Mark Mennecke rarely had a moment to reflect upon his whirlwind sophomore season at Neuqua Valley.
The challenge of playing three sports was significant.
He made the leap from one sport to another, with the order of basketball, football and baseball recalibrated by the coronavirus pandemic.
If he had little time to breathe, Mennecke also had an elevated platform to showcase his versatility.
“With the back-to-back-to-back sports, there was not really a lot of time for rest,” he said. “I think everything went pretty smoothly.”
Talk about a classic understatement.
Mennecke earned all-conference recognition at quarterback, ended up being the Wildcats’ third-leading scorer as the point guard in basketball, and also started in the outfield in baseball.
It all took place before he could even drive a car.
After averaging eight points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal in basketball, Mennecke made an immediate transition to playing quarterback.
Despite having two of their games canceled due to health and safety protocols, Mennecke directed the Wildcats to a 4-0 record.
He connected on 61% of his attempts, completing 39 of 64 passes for 517 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 176 yards on 25 carries.
In his varsity debut against Naperville North, Mennecke scored two rushing TDs. He committed just one turnover.
His two-way ability is a rare and intuitive gift.
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“I think I have a great arm and I know how to use my legs,” he said. “I like doing them both.
“Usually, it just depends on the play if I’m going to stay in the pocket or try to get something outside.”
Just as remarkably, as a freshman, the left-handed Mennecke did not play up a level on the sophomore team.
He also never expected to be the heir to graduated standout Mark Gronowski.
“I wasn’t even supposed to be the starter,” he said. “Colin Blazek ended up moving to Florida to get an earlier start on his senior season. I just thought, ‘Wow.'”
The 6-foot-1,175-pound Mennecke demonstrated poise as a pocket passer and the athleticism to create plays either throwing or running.
“I thought he was outstanding,” Waubonsie Valley coach Tom Baumgartner said. “Not only does he have a cannon of an arm, but the ball was always in the right spot.”
Mennecke obliterated the typical learning curve, and his ability to make positive plays unlocked the offense.
If the abbreviated four-game spring season serves as a preview, the Wildcats possess the potential of a dominant offense.
“I think those first four games I really realized what varsity football is,” he said. “I think the main adjustment was the speed of the game was so much faster on the varsity level. I had to rethink how I’m processing things.
“I know what to expect. Last season, I was a little bit nervous. Going into this year, I am way more confident.”
He has altered the calculus for Neuqua coach Bill Ellinghaus, who also coordinates the team’s high-powered attack.
“Coach has already said this might be his first team ever to throw the ball 60% of the time,” Mennecke said.
Mennecke’s top five receivers last season in catches and yards all return. Grant Larkin and Justin Nonnenmann each had two TDs.
Carter Sessa, Josh Wenz and Carter Stare are also gifted players on the outside.
“I think all of the receivers have made a great jump from last year,” Mennecke said. “I think after the full summer, they all got stronger and faster.”
Mennecke is anxious for the return of something else — the connection he gets from playing the game.
“I am just excited for the atmosphere, and all the fans being back,” he said.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.