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28 | December 26, 2019 | the frankfort station sports frankfortstationdaily.com Football Griffins stars make college plans official on signing day STEVE MILLAR, Sports Editor AJ Henning was recruited by nearly every major college football program in the country before choosing Michigan. For the Lincoln-Way East star receiver/running back, recruiting was a whirlwind process that brought him across the country. Henning enjoyed the experience, but he was happy for it to officially be over Dec. 18 when he signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the Wolverines. “Since I started getting recruited, I pictured the day I would ultimately choose a school and sign on that dotted line,” he said. “It’s a special day I’m going to remember for a long time. “This is something I’ve always dreamed of. Just to have this moment become a reality is really exciting to me.” Henning was joined by defensive ends Sean McLaughlin (Northwestern) and Adrian Wilson (Bowling Green), and Football kicker Dominic Dzioban (Miami of Ohio) in a ceremony held on the first day of the NCAA’s early signing period. “Since the NCAA went to this early signing day, we’ve had a handful here and there that took advantage of this day, but we’ve never had this many guys at once,” East coach Rob Zvonar said. “It was a blessing to these guys to have the recruiting process done. They don’t take it for granted. “They’re all about teammates first, saying they wouldn’t be here without their teammates. They’re humble and I’m really proud of them for that. They’ve left the program in great shape.” Dzioban, who gave up soccer to kick for the Griffins his freshman year, said the goal was always to kick in college. “It feels great to meet this goal, and being able to get a full ride really helps my parents, so I’m glad I’m able to do that for them,” he said. “It’s a big relief to have it official. The process was pretty stressful along the way and to have it done is a huge relief. I can’t wait to get there.” Wilson saw the occasion as an opportunity for the quartet to reflect on what they have already accomplished. “You work so hard to get to this point, and it’s great to be able to celebrate it with my team and my family,” he said. Wilson is looking forward to playing in the Mid-American Conference, the same league that Dzioban will compete in. “It’s so exciting,” he said. “I’ve been looking to play this kind of competition my entire life. I was able to bond with my team on my official visit and I’m really excited to get a chance to bond with them more.” McLaughlin is thrilled to play for Northwestern coach and former Sandburg standout Pat Fitzgerald. “Some kids don’t have the pleasure of knowing their coach Lincoln-Way East standouts (left to right) Dominic Dzioban, AJ Henning, Sean McLaughlin and Adrian Wilson celebrated their college commitments in a signing day ceremony at East. Steve Millar/22nd Century Media is going to be there,” he said. “Knowing coach Fitz is always going to be there, he’s going to be there for me and all the guys coming up there with me, it’s awesome.” McLaughlin, who also plays basketball and baseball for the Griffins, will wear a Lincoln- Way East jersey many more times before he puts on the Northwestern purple and black. But he is already looking forward to that day in Evanston. “This day was definitely one of a kind,” he said. “There’s no better feeling than knowing you have your future set up for the best. The possibilities are endless at Northwestern, so I’m just excited for a new beginning.” Griffins honored at halftime of Allegretti’s Soldier Field homecoming 6 2 STA<strong>FF</strong> REPORT Sunday Night Football was much more kind to the Lincoln- Way East Griffins than it was to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Dec. 22. 2012 East graduate and Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive lineman Nick Allegretti made his return to Chicago and played as a reserve in the Chiefs’ 26-3 dismantling of the Bears. Additionally, this year’s Class 8A state champion Griffins were honored at halftime. Several East seniors, including receiver/running back AJ Henning, defensive ends Sean McLaughlin and Adrian Wilson, quarterback Kyle Quinn, linebacker Jake Kramer, kicker Dominic Dzioban and offensive lineman Martin Hoban were on hand to be recognized at halftime. East coach Rob Zvonar was also there and spent time with his former player Allegretti before the game. Allegretti was active for the sixth game this season, but the first time since Week 10 at Tennessee, giving him the opportunity to get game action in front of a large group of family, friends and fellow Griffins at Soldier Field. After a standout career at Illinois, highlighted by a second team All-Big Ten honor in 2018, Allegretti was drafted in the seventh round with pick No. 216 in the NFL Draft in April. He impressed enough in training camp to earn a roster spot with the loaded Chiefs and made his NFL regular season debut Oct. 13 against the Houston Texans. Allegretti was the first All- American player at East. He has since been joined in that prestigious category by Devin O’Rourke - who is now playing at Northwestern – and Henning. Henning is set to compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 4 in San Antonio and the Polynesian Bowl on Jan. 18 in Hawaii. The Soldier Field trip capped a big week for Dzioban, Henning, McLaughlin and Wilson, who also celebrated their signing day Dec. 18. Members of the Class 8A state champion Lincoln-Way East football team are honored at halftime of the Bears-Chiefs game on Sunday, Dec. 22. CHICAGO BEARS
frankfortstationdaily.com sports the frankfort station | December 26, 2019 | 29 Girls Basketball Freshman Montaque steps up in Griffins’ win over Stagg MATT BOECKER Freelance Reporter Lincoln-Way East coach Jim Nair spoke highly of guard Morgan Montaque’s performance Dec. 16 against Stagg. The freshman left her fingerprints on the Griffins’ 50-46 win and provided a necessary spark for the Griffins. “I think [Montaque] really helped us offensively and on the boards, and gave us a little lift, where I think some other players lacked a little intensity,” Nair said. “She’s been getting better every day in practice and getting more confident each day. She’s very talented.” A strong fourth quarter helped East hang on for the win in Frankfort. Montaque and senior guard Olivia Molnar led the Griffins (6-3) with 13 points each. Close behind was senior forward Andie Perch with 12 points. On defense, Nair said the adjustments made on Stagg sophomore guard Laila Barakat were crucial to East’s victory. He gave credit to senior Brianna Primus and junior Samara Swire. “The big difference was Brianna Primus slowing down [Barakat],” Nair said. “She’s one of the best players in the area, and Bri did a very good job on her, as well as Samara Swire at times.” Leading 38-33 after three quarters, the Griffins were able to take advantage of a conservative Stagg defensive strategy in the fourth quarter. Because of this, East was able to extend its lead to nine points late in the game before a late push by the Chargers (5-6). “[Stagg was] sagging off and not playing defense on all our girls,” Nair said. “They were doing a boxone and trying to go twoon-two with two of our seniors. We slowed down a little bit and made them come defend because we had the lead, and when they did come out [to defend], we were able to get by them.” Montaque and Perch made their presence known early, each scoring five points in the first quarter. But Stagg was able to keep pace. After one, the Griffins led 15-12. In the second quarter, the scoring was spread out evenly among the Griffins. Primus and senior guard Lilly Genis led the team with three points each. But the Griffins still couldn’t separate themselves from the Chargers, as the score was 26-25 heading into halftime. 9 In the third quarter, East was able to start putting a little distance between itself and Stagg. Molnar was a big reason for this, as she heated up with eight points in the quarter. The victory was East’s fifth win in its last six games. The Griffins bounced back nicely with a quick turnaround after a 72-63 loss to Lincoln-Way West on Dec. 13. The Griffins were set to have a week off from games before opening Medieval Classic play on Monday, Dec. 23, hosting a 9 a.m. game against Andrew and a 3:30 p.m. contest with Minooka. The Medieval Classic continues Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27, at East. The Griffins will try to win the tournament for the fifth straight year. Lincoln-Way East freshman Morgan Montaque goes up for a layup against Lincoln-Way West on Dec. 13. Montaque scored 13 points in the Griffins’ win over Stagg on Dec. 16. Chip DeLorenzo/22nd Century Media This Week In GRI<strong>FF</strong>INS VARSITY ATHLETICS BOYS BASKETBALL ■Dec. ■ 26-28 – at Effingham/ Teutopolis Tournament, TBD GIRLS BASKETBALL ■Dec. ■ 27-28 – hosts Medieval Classic, TBD GIRLS BOWLING ■Dec. ■ 28 – Plainfield South Invite at Town and Country, 9 a.m. BOYS SWIMMING ■Dec. ■ 27 – at Homewood- Flossmoor Pentathlon, 10 a.m. WRESTLING ■Dec. ■ 28 – at Wheaton- Warrenville South Invite, 9 a.m. Sports Briefs Big tournament for LW East wrestlers Lincoln-Way East’s wrestling team finished second in the Niles West Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Glenbrook South. The Griffins (415) were edged by Conant (416.5) for the title. AJ Lizak (132 pounds) and Jake LaMonto (195) won individual titles. Noah Alsguson was the runner-up at 160. Anthony Urquijo placed fifth at 152, and Zach LaMonto was sixth at 145. LW gymnasts fourth at New Trier The Lincoln-Way co-op girls gymnastics team finished fourth at the New Trier Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 21, scoring 141.25 points to place behind Carmel (146.175), New Trier (145.15) and Stevenson (141.35). Grace Kmak won the balance beam for Lincoln-Way, while Korina Jarosz was third on beam and fifth on vault. Tobin breaks diving record again For the second time in as many dual meets, Lincoln-Way East senior Dom Tobin set a new sixdive program record, breaking his own mark with a 254.7 on Dec. 16. The Griffins topped Stagg 107-78 in the dual. Frankfort Park District to host Holiday Hoops camp Kids ages 6 to 14 are invited to participate in a Holiday Hoops camp from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27, at Founders Community Center. The camp, led by instructor Dave Esterkamp, is open to all levels of players who are looking to improve their skills while playing games, participating in contests and winning prizes. Fees: $35 resident, $40 nonresident. Information: Call (815) 469-9400 or visit www.frankfort parks.org. Indoor soccer league coming to Frankfort Park District 2 The Frankfort Park District will host a Fire Starters Soccer Camp, conducted by members of the Chicago Fire staff, Saturdays from Jan. 25 to Feb. 22. The camp is open to kids ages 4 to fourth grade. Kids in kindergarten and younger will meet 9 to 10 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and kids in grades one to four from 11 a.m. to noon. Fees: $75 resident, $80 nonresident. Information: Call (815) 469-9400 or visit www.frankfortparks.org. Sports Briefs are compiled by Sports Editor Steve Millar, s.millar@22ndcm.com. visit us online at www.frankfortstationdaily.com
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