To put the past year of local high school sports in perspective and to get a preview of the new year, Pioneer Press interviewed Glenbrook North athletic director John Catalano.
Q: What was the highlight for Glenbrook North’s athletic programs this calendar year?
A: We had a lot of nice things happen between last spring and this fall, but it’d have to be Colette and Catherine O’Regan making it to the (Class AA) state finals in doubles tennis. The last few years, they played so well together, and it’s so interesting to watch sisters play side-by-side. Last year, they placed (at state), taking third, and to get runner-up this year shows how beautifully they can perform together. As much as being sisters is a benefit, it can’t be easy because you can’t go home and not talk about it (the results). That had to be a challenge for both girls and that family.
Q: What was one team that stood out in 2016?
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A: The boys track team hadn’t won (an outdoor) conference title in 16 years but finally accomplished that again. We also had multiple kids, like Michael Papper and Mason Rosenberg, go downstate, which hadn’t happened in ages. It (the program) truly had been built up over the last few years, and I thought the kids did an outstanding job of rising to the challenge.
Q: Who was one athlete who surpassed expectations on the field or in the classroom, and why?
A: For four years, Seth Grossman was the anchor, even as a freshman, on the boys soccer team. You knew he was just a force. He has had a great four-year career. As a senior, it was not only recognized by the coaches in the conference and the area, but he was also given all-area, all-state and All-American honors. Being recognized by the coaches, who play against him, was pretty special for him.
Q: Who was one coach who went above and beyond this year?
A: I’m not sure because they truly were all great. Robin Walker, who was named sectional coach of the year, had a pretty good season with (girls) swimming. We had (two relays and one individual) place in the top 12 (at state). But up and down the line, there were so many others. Paul Vignocchi, our boys soccer coach, was named coach of the year (by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association), our first one in more than 35 years. (Glenbrook North’s Mike Radakovich received the same honor in 1980.) In football and baseball, Bob Pieper and Dom Savino had unbelievable years. … That’s why we’re winning a little bit. We have great staffs.
Q: Looking back on 2016, is there anything that you wish would have gone differently within the program?
A: You’re going to have some tough losses tagged onto great wins. So few teams and individuals end their careers on a win. It’s so hard to go without that. I don’t think we’ve had any disappointments.
Q: When you look ahead to 2017, what is your athletic program’s New Year’s resolution?
A: I want our kids to take advantage of the opportunity to be two- or three-sport athletes. That’s a goal for our staffs. Kids would learn how to compete, even if you’re not that great at the second sport. The coaches feel that if a young lady is competing in two sports, that’s going to benefit her no matter what. They’re staying active and busy. The number (of students) in our sports isn’t adequate. We’re not bursting at the seams. You want more kids competing and pushing each other, and that’ll benefit all programs.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about Glenbrook North athletics next year?
A: I get a big kick out of watching an average program get better. There’s growth in a sport like girls golf or the wrestling program, where we have not been as successful in the past. But you can see we’re gaining momentum and higher levels of participation. That’s exciting.
Eli Hershkovich is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press