West Adds 19 More College Athletes in First Graduating Class

just graduated its first class, and in two short years the high school is producing a number of quality student athletes.

Recently, the school honored 19 students who will continue their academic and athletic careers by playing their sport in college. Eight additional West students signed to play in college earlier this year.

“We are very proud of what they have accomplished in the first two years of existence of Lincoln-Way West High School," athletic director Ted Robbins said in a news release. "All of them have contributed an incredible amount of hard work and determination to set a standard of excellence in each of their respective sports at a brand new high school.

"We appreciate all of the time, effort, commitment and determination that they have displayed to become the leaders in our school. These student athletes not only represent Lincoln-Way West in conference and state athletic competitions, but also as positive role models in the community for all of the future Warriors to follow in their footsteps."

Robbins introduced the student athletes to a crowd of parents, coaches, friends and teachers. The event was held in the Warriors’ Lodge at Lincoln-Way West. West student athletes participating in the signing ceremony are:

• Dan Fifer has had a tremendous year on the baseball field. He led the team in multiple offensive categories with a .563 batting average, 45 hits, 20 RBI’s, 8 doubles and 2 triples. Dan will be continuing his baseball career at Augustana College.

• Matt Bishop was the starting pitcher for the Varsity baseball team. He led the pitching staff with 28 strikeouts, 40 innings pitched and 3 complete games. Along with his success on the field Matt earned a 4.389 GPA, 31 ACT, and is ranked 19 out of 276 in his class. Matt will continue his academic and athletic career at Illinois Institute of Technology this next fall.

• Robert Hubbard is a 2 year SWSC Red All-Conference Selection and scored in double figures 19 times this season for the varsity basketball team. He scored a season high of 22 points vs. Thornton. He started every game this season. He was picked for the Herald News and Southtown Star All-Area Selection. Robert will continue his academics and basketball at Knox College in the fall.

• Nick Bellamy rushed for 2252 yards and 27 touchdowns for the West varsity football team. He was named two time 1st team All-Conference, named 1st team for Southtown Star All-Area; named Honorable Mention – Champaign Gazette News, All-State for Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, and named Southtown Star Player of the Week. He will continue playing football next year for Illinois State University.

• Adam Bray hit 8 field goals this year including an incredible performance against Andrew High School kicking the game winner with 4 seconds left. He was a 2-year starter as a Defensive Back leading the team in interceptions in 2010. He was named 1st Team A-Conference Kicker. He will be attending Carroll College in the fall to play football.

• Justin Butterfield finished his varsity career with just under 3000 yards passing and 29 touchdown passes. He was chosen Captain for two years. He was two time 1st team All Conference quarterback, SouthtownStar Player of the Week and a recipient of the Weekly Warrior Wisdom Award in October. He will be attending Carroll College in the fall playing football.

• Richard Kaemerer was named 2009 All Conference Receiver and finished his football career at West with 48 catches for 786 yards and 8 touchdown receptions. He will be attending Carroll College playing collegiate football.

• Brenden Mahoney was named 1st team All-Conference Tight End. He finished the year with 21 catches. He is a tremendous run blocker and a great receiver. He will be attending Carroll College to play football.

• Jimmy McHale has earned 1st Team All-Conference Defensive End in 2011. He was also named to the 1st Team SouthtownStar All-Area; and named 2009 All-Conference Tight End. He finished his football career at West with 17 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. He will be playing football for Illinois State next year.

• Kylie Hermanson has been a four year starter within the Lincoln-Way West Girls Soccer Program. She is a technical outside midfielder that specializes in free kicks. She has scored 8 goals and 12 assists over her past two varsity seasons. Kylie has been a two-year varsity captain. She will move on to attend Joliet Junior College next fall.

• Emily Kowalski has been a four year starter within the Lincoln-Way West girls Soccer program. She served as team captain during the second half of this season. She has never missed a game and has started in all 45 of 45 varsity matches. She will be attending the University of St. Francis in the fall.

• Danilo Panici is a two year captain and was integral in the development of the West soccer program. In the classroom Danilo ranks in the top of her class. Augustana College is getting an outstanding student-athlete.

• Marbeya Berner has played on the Lincoln-Way tennis team for four years. She has played 1st singles for the past three years and placed as the 4th seed out of 20 singles players for the IHSA sectional tournament. She will be attending Dominican University where she will major in Biology with plans to enter the medical field. While attending Dominican, Marbeya will play on the university’s tennis team.

• Kevin Gordy has been an outstanding team leader for the Boys Track Team and the jump program in particular. He has helped develop the other jumpers this year and leaves West with a legacy of excellence. He holds the record in jumps for the indoor and outdoor long jump and triple jump. He will be attending Augustana College next year.

• Justin Woodin is an outstanding student athlete. He has led the pole vaulters on the Boys Track and Field team for two years. He will be attending Olivet Nazarene next year.

• Sarah Garvick is a three-year captain for the Girls Volleyball team at West. Her junior and senior years Sarah was named to the SWSC All Tournament Team. She was also named All Tournament at the Lincoln-Way Central Invite and the Rich South Invite. Sarah holds the assist record for the Warriors. She will be attending Ashford University to play volleyball and major in Special Education.

• Matt Quigley finished 4th at sectionals this year in wrestling and leaves with a career win record of 82 wins. He will be attending Elmhurst College in the fall for wrestling.

• Matt Ruettiger was a state qualifier for wrestling in 2009 and holds the single season pick record with 24 and ranks 2nd on the career pins list. He will be wrestling for the University of Illinois this fall.

• Mike Schloegel was a state-qualifier in 2009 and finishes his wrestling career at West with 100 wins. He ranks number one on the career win list. Mike will be attending the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater this fall.

“Congratulations to all of the students on their outstanding accomplishments at Lincoln-Way West. A big thank you to the parents for all their support of their students and Lincoln-Way West High School. We look forward to following your collegiate careers and seeing the great things you will accomplish in the future,” Principal Monica Schmitt said in the release.