Lincoln-Way North student athletes sign letters of intent

   A high level of commitment to athletics and academics has paid off for a group of Lincoln-Way North High School student athletes.

   Nineteen swimmers, volleyball players, lacrosse players, baseball players, soccer players and football players signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday (April 17), agreeing to play at the collegiate level.

   “Very few students get this opportunity,” said Lincoln-Way North Athletic Director Matthew Lyke who recognized the students and their families at a brief ceremony Wednesday at the school.

   “Through hard work in athletics and academics, these student athletes have been granted the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” he added. “We are extremely proud of them and honored to be a part of the experience. They have always represented North in a positive way.”

Among those who signed National Letters of Intent on April 17 were:

• Ashley Pickert - Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Ky. (Volleyball)
• Michelle Scott - Saint Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa (Volleyball)
• Kayla Manthei - Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, Ill. (Volleyball)
• Lorin Pedersoli - Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill. (Volleyball)
• Kyle Lowy - Aurora University, Aurora, Ill. (Lacrosse)
• Brett Wise - Aurora University, Aurora, Ill. (Lacrosse)
• Drew Korosic - Roosevelt University, Chicago, Ill. (Baseball)
• Alex Neufeld - Roosevelt University, Chicago, Ill. (Baseball)
• Steve Hammar - Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisc. (Baseball)
• John VanArtsen - South Suburban College, South Holland, Ill. (Baseball)
• Zac Blasgen - Culver Stockton, Canton, Mo. (Volleyball)
• Jim Strid - Heartland Community College, Normal, Ill. (Soccer)
• Ryan Negrelli - Aurora University, Aurora, Ill. (Football)
• Conor McDonald - Saint Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa (Football)
• Mark Perez - University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, Wisc. (Football)
• A.J. Burt - University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Ill. (Swimming)
• Patrick Budney - Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. (Swimming)
• Tony Mikrut - South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D. (Swimming)
• Cheyenne DeGraff - Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. (Swimming)

   “Your commitment to your team and your school is to be commended,” said Lincoln-Way North Associate Principal Mark Cohen who will assume the principalship next school year when Michael Gardner retires.

   “You have a tremendous opportunity in front of you,” he added. “Enjoy it. You've certainly earned it.”