BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Sophomore Daniel Lewis qualified as an individual runner for the IHSA Class 2A State Race, the program’s first state qualification since 2018. Congratulations to Daniel, Coach Sliwinski, Coach Bealin and all of our Boys Cross Country Team on a successful season. 

Sophomores Drew Hyland and Zach Bolenger both have done everything they can to improve as individuals and as a team. Bolinger said, “I have overcome adversity throughout the season by trying my hardest during my workouts. I try to keep up with those who are better than me so I can improve.” Hyland said, “I try to get better and better every race so I can improve as a runner and make the team better.” 

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The team was quite accomplished this season: they placed 4th in conference, 2nd at regionals and 4th at sectionals which earned qualification to the state meet.
“It was a successful season as we always make it our aim to reach the state meet and try to have our best day there.  We were able to accomplish this and match our best season ever as a program,” said Coach Wejman.

The team concluded their season at the IHSA State Meet in Peoria for the fifth consecutive year. Hannah McCarthy, Jane McNamara, Neeve Olson, Sam Rozmus, Evvy Siffermann, Sarah Owen, Alayna Plahm, Clare Sandoval, Ashley Kenna, Allie O’Halloran, Julia Parkes, Lexie Perfect, Claire Sigmund, and Sophia Towne finished in 13th place overall with a 33 second 1-5 split. Thank you to Coach Wejman and Coach Gonzalez for their leadership.

FOOTBALL

On Saturday, November 25, Nazareth Football came from behind to defend their 5A State Title against JCA at Hancock Stadium at ISU and became back-to-back State Champions. This win is their 5th State Title. Congratulations to the players and coaching staff for their tenacity, work-ethic and sportsmanship. 

Early in the season, when the team’s record was a challenge, Head Coach Tim Racki said, “My favorite part about this team is they do not complain or blame others. They have all been very accountable and work very hard every day.” Their hard work and positive attitudes paid off, for sure.

BOYS GOLF

The team capped off their season with an impressive record of 7-2 in their matches. The team’s success can be largely attributed to their several standout players including sophomore Gray Musker, who showcased his skills throughout the season, with a personal best score of 75 and qualifying for sectionals individually. Musker said, “The most exciting part of the golf season was the playoffs, there were a lot of nerves and it was an exciting time.” Musker looks forward to next year and has his eyes on qualifying for state.

Another key player this season was sophomore Sam Wilda. Wilda achieved many accolades throughout the season, including earning medals in 4 matches. Wilda said, “The most exciting part of the season for me is definitely the regional, sectional, and state tournaments because they are the biggest tournaments and they have the most pressure.” Wilda finished the season off with a very impressive sectional appearance and accomplished his goal of All Conference.

Coach David Reed inspired the team throughout the year, motivating them to achieve personal best every time they play. Reed looks forward to the future of the Naz golf program as they have seen a rise in numbers of golfers in the recent years. Reed said, “The growth of the program in both quantity and quality at all levels which signals a bright future for Naz golf.” 

GIRLS GOLF

The team won the program’s first ever IHSA Class 1A Sectional Title and qualified for State Competition. This is the second consecutive team qualification for the State Tournament by our Roadrunners. Congratulations to Anna Bukovac, Kacey Hughes, Claire Krema, Gianina Montoro, Caitlin Sullivan, and Maryssa Zielinski. The team ended up finishing an impressive 7th in State. 

BOYS SOCCER

After a challenging start, the Nazareth Academy Boys Soccer Team was determined to finish off the regular season on a high note by securing victories against DePaul College Prep and Proviso West.

Sophomore Brendan Boyd said, “This has been a rebuilding year, as we have only three seniors.” The future for the Roadrunner soccer program appears promising, indicating potential for even greater success ahead. 

Sophomore Manny Diaz said, “ The team has come a long way since the beginning of the season. Although we have had some tough losses, I think every player has improved their personal game as well as improving their team chemistry with one another.”

GIRLS TENNIS

After a strong showing at Sectionals, the senior doubles team of Audrey Moster and Layden Almer qualified for State for the second year in a row. Freshman singles player, Elaine McNamara, made her first debut at the state tournament.  

Thank you to coach Jane Veldman who said, “We had a great season!” Veldman doesn’t just see this season as a success because of State qualifications, she also knows that every girl has individually gotten better this season and that is what she views as a success. 

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Coming off of a second place achievement at state last year, the Girls Volleyball team had high expectations for this season and they did great. Senior Olivia Austin has been a huge part of the Roadrunners success. Austin has seen these high expectations and new playoff competition and said, “This season has definitely been rewarding yet challenging and I am so grateful that I have an amazing team that always works hard.” Austin has accomplished her goals as a leader and is proud of her team. 

Another key player on the team at Naz is Sophomore, Jane Manecke. Manecke sees this season as a season of ups and downs. She believes in her team and has always felt close with all of them. Manecke says, “I think the team chemistry is really great, the whole team really clicked right away and I’m really close with everyone on the team.” Manecke knows that this chemistry is a big part of why their team is so successful.

Head coach Melissa Vandrey realizes how much this team has been through with illnesses and injuries throughout the year. She said, “So while our record may not reflect it, I feel there has been much success, and I am proud of the team for the growth they have made.”