during my time at St. Charles North, playing high school sports stands out above the rest. I have been playing sports competitively since a young age, but I've never had such a rewarding and memorable experience as I have had in high school. I've been extremely proud to represent my school and community and I know I will never forget my time playing sports at SCN. My memories of high school volleyball, basketball and soccer contain some of the best times, people, accomplishments and lessons in my life.

One of the main reasons why high school sports have been so great for me is because of the people I've encountered along the way. My coaches and teammates at SCN have been some of the most incredible people I've ever met and they are the reason why many of the teams I have been a part of have been so successful. Every team has had amazing girls, motivating coaches and supportive parents who have all had a huge impact on me.

The girls that I've played with became my best friends. The coaches pushed me to work hard to be a strong person on and off the court. The parents were never shy to show us their support, whether it was painting our bus windows, decorating our lockers, loading up snack bags or cooking up three pots full of pasta before every game. My mom and dad were by my side, encouraging me 110 percent every step of the way, each and every season. Without these people, my athletic experience wouldn't have been nearly as fun and memorable as it was.

Playing a sport each season of the year has not always been an easy task but I continued to do it year after year because I knew that if I were to give up one sport, I wouldn't be able to decide on which one. I have found my participation in sports to be extremely valuable and rewarding. Not only have high school sports kept me active year-round, but I've learned things that cannot be taught inside of the classroom.

Sports have helped me to manage my time between athletics, schoolwork and friends. I have learned that I can be successful if I work hard and commit myself to something. I've seen that a team can accomplish much more than any one person can individually. I've realized the value of sacrificing for myself and others.

I now know that what is truly important in the end is so much more then what it says on the scoreboard. Ten years from now, I'm not going to remember the records, scores, or average points per game. The wins are not what I'll take with me in life. What will live on inside me are the incredible people, memories, work ethic, friendships and lessons learned that I have had these past four years. What really matters in the long run is that I have grown as a person because of my experience in high school sports.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunities that I did at North. Even though it is sad to know that it is all over, I feel that I have made the best of the past four years. My experiences have been unforgettable and I wouldn't trade them for anything.