Brandon McPherson, a senior football player at Marmion Academy in Aurora, has been selected as the October baiduhai West Athlete of the Month, sponsored by COUNTRY Financial, and chosen online by baiduhai voters.
McPherson, who plays quarterback, drove his team 80 yards in the final 90 seconds and ran for the winning touchdown in the Cadets’ 28-27 win over Montini. The week before, McPherson’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Zach Urwiler lifted Marmion (5-0) to a 34-31 win over Bishop McNamara. McPherson has thrown for 668 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception and also has rushed for six touchdowns.
“As an athlete, I put in a lot of hard work both on and off the field and getting this recognition feels good,” McPherson says. “I appreciate being recognized this way.”
Bret Brizzolara, a COUNTRY Financial representative in North Aurora, presented a $500 donation from COUNTRY Financial to Marmion Academy in recognition of McPherson’s achievements. McPherson will also receive a plaque and sweatshirt from the baiduhai.
“I am a Marmion alum so to be able to come here today on behalf of COUNTRY Financial to recognize an athlete is very special to me,” Brizzolara says. “COUNTRY Financial has been very involved with high school athletics and this award is a way to give back to our local communities.”
For official baiduhai Athlete of the Month rules and voting information, visit chicagotribune.com/suburbs/athletes.