Boys in Football Helmets Talk about College
Hey Seniors! College
Coach is in awe of so many of you who are accomplishing great things beyond
just keeping up your grades, whether it be winter sports, theater and music
productions, and clubs and organizations that help others. It’s inspiring. I have been marveling at the hard work and
intense focus and success of the Hitters, providing all of us with a shared
excitement and pride. So I sat down with
four Hitters – they took off their helmets so they could hear me and
respond.
So first, the perks of being a Hitter. A few Hitters got to go the Bears game a few
weeks ago. I believe it was their
presence that helped the Bears win. Thousands of Bears’ fans got to see the
Hitters on the Jumbotron! Also, probably
most exciting, Jack K. walked into Portillo’s Saturday after the Hitters’ win
to a STANDING OVATION. Then he ordered
Italian Beefs for everyone! (No, he
didn’t.)
The Hitters all agree that their brotherhood is first and
foremost and this season is the highlight of their high school years. Kyle expressed that making it to the semifinals
was a relief. His great grandfather
played in the Glenbard West championship game in 1926! His father was in his high school
championship game when he lived in Colorado and was an all-state quarterback. This accomplishment means a lot to his entire
family.
When asked if the motivation for success on the field
translated to his class work, Kyle thought that it definitely did help because
you schedule your time and then stick to it.
His grades have been decent. Jack
K. agrees that his schedule was tight during the season. He started homework at 9:30pm and worked until
11:00pm. Spencer, who was injured, was
still involved with everything the football team was doing but also had to go
to physical therapy. His secret was not
to procrastinate. Jack L. had a different philosophy. He came home, ate for an hour, took a
two-hour nap, THEN did his homework. He
is happy he took a study hall for first semester because he got a lot done there.
How are they coping with COLLEGE STRESS? Kyle says that it was hard to think about
because his 1st priority in a season like this had to be
football. Jack K. says he almost never thought about college because he had to learn the
offense AND the defense. This made his head
hurt. Jack L. thought about college
after the games and on Sundays. Spencer
hates thinking about it still but his mom makes him.
Who has been the most helpful in helping manage the college
application process? Kyle says that his
dad reminds him every day. Jack K.
credits his mom and Google Chrome. He
loves the auto fill feature that cuts the work in half. Jack L. says his dad is stressing him out but
he appreciates the guilt trips, especially when his dad asks, “Do you WANT to
go to college?” The Hitters were clearly
moved when discussing their parents. It
was a sweet moment.
So what does the future hold for these accomplished student
athletes? Spencer and Jack L. aren’t
sure yet about playing football in college.
Spencer, as he continues to heal from his injury may either Wrestle or
play Lacrosse at West next season. Jack
K. would like to play, possibly D3, at Washington University or University of
Chicago. Kyle would love to play as well
and is waiting for news from Drake or Miami of Ohio.
Congratulations to all of the Hitters and their coaches for
an outstanding season!
T.T.Y.L.,
GW College Coach
