SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS BY CHRIS MUSKOPF ‘91 ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
FALL 2021
CROSS COUNTRY For the 15th time since 1997, the SLUH Cross Country program earned a trophy at the MSHSAA Championships, registering a 4th Place finish in the 2021 event. On the way to Columbia, the team placed first in the Granite City Invitational, the Hancock Invitational (first championship in 50 years of participation in this event), the Big River Running Invitational and – for the 18th consecutive time – the MCC Championships. Senior Sean Kellogg finished as the top individual runner at the MCC Championships. At the MSHSAA Championships, seniors Grant Brawley (11th Place), Sean Kellogg (16th) and Baker Pashea (23rd place) garnered All-State recognition, marking the sixth time in program history that three runners have earned All-State honors. The average time by the Jr. Bills at the MSHSAA Championships, 16:00.1, is the fastest average ever for a SLUH team at this event.
FOOTBALL With a record of 7-4, the varsity team recorded the most wins in the fiveyear tenure of Head Coach Mike Jones.
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With wins in the district round over Lindbergh and Marquette, the Jr. Bills advanced to the district championship contest for the first time since 2011. The program’s accomplishments during the season were reflected in the postseason accolades garnered by student-athletes on the varsity team. Fourteen players were recognized as All-MCC: Derrick Baker ‘22, Phillip Bone ‘22, Chris Brooks, Jr. ‘22 (Co-Offensive Player of the Year), Vince Chappuis ‘24, Tommy Etling ‘22, Luke Johnston ‘22, Louis Kertz ‘23, Zach Ortwerth ‘23, Cayden Owens ‘22, Pierston Sanders ‘22, DonTavion Sullivan ‘22, Andre Tucker ‘22, Kylend Watson-Brown ‘22, and Ryan Wingo ‘24. Eight players were named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association All-District Team: Derrick Baker, Phillip Bone, Chris Brooks, Jr., Luke Johnston, Louis Kertz, Zach Ortwerth, Cayden Owens and DonTavion Sullivan. Two players - DonTavion Sullivan and Chris Brooks, Jr., were named MFCA All-State. Eleven players were recognized as MFCA Academic All-State: Matt Barnes ‘23, Phillip Bone, Chris Brooks, Jr., Archie Carruthers ‘24, Tommy Etling, Alex Fowler ‘23, Luke Johnston, Conner Greninger ‘22, Craig Ortwerth ‘22, Zach Ortwerth, and Andre Tucker. Lastly, DonTavion Sullivan, Chris Brooks, Jr. and Ryan Wingo were
honored as members of the STL Today High School Sports All-Metro Team.
SOCCER The varsity team finished with a record of 23-2-1, the most wins for a varsity team since 2015 and the ninth time since 2002 that the team reached the 23 victory mark. The two losses mark the fewest in program history since the 1975 squad, led by Ebbie Dunn, went 25-2-0. On the way to the District Championship, the Jr. Bills claimed championships in the CBC Tournament and the Jr. Billiken Classic. Forward Stephen Saladin ‘22 was named 1st Team All-MCC, Player of the Year in Class 4, Region 2 by the Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association, Class 4 Co-Offensive Player of the Year by MHSSCA, 1st Team All-Metro by STL Today High School Sports, and All-American by both the United Soccer Coaches and highschoolsoccerallamerican.com. Several teammates earned recognition as well: midfielder Evan Yalavarthi ‘22 (MHSSCA All-Region and 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-MCC), midfielder Grant Locker ‘24 (midfielder, MHSSCA All-Region and 2nd Team All-State, STL Today High School Sports 2nd Team All-Metro, 1st Team All-MCC),
