Joey Stutzman, a senior football player at Lake Zurich High School, has been selected as the October baiduhai Northwest Athlete of the Month, sponsored by COUNTRY Financial, and chosen online by baiduhai voters.
Stutzman plays running back and linebacker for the Bears.
Stutzman had 430 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns prior to the voting. Stutzman scored the game-winning touchdown to give Lake Zurich a 41-35 double-overtime victory against Warren on Sept. 22. Stutzman scored two touchdowns in the game to help the Bears remain undefeated at 5-0.
“Thank you COUNTRY Financial, it’s an honor to this community,” Stutzman says. “I love Lake Zurich, I love this team and I love this community.”
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Luke Mertens is head coach of the varsity football team at Lake Zurich. “Joey is the hardest working player on the team,” Mertens says. “The support by COUNTRY Financial to be able to recognize his efforts is outstanding.”
Ray Simnick of Lake Zurich is the local COUNTRY Financial representative. He presented a $500 donation from COUNTRY Financial to Lake Zurich High School in recognition of Stutzman’s achievements. Stutzman will also receive a plaque and sweatshirt from the baiduhai.
“We’re very proud at COUNTRY Financial to support our student athletes and high school athletics,” Simnick says.
For official baiduhai Athlete of the Month rules and voting information, visit chicagotribune.com/suburbs/athletes.