Fall Signing Day Draws Big Crowd

For the first time in recent history, Army football is undefeated and ranked in the top 25 as the college football season winds down. And at Wednesday’s National Letter of Intent Ceremony, Saint Viator’s starting left tackle, Ben Konopka, committed to playing for the Mules.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really looking at how well they were doing,” Ben said. “I just liked the total experience. I liked the military aspect, the discipline, and the lifestyle. But I definitely like the direction the program is going.”

His coach, Dave Archibald, says the Army is getting a well-rounded student-athlete who plays two instruments (piano and flute), is an Eagle Scout, serves as vice president of the student council, and writes for the Viator Voice student newspaper. It’s an outstanding fit, Coach Archibald says.

“They have daily Mass on campus and a priest, Fr. Matt Pawlikowski, who serves as a chaplain for the team,” he says. “Academically, Ben will be pushed to utilize his gifts and his studies at the service of others. In football, Army's old school grit and offensive scheme fit his frame and his tenacity. Ben choosing West Point is a victory for him, for Army, and for our country."

Another Division 1 college commit on Wednesday was Riley Ohrel, who signed a letter of intent to play women’s lacrosse at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

“I like the mix of athletics and academics,” said Riley, who is the Lions’ starting goalie. “I liked the coaches and culture. They play in the Big East Conference, which will be challenging, but I’m excited.”

Two more lacrosse team members signed letters of intent to play in college. Aleese Warner, a midfielder, committed to playing at Radford University in Radford, VA. 

“The girls were so welcoming, and coaches are committed to making the program better than it is,” Aleese said, “and the campus is absolutely beautiful.”

Avery Brooks selected her program at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia because of its coach, David Pomeroy, whom she first met at a summer camp in Wisconsin. She continued to see him at different camps and when she asked if he had a spot at Davis & Elkins, they did.

“I’m hoping to replace some of the senior defenders they’re losing,” Avery said, “and help fill the gap. They play in the Mountain East Conference, and they do well.”

Lily Zicarelli committed to playing on the women’s golf team at the University of Wisconsin Parkside next fall. She is a three-time state qualifier in girls’ golf. She was the East Suburban Catholic Conference champion this year, and last summer, she won six Illinois Junior Golf Association events.

“I liked the size of the school and the small student-to-teacher ratio,” Lili said. “Its golf program is new. This is only its second year, so I’ll be playing in its third year, and I’m hoping to help build the program.”

Head Baseball Coach Terry Beyna was pleased to see two of his players sign letters of intent to play at the college level.

Brock Harer is following his brother, Dylan, in playing Division II baseball at Winona State University in Winona, MN. 

“Brock is a talented infielder, who brings a quality bat, good defensive skills, and is a great team player,” Coach Beyna said. “He’ll be a great addition to their program.”

Ryan Jackson committed to playing at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. The baseball team competes in Division III, playing teams in the Midwest Conference.

“Ryan is a three-year starter in the infield,” Coach Beyna said. “He’s talented athletically, he loves baseball, he’s a great defender and has great defensive speed. Bottom line, he has the ability to play the most difficult position on the field, and that’s shortstop.”

Interim Athletic Director Mike Obsuszt was impressed with the quality of the student-athletes who signed their letters of intent on Wednesday.

“They’re committing to playing college athletics. That’s impressive,” Obsuszt said. “These teams are getting quality players. Hopefully, their athletic experience here has been an extension of their classroom experience – and that will have long-lasting effects.”