Latest news with #Lincoln-WayEast
Chicago Tribune
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Katie Stewart credits Lincoln-Way East's competition after leading Texas to national title. ‘Really helped me.'
Showing off a powerful swing and a consistent ability to come through in the most important moments, Lincoln-Way East alum Katie Stewart shined on softball's biggest stage. Stewart helped Texas win its first softball national championship. And what a ride it was. 'Honestly, I still don't think it's set in yet,' Stewart said. 'It's everything I ever dreamed of as a little girl. To win a national championship, and even to play in that game, was everything I could have ever dreamed of and more.' The Longhorns beat in-state foe Texas Tech 10-4 in the third and deciding game of the Women's College World Series on June 6 in Oklahoma City. Stewart, a sophomore utility player, delivered an RBI single and a run-scoring double and scored a run — all in the first three innings — as Texas rolled to a 10-0 lead. 'It just felt so good to be able to produce for my team when they needed it,' Stewart said. 'To play a part in us scoring runs, that was everything I needed to do. I did my job. 'Anything that happened after that didn't matter as long as we came out on top.' In the seventh inning, after Texas Tech had rallied a bit to get within 10-4, Stewart made another big play, throwing out a runner at third base from left field for the second out of the inning. That was followed by a game-ending groundout, starting the Longhorns' party. 'Closing out the game, we were just trying to stay clean,' Stewart said. 'To keep my head in the game, stay focused and be able to get that girl out at third, I was proud of myself. 'When we finally got that last out, we could finally relax and I was so excited to celebrate with my team.' Lincoln-Way East coach Elizabeth Hyland was having a blast watching her pupil reach the top of the college softball world. 'I think it's an amazing experience for her and her family and for our community,' Hyland said. 'We couldn't be more excited and happy for her.' For the season, Stewart hit .381 with 17 home runs and 80 RBIs. She improved on a strong freshman year in 2024, when she batted .369 with 13 homers and 58 RBIs. 'Last year was last year so I had to grow to continue to be successful,' Stewart said. 'I used last year as a stepping stone and my confidence went up as this season went on. 'By the end of this season, I was very confident in myself and I wasn't too worried about the results because I knew what I had done the whole year.' It's certainly not easy for a young player to go into a powerhouse program and make an impact right away like Stewart has, but Hyland isn't surprised. 'I knew she was very capable of it and her determination alone gave her that capability,' Hyland said. 'It's her mindset, her demeanor and her approach to the game and then just being so modest. I mean, the girl is as nice as can be.' Stewart credited her experiences at Lincoln-Way East and tough competition in the Southland with getting her ready for the next level. 'A lot of teams in the area had a lot of really good pitching,' Stewart said. 'Even when I didn't have my best game against those girls, that struggle really helped me prepare for college. 'When I have a bad day in college, I know how to learn from it and be better next time.' Texas finished as the national runner-up last season. This spring, with Stewart coming through in the clutch, there was no falling short. 'It was our goal to finally do it this year,' Stewart said. 'We wanted our seniors to go out on top. It feels amazing.'
Chicago Tribune
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Puppy Pals perform in Orland Park, sanctuary seeks help, more
Families are invited to check out the Puppy Pals stunt dog show, which returned at 2 p.m July 8 to the Orland Park Public Library. The program features high-energy tricks, comedy and adorable canines. It's free and no registration is needed, although parents and adult caregivers should stay with children. Entertainer Wesley Williams created the show, which features adopted and rescued dogs performing stunts and skits. The group was featured on 'America's Got Talent.' Information is at 708-428-5100 or A fundraising campaign has begun for a new tractor, truck and trailer needed at HHH Ranch, a sanctuary that works to heal both animals and people. 'Our beloved pick-up truck, affectionately named 'Betty White,' has served us well but is holding on by a thread, with more than 309,000 miles on it, ranch founder Christine Doran shared in a news release. 'All 17 rescues we have done this year have been from us borrowing a truck – that is not sustainable when we are called in emergent situations.' The ranch offers therapeutic programs for people of all abilities to connect with rescued animals, promoting personal growth and healing. The Bolger Foundation has offered to match the first $25,000 raised to buy a new tractor. Donations may be sent via or by sending a check to HHH Ranch, 14101 W. Bruns Road, Manhattan, IL 60442. Explore five beautiful gardens during the Crete Woman's Club's 2025 garden walk, A Day in the Country, set for 3 to 7 p.m. July 10 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 11. Tickets, which cost $20, may be bought on the day of the walk at the Crete Public Library, 1177 Main St. Buy in advance by calling 708-672-9438. The library also has a butterfly garden and community garden on display, as well as short-term parking. A plant swap is set for July 11 on a bring-one, get-one model for up to five plants. Donated plants can be taken to the library starting July 7. A map with the gardens is provided with a ticket. Details are The National Merit Scholarship Corp. has named the winners of scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities, and local students earned the honor as well as awards between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Area students include Garrin Donovan, of Frankfort, Lincoln-Way East, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Caleb Lee, of Frankfort, Lincoln-Way East, Hillsdale College; Levi Sliekers, of Lansing, Illiana Christian, Calvin University; Conor Meehan, of Mokena, Lincoln-Way Central, University of Southern California; Madeline Olson, of Orland Park, Chicago Christian, Hillsdale College; and Benjamin Whitney, of Palos Heights, Alan B. Shepherd, Purdue University. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller recently hosted a CPR/AED training session at the Country Club Hills Fire Department's Fire Station No. 2 as part of National CPR and AED Awareness Week. It was a collaborative effort with Country Club Hills Fire Department personnel, as well as Mayor James Ford and Alderman Ricardo Spivey. The training, for community members, focused on the 'hands-only' CPR technique, which can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival, according to a news release. Attendees also learned how to use an AED device and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on children and adults. For information on the next community event, email or call 773-848-0501. Do Portugal Circus performs under a big top July 11 to 27 at Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge. It's a family-friendly circus that has operated for five generations that offers aerialists, motorcyclists, magic, acrobats and a funny clown, as well as other acts. A variety of show times will be available. Tickets will be sold at The annual pet parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. July 11 at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Place in Chicago. Most entrants are dogs and cats, but other species also are welcome. Participants should register by July 7. Forms are available at bmurphy@ or 773-474-7316 or at the facility's reception desk. Announcers will share fun facts about each pet and its owner as they walk the runway. Audience applause will determine the top three pets, who will receive prizes. Costumes are not required but are encouraged.
Chicago Tribune
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Introducing the 2025 Daily Southtown Baseball All-Area Team
Three players from state champ St. Laurence and three from state qualifier Brother Rice highlight first and second teams. Jack Bauer, Lincoln-Way East, senior, pitcher: Went 4-2 with 2.36 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings. All-conference. Committed to Mississippi State. Jimmy Benson, St. Laurence, sophomore, pitcher: Finished 11-1 with 1.09 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings for Class 3A state champs. All-state and all-conference. Sean Cody, Richards, senior, infielder/pitcher: Hit .452 with 41 runs, 34 stolen bases, seven doubles and 19 RBIs. Finished 6-1 with 1.04 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings. All-state and conference player of the year. Committed to Illinois-Chicago. Brady Cunningham, Brother Rice, sophomore, infielder/pitcher: Went 6-0 with 1.85 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 53 innings for Class 4A fourth-place finishers. Hit .395 with 39 runs, 10 stolen bases, 18 doubles, four homers and 29 RBIs. Conor Essenburg, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outfielder/pitcher: Batted .464 with 42 runs, 19 stolen bases, 11 doubles, 10 homers and 49 RBIs. Went 5-0 with 0.94 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings. All-American, all-state and conference player of the year. Committed to Kentucky. Lucas Grant, Joliet Catholic, senior, pitcher: Went 8-4 with 1.05 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. Conference pitcher of the year. Committed to Purdue. Enzo Infelise, Providence, senior, catcher/utility: Hit .516 with 36 runs, five stolen bases, 12 doubles, 12 homers and 48 RBIs for sectional champs. All-state and Lawless Award winner as Catholic League MVP. Committed to Cincinnati. Mickey Lotus, St. Laurence, junior, infielder: Batted .513 with 56 runs, 40 stolen bases, seven doubles and 27 RBIs. All-state and all-conference. Bren Milburn, Crete-Monee, senior, utility: Hit .439 with 53 runs, 12 doubles, 32 RBIs and an Illinois High School Association-record 93 stolen bases. Went 7-2 with 1.37 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 51 innings. All-state. Conference player and pitcher of the year. Committed to Morton College. Nate O'Donnell, Providence, senior, infielder/pitcher: Batted .439 with 47 runs, 15 stolen bases, 13 doubles, nine homers and 41 RBIs. Went 5-4 with 2.59 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 46 innings. All-state and all-conference. Committed to Minnesota. Jacob Parr, Lemont, senior, outfielder: Hit .404 with 24 runs, five stolen bases, four doubles, five triples and 31 RBIs. Honorable mention all-state. All-conference. Committed to Ohio State. Gavin Triezenberg, Brother Rice, senior, infielder: Hit .420 with 45 runs, 27 stolen bases, 16 doubles, four homers and 41 RBIs. All-state and conference player of the year. Committed to Arizona. Daniel Coyle, St. Laurence, junior, infielder/pitcher: State championship game hero hit .319 with 41 runs, 16 stolen bases, four doubles, three homers and 43 RBIs. Went 4-0 with three saves, 3.15 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings. Quinn Durkin, Sandburg, sophomore, outfielder: Hit .496 with 41 runs, 18 stolen bases, three doubles, five triples and 23 RBIs. All-conference. Shea Glotzbach, Lemont, senior, infielder/pitcher: Finished 6-1 with 1.98 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings. Hit .310 with 33 runs, 15 stolen bases, seven doubles, four homers and 32 RBIs. All-state and all-conference. Committed to Missouri-St. Louis. Caden Kendall, Andrew, junior, pitcher: Went 5-4 with 1.42 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings. All-conference. Adam Kozak, Lockport, junior, outfielder: Hit .375 with 27 runs, 21 stolen bases, 10 doubles, three triples and 20 RBIs. All-conference. Jake Matise, Mount Carmel, junior, pitcher: Finished 8-1 with 2.20 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings. Conference pitcher of the year. Braydon McKendrick, Brother Rice, sophomore, pitcher: Went 11-1 with 1.79 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings. All-state and all-conference. Luke Mensik, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, pitcher: Finished 3-2 with 0.76 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 46 innings. All-conference. Committed to Xavier. John Olejniczak, Oak Lawn, junior, utility: Batted .500 with 34 runs, 10 stolen bases, 15 doubles, two homers and 36 RBIs. Went 8-2 with 2.25 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 59 innings. All-conference. Zach Pomatto, Joliet Catholic, senior, catcher: Hit .454 with nine doubles and 27 RBIs. Conference MVP. Committed to Northern Kentucky. Rafe Slager, Chicago Christian, senior, infielder: Batted .451 with 40 runs, 14 stolen bases, four homers and 39 RBIs. All-conference. Committed to Olivet Nazarene. Rowan Smyth, Evergreen Park, senior, pitcher/outfielder: Hit .406 with 45 runs, 18 stolen bases, 11 doubles, three homers and 21 RBIs. Finished 6-3 with 1.47 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings. All-conference. Committed to Lewis.
Chicago Tribune
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Introducing the 2025 Daily Southtown Boys Volleyball All-Area Team
Four standouts from Marist, the back-to-back state champions, highlight first and second teams. Jeremiah Aro, Sandburg, senior, right-side hitter: Tallied 354 kills, 199 digs and 48 aces to lead Eagles to state quarterfinals. Conference's player of the year. Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association first team all-state. Committed to Princeton. Andrew Flores, Lincoln-Way West, senior, libero: Chalked up 277 digs and 139 assists. Third team all-state. All-conference. Pawel Greczek, Reavis, senior, outside hitter: Totaled 280 kills on .420 hitting percentage. Added 172 digs, 34 aces, 34 blocks. Conference's player of the year. Honorable mention all-state. Griffin McElroy, Marist, senior, middle hitter: Notched 282 kills with program-record .600 hitting percentage. Also had 87 blocks. All-conference. Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions MVP. First team all-state. John Mikrut, Brother Rice, senior, right-side hitter: Totaled 219 kills, 122 digs, 32 blocks, 22 aces. Catholic League's player of the year. Second-team all-state. Committed to Trine. Matthew Muehlnickel, Lincoln-Way East, senior, outside hitter: Notched 300 kills, 137 digs, 36 assists, 32 blocks, with .265 hitting percentage. First team all-state. All-conference. Committed to Lindenwood. Krystian Paluch, Reavis, senior, libero: Had 523 digs, 58 aces, 98% service rating. First team all-state. All-conference. Madan Sundaram, Lincoln-Way East, senior, libero: Had 252 digs, 20 aces, 2.43 passing percentage. Second team all-state. All-conference. Christian Teresi, Marist, senior, setter/right-side hitter: Finished with 359 kills, 638 assists, 212 digs, 86 blocks, 28 aces for back-to-back state champions. First team all-state. All-conference. Committed to Ohio State. Nathen Toth, Marist, senior, outside hitter: Racked up 332 kills, 168 digs, 65 blocks, 50 aces for back-to-back state champions. Second team all-state. All-conference. Committed to MIT. Oisin Walsh, Oak Lawn, senior, middle hitter: Had 199 kills, 78 blocks, 63 digs, 31 aces, with .326 hitting percentage. All-conference. Committed to Lincoln Memorial. Charlie Zeiler, Stagg, junior, libero: Broke program record with 330 digs. Owned 95.4% serve-receive percentage. Third team all-state. All-conference. Colin Alvers, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, libero: Came through with 380 digs and 15 aces. All-conference. Committed to Augustana. Will Ashum, Sandburg, senior, middle hitter: Collected 216 kills, 25 blocks, 78 digs. Second team all-state. All-conference. Committed to Aurora University. Rorey Donnelly, Marist, senior, libero: Recorded 371 digs and 122 assists for back-to-back state champions. All-conference. RedHawk Invitational MVP. Jackson Fowler, Providence, senior, opposite hitter: Tallied 283 kills, 140 digs, 48 blocks, 41 aces. All-conference. Committed to Barton. Vaughn Goberville, Brother Rice, senior, middle hitter: Had 158 kills, 66 blocks and .410 hitting percentage. Honorable mention all-state. All-conference. Elijah Landeros, St. Laurence, senior, outside hitter: Notched 318 kills, 195 digs, 57 blocks, 40 aces. Third team all-state. All-conference. Committed to North Central College. Caleb Madden, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, middle hitter: Put down 200 kills with .309 hitting percentage. Added 74 blocks. All-conference. Committed to Indiana Tech. Sebastian Pardol, Argo, junior, outside hitter: Totaled 323 kills, 160 digs, 60 assists, 54 aces, 33 blocks, with .296 hitting percentage. All-conference. Ahmad Powell, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, outside hitter: Injuries kept numbers down but notched 251 kills, 137 digs, 20 aces, 19 blocks, with .263 hitting percentage. Third team all-state. All-conference. Aydin Provost, Mount Carmel, senior, opposite hitter: Had 212 kills, 119 digs, 47 blocks, 28 aces, with .356 hitting percentage. All-conference. Committed to Illinois Wesleyan. JT Snider, Sandburg, senior, outside hitter: Chalked up 171 kills, 135 digs. 43 aces. Honorable mention all-state. All-conference. Committed to Sacred Heart. Hunter Vedder, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outside hitter: Ended up with 248 kills, 186 digs, 25 blocks. All-conference. Committed to Trinity Christian.
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Lincoln-Way East's Ellie Feigl is the 2025 Daily Southtown Girls Soccer Player of the Year: ‘Most special for me.'
Ellie Feigl entered her final season for Lincoln-Way East this spring with something to prove. The senior forward was a four-year varsity regular for the Griffins who made an immediate impact as a freshman. Then as a sophomore in 2023, she tied for the team-lead in goals with 17 as Lincoln-Way East finished fourth in Class 3A. Last spring, however, her production dipped. She ended up with 11 goals and the Griffins were shut down 1-0 by district rival Lincoln-Way Central in the sectional semifinals. That left a bitter taste in Feigl's mouth. 'Last season, I had set some goals for myself that I didn't quite meet,' she said. 'Coming into this season, it was my last hurrah for high school soccer. I wanted to give it all I had and leave everything out there. 'There was, for sure, motivation for me to come back that much stronger, faster than I did last year. I think I did that, and I'm happy to end my high school career on a high note.' Feigl, a Missouri State recruit, hit all of those high notes. The 2025 Daily Southtown Girls Soccer Player of the Year scored 22 goals and dished out nine assists while leading the Griffins (18-4-1) to their second sectional championship in the last three years. It took eventual Class 3A state champion O'Fallon to knock out Lincoln-Way East with a 3-0 decision in the Bloomington Supersectional. 'It didn't end exactly the way we wanted it to,' Feigl said. 'We would have loved to go to state. But we had a really special ride and a really special group of girls. 'I think what made it the most special for me was just being a leader, being a team captain. That's something I've wanted to do since I was a freshman, and I'm thankful that my coaches and my teammates believed in me.' Lincoln-Way East coach Mike Murphy said there was 'no doubt' about Feigl being a captain. 'She always has a positive attitude and she's always friendly,' Murphy said. 'The nice thing was we had a lot of young players and she took them under her wing and tried to help them develop and also taught them about what's expected in our program. She did a great job with that.' Freshman midfielder Adelyn Thomas, who tied for the team lead with 22 goals, said Feigl provided invaluable help. 'Playing with Ellie has been amazing,' Thomas said. 'She's a great player. She's taught me about Lincoln-Way East soccer. Everyone on our team looks up to her.' One of those young players Feigl tried to mentor was her sister, Ava, a sophomore defender who was a starter for the Griffins. Their youngest sister, Mia, also plays soccer. 'Soccer has brought my family closer together,' Feigl said. 'It's awesome. It's really cool for me to be the oldest and just watch them grow. I've seen them both accomplish so many things already and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. 'Being a good role model to them is something that has meant a lot to me.' In the process, Feigl was named the SouthWest Suburban Conference's player of the year and earned all-Midwest and all-state honors. She's now off to play Division I soccer, something she first set as a goal when she was in 'fifth or sixth grade.' 'It became more real in eighth grade and freshman year when that recruiting process kind of started,' Feigl said. 'It's been a dream of mine for so long and I'm so excited to step into this new chapter of life.' Feigl is leaving quite a legacy at Lincoln-Way East. Her 57 career goals rank second in program history. And especially this season, they were well-earned. 'Not only was she scoring goals, she was scoring against elite teams,' Murphy said. 'In past seasons, she might have had a couple hat tricks against weaker teams that inflated her numbers. 'This year, she scored the first goal against Lincoln-Way Central to lead us to the sectional championship. She scored against Naperville North, scored against Naperville Central, scored against Oswego, and you can keep going.' Feigl, though, hopes to be remembered at Lincoln-Way East for more than just the big goals. 'I hope they'll say I was a great person, a great friend, a great encourager and someone that motivated our team,' she said. 'I'm so thankful I was able to make the impact that I have, especially this year.'
