College Signing Day Showcases Seven Student-Athletes

The winter college signing day ceremony on Wednesday was moved into the Cahill Gymnasium this year, and for good reason. The seven student-athletes drew so many teammates, friends, coaches, teachers, and family members that they filled one side of the bleachers.

 

“It’s a great day to be a Lion,” declared Interim Athletic Director Mike Obsuszt at the outset, as he looked over the college-bound athletes sitting at the head table, with their letters of commitment in front of them.

 

Coach Obsuszt introduced the athletes alphabetically, starting with Monica Correa, who will play Division I soccer at Northern Illinois University. The attacking-style forward was named to the East Suburban Catholic Conference All-Conference team and named ESCC player of the year. Monica said in an emotional thank you to her parents, coaches, and teammates, “To have this opportunity is amazing.”

 

Lexi Horn committed to playing softball at Augustana College. Head Coach John Scotillo described Lexi as not only the captain of the team but also the captain of the outfield, where she typically plays centerfield.

“She’s a rare 5-tool player,” Coach Scotillo said. “She can hit, hit with power, she has speed on the bases, a strong arm, and she can field the ball.”

Lexi said she hopes to be an impact player at Augustana and play in the outfield, but either way, “When I visited, I felt an immediate connection to the coaches and players. It’s really a special place.” 

Cooper Kmet drew a big cheer from football teammates and family, including older brother Cole Kmet ‘17, starting tight end for the Chicago Bears. He signed his letter of commitment to play quarterback at Illinois State University. 

“It’s really a stable program, the coaches have been there a long time, and I liked that about it,” Cooper said. “And it has a passing style offense, which I like.”

His former coach, Dave Archibald, said the Redbirds are getting a player with huge potential, even as he threw for 2,200 yards last season, with 24 touchdowns while rushing for 300 yards.

“He has grown so much in his role as quarterback over the last four years,” Coach Archibald said, “and he’s not even close to hitting his ceiling.”

Henry Marshall announced he will play basketball at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall. While being accepted at MIT was a goal of his, he only found out later that they had a basketball program.

“I was playing in a camp at Yale, and I saw the team,” Henry says. “Ever since then, the coaches have been amazing. The love they’ve shown me has been transcending.”

In thanking his family, coaches, and teammates, Henry gave a special shout-out to his teachers, saying: “I have to thank my teachers. There’s no way I’m getting into MIT without you.”

Head Coach Mike O’Keeffe described Henry as a “real steal” for the MIT program, adding that he has flown under the radar in terms of college scouts but that he excels at both defense and offense on the floor.

“His defense is phenomenal,” Coach O’Keeffe said of his point guard. “He can guard the 5’8” guard who is wily and shifty and match up to the 6-foot-tall guards who are big and strong. His rebounding is terrific, and he’s now averaging 17 points a game.” 

Mateo Masiclat signed his letter of commitment to play volleyball at St. Norbert College. He is the Lions’ starting libero and was the team’s only selection to the ESCC All-Conference Team last year.

“I formed a good connection with the players and coaches at St. Norbert’s,” Mateo said. “The coaches allow us to grow as players while they are cementing their offense and defense.”

In thanking his parents, coaches, and teammates, Mateo added what drew him to St. Norbert’s: “It’s amazing to be able to attend another Catholic school.” 

Brendan Patton is one of Saint Viator’s first boys to commit to bowling in college. He will play with the Crusaders at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina, where his father attended.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to keep bowling in college,” Brendan said. “And since my father went there, it’s somewhere special to me.”

His coaches said the Crusaders are getting a special bowler, describing Brendan as not only the captain of the team and a two-time sectional qualifier but also a welcoming teammate whose work ethic and love of the sport are contagious.

“He embodies everything that is good about Saint Viator,” Assistant Coach Jack Halpin said.

Head Coach Andrew Morton agreed, adding: “Brendan’s been so driven to bowl in college, and now all of his hard work has paid off.”

Jaylan Szlachetka played both ways for the Lions’ football team, on offense and defense, but at Upper Iowa University, located in Fayette, Iowa, he hopes to be an impact player as a receiver.

“I’ve played both ways, but the coaches want me to develop as a receiver,” Jaylan said, adding: “Go, Peacocks.”