Nazareth Academy Student-Athletes Make College Commitments on National Signing Day

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.

La Grange Park, IL - Nazareth Academy is proud to announce that multiple seniors from the 2015 IHSA Class 5A State Champion football team have officially committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the college level:

• Bryan Behrendt (Westchester) at University of Wisconsin Whitewater
• Julian Love (Westchester) at University of Notre Dame
• Matt Prendergast (La Grange Park) at Lehigh University
• Chris Simmons (Naperville) at St. Xavier University Chicago

Bryan Behrendt played both sides of the ball as Offensive and Defensive Tackle. “Bryan was, hands down, the best player at his position in the state this past season. His combination of power, intelligence and speed allowed him to dominate his opponents every game. In addition, Bryan was a tremendous captain for the 2015 State Champions,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The University of Wisconsin Whitewater Warhawks are an NCAA Division III program. Nazareth Academy wishes Bryan continued success at UW Whitewater.

Julian Love seemed to never leave the field this season, playing Running Back, Wide Receiver and Defensive Back for Nazareth. Named to the First Team Medium Schools All-American by MaxPreps, the Chicago Tribune All-State Team, Sun-Times Player of the Year, the Coaches Association Class 5A All-State Team and the ESCC All-Conference Player of the Year this season, Julian has the ability to impact a football game in all three phases. “His intelligence coupled with his big play making ability make him very worthy of his role as one of the nation’s top high school football players. Moreover, his leadership and team-first attitude have always separated him from other great players in high school,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are an NCAA Division I program. Nazareth Academy wishes Julian continued success at Notre Dame.

Matt Prendergast played both sides of the ball as Offensive Tackle and Defensive End. “Matt’s tremendous athleticism has always separated him as one of the state’s top lineman. His versatility allows him to compete at a high level at various positions. Matt’s transition from Tight End to Offensive Tackle this past season was one example of his leadership skills and willingness to accept a role that would be best for his team,” says Head Football Coach Tim Racki. The Lehigh Mountain Hawks are an NCAA Division I program. Nazareth Academy wishes Matt continued success at Lehigh.

Chris Simmons played both Wide Receiver and Defensive Back for the Roadrunners and has the honor of being the first four year starter in Nazareth Varsity Football history. “His ability to block and catch was a main ingredient in securing our second consecutive State Title this past year,” says Coach Racki. “Chris’ versatility on offense and defense made it very difficult for opponents to game plan against us.” The St. Xavier Cougars are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Their football team competes in the Mid-States Football Association.

Present for the signing were Nazareth’s President and Principal, Dennis Moran and Deborah Tracy; Tim Racki, Head Football Coach; players’ parents and teammates.

Nazareth Academy, a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school serving families from 55 communities and over 100 grade schools in Chicago and the western suburbs, established in 1900 and sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph, values scholarship, service, spirit, and unity.

Photo 1: (left to right): Julian Love, Matt Prendergast, Bryan Behrendt, Chris Simmons
Photo 2: Julian Love surrounded by his family
Photo 3: Matt Prendergast with his parents, Coach Racki, Principal Deborah Tracy and President Dennis Moran