The Arrow | Spring 2019

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the arrow

A SEQUOIT MEDIA AND ANTIOCH ATHLETICS PUBLICATION volume 1. issue 3. spring 2019 sequoitmedia.com . @sequoitsports 1133 main street. antioch, illinois. 60002

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Welcome, Sequoits

elcome to Antioch Community High School and the 2018-2019 spring sports season. Our athletes have put in many hours preparing for this spring’s competitions.

We are excited to be hosting several varsity tournaments this spring. During the weekend of April 12, we will host our girls soccer and softball tournaments. The following Thursday, April 18, we will co-host the Community High School District 117 Girls Track Invitational with Lakes. On Thursday, May 9, we will be hosting the IHSA Girls Sectional Track and Field meet. The week of May 20, we will be hosting the IHSA Regional Softball and Boys Volleyball Tournaments, along with the IHSA Girls Soccer SCHOENFELDER Sectional Tournament.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Last school year, 19 of 21 IHSA eligible varsity teams were recognized with the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award for obtaining a 3.0 overall grade point average among all team members. We would like to congratulate the following teams that were recognized: HAMILTON PRINCIPAL

MCKAY

SUPERINTENDENT

Boys’ cross-county, girls’ cross-country, girls’ volleyball, girls’ tennis, boys’ soccer, girls golf, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, bowling, dance, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball, boys’ track and field, girl’s track and field, girls’ soccer, softball, boys’ tennis and boys’ volleyball. Individually Andrew Hare, Branden Gallimore, Benjamin Nauman, Nicolas Chiappetta, Julius Catalan and Joseph Karolewicz were named to the IHSFCA All-State Academic Team.

Last year, we also saw several athletes obtain All-State/ State Medalist recognition. Kelsey Neville became the school’s 5th four time state qualifier in the same sport when she medaled at the state tennis meet. Andrew Hare was recognized as a Class 5A All-State Football athlete by the IHSFBCA. Kyle Boudreau was named to the All-State Tennis team by the state coaches association. Softball players recognized as All-State by the ICA included: Piper Foote, Abby Pyburn, Megan Lawrence and Deighton

2 | SEQUOIT LEADERSHIP | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Butenschoen. Other IHSA state medalists included: Charlie Smith (10th cross-country), Alexander Barbarise (6th wrestling), Daniel McPherson (6th wrestling), Jillian Everett ( 8th discus) and Chase Becker (8th discus). Other IHSA state qualifiers included: Jackie Sistrunk and Niall Schoenfelder in wrestling; Samantha Knab and Alyssa Olson in bowling; Matthew Becker, Charlie Smith, Zachary Grindley, Noor Abdellatif, Ayanna Tommy and Nico Garcia in track and field.

An important component to our co-curricular program is our Sequoit Sidekicks activities. We would like to thank

Gary and his staff at Pro Circle for allowing us to use their miniature golf course this fall for our students to participate in miniature golf.

This year, our sports media class and the award winning Tom Tom are producing the sports program, The Arrow.

We hope you enjoy the publication. This is a new endeavor by our students in which curricular and co-curricular programs are working together to recognize athletes and teams. We would also like to thank the Antioch Lions’ Club and Deli-Source for their donations that will go to fund college scholarships for this year’s senior student/athletes and sponsor the Ward Lear Athlete of the Year Program.

Lastly, the Antioch Community High School Athletic Department, Coaches and Student/Athletes would like to thank Raymond Chevrolet and KIA for its support of ACHS athletics with the Big Play Program, which has donated approximately $84,500 to our athletic program over the past 18 years.

Sequoit Pride continues their support of all Antioch curricular and co-curricular programs through Sequoit wear sales and their annual dinner auction. They are currently in the middle of a five year commitment to help update athletic facilities, uniforms and equipment.

We encourage you to come out this spring and support our student athletes as they represent Antioch Community High School. We ask that you help represent ACHS positively to other schools by encouraging our student athletes while at contests and acknowledging great efforts by all participants. It’s a great day to be a Sequoit.

Sequoit Coaches and Trainers

ANDREWS

ATKINSON

BAILEY

BAYS

BRENNEMAN

D’ANDREA

DOUD

DROZD

FALLS

HARVEY

FRANCIS

FRYE

GLASHAGEL

GORDY

HAFER

JORDAN

LARSEN

MAGNUSON

MALEC

O’DONNELL

OSLAGE

PECHAUER

PETTY

ROCKO

E. SIGREST

T. SIGREST

SILASIRI

SWANSON

TROUT

WHITE

BASEBALL

VOLLEYBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

BASEBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

HEAD VOLLEYBALL

SOCCER

SOFTBALL

SOFTBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

HEAD BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

LACROSSE

BASEBALL

HEAD GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

HEAD SOCCER

TRACK AND FIELD

BASEBALL

VOLLEYBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

LACROSSE

VOLLEYBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

HEAD LACROSSE

BASEBALL

SOCCER

HEAD TENNIS

LACROSSE

SOCCER

HEAD SOFTBALL

SOFTBALL

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T I O U S Q R E O I S SEN ABDELLATIF

ALMARIA

ANDREWS

ARIAS

BEAKE

C. BECKER

M. BECKER

CHRISTANSEN

COREY

CZERLANIS

FARINO

FIER

FOOTE

GAGNON

GILLESPIE

GRINDLEY

HART

HELLEN

HERBON

HILL

HOERNING

JILLY

JUSZCZYK

LAHTI

LAWRENCE

MALICKI

MATEJA

NAUMAN

NIEMI

NORKUS

ORTIZ

PHILLIPS

TRACK AND FIELD

TRACK AND FIELD

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

LACROSSE

SOCCER

SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

VOLLEYBALL

TENNIS

SOCCER

SOCCER

TRACK AND FIELD

SOCCER

TRACK AND FIELD

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LACROSSE

SOFTBALL

SOFTBALL

LACROSSE

TRACK AND FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

VOLLEYBALL

VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

TRACK AND FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

BASEBALL

S PIPER

PYBURN

ROSZKOWIAK

RUMINSKI

SANCHEZ

SCOFIELD

SCOTT

SISTRUNK

SMITH

STEITZ

TAMAYO

TEBBE

TUBBS

VANDERWAGEN

VESSER

VOLKMAR

WARE

WEISER

WHITTALL

LACROSSE

TRACK AND FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

SOFTBALL

SOCCER

BASEBALL

BASEBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

TENNIS

TRACK AND FIELD

LACROSSE

SOFTBALL

TRACK AND FIELD

TRACK AND FIELD

BASEBALL

TENNIS

TENNIS

TRACK AND FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

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SENIOR

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T R O P -S HLETES AT

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JUNIOR

SOPHOMORE

FRESHMEN

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B baseball

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VARSITY ROSTER PLAYER NAME

GRADE

1

AJ Kutcher

10

2

Ethan Almaria

12

7

Austin Andrews

12

9

Eric Hart

12

10

Sean Weiser

12

11

Jack Gillespie

12

12

Vincent Roszkowiak

12

13

Tyler Skutnik

11

14

Carson Scott

12

18

Kyle Bukowy

11

20

Kylar Arias

10

22

Donovan Redd

12

23

Caden Davis

11

26

Anthony Willey

11

31

Ethan Andrews

10

33

Sawyer Phillips

12

42

Logan Delgado

11

51

Andrew DeBoer

11

No.

Baseball returns to attend to unfinished business: state

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fter a close run to state last season, the varsity baseball team is eager to get back in the game.

Nothing is holding them back this year from the title they all yearn for: state champions.

“I think we’re going to come out really strong this year,” junior Caden Davis said. “Everyones just excited to get back and hopefully capitalize and just repeat last year, if not, do better.”

This year’s varsity team consists of several returning upperclassmen, as well as some fresh talent rising to the next level of high school baseball. A tool that will be key when it comes to winning games is the range of abilities the team has.

Head coach Chris Malec is optimistic for this season and belives this team has a lot of potential.

“While only nine guys can play at one time, I think you’ll see 13,

14, even 15 guys competing and pulling together to get through a game and pull out some victories,” Malec said.

Among the talent are several strong pitchers and hitters. By obtaining both an aggressive defense and offense, it is easier to dominate the competition.

“You never know what [the other teams] will bring to the field,” senior Austin Andrews said. “We’ll work on our defense and different situations. You’ve got to know what you’re doing to be successful.”

Moving through this season, obstacles are expected, but with a team that has the natural desire to win, obstacles are nothing more than something to knock out of the park.

// BY ALEXIS OLSON

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Utilizing his skills in every aspect of life

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aseball is a team sport. From the center fielder to the catcher and everyone in between, all components of a team must be firing on all cylinders to make sure the team is successful. Players who can play multiple positions are pivotal for a team because they are able to play in more than one position and perform it seamlessly. In the majors, utility players are some of the most needed. It’s hard for a player to make the majors being amazing at one position, but being able to play at a professional level at many positions is almost unheard of. In high school baseball, these skills are just as sought after.

with multiple AP and honors classes in the mix, he has the brains to be an excellent ball player; combined with his talent, he possesses a rare make-up.

Senior Vincent Roszkowiak first picked up a baseball when he was in preschool. He started by simply playing catch with his dad and his love for the game grew from there. Not only is Roszkowiak great at baseball, but he’s also a natural at many sports.

“He has a really bright future ahead of him,” Sazian said.

“He’s a really nice guy, a hard working guy.”

“He’s good at virtually every sport,” senior Simon Sazian said. “You could give him a ball and tell him to do something with it and he will pick it up right away.”

While Roszkowiak may be skilled at other sports, it is baseball that has captured his heart.

“Baseball is different; it’s unique,” Roszkowiak said. “I don’t get anything out of any other sport the same way I get fun out of baseball.”

Some of Roszkowiak’s teammates have seen his love and passion for the game and have taken notice for the expertise he brings.

“He’s that go to guy that you can just rely on,” senior Ethan Almaria said.

It’s important for baseball players to be intelligent people.

The game reqires a lot of focus and quick thinking. Luckily for the Sequoits, they can be rest assured that their utility man will always make the smart play. “[Roszkowiak is] a very smart guy,” Sazian said. “You can talk to him about anything, and he can back it up with facts.”

Roszkowiak’s academic achievements are just as impressive as his play on the field. Boasting a 4.7 grade point average,

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“Vince is a great hitter,” senior Jack Gillespie said. “He has a strong arm. He’ll definitely hit plenty of home runs this year.

He’s a guy that is always smiling and happy.”

Roszkowiak has embraced the idea of “Mr. Reliability” on and off the diamond, becoming a man that many admire and respect. Friends and teammated alike have recognized the dedication and mentality of Roszkowiak.

His hard working persona is evident both on the field and in the classroom.

“He impacted my life through school by helping me out in class and by being a friend,” Almaria said. “He’s funny and lighthearted. He makes good choices, but he is able to not take away the fun.”

After high school, Roszkowiak will be attending Holy

Cross College in Indiana in the fall before transferring to Notre Dame to study engineering. While collegiate baseball may not be in his future at South Bend, Roszkowiak is set and focused on making this season his best ever.

“I need to work on speed and fielding,” Roszkowiak said. “I need to work on the defensive side of baseball.”

With the heroics of the team last season, including Austin Delgado’s walkoff to comeback and win at sectionals still fresh in his mind, Roszkowiak has goals to advance closer to a state title in 2019.

“I want this season to be better than last year,” Roszkowiak said.

With his goals in sight and his mind on what he can do to get better, Roszkowiak has the perfect recipe to perform at an extremely high level and to help make this baseball season one of the best in recent Antioch Community High School history. // BY JOSEPH WHITTALL

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SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

LOCATION

5/1

4:30 p.m.

Lakes

Lakes HS

4/5

4:30 p.m.

Round Lake

Round Lake HS

5/3

4:30 p.m.

Lakes

Home

4/6

10:00 a.m.

Palatine

Home

5/4

9:00 a.m.

Zion-Benton

Home

4/10

4:30 p.m.

Warren Township

Warren Township HS

5/7

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Grayslake Central HS

4/16

4:30 p.m.

Grant

Home

5/8

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Home

4/17

4:30 p.m.

Grant

Grant HS

5/10

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Grayslake Central HS

4/18

4:30 p.m.

Grant

Home

5/14

4:30 p.m.

Wauconda

Home

4/20

11:00 a.m.

Woodstock North

Woodstock North HS

5/15

4:30 p.m.

Wauconda

Wauconda HS

4/23

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Grayslake North HS

5/17

4:30 p.m.

Wauconda

Home

4/24

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Home

5/18

10:00 a.m.

Wilmot

Home

TBD

Regionals

TBD

4/26

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Grayslake North HS

5/25

4/27

10:00 a.m.

Hersey

Hersey HS

6/1

TBD

Sectionals

TBD

4/30

4:30 p.m.

Lakes

Home

6/3

TBD

Super Sectionals

TBD

6/7

TBD

State

TBD

VARSITY

[TOP] C. Davis, A. Willey, A. DeBoer, J. Gillespie, D. Redd, S. Phillips [ROW 3] Coach P. Petty, Coach A. Harvey, K. Bukowy, L. Delgado, E. Hart, Coach C. Malec, Coach M. Andrews [ROW 2] A. Andrews, E. Almaria, A. Kutcher,V. Roszkowiak, S. Weiser, E. Andrews [BOTTOM] T. Skutnik, K Arias, C. Scott

SOPHOMORE

[TOP] J. Wolf, A. Trusky, E. Holmes, A. Pritchard, C. Glassman, J. Mentone [ROW 2] Coach A. Harvey, T. Merrill, B. Wilson, R. Gunther, A. Titus, A. Wilson, Coach R. Hafer [BOTTOM] L. Schlappi, A. Stewart, T. Williams, J. Garfinkle

FRESHMAN

[TOP] L. Dragin, A. Pankau, J. Haight, A. Bowles, L. Reband, S. Case, J. Tubbs [ROW 2] T. Cook, B. Mateja, F. Butkus, J. Herstowski, T. Van Sickle, L. Listermann, P. Sheehan, H. Bukowy [BOTTOM] G. Frank, L. Ramey, A. Lind, L. Costello, J. Slabosz, Z. Lewis, M. Buchino

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VARSITY

VARSITY ROSTER No.

[TOP] J. Bay, C. Niemi, X. Sanchez, D. Czerlanis, M. Palmeri, L. Bentley [ROW 2] Coach M. Larsen, Coach R. Falls, P. Beake, A. Vicas, T. Martinez, Coach P. Swanson, Coach M. Frye, [ROW 3] K. Jones, N. Bucci, B. Reynolds, O. Lane, C. Jimenez, E. Day, W. Piper, manager C. Kiyohara [BOTTOM] J. Bulka, J. Frye, A. Adams, N. Welch

SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

LOCATION

4/19

5:30 p.m.

Prarie Ridge

Home

4/16

5:30 p.m.

Crystal Lake Central

Home

4/17

7:15 p.m.

Lakes

Home

4/22

7:00 p.m.

Jacobs

Jacobs HS

4/23

7:15 p.m.

Marian Cathoic

Home

4/26

7:00 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Grayslake Central HS

4/27

10:30 a.m.

Highland Park

Home

4/29

7:00 p.m.

Hampshire

Hampshire HS

4/30

7:00 p.m.

William Fremd

William Fremd HS

5/2

5:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Home

5/8

6:00 p.m.

Grant

Grant HS

5/9

6:30 p.m.

Palatine

Home

5/24

TBD

IHSA Sectionals

TBD

5/28

TBD

IHSA Super Sectionals

TBD

5/30

TBD

IHSA State

TBD

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PLAYER NAME

GRADE

2

Noah Welch

10

3

Tegan Martinez

9

4

Anthony Adams

10

6

Justin Frye

10

8

Maxwell Palmieri

11

13

Owen Lane

10

17

Jake Bulka

11

20

Nicholas Bucci

11

21

William Piper

12

22

Patrick Beake

12

23

Brandon Reynolds

11

24

Evan Day

10

25

Lucas Bentley

10

26

Caden Jimenez

10

27

Jack Bay

11

28

Alin Vicas

11

29

Cole Niemi

12

30

Dylan Czerlanis

12

31

Xavier Sanchez

12

JUNIOR VARSITY

[TOP] O. Flores, K. McKevett, R. Shefka, C. Keppen, J. Wichman, B. Cart, C. Vicas [ROW 2] Coach P. Swanson, C. Reinwald, W. Winkler, B. Weinholtz, M. Watkinson, B. Svarc, S. Podgorski, Coach M. Frye [ROW 3] J. Fritz, K. Christian, J. Zemanek, R. Patterson, J. Frye, J. Moisa, C. Chamberlin, K. Cart, L. Rosenthal [BOTTOM] T. Jones, manager H. Horvat, manager V. Rosek, manager J. Nettgen, J. Myhra

Separate and searching for success

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he Antioch lacrosse team has made some major adjustments for this season. This is the first year the program will be its own team contrary to previous years when it was a combined program with Lakes Community High School.

“This year is going to be a challenge, transitioning from a district team to a single school team,” senior William Piper said.

“But we are capable of having a great first year as a program.”

Key players such as Patrick Beake and Dylan Czerlanis will be returning for their senior season.

“I think what’s going to help us this year is the hype and uprising of our new program,” junior Jake Bulka said. “The leadership that this team has will help a lot throughout the process and this season’s success.”

Even though the split could be seen as a somewhat difficult transition, this first-year Antioch team is looking to improve from last year’s team. The 2018 team made the playoffs and won their first ever post season game.

“This will definitely be a year to see if we can come together as a collective group and really try to establish something for this school and try to take that next step,” Beake said.

This team is looking forward to taking on the challenge of not only playing their district rival for the first time, but also keeping up their reputation during their debut season. // BY KEVIN TAMAYO | 15

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Beake at his peak

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or the past three years, the lacrosse team at Antioch Community High School has been combined with Lakes Community High School. However, Lakes has now separated from Antioch and the Sequoits have become their own team.

Senior defensive man Patrick (Will) Beake has been on the team for the past four years.

Beake began as a football and ice hockey player four years ago when he started high school. In the spring of his freshman year, he decided to try something new: lacrosse. His aggression from football and the handeye coordination that he had learned from ice hockey allowed him to become the lacrosse player that he is today.

“I decided to join as an alternative to do something in the spring,” Beake said. “ Lacrosse was up and coming in this area and I decided to give it a try.”

Beake started out as a midfield player on the JV team; but he soon learned that it wasn’t the right fit. He then transitioned to the defensive position where he

blossomed as a player. His work ethic and athleticism were noticed by the coach at the time. Thus, Beake was given the opportunity to move up to the varsity level, where he eventually became a starting player.

“I am going to use a word that I don’t use much with athletes and that is adaptable,” varsity coach and gym teacher Matthew Larsen said. “In lacrosse, freshman year he started as a short stick middie and now I predict him to be an All-Conference long stick defensive player.

He adapts to what makes the teams he plays on better and then excels at it.”

Like any athlete, Beake has weaknesses as well as strengths. Due to his size and body type, Beake explains that he is not always the fastest on the field compared to the rest of the team.

“My main weakness is my speed, I’m typically slower than the rest of the players,” Beake said. “I will outwork anyone though; I may be slower or not as skilled, but I

will work harder than anyone to become better.”

The amount of hard work and determination Beake has put into lacrosse has been noticed by his coach and is now predicted to be an All-Conference athlete for the 2019 season.

“He was new four years ago and now could be pushing for an All-Conference award in his fourth year playing lacrosse,” Larsen said. “Most All-Conference players have been playing for seven to ten years. He put in the work to be the best and it has shown through his success.”

Additionally, Beake has been given the role of team captain for the past two years. He has shown through heart, determination and leadership that he deserves this position.

“Beake is a vocal leader on our team,” Larsen said.

“He helps get kids interested in lacrosse; he is a vocal leader, excels in the classroom and he is at each practice everyday prepared to help others get better.”

Among his teammates, Beake’s leadership characteristics have come to be the reason others look up to him as a role model both on and off the field.

“Will is the player that always brings players up when they’re feeling down,” senior attackman Dylan Czerlanis said. “For someone, especially a captain, to create that type of environment is what makes Will such a great captain.”

Beake looks forward to his final year of high school lacrosse, and hopes that the new Antioch team will have as much success as the program has had in the past. As a senior, he hopes to create his own legacy and leave a lasting impact on the program. He will be attending the Minnesota State University at Mankato in the fall, and is currently undecided on whether he will compete in lacrosse at the collegiate level or not. // BY JOSEPH KESTIAN

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S soccer

18 | SOCCER | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

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VARSITY

[TOP] L. Gissel, S. Champney, Coach C. Trout, Manager N. Puzzo, Coach J. Silasiri, K. Holmes, G. Hellen [ROW 2] L. LeBrun, K. Meltzer, R. Brnot, A. Pierce, M. Holway, C. Krumrai, I. Mateja, S. Arias [BOTTOM] S. Smith, A. Santoyo, N. Rogalski, N. Hill, C. Monaco, K. Steitz

JUNIOR VARSITY I

[TOP] Coach S. Magnuson, G. Acello, A. Tate, S. Jilly, P. Bolton, N. Loos, R. Phillips [ROW 2] E. Pedersen, M.Volkmar, Z. Kue, I. DeMartini, S. Brown, C. Bongratz, A. Phillips, A. Rhodes [BOTTOM] D. Cosio, L. Rolland, T. Jackel, R. Pauletti, S. Vilardi, S. Rizzo

JUNIOR VARSITY II

[TOP] I. Montoya, R. Brewer, A. Phillips, A. Nikolov, J. Mitchell, C. Hochstedler, Coach M. Drozd [ROW 2] M. Clauson, F. LaCerba, O. Gerhardt, M. Goldstein, K. Albiter, L. Corley, O. Lahti, D. DuPont [BOTTOM] A. Barbosa, H. Garcia, A. Pratt, E. Rapp

VARSITY ROSTER PLAYER NAME

GRADE

Leah LeBrun

10

Mikayla Holway

11

Grace Hellen

12

Carolyn Monaco

9

Allyson Pierce

10

Kacey Meltzer

11

Natalie Hill

12

Lauren Gissel

10

Natalie Rogalski

10

Sarah Smith

11

Isabella Mateja

12

Kaitlyn Holmes

10

Andrea Santoyo

10

Shyanna Arias

12

Karina Steitz

12

Chloe Krumrai

10

Samantha Champney

11

Rebecca Brnot

12

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End of an era for Steitz

T

here’s a last for everything: a last freezing cold March night game, a last burning hot May afternoon game, a last after school practice after eight classes. Hours spent perfecting and critiquing a kick all come to a close as senior Karina Steitz enters her last soccer season as a Sequoit.

Steitz has been playing soccer since she was five years old. Her mother has always been involved in sports, which rubbed off on Steitz and made her want to try it for herself. Ever since then, she has enjoyed being active and playing competitive sports.

“Although soccer is not the sport I am continuing in college, it has many similarities,” Steitz said. “Sports are a huge part of my life. They make me who I am and have created so many friendships that I wouldn’t have without soccer.”

20 | SOCCER | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Steitz has spent three years of her soccer career on varsity.

This year, both her fourth and final, has her stepping into the role of a team captain.

“She definitely acts as a leader should,” sophomore Kaitlyn Holmes said. “She’s always trying to motivate us and trying to help us get better, along with always getting us started at practice and being vocal to the team.”

Not only is she an active teammate on the field, but off the field, Steitz is constantly there for her friends.

“She is always there when I need her to just be somebody who will listen and give me advice,” junior Samantha Champney said. “Soccer-wise, she helps me get better with touches and my technique by showing me what to do.”

When helping her friends, Steitz shows a softer side of herself, but on the field she is incredibly competitive. She has always been a competitor in everything she does. Always going full out and playing 100 percent every second of the game, she often gets caught up in wanting to win.

“I am very competitive so I often have to remind myself that it is just a game,” Steitz said. “I love the game and it keeps me focused.”

She also brings this competitiveness into her everyday life because she’s involved in so many other activities outside of soccer including field hockey, marching band, Tri-M, National Honors Society and full orchestra. Balancing soccer, school and other activities become challenging at times. Although all this becomes stressful, Steitz knows that soccer is a sport that helps her cope with the struggles of life.

“I’ve taught myself that soccer is a time where I don’t have to think about other things,” Steitz said. “I just get to play [the sport] for 80 minutes and forget about other things in life.”

While playing the game, Steitz doesn’t have anything on her mind other than winning. She becomes locked in and does not worry about her personal issues or stress. Soccer tends to be an outlet for the madness of her busy life.

“On the field, I have turned my stress into focus and controlled aggression,” Steitz said. “I’ve learned stress never makes anyone perform better and you have to learn to

change stress into something else.”

Taking what she has learned over the years, Steitz is looking to pass these lessons down to her younger teammates. She hopes to leave behind the wisdom soccer has provided that isn’t necessarily about the game itself, but rather about life off the field.

“Her impact on the team is so great,” Champney said.

“She is good at giving constructive criticism so we can be better as a whole team. Without her we wouldn’t be able to function correctly.”

Along with learning to become a leader on the team, Steitz’ years spent playing soccer at Antioch have been nothing less than successful. Even though Steitz is not continuing soccer in the future, she has received accomplishments equal to those of any prospective college athlete.

“My soccer career has been better than I ever expected it to be,” Steitz said. “With some amazing players in the past, they pushed me to become the best player I can be which led me to receive the All-Conference title last year.”

Through the success, the losses, the doubts and the constant battle in every 80 minute game, soccer has always been something she could share with a group of girls who want to win just as badly as she does.

“Over the years, I learned that everyone has something in common on the team and that is the passion for soccer,” Steitz said.

Although soccer will always hold a place in her heart, Steitz will be attending Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana to play field hockey at the collegiate level.

“I will be focusing on another sport in college,” Steitz said. “Although I will not continue my soccer career, I have learned a lot of things from soccer that I can bring into field hockey.”

As Steitz plays her last season at Antioch, she will always have her memories and love for soccer while playing field hockey in college. // BY RILEE SCHREINER

| 21

SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

EVENT

LOCATION

4/5

4:30 p.m.

Invitational

Hampshire HS

4/6

10:00 a.m.

Invitational

Hampshire HS

4/10

5:30 p.m.

Game

Antioch HS

4/12

4:30 p.m.

Invitational

Antioch HS

4/13

9:00 a.m.

Invitational

Antioch HS

4/15

4:30 p.m.

Game

Waukegan HS

4/17

5:00 p.m.

Game

Antioch HS

4/20

11:30 a.m.

Game

Rockford HS

4/23

5:00 p.m.

Game

Antioch HS

4/29

6:30 p.m.

Game

Antioch HS

5/1

6:15 p.m.

Game

Grayslake Central HS

5/7

5:00 p.m.

Game

Antioch HS

5/9

4:30 p.m.

Game

Woodstock North HS

5/17

TBD

IHSA Regionals

TBA

5/21

4:30 p.m.

IHSA Sectionals

Antioch HS

5/24

5:00 p.m.

IHSA Sectionals

Antioch HS

5/28

TBD

IHSA Super Sectionals

TBA

5/31

6:15 p.m.

IHSA State

TBA

Kicking off a new season

E

nding last season, the girls varsity soccer team finished with a record of 14 wins, four losses and two ties.

The Sequoits were able to reach the second round of regionals where they fell short to Vernon Hills.

Going into the 2019, this season’s team will see several changes from the last year. After losing six seniors, the girls are heavily reliant on both new and old talent to make this year a memorable one.

The returning varsity players have new teammates and a new head coach, James Silasiri and new assistant coach, teacher Charlie Trout. Girls who returned this season have to fill the shoes of last years graduates in order to help build a strong team alongside Coach Silasiri.

Senior defender Karina Steitz was voted team captain and is well prepared to use what she has learned from past leaders in her sports and implement those skills for this season.

“We lost a lot of important people last year, but I’m excited for this fresh start,” Steitz said. “There is room for a lot of growth this season and I am excited to watch it play out.”

22 | SOCCER | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

There is a lot of room for new improvements and change this year. Junior Mikayla Holway believes that with a new coach comes new perspectives and styles of coaching.

“Constructive criticism worked really well for the team’s growth last year,” Holway said. “I am hoping it carries on into this season.”

With a new coach for the girls, as well as a new team for Coach Silasiri, there will be some adjusting for everyone to do.

However, this did not stop the Sequoits from prepping their skills during the off-season and taking advantage of the opengyms.

So far the varsity team has a record of 1-1-0, winning their last game 3-0 against Zion-Benton Township High School. Under Coach Scott Magnuson the Sequoit’s JV team has started off strong with a win against Zion-Benton as well, beating them 7-0. Lastly, the JV2 team, coached by Mallery Drozd, has began this season with one tarnish on their record from Deerfield High School. // BY BRANDON PINTO

T tennis | 23

[TOP] T. Coleman, E. Herbon, A. Tindell, G. Eldridge, R. Hulting, E. Tanner, N. Knoll, M. Foote, W. Vesser [THIRD ROW] Coach J. D’Andrea, J. Sistrunk, T. Young, E. Vazquez, A. Lynn, D. Pyburn, S. Sheedy, T. Ruminski, E. Reyes, E. Tindell [SECOND ROW] R. Eifert, E. Lax, F. Vesser, L. Mulava, H. Zenoni, A. Selander, E. Gardner, C. Carrillo, L. Kroft [BOTTOM ROW] W. Torres, B. Sooley, D. Foote, N. Carlisle

Seeking out a state-birth

T

he boys tennis team is looking to make a comeback this season after rebuilding and preparing the young players for the upcoming season. The team is ready for the season, promising players have joined an experienced group of upperclassmen who are ready to shine.

“We have a really unique roster this year and I’m excited,” senior William Vesser said. “My goal is to get to state and make my teammates better.”

The season is still young; tryouts have just passed and the team is preparing to the best of their ability. Senior Spencer Heney has been playing tennis for four years and this upcoming season has him anxious to perform.

“My goal is making it to state,” Heney said. “I’m most excited 24 | TENNIS | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

for playing with my new teammates.”

Junior Gavin Eldridge was an All-Conference athlete last season and is hoping to do the same this season. For the players, tennis is about more than just physical abilities. It involves teamwork, goal-setting and emotional strength.

“A good tennis player has a level head and the ability to not let a bad shot mess you up,” Eldridge said.

The goal for this season is clear. The Sequoits aren’t going to settle for anything less than a spot in the state tournament. After a long offseason and new team chemistry brewing, the boys are really looking forward to playing doubles matches alongside both their old and new teammates. // BY ALEX RIEDEL

SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

LOCATION

04/25

4:30 PM

Grayslake Central

D117 Tennis Facility

03/19

4:45 PM

Vernon Hills

Vernon Hills

04/26

4:30 PM

Woodstock North

Woodstock North HS

04/03

4:30 PM

Marian Central Catholic

D117 Tennis Facility

04/29

4:15 PM

McHenry

D117 Tennis Facility

04/04

4:30 PM

Round Lake

D117 Tennis Facility

04/30

2:00 PM

Lakes

D117 Tennis Facility

04/06

9:00 AM

Niles West

Niles West HS

05/01

4:30 PM

Wauconda

Wauconda HS

04/11

4:30 PM

Grant

Grant Community HS

05/04

9:00 AM

Warren Township

D117 Tennis Facility

TBD

Lakes

D117 Tennis Facility

TBD

Lakes

D117 Tennis Facility

04/16

4:30 PM

Grayslake North

D117 Tennis Facility

05/10

04/18

4:30 PM

Lakes

D117 Tennis Facility

05/11

04/22

4:30 PM

Zion Benton

Zion Benton HS

ROSTER PLAYER NAME

GRADE

Troy Coleman

10

Easton Herbon

12

Andrew Tindell

9

Gavin Eldridge

11

Robert Hulting

11

Eric Tanner

11

Merrick Foote

11

Will Vesser

12

Jackie Sistrunk

12

Tanner Young

11

Evan Vazquez

9

Adam Lynn

11

Dylan Pyburn

10

Samuel Sheedy

9

Tom Ruminski

12

Will Torres

9

Eli Reyes

11

Camilo Carrillo

9

Brock Sooley

9

Edward Tindell

9

Daxton Foote

9

Nate Carlisle

9

Logan Kroft

10

Ethan Lax

9

Nate Knoll

9

Rex Eifert

9

| 25

Serving it up

S

enior Thomas Ruminski has had three successful years of tennis and is going on his final high school season. Ruminski has high hopes for himself and the team. He has been described as a leader, fiery, lovable and much more by his past and present teammates, Ruminski is one of very few seniors on this year’s tennis team and is ready to take this season by storm. However, he has not always had the easiest time in the sport. Ruminski has wondered what would happen if he quit,” why can’t I get things things done, what can I do to better myself?” He has asked these questions, but never let them take over. Ruminski overcomes these challenges and adversities and continues to strive for greatness.

He never takes anything for granted because he knows that he is incredibly fortunate to have the opportunities he has been given.

Ruminski’s career hasn’t always been focused on tennis. He pursued soccer since he was four-years-old until sophomore year.

Then, he realized tennis was his passion and decided to focus on that instead.

“Tennis is a sport that requires a lot of consistency, so I decided to completely focus on it,” Ruminski said.

Ruminski followed in his father’s footsteps and has looked up to him as one of his idols. His father was a well known tennis player in high school and competed in the biggest stage available: the state meet. Ruminski’s father still plays to this day and practices with his son two to three times a week. Ruminski and his father have worked for everything that they have because they know that time and effort pays off in both sports and life.

The senior has set high goals for himself this spring and will do anything to meet them. He knows that he can make a big impact in this year’s conference and hopefully state.

“I am shooting for individual state,” Ruminski said. “My doubles partner Will Vesser and I were very close to reaching the state meet last year and expect to make it this season.’’

Ruminski hopes to continue dominating and is aiming for that placement medal at the end of the season. He has very high hopes for his team and will have their back through everything. There are a lot of new additions to the team since the loss of 11 seniors last year, but they are coming back with many promising returning players. Some players that are returning are juniors Gavin Eldridge and Tanner Young and senior William Vesser who happens to be Ruminski’s doubles partner and long time friend.

26 | TENNIS | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Ruminski has come very close to the state meet many times, but this year he is ready to take off and show everyone that he can accomplish anything he tries. He has changed a lot about his game and has set his sight on improving his skill set. Ruminski has enhanced his game and puts himself into situations in which he will succeed and execute with immense precision on the court.

“I have taken this game seriously,” Ruminski said. “I have improved my focus and skills to succeed in every single way possible.”

Ruminski has a lot of pride in tennis and always hopes for the best. But like everyone else, he’s human. Not everything always goes his way and he knows that it is something in life that happens to everyone.

“I let go of the frustration,” Ruminski said. “I have accepted that mistakes are inevitable in sports.”

Ruminski is always positive and rarely lets anything get to him during meets or practices. He knows that he is a leader and his teammates follow in his footsteps. Ruminski picks everyone up and is always there for his teammates. Eldridge had a few words to say about his teammate.

“Tom is very fiery,” Eldridge said. “ If there were a scale for determination out of ten, Tom would be a ten.”

Eldridge and many more of his teammates see potential in their seniors. They all know what everyone is striving for and they will play their part to help as much as possible. Many people depend on Ruminski, they all see him as a teammate, but also a family member. Young sees Ruminski as a person in his own family, and treats him as such. Everyone has strong connections with Ruminski because he has helped them in their time of need. He mentors all of the fresh faces and even tries to help polish the skill sets of the players that have been in the program as long as him. Ruminski is a physical embodiment of a great leader, person, friend and player. He has the best mindset to succeed in everything he sets his mind to. // BY ADRIAN RUIZ | |27 27

T

boys track and field 28 | TRACK & FIELD | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

VARSITY ROSTER

[TOP] D. Smith, J. Devaughn, K. Tebbe, Z. Grindley, M. Becker, B. Juszczyk, A. Kaliakmanis, T. Watson, B. Nauman, E. Gahima [ROW 2] L. Gutke, J. Gutke, C. Kaliakmanis, R. Shaputis, R. Christain, E. Vanderwagen, C. Becker, C. Grzybek , C. Penn, J. Fries, P. Adams

[ROW 3] C. Smith, J. Link, N. Scofield , B. Russel , T. Kaufmann,T. Oslage, M. Turner, T. Mguire, B. Naramore, M. Ness, A. Scripture, A. Weir

[ROW 4] E. Hart, K. Anderson, B. Hannah, R. Johnson, S. Scofield, M. Volkmar, N. Schoenfelder, N. Garcia-Fier, A. Anunzio , K. McLaren, K. Texas, A. LaCerba, B. Ticsay [ROW 5] D. Mackenzie, I. Piccard, D. Pechaur, E. Sigrest, C. Bailey, B. Glashagel, D. Oslage, T. Sigrest, G. Bays,K. Francis, J. Adamczyk , K. Miller [ROW 6] T. Hubbard, M. Madigan, W. Anderson , G. Calabrese, K. Tamayo, L. Van Alstine, C. Haling, M. Deutschmann, L. Carlisle , A. Ruiz, B. Pinto, A. Garcia , J. Corcoran [BOTTOM] J. Krapf, K. Kotlow, L. Baranellow, S. Espinosa, J. Pyles, E. Espanosa, J. Taylor, R. Hill

SCHEDULE DATE TIME

PLAYER NAME

GRADE

Drew Smith

12

Jackson DeVaughn

11

Kevin Tebbe

12

Zach Grindley

12

Matthew Becker

12

Blake Juszczyk

12

Athan Kaliakmanis

10

TreShawn Watson

11

Ben Nauman

12

Elkana Gahima

11

Jackson Gutke

10

Dino Kaliakmanis

10

Ryan Shaputis

11

Robby Christiansen

12

Eli Vanderwagen

12

Chase Becker

12

Chris Penn

11

Jackson Fries

11

Charlie Smith

11

Josh Linck

11

Tyler Oslage

11

Khalil Anderson

10

EVENT

LOCATION

Sebby Scofield

12

4/2

4:30 p.m.

Meet

Grant HS

Mikey Volkmar

12

4/6

9:00 a.m.

Invitational

Niles West HS

Niall Schoenfelder

11

4/8

4:30 p.m.

Meet

Wauconda HS

Nico Fier

12

4/11

4:30 p.m.

Invitational

Leyden HS

Ben Ticsay

11

4/15

4:30 p.m.

Meet

Antioch HS

Jeff Adamczyk

12

4/18

4:30 p.m.

Invitational

Thornwood HS

Kyle Miller

10

Mathias Madigan

10

4/22

4:30 p.m.

Meet

Antioch HS

Gavin Calabrese

10

4/26

5:00 p.m.

Invitational

Crystal Lake Central

Kevin Tamayo

12

5/10

TBD

NLCC Conference

Grayslake Central HS | 29

30 | TRACK & FIELD | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Scofield motivates team through leadership and example

O

ftentimes, those who are leaders do not realize that they’re leaders themselves. Most of the time, these people have their own person to whom they look for leadership and they don’t realize the effect they have on others. Senior varsity track and field runner, Sebastian Scofield, is a student at Antioch Community High School who has proven to be one of these people.

Even though Scofield is a natural born athlete, he did not start out an expert in the sport of track and field. He first joined the team in seventh grade. From then until high school, his abilities grew stronger and his leadership qualities began to shine through. Scofield wasn’t the fastest runner on the team, but that has never stopped him from achieving his goal of assisting the underclassmen. Scofield showed potential leadership skills through working one-onone with underclassmen and motivating them to always put forth as much effort as they could.

“A lot of people think that track and field is an individual sport, but it’s actually more of a team sport,” Scofield said.

“You need your runners to score points which then adds to the total score of the team. I like helping the underclassmen because I am not going to be here forever. Eventually, the seniors graduate and it is up to the underclassmen to take on the mantle of responsibility so they can teach the future generations of track and field runners.”

Without followers, one is not considered a leader. As

Scofield advanced in his high school career, track and field coach Christopher Bailey started to notice his greatness slowly grow into the man he was always meant to be.

“I have always seen potential in Sebby,” Bailey said. “Ever since his freshman year, I knew that he would do great things for the team. What he has done for the team is truly great and I am really glad to have him running for the team.”

A leader is not always the best. Many people believe that in order to become a leader one must be the best of the best, but this is not always the case. A leader is a person who is a role model to others, a person that never gives up; they encourage everyone to do their best even if they fail. They make sure that no one is left behind and that every person finishes the race.

“Sebby is definitely a really good leader,” junior Charlie Smith said. “He always manages to get the job done and he always makes sure the underclassmen are doing what they are supposed to be doing. He always knows what to say and he is definitely a good runner to look up to and we are really lucky to have a guy like him on the team.”

Scofield is not the fastest runner on the track team; he doesn’t have the most experience on the team; however, he is one of the best role models on the team. He has demonstrated unbelievable leadership qualities, as well as true Sequoit pride and respect. // BY MATTHEW SOBERANO

| 31

Boys track runs into a new season

T

he Antioch boys track and field team has always been known as a powerhouse in the Northern Lake County Conference and nothing is planned to change this year.

With the senior presences of Chase Becker, Zachary Grindley, Matthew Becker and Michael Volkmar, the upcoming season is promising for the Sequoits.

Grindley started track as a junior and ended his season by qualifying for state.

“I wouldn’t say [the expectations] are higher from the coaches, but from myself, I’d like to make it down state for more than one event,” Grindley said.

Making it down to state during one’s first season is rare for an athlete; going into Grindley’s second year there is no limit as to how far he can take the Sequoits this spring.

C. Becker has been deemed with the responsibility as captain for the second year in a row. C. Becker throws shotput and discus for the Sequoits. With being a captain there comes the 32 | TRACK & FIELD | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

pressure of leading the team to success while still being close companions to both underclassmen and upperclassmen.

“I feel my responsibility as captain is to lead by example,” C. Becker said. “[I want to] help motivate the team to win another conference title.”

Sophomore Matthias Madigan is ready for the season as well.

He looks up to the captains and cannot wait to learn from all of them.

“They’re all fun guys who can get control of the team when they want,” Madigan said. “They really make me want to be a captain in the next two years and they never take advantage of the power that they have.”

The sky is the limit for the boys track and field team this spring; after winning a conference championship last season, there’s not a doubt in their minds that they will compete for another one. // BY EVAN DAY

T

girls track and field | 33 | 33

A junior’s passion for leadership

J

unior Ayanna Tommy hears the gunshot and takes off from her starting blocks. With adrenaline rushing through her body, she is always ready to perform at her best and set an example for the rest of her team. The footsteps of her competetors coming up behind her encourage her to work harder and push her limits to make her coaches and teammates proud. Her friends and family cheer for her as she comes up on the last stretch of her race.

Up next, she takes on high jump. She is tired from her spectacular performance in the 100 meter dash, but she manages to regain her energy and focus to prepare for success. She has now exceeded her goals for the invite, but is hungry for more.

“My goal for this season is to place at state,” Tommy said.

Everyday she strives to be better, for a better outcome. She constantly works hard at practice, hoping to improve and become better every day.

“In order to achieve my goal,” Tommy said, “I have to work hard in practice mentally and physically.”

Tommy is always trying to set a good example for her team. She hopes that the younger athletes look up to her. Her teammates see her as a leader and like to see her happy and continue to succeed.

Her parents are there for her and she loves to see them pleased by her accomplishments because they were both college athletes, making her test her own boundaries. “[Tommy’s] role on the team is to be a role model to other girls,” senior captain Noor Abdellatif said. “Other girls look up to her as an athlete that they want to be like because she’s very critical in everything that she does, which is what makes her such a great athlete.”

34 | TRACK & FIELD | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Her hard work has influenced others to make sure that they strive to be their best. She is a diligent worker and helps others by boosting their confidence for meets.

“As a teammate, Ayanna motivates me because her and I have always been so competitive and we usually like to set our standards high,” Abdellatif said. “So during practices, we like to remind each other of our goals and where we want to be at the end of the season.”

Tommy continues to keep herself motivated for her future. She may be early into her junior season, but she is still ready to keep pushing for further goals.

“The more work we do now in practice,” Tommy said. “The more it’s preparing you for bigger things ahead.”

Not only is Tommy looking out for her future, but so are her friends, family and teammates. They love to see her aim for huge goals and her teammates are ready to see her succeed.

“It’s hard to see what her future looks like so early into her junior season, but I have no doubt that her future will hold success,” Abdellatif said. “She’s very talented and I know she’s capable of doing really great things.”

As Tommy takes on her junior season, she looks for ways to improve her work. Her coaches are very proud of what she has achieved and she can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“I am most proud of her dedication and love for the sport,” track and field coach Christopher Bailey said. “She works very hard to get where she is. Moving into her senior year, I can see her being a three year state qualifier and qualifying in four events, hopefully earning a scholarship.”

Overall, Tommy has lead herself and the team to great success throughout her high school career. She hopes to keep things up and make everyday better by constently putting in more work. // BY GRACE ACELLO

| 35

ROSTER SCHEDULE DATE

PLAYER NAME

GRADE

Reece Mercer

10

TIME

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Lyrik Stay

10

4/5

4:30pm.

Grant

Grant HS

Veronica Henkel

9

4/8

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Grayslake Central HS

Kristi Shon

9 12

4/12

4:30p.m.

Crystal Lake Central

Crystal Lake Central HS

Noor Abdellatif

4/15

4:30 p.m.

North Chicago

North Chicago HS

Jada Shaputis

10

4/18

5:00p.m.

Belvidere North

Home

Rachael Filipek

11

4/22

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Home

Tiana Fox

11

4/26

4:30 p.m.

Woodstock

Woodstock HS

Aubryn Corey

12

5/2

TBD

Grayslake North

Grayslake North HS

Juliana Gonzalez

9

5/9

4:00 p.m.

TBA

Home

Natalie Svarc

11

5/16

TBD

TBA

TBA

Hannah Benes

9

McKenna Kalisz

11

Sarah Benes

9

Lily Highley

11

Samantha Wanke

11

Kaley Purcell

10

Samantha Sy

9

Jocelyn Cabuyadao

10

Madison Londono

10

Andria Simmons

9

Ayonna Tommy

11

Allison Kane

11

Maya Shon

11

Briana Galan

11

Grace Goodman

11

Samantha Kempf

9

Jasmine Ametovski

9

Meryl Resurreccion

9

Chloe Hampson

10

Dianna Del Real

9

Paytin Rasmussen

9

Maggie Volkmar

9

Amber Carson

10

Kayla Drennan

10

Sophia Posey

9

Jillian Bautista

10

Michaela justus

10

Gianna Spatafora

10

Katelyn Amodeo

10

Kylee Craig

10

[TOP] Coach B. Glashagel, Coach C. Bailey [ROW 5] Coach K. Francis, R. Mercer, K. Schon, N. Abdellatif, L. Stay, J. Shaputis, R. Filipek, T. Fox, A. Corey, Coach D. Oslage [ROW 4] Coach D. Pechauer, J. Gonzalez, N.Svarc, H. Benes, M. Kalisz, S. Benes, L. Highley,V. Henkel, S.Wanke, K. Purcell, Coach T. Sigrest [ROW 3] Coach G. Bays, S. Sy, J. Cabuyadao, M. Londono, A. Simmons, A. Tommy, A. Kane, M. Schon, B. Galan, G. Goodman, S. Kempf, Coach E. Sigrest [ROW 2] J. Ametovski, M. Ressrurreccion, C. Hampson, D. Del Real, P. Rasmussen, M. Volkmar, A. Carson, K. Drennan, S. Posey [BOTTOM] J. Bautista, M. Justus, G. Spatafora, K. Amodeo, K. Craig

36 | TRACK & FIELD | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Expectations leave team wanting more

T

he girls track and field team has started the year off strong, raising the expectations for the outdoor season.

They have already participated in several indoor meets placing in the top three for all of them, including a victory at the Wisconsin Eau Claire meet.

Sophomore Reese Mercer is looking forward to making her time on the team victorious.

“The track and field team this year is looking really good,” Mercer said. “A lot of people have already had a lot of personal records.”

This year, the track team is full of experienced athletes including seniors Noor Abdellaif and Aubryn Corey and juniors Ayanna Tommy and Tiana Fox.

“My teammates and I push each other,” freshman Sarah Benes said. “I am not the only person that motivates the rest of the team.

I find that staying positive helps a lot, just reminding people that

they can do it is a very simple tactic.”

Benes was part of the track and field team in middle school, and feels that as a freshman, she can already lead by example.

Not all of the energy comes from the girls, it also comes from the coaches. Beginning in the off-season, the coaches push for new members to join the team and encouraging current members to work harder in workouts. The coaches work to push and help make the team better.

“Our workouts are set before the season starts with the goal to peak by the end of May,” head coach Dan Oslage said. “Each event coach is responsible for the workouts for their specific event. Allowing the assistants to have total control of their specialty is very important.”

Altogether, the girls track and field team is seeking for an impressive season. They are looking to make history. // BY ATHAN KALIAKMANIS | 37

V

volleyball

38 | VOLLEYBALL | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

EVENT

LOCATION

4/5

5:00 p.m.

Invitational

Niles West HS

4/6

TBD

Invitational

Niles West HS

4/9

6:00 p.m.

Game

Lakes HS

4/11

6:00p.m.

Game

Home

4/12

5:00 p.m.

Invite

Grant HS

4/13

TBD

Invite

Grant HS

4/15

6:00 p.m

Game

Warren HS

4/16

6:00 p.m.

Game

Grayslake North HS

4/23

6:00 p.m.

Game

North Chicago HS

4/25

6:00 p.m.

Game

4/26

6:00 p.m.

Game

Mundelenin HS

4/30

6:00 p.m.

Game

Grayslake Central HS

5/2

6:00 p.m.

Game

5/4

TBD

Invitational

5/7

6:00 p.m.

Game

5/9

6:00 p.m.

Game

Grant HS

5/13

6:00 p.m.

Game

Lake Forest HS

5/14

6:00 p.m.

Game

Home

Home

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Volleyball hopes to ace the season

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he Sequoit boys varsity volleyball team is coming back with a vengeance after last year’s season stacked with returning players.

“We have a pretty experienced team made up of mainly seniors, but we also have sophomores and juniors who are fitting in very well,” senior captain Nicholas Gagnon said. “I think that this mesh will give us an extra advantage compared to other teams.”

With the team consisting of more seniors compared to previous years, they have a better chance at a strong season due to their experience on the court.

The Sequoits have also welcomed sophomore Trevor Niznik to varsity.

“The team clearly had really good chemistry and it was proven

on the court, especially when it mattered most,” Niznik said.

Last year’s senior captains Ryan Glassman and Kristian Jimenez led the team to a 8-14 record. As far as this season goes, senior captains Kyle Jilly, Joseph Whittall and Gagnon hopefully expect a better record.

“I feel like we had good motivation, teamwork and played well overall,” sophomore Dominic Scornavacco said. “We worked together [well] and had an excellent season.”

With the returning power from last year, the Sequoits believe that nothing stands in their way. Going back and forth with with many of the teams in their conference, Antioch knows it will be a battle, but that they have the upper hand this year. // BY GAVIN CALABRESE

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40 | VOLLEYBALL | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Putting others before oneself

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hen it comes to their senior year of high school, most people have decided what they are going to do for the rest of their lives.

Some people attempt to leave their mark in high school through fine arts, academics, clubs or sports. For senior Kyle Jilly, it’s about what he can do to make others the best they can be as his last year of high school comes to an end.

“Kyle acts as a senior that other people look up to in practice and is a good role model for others,” senior setter Christian Ortiz said. “His best quality would be that he is very determined and kind as every day in practice he does his best he can and motivates others to do better.”

“Kyle is a great friend he always knows how to pick you up and make you laugh, as well as knows when to keep you in check,” senior and friend Braden Buehlman said.

From playing on the court to hanging out with friends, Jilly is the same all around. Anyone around him can attest to his determination to make everyone around him their best selves. Some people may think that someone must be outgoing in order to help people out, but for Jilly it’s the opposite.

“My everyday life weakness would have to be how shy I am [and was],” Jilly said. “I’ve been getting better at talking to people and coming out of my shell more and more.”

Both Jilly’s teammates and friends say that he has very good leadership qualities. From pushing them to be their best on and off the court, picking them up when they are feeling down and being very open to feedback that comes to him, Jilly does it all. Jilly loves giving advice to young kids who are working hard to become a part of the boys varsity volleyball team.

“Work hard, practice every day and enjoy every moment of volleyball because it goes a lot quicker than you think,”

Jilly said.

When it comes to being a leader, there are lots of ups, but Jilly has had his fair share of downs.

He wishes that he had someone he could have gotten advice from that would prepare him for what he had to face in high school and that is why, to him, it is so important that he lets kids know that he is there for them if they have questions.

“It’s really hard for me to not get emotional in a game because there is so much going on and it’s a lot for me to handle sometimes,” Jilly said. “I just wish I could be more prepared when it comes to things like that so I would not have to worry about it during a game and just play my game.”

As his senior year comes to an end, Jilly and his teammates look forward to his upcoming and final season as a Sequoit volleyball player with the hopes that it’s the best year yet. He has realized that this is his last year playing with his career long teammates and he is not quite ready to say goodbye.

“It’s kind of sad since this will be my last year in high school and volleyball, also not being able to see my teammates, friends and not being able to create more memories with them,” Jilly said. “I really hope we end this year with a bang.”

Being a leader is not only trying to push yourself, but to lead by example for others to follow when you are long gone.

This is a huge desire for Jilly and he continually strives to be the best he can be, while also making others the best they can be. // BY KYLE CHRISTIAN

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VARSITY

VARSITY ROSTER PLAYER NAME

GRADE

Tyler Farino

12

Nicholas Gagnon

12

Kyle Jilly

12

Josh Lahti

12

Trevor Niznik

10

Landon Norkus

12

Christian Ortiz

12

Justin Paul

11

Austin Runyard

11

Dominic Scornavacco

10

John Ware

12

Joseph Whittall

12

[TOP] Coach J. Atkinson, D. Scornavacco. J. Ware, J. Whittall, J. Lahti, A. Runyard, C. Ortiz, Coach P. Jordan [ROW 2] J. Paul, M. Oakes, A. Paulino, K. Starck, T. Elfering, A. Krizanovic, T. Niznik [BOTTOM] N. Gagnon, T. Farino, L. Norkus, K. Jilly,

JUNIOR VARSITY

[TOP] Coach B.Doud, D. Moore, C. Young, M. Vazquez, J. McKinney, T. Katzenmaier, [ROW 2] C. Pluciennik, N. Greene, T.Elfering, R. Henneman, A. Paulino, R. Day, A. Nuengchana [BOTTOM] J. Mendez, M. Karellas, E. Albiter

42 | VOLLEYBALL | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

FRESHMEN

[TOP] S. Agne, D.Ortiz, G. Lockfeer, A. Ware, Coach K.Brenneman [BOTTOM] T. Powers, E. Losinger, A. Caputo, C. Mendez, A. Jones

S softball | 43

VARSITY

[TOP] Coach A. Rocco, R. Schreiner, F. Miller, A. Hoerning, A. MalickiCzaplewski, Coach M. Gordy [ROW 2] T. Elizondo, H. Webb, J. Bonaguidi, P. Foote, A. Pyburn, M.Wagner, A. Sundell [BOTTOM] C. Tubbs, G. Debevec, M. Lawrence, Q. Gillespie

JUNIOR VARSITY [TOP] H. Menzies, M. Merrill, M. Monroe, K. Olsen, A. Narlock, E. Lewis [ROW 2] Coach J. White, J. Wagner, S. Shaffer, H. Russo, K. Carpenter, A. Piper, Coach H. O’Donnel [ROW 3] S. Hansen, A. Olson, B. Moritz, K. Quirke, L. Heilig, D. Rubio, N. Vaughn, S. Klem [BOTTOM] D. Ramirez, L. DeVore, A. Barrera, S. Szlak, N. Meltzer, M. Rietschel, K. Wieska

SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

LOCATION

4/11

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Home

4/13

9:00 a.m.

Invitational

Home

4/15

4:30 p.m.

Vernon Hills

Home

4/16

4:30 p.m.

Lakes

Lakes HS

4/18

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Home

4/20

9:30 a.m.

Byron

Byron HS

4/23

4:30 p.m.

Wauconda

Wauconda HS

4/25

4:30 p.m.

Round Lake HS

Round Lake HS

4/29

5:00 p.m.

Loyola Academy

Loyola Academy

5/1

4:30 p.m.

Stevenson

Home

5/2

4:30 p.m.

Grant

Home

5/3

4:30 p.m.

Zion-Benton

Zion-Benton

5/4

10:00 a.m.

Trinity

Home

5/7

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake North

Grayslake North HS

5/9

4:30 p.m.

Lakes

Home

5/14

4:30 p.m.

Grayslake Central

Grayslake Central HS

5/16

4:30 p.m.

Wauconda

Home

5/21

TBD

IHSA Regionals

Home

VARSITY ROSTER PLAYER NAME

GRADE

Foote, Piper

12

Malicki, Avery

12

Sundell, Ashlyn

10

Bonaguidi, Jerianne

11

Gillespie, Eugenia

10

Miller, Faith

10

Tubbs, Callie

12

Debevec, Gabrielle

9

Hoerning, Ashley

12

Pyburn, Abby

12

Wagner, Mollie

11

10

Lawrence, Megan

12

Schreiner, Rilee

10

Webb, Hailey

10

Elizondo, Tori

44 | VOLLEYBALL | Spring 2019 | The Arrow

Softball swings into the season

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he softball season is under way and nobody is more excited than the players. Last season, the varsity softball team ended with a record of 17-6. All of the girls and the coaches are excited for a fresh start this year. There are many spots from last year that have been left open from the graduating class of 2018. With that being said, the team believes that those positions will easily be filled with the amount of talent that has been shown by newcomers to the team.

“This season, I am most looking forward to when we start playing games in the warm weather,” senior shortstop Piper Foote said. “When it gets warmer outside, we seem to get closer as a team and create lifelong memories and inside jokes that make the season worth the pain in the end.”

Foote believes that the best part about softball is having fun with everyone on the team and making lifelong memories. With six of the 15 girls being seniors, there are high expectations for each of them.

“As always, Coach Rocco expects the world from us,” Foote said. “He has very high expectations for us because he knows how talented we are. I think his biggest goal for us this year is for us to follow up on what we accomplished last year.”

With seven underclassmen on the varsity team, many will question if Antioch has the ability to win games and go far into the post season. Even with doubts, everyone on the team has trust in the young players.

“I think a lot of sophomores and freshmen have varsity potential,” senior third baseman Avery Malicki-Czaplewski said.

“Reason being is because anyone can get to the place of being

a varsity athlete. It just depends on how hard they want it and what they will do to get to that point.”

Working hard is something that every great athlete does.

Everyone on the team believes that practice is a time to better their skills and work harder than the person next to them. Some of the roles on the team have changed, while others remain the same.

“I do not think that my role on the team this year will be very different from my role last year,” junior pitcher Jerianne Bonaguidi said. “Last year, my role was to be there for my teammates, as well as to pitch my very best for the team. This year, I hope that I will still be the pitcher who can be relied on.”

The coaches’ expectations for this year are higher than ever with hopes of winning a conference title, repeating a regional championship, and making it to sectionals. Every year is different, but this year seems special to them.

“They make it enjoyable, they never give up,” varsity head coach Anthony Rocco said. “ These kids have a never die attitude. The softball program as a whole has gotten very mentally tough.”

The softball team hopes to surpass their record from last year and go further into the post season with a shot at state.

“I really believe that we will make it to state this year because there’s no one else that I trust more than these girls to have my back on the field,” Bonaguidi said. “I know that we have the mindset, skills and chemistry to make it all the way to state this year.” | 45

Swinging for the fences

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enior and varsity softball player Megan Lawrence has overcome obstacles and has stayed humble throughout the rollercoaster ride of highs and lows throughout her softball career.

Beginning her high school journey, Lawrence started out by heading up a mountain of success. As a freshman, she was brought up from the JV team and put into a varsity game to see what she was capable of doing.

“My first [time] at bat on varsity as a freshman, I hit a home run over the left field fence,” Lawrence said. “I remember passing Rocco at third base on my way to home and he was shaking his head. I really wanted to prove myself and I knew I could be there. I wanted it.”

46 46 || SOFTBALL VOLLEYBALL | Winter | Spring 2018-2019 2019 | The | The Arrow Arrow

Not long after, Lawrence was added to the official varsity roster. Her head coach, Anthony Rocco, saw her talent from the very beginning.

“Megan had a lot of power and a smooth swing for a freshman,” Rocco said. “Her leadership and ability to hit in the clutch [impressed me].”

According to her coaches, it’s natural for Lawrence to surprise everyone with her determination and abilities.

Lawrence tries to exemplify what a good leader should look like by supporting everyone around her.

“Megan is our left fielder and she definitely is one of the leaders on the team,” senior and second basemen Abby Pyburn said. “She works hard constantly and is very humble

about it. She is also one to make the younger girls feel a lot more welcome. She is always one of the first girls to befriend them and make them feel a part of the team since day one.”

Lawrence has not stopped working on her skills since she was ten years old. The love for baseball and softball runs in her family and throughout her childhood she would play wiffle ball with her cousin and his friends.

“I truly have put so many hours in to make me the player I am today,” Lawrence said. “I truly just love the game. I really just feel beautiful when I’m playing softball. It’s something to work for, and I just love being able to surprise myself and realize that hard work does pay off.”

Despite knowing the ins and outs of softball, there are certain things many athletes just can’t see coming.

“I broke my arm a month and a half before my junior [year] season,” Lawrence said. “In a travel softball game, I slid on the turf. I bounced back up and when I landed on my arm, it cracked.”

Lawrence went to the trainer every other day and made time to go to the batting cages and throw with only one arm to ensure no one would notice she was out for six weeks.

Lawrence has shown that she tries to work through whatever is thrown at her.

“Of course I have doubts about my skills, players always get into slumps,” Lawrence said. “I sometimes panic when I feel like my swing isn’t feeling right, but I just have to take a deep breath, analyze the issue, and figure out what I can do to prevent it.”

Going through hard times can take a toll on a player, but for Lawrence it has only made her stronger. Challenges are what make or break an athlete. She is also not afraid to ask for support when she needs help.

“When I’m having trouble, I always go to my baseball friends,” Lawrence said. “I have a few guy friends that understand the game and I like to get away from girls when I’m in a slump. My guy friends are really honest and they are very good at pumping me up when it comes to softball.”

Part of the reason Lawrence is so talented is because of her mental toughness. Battling through the lows on the ride of being an athlete has become her way of fighting against her weaknesses. She never quits and is able to focus in on what’s

important during a stressful game.

“I don’t stop because there is no room to stop and if I want it, then I have to keep going,” Lawrence said. “I always get the feeling of shutting down during a close game and my stomach has a knot in it, but a strong competitiveness comes out during that time to where I feel like I need to win.”

Lawrence’s competitiveness brings out the best in the team and she genuinely believes in her teammates.

“She is always the positive one, you have one conversation with her and you’re instantly smiling,” Pyburn said. “Her attitude is so effective that if you are mad at the world, somehow she can change that and it helps lift the team up, too. We are always cracking jokes and I love that about her.”

Even back when Lawrence was just starting out middle school she fell in love with the game. She was always optimistic and confident.

“My first memory of playing softball was me always loving it, even when I would [swing and] miss every single ball at age ten,” Lawrence said. “Even being literally terrible, I was always eager to learn new things and I just really enjoyed being there.

I knew I wanted to keep going.”

Lawrence followed through since then and will keep her softball career going next year at a division three school, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She decided it was the right fit for her considering the amount of time playing softball and the amount of time off.

“I will miss her leadership and great attitude when she graduates,” Rocco said. “Her hitting groove offensively helped her become the leader of the [offense].”

But Lawrence hasn’t graduated yet and she is ready to swing into the upcoming season.

“This season I am beyond excited because we have at least two great players for every position,” Lawrence said.

“Everybody has a positive attitude and my mindset is to have fun. This is my senior year and some of my best friends. I need to remember how fun this is and how much I love being with my team.”

Lawrence is going to take her last softball season at Antioch Community High School all in before she moves onto bigger goals. // BY CASSIDY THOMAS | 47| 47

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