It is hard to believe that already over a quarter of the school year has passed. Fall sports have come to a close and students are ready for indoor winter athletics. Before the morning announcements are overruled by forthcoming victories of our winter athletes, there is a surplus of achievements that need to be recognized by our very own fall athletes. Fenwick students participated in golf, football, girls’ tennis, hockey, girls’ swimming and diving, boys’ soccer, cross country, cheerleading, and girls’ volleyball over the season. Fans were able to disperse among the courts, gyms, rinks, and fields to exemplify true Friar pride.
Fenwick football ended their season and playoff hopes on October 20 in Elmhurst with a loss to Immaculate Conception. Despite the abrupt ending, students and parents showed their love and support for the team. The season had been an exhilarating ride with a record of 4-5, including special wins against the school down the street, St. Ignatius, St. Francis, and Notre Dame. This team has a surplus of talent as five players: Marek Hill, Luke D’Alise, Avion Brown, Nate Marshall, and Jack Paris were recognized as “All Conference” players. Team captain and starting quarterback Marek Hill reflects on the season saying, “Not how I wanted to end this chapter, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to play with some awesome teammates these past four years and win a state championship.” Additionally, the JV and freshman teams performed to their greatest potential this year only losing one game to Mt. Carmel, supplying Fenwick with an even brighter future. The football team couldn’t have done this without an energetic cheer team. They worked tirelessly all season long to perfect halftime routines and learn new stunts to stun the crowd every game. Even though football games have come to an end, the team continues to work hard for the upcoming competition season. They are full of excitement as their full attention is on learning their routine and competing.
Girls tennis faced the intense adversity of upholding the State Champion title this season. The team continues its legacy, winning for the third consecutive year the GCAC conference tournament. Their hard work from the previous season uplifted their status to 2A and therefore they faced tougher teams in sectionals, placing third behind Hinsdale Central and York High School. Three beyond-talented players, singles player Lily Brecknock, and doubles partners, Megan Trifilio and Trinity Harden qualified for state and played extremely well, finishing eleventh overall. The support never lacked and the girls are extremely grateful for all who came out to support. Senior captain, Marin Jancewicz, states, “Overall, as we were presented with new challenges getting moved up (advancing in the playoffs), we still did amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better season.” We are proud of you girls!
Secondhand stories of everyday cross-country workouts tend to exhaust listeners, yet, their success corresponds with the hard work. Once seen as a team ranked in the middle of the division with little hope of a sectional or state-run, the team has gathered its talents both new and old to reshape its reputation. Throughout the season, their hard work showed as they grew tremendously from where they started. The team has an unbreakable bond pushing each other through the hardest of days. Freshman, Juliana Gamboa speaks on behalf of the team stating, “I’m so proud of how far the team has come… we are all super excited for state and the upcoming track season.”
On Fenwick’s very own priory turf, the boys’ soccer team no doubt conquered the season. Boys soccer faced the adversity of playing against some of the best teams in the state. They started their season off strong by winning the Buckner Classic tournament. Despite facing tough teams such as OPRF, York, Loyola, Kankakee, and Niles North, they kept their heads high. The team bounced back even stronger winning back-to-back games. Their heads were in the right place for championship season as they won the Regional final. They made a debut in the playoffs facing DePaul in the sectional semifinals yet fell short.
Let’s take a splash into the Girls Swim and Dive season as there has been plenty of success driven from the basement floor of this school. The team first expressed how electric they are by competing in the season opener, The Black and White Meet, and the annual DOB relays. The team bond is one of a kind as an entirely new coaching staff, Michael Burke and Ben Munster, have been added to the Fenwick swim and dive family. There is constant encouragement and support between teammates to help each other accomplish more and do so to the best of their ability. The team racked up multiple wins in the season including one against our biggest rival, OPRF. Each level placed fourth at the conference, giving the team the momentum needed to take on sectionals on November 4. Senior captain, Alex Lefko describes her experience, “As a senior finishing up my time on this team, I could not have been more grateful to have spent the last four years with such a dedicated group of girls who have become my best friends for life.”
A game of patience and dedication, golf succeeded in both areas impressing everyone on the green course. The girls put up a goose egg for losses on the season, eventually giving them the opportunity to put on tough fights against public school powerhouses such as Lyons Township and Lockport. Unfortunately, the team came up one stroke short of a ticket to state. Talent was derived from all years, especially from dedicated senior, Kathryn Sweeney who was sent down to state all years past.
Lastly, the rink has been packed as hockey has started its season late into fall. Boys’ hockey has been dominating the Catholic league recently. The team expresses great leadership as most players on varsity are seniors. The team is asking for more support as their future is bright. Their upcoming games include Carmel Catholic, Glenbrook North, and Providence. Girls’ hockey has started off on a strong foot as they won four out of the five-tier games. Their first game was against Glenbrook. Captain Riley Evans states, “Excited for a new season, there’s a lot of new players, but the season is looking bright.” Show up to these games as their season continues throughout the winter.
Every fall athlete has expressed great dedication to their team and the success continues to flow into the snowing months. Make sure to show up to the rink, courts, and tracks to exemplify true Friar pride!
