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| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 05/05/2010 by Rob Valentin - Downers Grove Bugle
Downers Grove North is enjoying its best season in quite some time and it continued last weekend at the Downers Grove South Invitational.
The Trojans went 4-1 and won the Gold Division Consolation Championship, beating the arch-rival Mustangs 25-12, 25-21 in a dominating performance.
“We were kind of mad that we lost to South earlier this year but we’ve been playing a lot more consistent since then,” North junior Greg Petty said. “I just wanted to come in here, play hard and beat them.
“It was a good tournament and we just keep getting better and better. We have a young team but we’re getting more mature and making less mistakes.”
Junior Mitch Pittner led the charge against South coming through with eight digs, 5 aces and three kills.
“My serving was really good,” Pittner said. “I was really surprised we got a 12-point lead in that first game because they have a good serve receive but we played well.”
North (21-5) opened the tournament on Friday by winning its pool thanks to victories over Stagg (25-18, 25-16) and Lyons (22-25, 25-15, 25-23).
The Trojans lost the opener of the Gold Division playoffs on Saturday, falling to eventual runner-up Wheaton Warrenville South (21-25, 23-25) but bounced back by knocking off New Trier (26-28, 25-18, 25-12) to get into the consolation finals.
North has done surprisingly well this season, despite starting just one senior, libero John Walgamuth. Last year they went 11-25.
“I think we can win regionals, possibly sectionals,” Petty said. “It just depends how many mistakes we make. If we play like we did today, I think we can do really well. It would be great to go Downstate this year.”
The Trojans do have plenty of seniors who see court time including Joe DePeder, William Fox, Connor Kasal, Corey Kopach, Alex Santana and Rehan Tariq. They’ll be celebrated tonight as North plays host to Benet for Senior Night.
“The senior class is a nice group of kids who have established a high level of expectations and play,” North coach Mark Wasik said. “They worked hard to bring up our overall team play. They push these other kids and being on the bench is even harder because you have to come in and execute while you’re cold and typically in a critical position.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 05/05/2010 by Rob Valentin - Downers Grove Bugle
Downers Grove North had a productive week going 4-0 last week while knocking off rival Downers Grove South.
The Trojans (18-5, 6-1) started the week with a 2-0 victory over South in the annual crosstown clash Tuesday, April 27.
Kendall Ryndak was phenomenal on the mound giving up just four hits to the potent Mustangs while striking out six batters.
Carolyn Nojiri pushed the first run across in the fifth inning with a two-out single. In the sixth, Katie Hunzinger reached base with a double and later scored. Sarah Anderson and Brittany Nagy had solid games on defense.
North continued rolling with a 10-0 victory over Proviso West the very next day.
Last weekend, the Trojans crushed Addison Trail 12-1, and 15-2 in a doubleheader.
Ryndak picked up the win in both games, improving to 8-3 on the year. Nagy led the offense with a homer.
North carried its momentum into this week as they knocked off Hinsdale Central 5-0 in a West Suburban Silver matchup.
Ryndak, who has been carrying a large majority of the pitching load due to an injury to freshman pitcher Elaine Heflin, was fantastic on the mound once again tossing a complete game two-hit shutout.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 05/01/2010 by Rob Valentin - Downers Grove Bugle
Injuries may have finally caught up to Downers Grove North.
The Trojans extended their win streak to 11 games last week before dropping a pair of games to Glenbard schools.
North (13-5, 3-1) started the week with a 10-0 shutout of Willowbrook, Tuesday, April 20.
Kendall Ryndak tossed her second straight complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out 13.
Ryndak was the spark for the offense as well, going 2-for-4 with doubles. Katie Hunzinger went 3-for-5 with a double and her third homer of the season while senior Jenna Gonzales went 4-for-5 with two doubles and her second homerun of the year.
The Trojans picked up another win the very next day, knocking off Oak Park-River Forest, the West Suburban Conference champions the last five years, in a thrilling 4-0 victory.
Hunzinger belted a home run in the second and that’s all the run support Elaine Heflin would need, as the freshman allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out 13.
Taylor McSheffery helped blow the game open, with a two-run homer in the seventh.
North’s spectacular winning streak would come to an end last Thursday as they came up short in a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Glenbard West.
The Trojans were trailing 2-0 early on but scored three times in the fourth to take the lead, which they would hold until the seventh.
The Hilltoppers took advantage of an error in the seventh to score a pair of runs. North put the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom of the frame but they couldn’t push them in and suffered their first loss in almost three weeks.
Heflin struck out 18 in a losing effort but the real loss was the fact that Heflin went to the emergency room after the game and was diagnosed with a torn oblique. She’s the fourth Trojans starter to hit the disabled list this season and she’ll be out a minimum of two weeks.
North’s misfortune continued into Saturday with a 4-2 eight-inning loss to Glenbard South.
The Trojans took a 2-0 lead early on but it slipped away as the Raiders forced extra innings and then won it in the eighth.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 05/01/2010 Maureen Eckdahl was getting over a cold and Addie Danchisin played through elbow and hip pain.
Neither Downers Grove North badminton player let their maladies get the best of them at Saturday’s prestigious ABCD Invitational at Hinsdale South.
Eckdahl, a junior, won the C division singles championship while Danchisin, a senior, made it to the semifinal round of the A singles bracket against some of the top players in the state. Their play is emblematic of a team that seems to be hitting its stride with only a week to go before sectionals.
“This is good,” said Eckdahl, who went 6-0 on the day, including a 21-14, 21-14 win over Hinsdale South’s Emma Adcock in the final. “I’m a little sick, but I just played my hardest and gave it my all and it turned out good.
“Every time I win I get more confident. I’ve been working on my serve a lot so I think that’s improved a little bit and my clears have improved. It would be awesome [to make the sectional lineup].”
Eckdahl is the Trojans’ No. 3 singles player but will battle No. 2 Kaitlyn Hornik in practice this week for the right to be North’s second singles player behind Danchisin at sectionals.
“She really got better as the day went on, which was nice,” Downers North coach Anthony Calderone said of Eckdahl. “I think she settled into her play and started striking the bird a little better and her footwork got better. It looked like she was making some good adjustments out there.”
Danchisin, North’s only returning state qualifier, has been limited this spring but still is considered one of the top five players in the state. She won her first four matches before losing to eventual champion Courtney Lai of New Trier 21-14, 21-18 in the semifinals. “I’m hanging in there,” Danchisin said. “I took a lot of Advil today so I didn’t’ really feel a whole lot of pain. It’s just to the point where if I have pain I have to suck it up. There’s no more ‘Oh, you can take the week off.’ I have to play.”
Even though Lai (37-0) is favored to win state, Danchisin feels she is capable of beating her should they meet again.
“I had a lot of unforced errors and I really shouldn’t have,” said Danchisin, who has five losses. “I’ve beaten her before in the past and I’ve split with her. It’s just a matter of if I can keep the birdie in, which I wasn’t doing a whole lot of this past game.”
Calderone has been trying to keep Danchisin healthy because he knows she is crucial to North’s attempt to finish in the top five at state.
“We’ve been practicing her when we can and when she starts getting sore we pull her out,” Calderone said. “She’s where she needs to be. I’d like to see her finish some of these tough ones, [but] she’s playing well.”
by Matt Le Cren - Downers Grove Bugle
The Trojans also showed strength in doubles, qualifying two teams for the A division.
Sophomore Sam Yeager and junior Megan Schmitt made it to the semifinals before losing to New Trier’s Mari Georgiadis and Dora Saclarides 21-18, 21-12, while senior Anne Eckdahl and junior Jackie Bland fell to Willowbrook’s Shannon Kragel and Kara Redmer 21-15, 21-16 in the quarterfinals. Calderone said it was the best performance of the season for Yeager and Schmitt.
“People might say we’re disappointed, but in the last couple weeks we have really gotten a lot better,” Calderone said. “It’s very encouraging. In the beginning we weren’t really making any progress in terms of getting better and now it seems like something is clicking. During the last couple weeks all of our doubles have been moving much better together and really setting themselves for some opportunities for success.”
The Trojans finished fourth in the team standings with 47 points, behind New Trier (92), Hinsdale South (56) and Andrew (53) in a tournament that had all but two of the state’s top teams. Maureen Eckdahl and Danchisin are optimistic about a top 5 finish.
“I think we can do it,” Eckdahl said. “We just need to play hard and give it our all.”
“Our doubles are coming along really nicely and I think we have some really strong singles players,” Danchisin said, “so I think we’re going to do really well.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 05/01/2010 By NEIL SHALIN For Sun-Times Media
The Downers Grove North volleyball team gets a lot of benefits from its senior.
Six-foot-4 libero and co-captain John Walgamuth was the only senior in the regular lineup last Saturday as Downers North won its Trojan Invitation with a 25-17, 24-26, 25-18 victory over Glenbard East in the finals.
Besides picking up a team-high eight digs in the title match, Walgamuth provided his customary on-court leadership on a team of mostly underclassmen that is quietly maturing into one of the better teams in the area.
"John just gives us a ton of leadership," Downers Grove North coach Mark Wasik said. "He controls the back row. He's always out there thinking, talking. He brings a voice that keeps our guys playing at a high level."
Greg Petty, a junior super-hitter, who led the team with 12 kills and three blocks against Glenbard East, has looked to Walgamuth's abilities and counted on his inspirational leadership the past three years.
"Ever since my freshman year he's always been there playing steady volleyball and being the team leader," Petty said. "Today, our defense was amazing, especially in the last match, and he is a key to our defensive performance."
Walgamuth has learned a great deal in his three years as a starting libero. Because of his height, he provides a different dimension to a position that's usually populated by people built a little closer to the ground.
"When I started playing I was short," he said. "But since I've grown I've been able to use my height as an advantage. My long arms give me a better reach than most liberos, and I can cover a lot of ground with bigger strides."
Walgamuth started playing libero several years ago in club volleyball before he had a growth spurt.
"I've learned how to handle my role mentally," Walgamuth said. "Everyone on our team is talented, but I have to make sure they stay in focus and that they don't get down on themselves. That, along with defense and passing, is my biggest role. I have to be the glue that keeps the team together."
Wasik said Walgamuth is also an accomplished hitter and he's often tempted to use him in that capacity as well.
"When we struggle, I contemplate using John as a hitter," Wasik said. "But, it's hard to sacrifice the understanding of the game he brings us as a libero. We give up too much when he becomes a hitter."
From Walgamuth's perspective, the tournament championship run in which the Trojans also defeated West Chicago, Homewood-Flossmoor and Payton, is an indication of how much the team has progressed this year.
"We lacked some maturity at the beginning of the season," Walgamuth said. "But the last few matches we're staying focused and showing a lot of consistency. I like the way we're progressing as we come toward the end of the season."
Walgamuth and Petty were both named to the all-tournament team.
"This is the most consistent we've played against a team the caliber of Glenbard East all season," Wasik said. "We played good side-out volleyball."
The Trojans (15-4) took control of Game 1 early and, once they got rolling and hit double figures, they never let the Rams get within five points of them.
Glenbard East hit its stride in Game 2 and jumped out to an 8-3 lead.
Downers North came back and kept it close the rest of the way, tying the game seven times and even grabbing the lead twice down the stretch.
But, the Rams' Andrew Achenbaugh, who also made all-tournament along with his teammate Alex Hurlburt, took over the game and put down five of his match-high 17 kills to even the match at one game apiece.
In Game 3 the Trojans got their rhythm back and led by as many as nine points late in the game.
"Everything's been clicking for us lately," Petty said. "We're limiting our mistakes and trying to force the other team to make errors. Our blocking and defense really picked up today, especially in the finals."
"Everyone contributed," Wasik said. "Our middles J.P. Tulacka and Jordan Thompson have been consistent. They lead the team in kill percentage and that's a function of their ability but also of our passing and good sets."
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/23/2010 BY PAUL JOHNSON - Yourseason.com
Downers North senior shortstop Eric Jagielo said that his team has had problems sustaining leads at times this season, and Thursday’s cross-town showdown with Downers South was an opportunity to correct that.
North battled back from behind to force extra innings. And the Trojans didn’t have a problem finishing the game off in the eighth. Downers North posted an eight-run eighth to walk away with a 14-7 win at South.
“At times this season we’ve had trouble shutting teams down when we were on top and let them back into the game,” Jagielo said. “We kind of did that today, but it was a much better feeling going into the bottom of the eighth. Much better than a one- or two-run cushion.”
Jagielo drove in the game-winner himself of off Mustangs reliever Nick Radenkovich (0-1), a double that plated Jonathan Galligan, to cap a stellar day at the plate. Jagielo was 4-for-6 with three RBI, a triple and a double. His bid for a home run to complete the cycle fell just short in his second at-bat of the eighth inning.
“Their guy (Jagielo) showed up today and got big hits for them,” Downers South coach Darren Orel said. “They were definitely the better team today, no doubt about it.”
Downers South (14-5) took a 6-4 lead with a four-run fourth inning, which was keyed by a two-run double from Jacob Wolf off of reliever C.J. Tierney, the first batter Tierney faced. But Tierney (1-1) settled in, allowing only one run in 4 2/3 of relief to earn the win for the Trojans (9-7). That included stranding two in the sixth by striking out Pat Korienek, leaving the bases loaded in the seventh to force extra innings and leaving two more on in the eighth to finish the win off.
“C.J. did a great job the rest of the game,” DGN coach Chad Isaacson said. “We were able to close out some innings where it wasn’t very easy.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/23/2010 By Dave Owen - Downers Grove Reporter
Downers Grove North’s softball team used overpowering pitching and power hitting Wednesday to land the biggest victory of its 11-game winning streak.
Pitcher Elaine Heflin struck out 13 and walked one en route to a one-hit shutout, and home runs by Katie Hunzinger (a solo shot in the second inning) and Taylor McSheffery (a two-run blast in the seventh) provided much of the offense in a 4-0 win at defending conference champion and frequent state quarterfinalist Oak Park.
The win moved Downers North to 12-3, and a 3-0 conference mark that now includes a monster win
“Since I’ve been here it’s the second time we’ve beaten them,” Downers North coach Mark Magro said of his nine meetings with the Huskies as the Trojans' head coach.
Oak Park’s lone hit off Heflin came with one out in bottom of the seventh inning.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/22/2010 By EDDIE BURNS For Sun-Times Media
Coach Jason Hunter has the Downers Grove North girls soccer team on path for its third straight winning season.
That is saying something because before he arrived, the Trojans had not enjoyed much success.
North reached the midpoint of their season with a 3-1 loss at Benet on April 16, but despite the outcome, Hunter said he has seen kind of what he expected out of this group.
"This team is younger than we've normally had," Hunter said. "We're a sophomore-junior laden team right now."
Despite having several new faces, the Trojans (6-4, 0-2 West Suburban Silver) don't look like they've missed a beat in building off the success Hunter has brought to the team since he took it over at the beginning of the 2008 campaign.
In Hunter's initial season, the Trojans went 13-8 and captured their first regional championship before losing to Downers Grove South in the sectional semifinals.
Last year, North almost backed up that effort with another regional run before bowing out to Neuqua Valley in three overtimes in the regional championship. "This year our play goes up and down," Hunter said. "Psychologically, we're not where we need to be. On the positive side, we don't need to be there yet. As long as we keep taking steps forward we'll be in good shape. All I'm concerned with is if we get better each time we take the field because that is the most important thing."
Although the senior class is small, it has done a nice job providing leadership.
Senior Kierstyn Harrington leads the Trojans with nine goals and six assists while fellow senior Sarah Desai has six goals and nine assists.
Other seniors on the roster include midfielder Allison Gilbert, striker Emily Raiman, midfielder Catherine Krygeris and defender Caraline Scally.
"We have a good core of senior leadership right now," Hunter said. "Sarah Desai played absolutely phenomenal against Benet -- in fact, she's been playing great for us all season. She didn't figure in the scoring play against Benet, but she is by far our best offensive weapon."
The roster is littered with sophomores and juniors.
Junior Shannon Schafer scored North's lone goal against the Redwings (6-1) from close to 25 yards out.
"We have some brilliant flashes," Hunter said. "It is one of those things that we don't understand that we're not going to have great opportunities, so when we do have a beautiful opportunity and we don't slide it into the back of the net it is a wasted opportunity and it is hard to get back from."
The Trojans still have time to piece things together before the postseason arrives. As usual, North has been placed in the meat grinder that is the Class 3A Naperville Central Sectional where top teams such as Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Neuqua Valley, Plainfield North, Waubonsie Valley and Wheaton Warrenville South await.
If the Trojans are going to make a run at the conference title and in the postseason, they are going to have to continue to get contributions from underclassmen such as junior Amanda Fear, sophomore Lily Stanicek, midfielder Marissa Koszewski, midfielder Liz Fraizer and junior goalies Courtney Chamerski and Maddi Fitzpatrick.
"We continue to see wonderful things from new faces and if that continues, it will be fun to see how things play out," Hunter said.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/15/2010  By JEFF ZIMMERMAN For Sun-Times Media
Spring has arrived at Downers Grove North High School and its baseball team's hitting has come alive.
The Trojans last week opened up Western Suburban Silver competition by trouncing Proviso West twice
North pounded out 13 hits in a 11-1 win over Proviso on April 5.
Joe Claver pitched the complete game, striking out seven. North struck early, scoring three runs in the first inning.
Center fielder Johnny Galligan had three hits and one RBI to lead the Trojan attack. Anthony Ciango collected two hits and an RBI along with a three-run homer by Bryan Jagielo to close out the scoring.
North, in between two rainouts, once again matched up against Proviso West on April 9. The Trojans evened up their seasonal mark at 3-3 with a 17-4 win in five innings. Steve Banda had three hits including a home run.
The Trojans' bats remained blazing the afternoon of April 10 at Oak Park-River Forest, but lost a doubleheader to the Huskies 17-9 and 13-12.
North took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of Game 1 on a RBI single by Eric Jagielo, but after that it was all Oak Park.
The Huskies, in their half of the first, scored six times and 10 batters went to the plate.
Oak Park's Jon Frough cracked a three-run homer. Frough for the game had three hits and four RBIs.
The second inning for North wasn't any better. Oak Park scored five runs, all unearned because of the Trojan defense that committed three errors.
Oak Park led 11-4 after two innings.
North began to chip away in the third on a two-run double by Ciango, but before long the 11-6 lead increased to 14-6 on a home run by Andrew Godbold.
North never threatened the remainder of the game.
The Trojans, in the first game, had 10 hits which included two home runs, one by Banda, his second in two days, and shortstop Eric Jagielo. Oak Park, in the second game, belted out 14 hits off of two Trojan pitchers.
"The hitting all season so far has been real good," North coach Chad Isaacson said, "but the defense and pitching have left a lot to be desired especially in both games against Oak Park. To win in the West Suburban league, good defense and pitching is vital."
The offense continued to roll April 12 as the Trojans won 14-12 at Addison Trail with the help of 13 hits.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/14/2010 by Rob Valentin - Downers Grove Bugle
Downers Grove North didn’t get to test itself against Downers Grove South last Thursday as the cross-town rivalry was postponed due to field conditions.
But the Trojans still had a stellar week going 3-0 with an 8-5 win over Lyons on Friday and a doubleheader sweep of Prospect, 4-0 and 10-1.
North started the week with the West Suburban Gold opener against the Lions and things didn’t look good early on as they trailed 5-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. But the Trojans scored five runs in the bottom of the frame, the last three coming on a home run by shortstop Katie Hunzinger, who was making her first start of the season because of injury.
With the game tied at 5-5, North put up three runs in the bottom of the sixth to secure the win. Hunzinger finished the day going 3-for-3 while Jordyn Krejci and Carolyn Nojiri each had two hits. Kendall Ryndak came through with two big doubles.
On the mound Ryndak went the first five innings, allowing just three earned runs. Freshman Elaine Heflin earned the win pitching the final two innings. She gave up just one hit and struck out six batters.
The Trojans carried the momentum into Saturday against Prospect as they completely dominated.
Heflin was almost untouchable in the first game. She allowed just one walk and one hit in the game and had 20 strikeouts. The hit didn’t come until two outs in the seventh inning.
Hunzinger was once again the leader on offense going 3-for-3 with two triples and a double. Sarah Anderson also went 3-for-3 with two doubles. Elizabeth Raines had the only other hit, an RBI double.
Ryndak earned the win in the second game, striking out nine batters while allowing just three hits. She also was solid at the plate going 2-for-4 with a double.
Other key contributors on offense were Krejci (2-for-3, double), Rachel Bradley (2-for-4), Anderson (triple) and Hunzinger (double).
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/12/2010
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/08/2010 BY PHIL BROZYNSKI - Yourseason.com
Downers Grove North learned Wednesday in Wheaton is that there is no substitute for experience.
St. Francis’ senior-dominated lineup did not crack after falling behind in Game 2 and rallied to defeat the Trojans 25-18, 25-22. Dan McGuire led St. Francis (3-0) with seven kills, Steve Howe had six kills and two blocks and Joe Mordell had five kills.
All three are seniors, as is Spartan setter Mark Roberts, who had 18 assists and two kills.
“We have been playing with each other forever,” said Roberts, who was in and out of the lineup a year ago while regular setter Mike Segneri was battling injuries. “Almost the whole squad is seniors. I always know what everybody is doing. Tonight, everybody was on.”
St. Francis took a 6-1 lead in Game 1 and never surrendered the lead, although Downers Grove North closed to within 20-17. In Game 2, Downers North led 17-15, 20-19, and 21-20.
However, unforced errors and eight missed serves, including two after the Trojans grabbed a 21-20 lead in Game 2, were the visitors’ undoing.
“Serves are probably the second-most thing we focus on in practice,” Downers Grove North coach Mark Wasik said. “We shot ourselves in the foot. Yesterday (against Lyons) we missed 14 serves.”
“Right now, we are crossing into whole new territory,” Wasik added. “We were 11-25 last year. We have the ability to be very good this tear. The learning curve has begun. Winning is easy, but losing in where you learn.”
Sophomore J.P. Tulacka had seven kills and junior Greg Petty added six kills and an ace for Downers Grove North (2-2), which starts only one senior (libero John Walgamuth).
“I’m certainly happy with how we played,” St. Francis coach Mike Lynch said. “We watched Downers Grove North last night (Tuesday’s loss at Lyons), and we knew that if they got more of their serves in, it would be a much tougher match.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/08/2010 by Rob Valentin - Downers Grove Bugle
It’s been a shaky start to the 2010 season for Downers Grove North.
Monday’s 5-2 defeat to Wheaton Warrenville South didn’t make things any better for the Trojans.
“We have two of the best pitchers in the area and they’re going to keep us in games but we have to be more aggressive at the plate,” North coach Mark Magro said. “We have to get things going and it’s up to them. If we get some runs, we’ll play good defense and we have the pitching.”
The Trojans (1-3) dug themselves into a 3-0 hole Monday but they seemed poised to get out of it. With the bases loaded in the top of the sixth, Kendall Ryndak stepped to the plate and ripped a shot down the left field line. Unfortunately, for North, the ball rolled out of play and Ryndak had to settle for a ground rule double that scored two runs. Had the ball rolled to the fence instead of out of play, three runs would have easily scored.
Wheaton South got both runs right back in the bottom of the sixth and North went down 1-2-3 in the seventh.
“We got right back in it and then they got those two runs back,” Magro said. “You have to give (Wheaton South) the credit though. We had good pitchers and they hit them. We’ll learn from this.”
“We’re not having the best at-bats right now,” Ryndak said. “We have to swing better and when there’s two strikes, we need to at least put the ball in play. But we’re a good team and we’ll get better every game. We have a lot of potential.”
Ryndak pitched five innings and gave up three runs while freshman Elaine Heflin pitched the sixth and surrendered a pair of runs. While the duo didn’t have the best day on Monday, Magro expects big things from them and the entire team this season.
“Last year we were young and we were hoping to be .500 and we did that,” Magro said. “This year we have high expectations. Our goal right now is to play until June, which would put us in sectionals. Downers North has only had three teams to win a regional and we’ve never won a sectional game.”
One of the reasons for the Trojans’ slow start this season has been some personnel issues. Starting shortstop Katie Hunzinger, who is the No. 4 hitter, has yet to see the field because of an injury. Catcher Taylor McSheffery also plays hockey so Monday was her first game. She’ll miss this week due to hockey games but will be back with the softball team next week for the rest of the season.
Up next for North is a showdown with arch-rival Downers Grove South. Both teams circled this game on the calendar but Magro is trying to keep his girls calm and focused heading into it.
“South is a great team and has a storied tradition but I don’t want to get them all psycho and say ‘You gotta beat South, you gotta beat South’ because we don’t,” Magro said. “You have to keep it low keel. Its just another team but I expect it to be a good game.”
While Magro is restrained when it comes to the South-North game, the same may not be the case for the girls.
“That’s always my favorite game to play,” Ryndak said. “It’s one of the best feelings to have that big crowd watching you. And they’re a very good team with a lot of good hitters and that’s how you get better.”
“I’m really excited and I hope I get to pitch,” Heflin said. “I know a lot of girls on the South team.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 04/01/2010  Dave Owen Downers Grove Reporter
Eric Jagielo and Joe Claver will be moving on to Division I college baseball careers next year.
Both Downers North seniors have shown immediate signs of being up to the challenge and fully returned from injuries that shortened each of their junior seasons.
Jagielo went 6-for-6 at the plate over the Trojans’ first two games of 2010, showing the pop that earned the shortstop a scholarship to play at Notre Dame.
“He’s definitely worked to get where he’s at right now, and he has better days ahead of him,” Downers North coach Chad Isaacson said of Jagielo, who was limited to 34 at-bats (hitting .441) by injuries last spring. “Keeping healthy is obviously A-No. 1 for him. And as good of a player that he is, he’s an even better kid.”
Lefthanded pitcher/first baseman Claver has signed with Illinois State, and his arm and bat will be crucial to the Trojans’ hopes this spring. Batting leadoff Saturday in a 9-8 loss to Lockport, Claver was 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a solo home run.
“He was with us a little bit as a sophomore,” Isaacson said, “and he’s athletic and still learning because he didn’t swing the bat last year with some tendinitis issues. He was never able to get in a groove at the plate, but I think he’ll be a good addition. And he can glove the ball (at first base). He has great ability, no doubt about that.”
On the mound, Claver’s ability will be backed by other proven arms like Nick Goergen (five wins last season), Anthony Ciango (who made five starts filling in for an injured Claver last year) and Nick Nehls (who pitched a no-hitter in 2009 but has been slowed by arm problems).
Of the pitching newcomers, Bryan Jagielo (who also plays the outfield) has made a nice early season impact in a relief role.
But the pitching hasn’t been able to shine yet, as opponents scored 19 runs in the first two games due to the Trojans’ ill-timed defensive woes.
“On the mound we have some experience,” Isaacson said. “Now we have to be able to glove it. All that goes hand in hand. Against Wheaton South (a 10-7 loss) we do well for four innings and then blow up defensively.
“We need to be able to help ourselves out in all three areas (pitching, hitting and defense). I see things that I like, but these guys have to understand that you can’t allow things like this to continue to happen. You learn early or things like that can snowball.”
One thing Isaacson has liked is the Trojans’ offense.
“The first two games we’ve shown that we’re going to be able to swing the bat,” Isaacson said. “I’ll be honest, that was one of the areas where there was some uncertainty because we had so many senior guys that graduated last year that were in our everyday lineup. We’re seeing some nice things out of guys that are seniors right now, and from some other guys who have been thrown into the fire. That’s been a positive so far.”
Jon Galligan, Alex Yeager and Steve Banda (three runs scored against Lockport) have been among the other impact seniors at the plate. Phil McNulty was projected as another key hitter, but is currently sidelined by injury.
With lots of talent on board, the Trojans hope to hit their stride very soon.
“If you want to beat good teams, you have to do all three phases,” Isaacson said. “Right now our hitting is pulling its weight, but that can only go so far. We’ve been giving teams extra outs, and we have to do a better job of that.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/31/2010  by Rob Valentin / Downers Grove North Bugle
Downers Grove North junior Greg Petty hasn’t had a lot of success during his high school career facing cross-town rival Downers Grove South.
That didn’t look like it was going to change heading into the Trojans second game of the season last week at South.
The Mustangs were ranked as the No.9 team in the area by the Chicago Sun-Times but North never blinked and pulled off an impressive 25-17, 25-21 victory over South.
“I’ve never beat South in any sport except for football freshman year so it’s a great feeling,” Petty said. “I know a lot of kids on the other team and I like them a lot but I always want to beat them.”
“It’s always great to beat our cross-town rivals,” added North libero John Walgamuth said. “South always has a tough program and they are a tough opponent. The last few years it’s usually fallen their way so it’s great to come here and play well. It was a real team effort.”
The big momentum changer in Game 1 came when Petty stepped to the service line with his team trailing 10-7. Petty delivered six straight points including three aces to give the Trojans a lead they would never relinquish.
“I think our key for the match was our persistence,” Walgamuth said. “When we made mistakes, we always came together as a team. We didn’t let them get runs and we stayed together. I think that’s really important in volleyball.”
As for goals this season, North’s expectation had to certainly go up after knocking off a top caliber team.
“We’re just going out there day by day,” Walgamuth said. “So far, things are looking good. Obviously winning conference and winning tournaments but the goal is to play as a team.”
“I think right now we have a chance to go pretty far,” Petty added. “We could end up winning conference but I have to see some of the other teams. If we play like this we’ll have a good chance.”
There are plenty of things that North will need to work on to be successful.
“We really have to pass well so we run everybody in the middle or outside,” Petty said. “Also blocking, if we get our blocking down, we’ll be a really dominant team.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/28/2010 By Perfect Game Crosschecker
Rawlings® and Perfect Game USA announce Preseason All-American and All-Region Teams
Rawlings Sporting Goods® announced today its annual Rawlings Preseason All-American and All-Region Teams to recognize the top 400 high school baseball athletes in the U.S., while also showcasing their abilities to collegiate and professional scouts. In partnership with Perfect Game USA, the world’s largest scouting report service, Rawlings is devoted to distinguishing “THE FINEST IN THE FIELD” with these two prestigious awards.
Mike Thompson, Rawlings Vice-President, said, “These selected athletes are being recognized for their skill, athleticism, and dedication to their game which allows them to perform to the highest level of game play. With more than 240,000 high school athletes in the nation, these players represent the very best in their class.”
The Rawlings Preseason All-Region 1st Team recognizes 400 players from eight regions around the U.S. Each of the regions will form a 50-man roster, complete with catchers, pitchers, infielders and outfielders.
In addition, the top 150 of the 400 athletes will be named to the Rawlings Preseason All-American Team. All 150 award recipients will be named to one of three teams, each including a 50-man roster.
“Rawlings and Perfect Game USA are synonymous with the game of baseball and these preseason awards allow us to reward these elite athletes for their hard work and contribution to the game,” said Thompson.
“To receive the Rawlings Preseason All-American or All-Region Award is a tremendous achievement for these high school athletes,” said Jerry Ford, President, Perfect Game USA. “We’re proud to partner with Rawlings to recognize their talent as they prepare for their careers playing collegiate or professional baseball.”
Rawlings/Perfect Game High School Senior Preseason All America High Honorable Mention
Eric Jagielo - SS Downers Grove North - Notre Dame
Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason Central Region All High School Senior 1st Team
Eric Jagielo - SS - Downers Grove North - Notre Dame
Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason Central Region All High School Senior Honorable Mention
Joe Claver - LHP - Downers Grove North - Illinois State
Perfect Game Preseason HS Underclassmen All American Honorable Mention
Anthony Ciango - RHP/3B - Downers Grove North - Uncommitted
| | | | | | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/26/2010 Dear Senior Athlete,
This year the Trojan Booster Club will once again award scholarships to senior athletes in appreciation of the sportsmanship and citizenship that they have exhibited while attending Downers Grove North High School. As a result of your parent’s membership in the Trojan Booster Club, you are eligible to apply for one of these scholarships.
Each recipient will receive a one time award of $500 towards a college education. The disbursement will be made in accordance with the direction of the school you will be attending, taking into consideration any possible application of NCAA rules and regulations concerning intercollegiate eligibility.
In order to qualify, you must be accepted and planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school, and must not be the anticipated recipient of a full athletic grant or full academic scholarship at the time of the award.
We encourage and invite all qualified students to complete the enclosed application and forward the application and essay to the Trojan Booster Club, c/o Camille Fox, Scholarship Chairman, 3636 Douglas Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Applications must be received by April 16, 2010
Our scholarship committee, comprised of Booster parents and underclass students, will review the applications and make the final selections. The presentation of the scholarships will be made on Senior Awards Night, Tuesday May 18th, 2010 7:00 PM.
Your parent’s membership and support of the Trojan Booster Club during your years at Downers Grove North High School has made these scholarships possible. We thank you for your support and look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions, please contact Camille Fox at 630-960-5513. Best wishes to you on an exciting new season ahead.
Sincerely,
Camille Fox
2010 Trojan Booster Club
Scholarship Committee Chairman
Download Application Here
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/26/2010 By Kevin Schmit | Daily Herald Staff
It's been fun for a couple of days, but Wheaton Warrenville South's baseball team doesn't want to make a habit of this.
Rallying from a big deficit for the second time this week, the Tigers pulled out a 10-7 nonconference win over visiting Downers Grove North.
Just like in Tuesday's victory over Hinsdale South, WW South (2-0) fell behind 5-0 to the Trojans (0-1). Downers North starter Nick Goergen was perfect through four innings before Steve Lemm broke through for an infield single to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Twelve batters later, the Tigers turned a 5-0 deficit into a 9-5 lead.
"Their pitcher was in a real good rhythm the first four innings, and after that first infield hit we just kept peppering away," said Tigers first baseman Mike Heaton, who had 2 singles and 2 RBI in the fifth. "It was definitely a huge inning for us. Getting that one guy on base really sparked us."
R.J. Hoshell and Heaton followed Lemm with hits as Heaton drove in the Tigers' first run. A couple of errors and RBI from Kyle Snow, Joey Tedeschi and Jeremy Rhoades helped pile on the runs.
Downers North played clean ball while retiring the first 12 WW South batters of the game but then lost some of its focus as the Tigers rallied.
"We saw some good things, I think we swung the bats well," said Trojans coach Chad Isaacson. "Obviously, that one inning kind of unraveled on us, and we've got to be able to catch the baseball. When something opens up the inning you've got to be able to minimize the damage."
After WW South went ahead 10-5 in the sixth inning, Downers North added a couple of seventh-inning runs.
The Trojans took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on back-to-back RBI doubles by John Galligan and Eric Jagielo. Downers North added a pair of runs in the third inning and moved ahead 5-0 in the top of the fifth on Alex Yeager's RBI single.
Jagielo went 3-for-3 for the Trojans while Galligan, Yeager and Cory Teicher had 2 hits apiece. Hoshell and Heaton each had 2 hits for the Tigers.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/26/2010 By Kevin Schmit | Daily Herald Staff
Downers Grove North
Coach: Chad Isaacson.
Last year: 15-17, 9-9, fourth in West Suburban Silver; lost 8-6 to Providence in the Class 4A Joliet regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Eric Jagielo, sr., SS; John Galligan, sr., OF; Nick Goergen, sr., P-IF; Joe Claver, sr., P; Phil McNulty, sr., 1B; Bryan Jagielo, jr., P-OF; Anthony Ciango, jr., P-IF; Nick Niehls, sr., P; Alex Yeager, sr., OF; Steve Banda, sr., 2B.
Scouting report: Eric Jagielo, committed to Notre Dame, is a great start once again for the Trojans. The third-year shortstop and No. 3 hitter battled injury all last season but hit .441 in 34 at bats. Another team strength is the deep pitching staff.
Goergen returns 5 wins while Ciango and Claver, a third-year varsity pitcher who's committed to Illinois State University, also bring back significant experience. Niehls, if healthy, adds pitching depth and experience.
Bryan Jagielo boosts the pitching staff and the lineup. Another health issue rests with McNulty, whose broken wrist thins the lineup and will keep him out for about two months. "We have some question marks, but we also have a lot to build upon," Isaacson said.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/24/2010 Mark Wasik - Boys Varsity Volleyball - 3/22/2010
The Varsity wins their season opening match on the road defeating a solid Naperville Central team and solidified a program sweep as the Freshman A, B, and JV teams were also victorious.
Mark Wasik - Boys Varsity Volleyball - 3/24/2010
The Varsity Boys Volleyball team won their second match in as many days defeating #9 ranked Downers South in two straight sets 24-17, 25-21. Greg Petty led with 8 kills, and middle blockers Jordan Thompson and JP Tulacka each had 4 kills. The team will prepare for their conference and home opener against Lyons on April 6th, 6 PM.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/24/2010 BY PHIL BROZYNSKI / Yourseason.com
Greg Petty and Downers Grove North played heartbreakers Tuesday, spoiling the season opener for No. 9-ranked Downers Grove South.
Petty, a 6-foot-6 junior, had eight kills and three aces, 6-6 sophomore J.P. Tulacka added four kills and 6-4 sophomore setter Zach Parik had 18 assists and an ace to lead Downers North (2–0) to a 25-17, 25-21 victory over their neighborhood rivals.
“We did not have as much talent and heart last year as we do this year,” Petty said. “We are playing better together. We have good chemistry, and we are much deeper than last year. If somebody is having a bad game, we can put somebody else in.”
However, Petty is not going anywhere near the bench. His three consecutive aces helped to turn a 10-7 deficit into a 13-10 advantage in Game 1, and his kill off the block broke a 12-12 tie in Game 2.
“It is a luxury having a guy like Greg in your lineup,” Downers Grove North coach Mark Wasik said. “He bailed us out in that first game. But it’s early in the season. We are a work in progress.”
Jim Healy and Buddy Steinhaus each had five kills for Downers South (0-1). Libero John Walgamuth had three aces and Jordan Thompson had four kills, two blocks and an ace for Downers North.
“We made a tremendous number of errors,” Downers South coach Tony Nevrly said. “If we are going to compete, we have to pass better and block better. We had no chance to do anything. They served us off the court.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/24/2010  by Mark Gregory Downers Grove Bugle
A year ago, the Downers Grove North badminton team placed 10th in state, won its sectional tournament and claimed the conference title for the 11th consecutive season.
As amazing as the program history is, coach Anthony Calderone wants the team to remember history is in the past.
“We talk about the history of the team and try and maintain that, but at the same time understand that it is just that – history,” Calderone said. “What they have done in the past has nothing to do with what we are going to do this year. Keeping them motivated is the biggest battle we have. We have a real strong team this year. I am really pleased with the work they have done in the offseason and we are expecting some big things.”
The Mustangs are looking to senior Addie Danchisin, a state qualifier from a year ago, to lead the team.
“We have a reputation in the state, so the big thing is to work hard,” Danchsin said. “There are no guarantees how we are going to do. It is all about our work ethic leading up to conference, sectionals and state. (The expectations) give us motivation. It is there, so we have to try and live up to it. But it is all relative of what we are going to put into it. It is a good thing in a sense, the bad thing would be if we expected to win because we are Downers North.”
Fellow seniors Anne Eckdahl and Kaitlyn Hornik join Danchisin to lead the North.
“The seniors have done a nice job leading and teaching that to the girls,” Calderone said. “The freshmen, when they come in have nothing invested, this is not part of them yet. The kids in the school respect our sport, even the non badminton players. They know the team year in and year out has a chance to win and it is nice to have that in the hallways where the kids don’t get made fun of like they do in a lot of other schools. We have girls smashing over 100 miles an hour.”
The good news for the Trojans is that they look even better this season.
“This is a stronger team than last year,” Calderone said. “We are younger and have more depth. We are looking forward to the middle and end of the year. We will be ready.”
“We are hoping to come out strong as a team,” Eckdahl said. “Individually, I want to come out strong at sectionals, but I have to work hard now to get there, so we will see what happens.”
As a group, the seniors know what it means to be team leaders.
“It is fun, but it is a lot to live up to,” Hornik said. “ I just hope we can set a good reputation and show good work ethic for next year. It is a lot to live up to. It is a good challenge that we put ourselves up to every year. I don’t want to be the one class to lose, so we are going to motivate everyone around to win that again.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/24/2010  by Mark Gregory Downers Grove Bugle
All-around state champion Doug Rybar may have graduated, but the rest of the Downers Grove North gymnastics team is looking to prove it is more than just a one-man show.
“Losing Doug was a huge loss, not only for his score, but he was a great team leader,” Mustangs coach Al Bekkedal said. “As for the ability of this team, we could be as good or better than last year. The kids that came in have improved. They are all better than they were last year.”
Leading that group are juniors Luke Schubert and Matt Rakow, sophomore Luke Wychocki and freshman John Schubert, all of them all-around performers.
“Our junior core is really good,” Bekkedal said. “We are an all-arounder loaded team.”
“We lost Doug and we are trying to prove that we are more than just Doug Rybar here,” Luke Schubert said. “He was a rock. He knew what he was doing. He would know what we needed to do and he would tell us how to get better. The four of us are trying to fill that gap and have that success again. It is nice that we can spread around the power.”
The Rybar-led Trojans placed fifth in the state last year with 156.85 points.
“Success breeds success,” Bekkedal said. “The guys understand that we have a tradition here in the gymnastics gym and they are upholding it. They want to stay good.”
The all around gymnasts will be joined by event specialists Sean Drobney and Joe Barton on rings, Lee Walters on parallel bars, rings and pommel horse and Jake Thygesen on vault.
“We have a lot of talent on the team and we are looking to go to state again and improve,” Rakow said.
“I like that we are all on the same team and we get another year together to show what we can do,” Wychocki said. “I still think we are good. We can show that we can spread out what we do. We all have weak events, but as a team and as a whole, we are good.”
So far this season, the Mustangs are unbeaten in dual meets, beating Naperville North 136-108.9, Downers Grove South 144.7-123.2, Lyons 147.3-118.2 and Glenbard South 148.8-85.4.
In their lone invite of the season, Downers Grove South scored 139.10 points and placed second at Hinsdale South.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/19/2010  By Dave Owen Downers Grove Reporter
DOWNERS NORTH TROJANS
AT A GLANCE
Conference West Suburban Silver
Home field Doerhoefer Park, Saratoga Avenue, north of Ogden Avenue; and Carstens Field, 4436 Main St., Downers Grove
2009 record 11-4-4
Coach Jason Hunter
Top returners
Maddy Fitzpatrick jr. GK
Allison Gilbert sr. F/M
Shannon Schafer jr. M
Kierstyn Harrington sr. F
Nicole Nelson jr. D
Megan Wesley jr. MF
Emily Raiman sr. F
Sarah Desai sr. MF
Promising newcomers
Liz Frazier jr. M
Marissa Koszewski jr. M
KEY MATCHES
March 19 vs. Benet Win over Benet to open 2008 started Trojans rolling to best season in program history. Downers North will hope for similar results in 2010 opener against powerful Redwings
April 10 vs. Lemont Trojans’ final tuneup before conference play is against defending Class 2A runners-up
May 11 vs. Hinsdale Central Downers North closes its regular season with great preparation for postseason, hosting defending Class 3A state champion Red Devils at Carstens Field
Having never won a regional title before 2008, Downers North came up just short of picking up its second in a row last year in a three-overtime loss to No. 1 seed Neuqua Valley at the regional finals.
“A big reason for our success was that our kids started to believe that they were better than what their previous records were,” Downers North coach Jason Hunter said of the Trojans’ emergence. “A case in point was two years ago when we beat Benet, and for the first game of the season you would have thought we won the national championship with kids running out on the field. There wasn’t an expectation of victory.
“Now I think we believe we’re composed and talented enough that we can play with anyone when we walk on the field. Our last game last year when we took Neuqua into triple overtime and lost, that was a pretty good eye opener for the kids we brought up — that we’re capable of playing at that level.”
Despite losing several key seniors from the last two strong squads, the Trojans should be capable of big things again with a young nucleus in place.
Providing the offensive punch will be the combination of Kierstyn Harrington and Allison Gilbert.
“If we’re doing it correctly, with Kierstyn Harrington and Ali Gilbert I’m hoping between the two of them to have 50 percent of our goals this year,” Hunter said. “If those two are working well together, it will be difficult to stop both of them at the same time.”
A key to stopping opposing offenses will be Maddy Fitzpatrick, who enters her third year as starting goalkeeper. Her skills and experience will be vital while the Trojans settle several defender spots in front of her.
“Nicole Nelson is a phenomenal marking back, but we’re still looking at developing a sweeper with the loss of Morgan Olsen (to graduation),” Hunter said. “We’ve had some dominant center backs the last few years, but we’re not nearly as skilled yet at that spot as we have been.
“Filling those holes from the last couple of years will be difficult, but we’re losing in one (area) and with Maddy’s experience picking it up in the other.”
Returning standout Shannon Schafer will anchor the midfield, and solid help arrives in varsity newcomers Liz Frazier and Marissa Koszewski. “Both will play significant roles as first-year players,” Hunter said. Overall, Hunter sees a team poised to continue on the upswing.
“We lost some speed from last year,” he said, “but I think we’re more talented with the ball this year than we have been in the last couple years. We’re younger than we’ve been in the past because we have a lot more juniors this year and we only have two seniors.”
One extra challenge for the Trojans could be finding a home. Expected to split games between the high school field and the artificial turf at Doerhoefer Park, Downers North is now in flux with renovations scheduled to be done at Doerhoefer.
“One key is going to be the facility to play at,” Hunter said. “It’s up in the air right now.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/17/2010 Girls First Team
MADELINE BOLTIN
Downers Grove North senior, Madeline Boltin was the Trojans biggest threat and the opposing team’s biggest concern.
When Boltin was on, she could single-handedly change the outcome of a game. With the Trojans trailing arch-rival Downers South 9-6 this season, Boltin knocked down three three-pointers in a 1:10 span.
Boys Second Team
NICK LEBEAU
LeBeau,a senior, was without a doubt the heart and soul of Downers North. When a big shot needed to be taken, he was the man the Trojans looked to.
“Nick is a fierce competitor,” Trojans’ coach Jim Thomas said. “He’s a guy you can always count on and he’s going to be relentless. He pours his heart and soul into the game and wants to win so bad. And he’s one of the smartest basketball players I’ve had.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/17/2010 Trib Local
When the Downers Grove North Athena Dance Team boarded a bus for their final competition of the season, they wore sweatshirts that read, "We don't take breaks. We just break records!" And that's just what they did. The Athenas capped off a record breaking season with a first place win at the IDTA State Championship contest held at the University of Illinois' Assembly Hall in Champaign on Saturday, March 13. The Athenas were named the 2010 State Champions in the Lyrical category and also won 3rd place in the Jazz and Kick categories.
All three of the award winning dances were choreographed by team captain Brittany Skala and co-captains Colleen Fisher, Christine Kunzler, Olivia Mulvey and Brynne Walker. Athena coach, Ms. Toni Royster, said this is the best season in the history of the Athena dance team.The varsity team members are Eva Bandola, Fisher, Nicole Hufstedler, Kunzler, Mulvey, Jenna Niemi, Mary Pasquale, Mia Savino, Paige Schober, Skala, Ashley Squitieri, Lindsey Tucker, Rebecca Verzak and Walker.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/11/2010 Daily Herald
Top local teams: Addison Trail, Downers Grove North, Glenbard North, Hinsdale Central, Wheaton co-op, York.
Top gymnasts: Matt Rakow (Downers Grove North, Jr., all-around), Luke Schubert (Downers Grove North, Jr., all-around), Luke Wychocki (Downers Grove North, So., all-around).
Outlook: Downers Grove North will miss Rybar's scores, but the Trojans have all-arounders Matt Rakow, Luke Wychocki and Luke Schubert all returning. Schubert placed eighth in the floor exercise and 15th in the all-around last season. Plus his brother, freshman John Schubert, is expected to contribute immediately. "We're hoping to be competitive again this year," Downers Grove North coach Al Bekkedal said. "The goal is to see if we can make it to state for the fourth year in a row and I think with a little work we should be able to get in the 150s."
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/11/2010 By CHRISTINE BOLIN For The Sun
Downers Grove North may have lost one Division I-bound player in Dan Sheppard (who now plays at the University of Iowa with sophomore Sean Flanagan), but the Trojans have another in Eric Jagielo, a shortstop heading to Notre Dame this fall. The three-year starter hit over .400 as a sophomore and a junior.
Joining Jagielo in the experience department is John Galligan in center field. All the pitchers -- seniors Nick Goergen, Nick Nehls, Joe Claver and junior Anthony Ciango -- are back.
"Pitching seems to be a strength with the amount of game experience returning," Downers Grove North coach Chad Isaacson said.
Isaacson said he is also looking for contributions from Phil McNulty, Alex Yeager, Bryan Jagielo and Steve Banda. He also said the Trojans may take some time to gel.
"We are inexperienced in the field and will be a work in progress looking to improve day by day," said Isaacson, whose team went 17-18 overall last year. "They are good kids who are hard-working."
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 03/10/2010 by Rob Valentin / Downers Grove Bugle
Glenbard North was almost perfect meaning Downers Grove North never stood a chance as they fell to the Panthers 74-50 in the Geneva Regional quarterfinals, Monday, March 1.
Glenbard North hit 28-of-41 shots from the floor and 11-of-22 from beyond the arc.
“They really pressured us on defense and got a couple of turnovers and easy baskets,” Trojans coach Jim Thomas said. “We saw them play four times and they looked different every time. Some nights they can knock down the three’s and then other times they can get it done inside. They did both of them against us. They just had a great night.”
Downers North only trailed 16-15 at the end of the first quarter and 39-33 at halftime. Thomas thought his team could get right back in the game if they didn’t allow another 30-point half. Unfortunately, they gave up 35 points in the second half as Glenbard North slowly turned a close game into a blowout.
“We hang our heads on defense and rebounding and we didn’t do that well,” Thomas said. “Once we were down going in the third quarter we had some good looks and didn’t knock anything down. We had to play up tempo to get some points back and didn’t get it done.”
Tyler Mason led the Trojans in the loss with 12 points.
While Downers North finished the season with a sub .500 record, Thomas was proud of how his kids played.
“The best things about our kids is that they battle,” he said. “We went in knowing we don’t have the same type of talent. But we can battle every possession and work hard on the court. We had some nice wins and the kids stuck together all year.”
The Trojans will bid adieu to five seniors, which wound up being more than Thomas expected after last season finished.
“It was a unique bunch of kids and we only thought we would have two seniors but we had a transfer and a couple of other kids come back,” Thomas said. “They all contributed in their own way. They busted their hump and led by example. We’ll always remember them because of their effort and the type of kids they were.”
Playing their last game for Downers North were Eric Jagielo, Nick LeBeau, Kyle Benton, Nick Nehls, Marcus Milner.
“Eric is a division I athlete (baseball) and just going about everything the way he does, he’s a class act,” Thomas said. “He’s really respected around the school and community. Kids see that and want to emulate that.
“Nick is a fierce competitor. He’s a guy you can always count on and he’s going to be relentless. He pours his heart and soul into the game and wants to win so bad.”
Next season will definitely be a challenge for the Trojans so it’s important to put in the work during the offseason.
“We have a lot of question marks as far as if guys are coming back or if they’re dedicating themselves to other sports,” Thomas said. “We don’t have a point guard and haven’t had one in a while. If we can find some hard-working kids I think we have a chance to be a 15 or 18 win team. But you’re only as good as the work you put into it.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 02/20/2010 The first weekend of the college baseball season has a Downers Grove North feel to it when three former Trojans will face off today in Clarksville, TN at 11:00 AM.
The University of Iowa will open their 2010 season vs. Illinois State University. The Hawkeyes have a pair of former Trojan standouts in sophomore 1B/P Sean Flanagan and freshman C/OF Dan Sheppard who was drafted by the Cubs Last spring in the 30th round. Last season Flanagan led the Hawkeyes in slugging percentage .509 and his six homeruns set an Iowa record for a freshman.
Back after a 2009 season ending wrist injury is former Trojan star Kevin Tokarski who will play 2b for the Redbirds. Tokarski was named to the 2009 Preseason Brooks Wallace Watch List, in 2008 he was named the Missouri Valley Freshman of the Year and also received Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Honorable Mention Honors.
Follow the Hawkeyes vs. Redbirds here on Game Tracker
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 02/18/2010 
By PAUL JOHNSON For Sun-Times Media
After suffering a tough loss in the finals at 125 pounds at Feb. 13's Class 3A Glenbard North Sectional, Downers Grove North junior wrestler Jimmy Nehls wasn't an easy man to find.
Nehls had just lost to undefeated Glenbard North junior Johnny Gosinski, 4-2 in overtime, in the title bout.
While Nehls was already guaranteed a trip to this weekend's individual state meet in Champaign, the sting of the loss hurt.
In a field house attached to the main gym at Glenbard North, there was Nehls, running wind sprints by himself in the far corner. The moments after his loss were a perfect time to start working toward state.
"I just need to get in a little better condition," Nehls said. "He's in better shape than I am. I'm going to get a little stronger, get in a little better condition, and come back next week."
Nehls (37-3) topped Gosinski (44-0), 7-5, at sectionals last year. But this time, Nehls had to hold on to force overtime with a 2-2 tie. Then with 13 seconds left in overtime, Gosinski was able to earn a takedown to send his home crowd roaring and send Nehls to the indoor track.
"I wanted to get that takedown in the third period, but I didn't get it," Nehls said. "Went into overtime and fell a little short. He caught me a little flat-footed. He's the toughest I've faced."
Nehls will be joined in Champaign by fellow junior teammate Dave Tessiatore (38-12). Tessiatore lost his first match at 160 pounds to West Aurora's Greg Jacquez Friday night, but fought all the way back to reach the state meet. He won three matches in the wrestle back before being pinned by Wheaton Warrenville South DuPage Valley Conference champion Spartak Chino in 1:54 in the third-place match.
The key win for Tessiatore was in the consolation semifinals when he held off Wheaton North's Geoff Pevitts, 4-2, to punch his ticket to state.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 02/17/2010 by Scott Taylor / Downers Grove Bugle
Although the team didn’t qualify for Saturday, Downers Grove North advanced an individual in senior Rachel Oldham last weekend at the state tournament at Cherry Lanes in Rockford.
Oldham overcame the nerves and used a strong first four games Friday to vault her into contention.
She had a morning series of 631 with all games over 200 and followed it up with a 258 in the afternoon.
“It was rough in the beginning, but it got better,” Oldham said. “I was extremely nervous at first. Then the nerves kind of went away and it got better.”
It was the 258 game that got her over the hump and into day two as she finished with a 1,238, good for 33rd place, ninth among individuals not on the top 12 qualifying teams for Saturday.
The top 30 individuals not on those qualifying teams advanced.
“I just hit the pocket and hit my mark,” Oldham said of her 258 game. “Everything just went fine. The pressure was always there, but after the 258, I thought I could make it.”
Oldham followed it up with a 1,107 Saturday, with a high game of 206.
“The first half was a little rough, but the second half was better,” Oldham said of her second day at state. “I missed a lot of spares and the splits came my last game (in the morning). I switched balls for the afternoon and the strikes came for me.”
She finished in 54th place with a 2,345 total (195 average).
“I’m happy because it was nice to make it to state my senior year,” Oldham stated. “I’m happy to be here. I am pretty happy with everything (in my career).”
The rest of the team represented themselves well as they shot a 5,262, including a second game of 1,019 to take 21st in state.
“We had some good games in there,” North’s Tegan Clinton said. “Our individual scores were consistent. That is something we have struggled with, so to have that at state was a really good thing for us. I think next year if we make it back, the juniors will have that experience. We have three varsity players returning.”
That result is much better than many thought heading into the season.
“At the beginning of the season, I think everyone had low expectations of us because we graduated a lot of seniors,” Clinton said. “So, to make it all the way to state and have this experience, I think all of us were grateful to have that.”
Clinton finished with a 1,117 with high games of 236 and 218.
“I had an inconsistent day,” Clinton said. “It kind of showed in the last couple games. I had some good games in there, but it was hard adjusting to the different lanes each time. It wasn’t a bad day, but not a day I would like to have at state.”
Fellow junior Molly Corbett rolled a 1,045 and senior Elyse Besinger added a 938.
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 02/17/2010 by Rob Valentin / Downers Grove Bugle
Downers Grove North had the opportunity of a lifetime last Saturday night when they faced Lyons Township and the Trojans tried to make the most of it.
The Lions came into the game with a perfect 21-0 record and the North gave them all they could handle before succumbing 76-62 in a West Suburban Silver road game.
“We watched their game against Oak Park with about 4,000 people there and we knew it would be a fun atmosphere,” North coach Jim Thomas said. “You don’t get an opportunity to play a team like that in that situation too often. There was no pressure on us and our kids were relieved.”
The Trojans (6-17, 3-7) came out and played almost flawless basketball in the first half, committing just two turnovers. Still, Lyons (22-10, 10-0) held a 31-29 lead at halftime.
The Lions started to take control in the third quarter thanks to some North miscues. After three quarters of play Lyons held a 46-41 advantage.
“We had seven turnovers in the third and that kind of rattled us but our kids kept battling,” Thomas said. “Then when we started fouling them they closed us out by being flawless (from the free-throw line).”
The Lions finished the game 19-of-20 from the charity stripe and were 15-of-16 in the fourth quarter.
Thomas was impressed with how his entire squad played especially Tyler Mason’s defense, the overall play of D.J. Cienawa and Nick LeBeau’s offense (18 points).
While the Trojans would have loved the win, they showed what they’re capable of.
“We’re not into moral victories but our kids have a lot of grit,” Thomas said. “We know that’s how we have to compete. We’re not going to win any conference championships so we’re just trying to get ready for the postseason. If we can play like we did like (Saturday) night we’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs.”
North’s performance the night before wasn’t as good. The Trojans lost a 67-44 decision to Proviso West.
“It was Senior Night and our seniors did a great job getting us out to an early lead,” Thomas said. “But then we starred turning the ball over and when we turn the ball over we’re a terrible team. We were up eight points and then we were down nine.”
North found out that they’ll open the Class 4A state playoffs by facing Glenbard North on March 1 in the Geneva Regional.
“They score a lot of points and they like to get up and down the floor and pressure us,” Thomas said. “We like doing the exact opposite and slow things down. If we can anchor our defense and guard (James) Fleming we’ll have a good shot at it.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 02/17/2010 by Mark Gregory / Downers Grove Bugle
The Downers Grove High Schools combined to send three wrestlers to this weekends Class 3A
state wrestling tournament on the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Downers Grove North is sending a pair of grapplers, while South has one going.
The district was highlighted by one wrestler in the Glenbard North sectional final, as Jimmy Nehls lost to Joey Gosinski of Glenbard North in the finals 4-2 in overtime at 125 pounds.
To get there, he defeated Oswaldo Quintanilla of West Aurora 13-2 and pinned Nick Ruffino of St. Charles East in 3 minutes, 27 seconds.
“I wish I would have won,” Nehls said. “Now I am going to work harder for state this weekend and go after it. I haven’t won any matches down there, so I am looking to win some matches at state.”
His teammate Dave Tessiatore (140) also advanced, finishing fourth. He was pinned by Spartacus Chino in 1:54 in the third-place match.
“Chino beat me twice before and I just went out there and wrestled,” Tessiatore said. “Captain Danny Balderas really refocused me after I lost. I am prepared now for state if I lose early I know I can come back.”
| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 11/11/2009
 Dear Business Owner:
As you know, The Downers Grove North Trojan Booster Club is the non-profit organization
That financially supports all of the athletic programs at Downers Grove North High School. We provide financial support for athletic teams and also award college scholarships to graduates each year. Our funds are primarily raised through concession stand sales at athletic events, our fashion show and our club members.
We are now offering Advertising Space on our website to local businesses in our area. For the cost of a single newspaper ad, we will display your company banner with a link to your website on our main website page for one whole year. Your total cost is $100.00 annually for front-page advertising and $200.00 for Front Page and all Team Page advertising.
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| | | | by Trojan Athletics posted 11/06/2009
Student-athletes at Downers Grove North include (front row, from left): Claire McNulty, Haley Sims, Kendall Ryndak, Samantha Fry, Addie Danchisin and Britta Baarstad; back row, from left: Ben Silver, Paul Hogan, Luke Schubert, Jimmy Nehls, Eric Jagielo, Greg Petty and Joe Claver.
(Rich Hein/Sun-Times)
BY TAYLOR BELL
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP SPORTS MOMENTS
1. Stunning upset
Coach Bruce Ritter’s girls cross-country team won its second state title in 1985. The Trojans had two runners drop out of the sectional because of injury and illness and barely qualified for the state final. Rebecca Rusch finished 23rd. She teamed with Shellie O’Neal, Jenny Edmonds, Caroline Tracy and Elise Martin to score 131 points to Palatine’s 146 and Hersey’s 169.
2. Back-to-back
Coach Anthony Calderone produced back-to-back state champions in badminton in 2003 and 2004. The 2003 team was led by Jessica DeBruler (44-4) and Nicole LaVallie (38-6), who finished 2-3 in singles, and Laura Svoboda-Emily Kalal (36-1), who won doubles. In 2004, DeBruler (45-6) was fourth in singles and Svoboda-Meghan LaVallie (34-4) fifth in doubles.
3. Football champion
After a 2-2 start, coach John Wander’s 2004 football team won 10 in a row, capping the streak with a 33-13 upset of Maine South for the Class 8A title. Team leaders were All-State tackle Cody Cielenski, guard Joe McMahon and quarterback Garrett Edwards, who rushed for 1,720 yards and 25 touchdowns and passed for 832 yards and 12 touchdowns.
4. Terrific trio
In the 2008-09 school year, Downers Grove North produced three state champions in individual sports, the most in school history. Adrienne Bicek won the 200-yard individual medley in girls swimming, Burke Sims won the 500-yard freestyle in boys swimming and Douglas Rybar won the still rings and the state all-around title in boys gymnastics.
5. State runner-up
Coach Pete Ventrelli’s 1990 football team, led by RB Jeremy Sample, OT Pete Stone and LB Mike Barry, stunned the nation’s top-ranked team, East St. Louis, 28-26 in the state semifinals, but was defeated by Thornton 31-21 for the Class 6A championship. The Trojans finished with a 13-1 record. Sample went to Notre Dame, Stone to Toledo and Barry to Kent State.
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