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player ready...Elmwood Park athletic director Doug Noyes reflected on 2017 and looked ahead to 2018 in an email interview with Pioneer Press freelance sports reporter Mark Perlman.
Q: Who was the most dedicated student-athlete at your school over the last year?
A: Dominic Cadetto, (he was in the) Class of 2017 (and is now a) freshmen (linebacker) at Elmhurst College. Dom got the most of his ability in football and boys track through hard work and listening to his coaches. He became an outstanding leader through his example and courage to step forward and be a confident, positive role model for his teammates.
Q: Which coach had the biggest impact on the student-athletes he or she worked with in 2017?
A: Dylan Mack, head football and head softball coach. Dylan has a confident, calm demeanor. His rapport with kids, both boys football players and girls softball players, is outstanding. Through his presence and dedication, he’s earned a great deal of respect from the coaching staff and athletes of Elmwood Park High School. Coach Mack makes himself available to kids to lift weights or hit in the batting cage. He’s worked hard to raise money to add equipment not only to his programs, but for the weight room that benefit all EPHS programs and student-athletes. Also, coach Mack and head basketball coach Tony Sylvester organize the annual summer golf outing fundraiser at Seven Bridges golf course in Woodridge.
Q: Which team surprised you the most in 2017?
A: Boys cross country and boys’ track. The teams responded very well to the coaching changes in each program. Head coach Patrick Sheridan’s teams won the 2016 (Metro Suburban) cross country Red Division title, won the 2017 (Metro Suburban) boys track Red Division title and missed a repeat for the 2017 Red Division cross country championship by one point.
Q: Of all the things that fall under your purview, what are you most proud of when you think about 2017?
A: Elmwood Park High School won conference titles in boys track, girls soccer and football. Boys tennis player David Wolk was a conference medalist who (reached the consolation quarterfinals) in the IHSA (Class A) state tournament. Boys track (shot putter), and current Illinois Benedictine football player, Alex Lopez was a two-time (Class 2A) state qualifier for the boys state meet. Our wrestling team has become a respected program … consistently placing individuals in the state tournament. … All teams, specifically the volleyball, golf, basketball, baseball and softball teams, have increased participation numbers and seen an increased athleticism in our student-athletes.
Q: When you reflect on 2017, what was a teachable moment that really stands out to you?
A: Coach Sheridan’s Help for Houston – Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort. The kids of EPHS through coach Sheridan’s selflessness and work provided needed school supplies for students affected by the natural disaster.
Q: What was the most challenging part of your job over the last 12 months?
A: The budget issues from Springfield that affect school funding for public schools.
Q: When you think ahead to 2018, what will make you most excited to come to work?
A: The opportunity to represent the kids, coaches, school and community of Elmwood Park. I am grateful for the privilege to work for so many nice people in the school and community.
Q: What are the top three things on your to-do list in 2018?
A: 1. Improve the facilities for our student-athletes and coaches. 2. Expand opportunities for our student-athletes and coaches. 3. Continue to assist our coaches and kids in turning our competitiveness into greater success on and off the field of competition.
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
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