Patrick Z. McGavin – Page 43

Northern Illinois' Chris Nendick, center, is hoisted in the air by his teammates after kicking a 39-yard field goal as time ran out against Central Florida during a game in Orlando on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004.

‘I never looked back’: Naperville Central’s Chris Nendick goes from Northern Illinois to training Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott

December 17, 2020 at 2:23 p.m.

Chris Nendick still remembers his first time kicking in a college stadium. The date was Nov. 24, 2001. As a sophomore for Naperville Central, Nendick kicked off in the Class...

Recruiting notes: Neuqua Valley’s Connor Davis considers offer from Quincy University in men’s basketball but keeps options open

December 11, 2020 at 4:19 p.m.

Neuqua Valley's Connor Davis doesn't mince words. The 6-foot-5 senior guard/forward has been in a holding pattern. A year ago, he made a name for himself by scoring a personal-best...

After switching from safety, Adam Sturtz undergoes 45-pound growth spurt as a linebacker for Naperville North: ‘It was a big step.’

December 11, 2020 at 3:17 p.m.

As a converted safety, Naperville North senior Adam Sturtz experienced a new sensation. "Last season was my first year of playing linebacker and I had to learn a lot," he...

What happens in Vegas: Naperville Central’s Aidan Ellison stars in kicking camp hosted by former UCLA All-American Chris Sailer

December 8, 2020 at 4:17 p.m.

Naperville Central senior Aidan Ellison experienced an unforgettable November weekend in Las Vegas. Ellison participated in a national camp organized by Chris Sailer, a former All-American kicker at UCLA, and...

Illinois wide receiver Donny Navarro (86) races away from Wisconsin's Rachad Wildgoose (5) and Donte Burton (17) and takes the ball in for a touchdown during the first half of a game in Champaign on Saturday, Oct.19, 2019.

‘Hard work never goes unnoticed’: Neuqua Valley graduate Donny Navarro continues to make noise as a junior wide receiver at Illinois

December 5, 2020 at 12:10 p.m.

Donny Navarro believed in himself at Neuqua Valley. And even while playing football at a lower level in college, he never stopped believing. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound wide receiver has been...

Inspired by great-uncle Marty Pattin, Southern Illinois recruit Kaydon Norkus can’t wait to pitch for Neuqua Valley

December 3, 2020 at 1:10 p.m.

By taking a look at his family's history, it's not surprising that Neuqua Valley senior Kaydon Norkus turned out to be a pitcher. He has the arm. And the genes....

Oak Park-River Forest quarterback Jaden McGill runs with the football during a game at Lyons on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019.

After transferring from Oak Park-River Forest, Jaden McGill makes adjustments at Naperville Central: ‘They all welcomed me in so fast.’

December 1, 2020 at 1:04 p.m.

Change is nothing new to Naperville Central senior Jaden McGill. As a two-way star at Oak Park-River Forest, he played quarterback and cornerback. After transferring at the end of the...

Northwestern recruit Jacob Scharm changes eating habits, adds yoga and weight lifting to lead Naperville North: ‘It helped monumentally.’

November 24, 2020 at 1:56 p.m.

Naperville North senior Jacob Scharm took matters into his own hands. It made perfect sense. He's a pitcher. After the Illinois High School Association canceled the spring sports season due...

Waubonsie Valley's Sean Clinton signals with three fingers after his third touchdown catch against Naperville North during a game on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019.

Family ties fuel recruiting as Waubonsie Valley receiver Sean Clinton signs with Middlebury College: ‘I feel like I could fit in seamlessly.’

November 19, 2020 at 11:47 a.m.

Waubonsie Valley senior Sean Clinton saw his future materialize in front of him. "It was our second game last year against Libertyville," he said. "On the play before, the cornerback...

It didn’t take long for Benet’s Jack Rodi to decide on playing baseball at the next level for Creighton: ‘I knew right away.’

November 17, 2020 at 3:09 p.m.

Benet pitcher Jack Rodi didn't have any doubts. In fall 2019, he took an unofficial recruiting visit to Creighton. It was love at first sight. "Some guys I play travel...

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