Bauch playing some inspired softball at Illinois
When University of Illinois senior Allie Bauch plays her final game this spring, she will walk off the field as one of the Illini's top walk-on softball players of all time.
And so many up-and-coming Illini no doubt would like to be able to walk in her shoes.
Not only has the former Conant star been a standout on the field where she has started every game the last two years at second base, the same goes for off the field.
She qualifies as a true inspiration to all aspiring student-athletes to never give up on their dreams.
Bauch was a Capital One Academic All-America First Team and member of the All-Big Ten first team, leading the Illini in batting average (. 399), on base percentage (.483), runs (47), hits (71), doubles (18) walks (29), slugging percentage (.702 with 12 home runs), 125 total bases and 6 steals.
But her off-the-field accomplishments are just as impressive.
Bauch has a cousin, Danny, with Down's Syndrome and she has organized team walks, Buddy Ball and other gatherings to support not only him but Tiffany, another special needs person.
Tiffany's parents, like Allie's, are also proud supporters of the Illinois softball team.
"I look forward to the times I get to spend with my cousin Danny (Effa) and Tiffany (Hand)," Allie said. "Their perspective on life is inspiring; they don't worry about what others think."
They've made a huge difference in Allie's life.
"I believe what's really amazing is the impact that they have had, not only on me, but my teammates and everyone else they've come in contact with," she said. "You see first-hand their smiles and the innocent joy and love they have with everyone and everything around them. They wear their emotions on their sleeves, which, I know I don't always do and it starts to become contagious. There is no doubt in my mind that they are helping me more that I can ever help them."
Bauch has helped her softball team more than many people might have thought four years ago when she came on to the team as a walk-on.
"It has been a dream of mine to play softball at Illinois since my older sister attended the school," Alli said. "With Lindsey Hamma's (Hoffman Estates softball coach and former Illini standout shortstop) help, coach (Terri) Sullivan gave me the opportunity to be a part of the team."
When that opportunity arose, Bauch became determined to never take it for granted.
"That day I knew I would work every moment to put myself in the best position to help contribute to the team," she said. "When the opportunity came, all I wanted was to help the team succeed and to win as many games as possible."
While the personal achievements have been nice Bauch is most proud of being able to still play the game she loves.
"And to be able to wear the 'I' (for Illinois) across my chest every time I do," she said. "As a college athlete, I could not be any happier."
Bauch was just as busy in high school, enjoying four years of playing softball, basketball and volleyball.
She loves being able to give back to others what she has learned.
"Softball has provided a tremendous platform for me and has opened opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself," Bauch said. "I've been able to spend time at elementary schools, build homes for the less fortunate, visit children at hospitals, and get involved with the DSN (Down Syndrome) network."
She has served as a standout role model.
"Being able to instruct and help inspire young softball players to be their best is something that has been truly satisfying," Bauch said. "The thought that I may be a role model for some young people is a huge responsibility that I take a lot of pride in."
Bauch wants the younger players to know she is there for them and willing do whatever she can to allow them to reach their goals.
"One of the most important things that I will forever be grateful for is the love and support I have received throughout my life from my family, coaches, teachers and friends," she said. "My dad told me one time that 'it's your journey, but you are never walking alone.' I truly believe in those words and am lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people."
Heading into her final collegiate season is bittersweet for Bauch.
"I can't believe my softball career is coming to a close but I am so excited for the season to start." she said. "We have a new head coach (Tyra Perry) and I look forward to seeing what the team does under her. I feel very fortunate to have the support of so many people over the years."
Playing in Illinois has allowed many friends and family to watch Bauch the past three years in Champaign and at other Big Ten schools.
"For them to make that effort means the world to me,' Bauch said. "I hope they all know I wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for each and every one of them and I thank them from the bottom of my heart."
Bauch calls coaches Frank Hill (Sluggers), Cathy Ann Smith and Kelly Wolff (Conant), her siblings Laura and Ryan and especially her parents all invaluable contributors to her success.
"They told me never to quit and they have believed in me through times I didn't believe in myself," Bauch said.
Football
Augustana senior quarterback Sam Frasco (Prospect) was named the Most Valuable Player for the Vikings for the second consecutive year.
Frasco was a tremendous dual threat, leading the team in both rushing and passing for a second straight season, helping the Vikings finish 4-6 on the season and 3-4 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
He led the team in rushing with 1,172 yards in 10 games for an average of 117.2 yards per game. Frasco also rushed for 18 touchdowns this season.
Vikings senior safety Frank Kalble (Hersey) was the team's Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite missing two games and playing through a serious knee injury, Kalble was the Vikings' second-leading tackler with 81 this year. He tied for the team lead with 38 solo stops. The senior captain also had a pair of interceptions and 4 pass break-ups for the Vikings' defense.
Women's basketball
Oakton freshman Mallory Gonzalez (Prospect) was named a player of the week in the NJCAA for her performances against McHenry County College and College of Lake County.
Gonzalez, who was returning to action from a broken finger, scored 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds against McHenry.
She scored 16 points with 9 rebounds and 6 steals against CLC two days later.
"Mallory has been out with a broken finger, and these were her first two games back," said Owls coach Melissa Rauschenberg. "She never stopped working hard in practice and on the bench and has continuously been a tremendous leader and motivator to both her teammates and coaches. She is definitely most deserving of this honor, and we are extremely excited to have her back."
Men's track
Augustana senior Ethan Koch (Prospect) took third place (4:19.14) in the mile run at the Olivet Nazarene Invitational in Bourbonnais.
Vikings sophomore Evan Murphy (Buffalo Grove) placed fifth in the triple jump (44 feet, 1½ inches).
The Vikings scored 91 points to finish third in the meet.
Rugby road trip
Six local athletes have been named to the Rugby Illinois boys high school all-state team's (Tornados) groundbreaking tour to South Africa this July.
The list includes Luke Donovan (Fremd) of the Palatine Barbarians, Greg Janowick (Barrington) of the Barrington Broncos and Joe Fasolo (Hersey), Alex Gountanis (Prospect) and Matt Moroniak (Hersey) of the Arlington Stallions.
Current Davenport University squad captain Kevin Lydon (2012 Conant graduate) has been invited as an assistant coach.
The Tornados will play three matches against high school teams in the Capetown area and will train at the world famous Stellenbosch Rugby Academy. According to Tornados coach Lou Raymond, this will be a unique experience for these young athletes, "Culturally and athletically this will be the trip of a lifetime for these players," he said. "They are going to a place that is unique in its culture as well as in their approach to our sport. There's no doubt that this will be the biggest challenge of their young athletic careers."
According to the website Rugby Illinois, this is the first high school rugby team from the Midwest to travel to South Africa.
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