Rick Armstrong – Page 63

Metea Valley's Olivia Stewart (8) spikes the ball past St. Charles North's Sidney Wright (26) during the Class 4A Metea Valley Regional championship match in Aurora on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.

Stew’s crew it is as Metea Valley’s Olivia Stewart solves injury-riddled St. Charles North. ‘She has been on fire.’

October 27, 2023 at 1:28 a.m.

Her time is now, and Metea Valley's Olivia Stewart appears to be up to the task. After starting the season in the shadow of some big-name players, the 6-foot-1 sophomore...

West Aurora's Fernando DeLeon (95) celebrates his touchdown with Ezekyel Brooks (44) and Austin Pierce (17) after scooping up a blocked punt on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.

In the summer, West Aurora’s Fernando DeLeon moved to the offensive line. ‘At first, I was shocked.’ Now, he’s in awe.

October 26, 2023 at 11:07 a.m.

Team first. Many players will say it. Fernando DeLeon has lived it this season for West Aurora. When two linemen moved out of the district following last season, it raised...

Oswego's Mia Jurkovic (14) tries to hit the ball between the block against Yorkville during the Class 4A Plainfield North Regional semifinals on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

Surrounded by star hitters, Kelsey Foster finds way to spark Oswego past Yorkville. ‘I try to be the energizer.’

October 24, 2023 at 11:51 p.m.

Oswego captain Kelsey Foster knew this wasn't a part of the plan. The junior right-side hitter agreed that the Panthers, as the higher seed of the two teams, wanted to...

Newark's Kiara Wesseh (4) passes the ball against Rosary during a nonconference match in Aurora on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.

A Big Ten recruit in track, Newark’s Kiara Wesseh gets jump on competition in volleyball. ‘I’ve come a long way.’

October 24, 2023 at 7:48 a.m.

Suffice to say, as a three-sport athlete, Newark's Kiara Wesseh wears many hats. A veritable jumping jack, the 5-foot-6 senior outside hitter is a multitasker who plays key roles for...

Metea Valley's Katie Schuele (7) sets the ball against Glenbard East during a nonconference match in Aurora on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Rick Armstrong’s Aurora-Elgin area girls volleyball rankings and player of the week

October 23, 2023 at 8:58 p.m.

Metea Valley takes over the top spot again from Oswego, but that's about it for big changes. Metea's Katie Schuele is the player of the week. Top 10 With records...

East Aurora coach Nick Kukuc consoles quarterback Amado Martinez on the death of his father at halftime of a game on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

Column: Ten years ago, Nick Kukuc took his first job offer from East Aurora. ‘I’ve been in love with it ever since.’

October 23, 2023 at 2:15 p.m.

There were no delusions of grandeur. But optimism? You bet. This fall, entering his 10th season with the program, coach Nick Kukuc understood the prevailing view of East Aurora football....

East Aurora's Arnold Walker (7) fends off Fenton's Osmar Hernandez during an Upstate Eight Conference game at Triton College in River Grove on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Rick Armstrong’s Aurora-Elgin area football rankings and players of the week

October 23, 2023 at 10:46 a.m.

Geneva jumps up and Aurora Christian enters the rankings, while Plano's Waleed Johnson and East Aurora's Arnold Walker are the players of the week. Top 10 With records through Sunday...

East Aurora's Jeremiah Brown (2) makes a move against Fenton during an Upstate Eight Conference game at Triton College in River Grove on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Mourning dad’s death, Amado Martinez leads East Aurora to playoffs for 1st time in 41 years. ‘It taught me a lot.’

October 21, 2023 at 1:06 p.m.

It didn't come easy, but Amado Martinez — bless him — and his East Aurora teammates got it done. Did they ever. Following the senior quarterback's inspirational leadership, the Tomcats...

Oswego's Sidney Hamaker (13) goes for a kill against Waubonsie Valley during a nonconference match in Aurora on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

Column: With raw emotions, Oswego’s Sidney Hamaker reacts to coming up one win short. ‘It’s super frustrating.’

March 12, 2024 at 11:54 a.m.

Oswego's Sidney Hamaker knows the history. It's why the junior outside hitter was hurting. The Panthers don't have a rich and storied tradition in girls volleyball, but they're having a...

Kaneland's Rosie Karl (9) hits the ball past Morris' Ayla Phillips (8) during an Interstate Eight Conference match in Maple Park on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023.

Rick Armstrong’s Aurora-Elgin area girls volleyball rankings and player of the week

October 18, 2023 at 10:23 a.m.

Oswego takes over the top spot, with Metea Valley and St. Charles North still in the mix. Kaneland's Rosie Karl is the player of the week. Top 10 With records...

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