Lemont's Eric Whatley Commits to Play Soccer at St. Norbert College

Lemont High School midfielder/defender Eric Whatley has committed to playing men’s soccer at St. Norbert College in Fall 2015.

Whatley put together a solid career while playing for head coach Rick Prangen, helping the Indians to a combined 65-20-14 record over his four varsity seasons. During that period, the Indians posted a 37-7 record in South Suburban Conference play, and captured two SSC titles, three IHSA Regional crowns, and one IHSA Sectional championship. Whatley totaled 38 career points on 12 goals and 14 assists.

Whatley capped his career with his best season, posting career highs with eight goals and 18 points to go along with
two assists. He earned All-SSC accolades; was cited as an all-area selection by the Joliet Herald News and as an honorable mention all-area pick by Suburban Life Newspapers; and was tabbed with All-Sectional honors by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association. The Indians finished with a 17-3-4 record, which included a 10-1 record in SSC play. Lemont won its first SSC title since 2011, and also captured its second straight IHSA Regional crown.

Playing more of a defensive role as a junior in 2013, Whatley totaled five points on one goal and three assists. Lemont went 14-9-2 - which included a 9-2 mark in SSC play - and captured an IHSA Regional title.

In 2012, Lemont posted a 14-4-5 record, was 9-2 in SSC play, and finished as the conference runner-up. Whatley collected 15 points on three goals and a career-high nine assists.

Whatley played in eight games during his rookie campaign in 2011. The Indians went 20-4-3 that season, which included a 9-2 league record and a first-place finish in the SSC. Lemont also reached the IHSA Class 2A Super-Sectional after winning IHSA Regional and IHSA Sectional titles.

A high honor roll and National Honor Society student, Whatley will play for head coach Derek Rhodes at St. Norbert, an NCAA Division III institution located in DePere, Wis., and a member of the Midwest Conference. Rhodes has posted a 28-19-9 record in his three seasons, and guided the Green Knights to an 11-4-3 mark last fall. Whatley will join former Lemont teammates Kieran Ruane ‘14 and Adam Strube ‘14 on the St. Norbert roster.