Neuqua Valley’s Mark Mennecke, a three-sport athlete, has changed his uniform.
And not much else.
Just weeks after striking out eight and allowing just two hits in a sectional semifinal game in baseball, Mennecke made his latest transition, this time to football.
“Physically, I am always in pretty good shape because I never really have an offseason,” he said. “Mentally, it just prepares me for whatever is going to happen next.”
Tuesday night at Naperville North, the three-year starter at quarterback was throwing darts all over the field against defending Class 8A state champion Lockport during a 7-on-7.
“Right now, I’m just working on my mechanics and getting a better feel for my new receivers,” Mennecke said.
Just days after playing his final baseball game of the spring, Mennecke took part in special college camps earlier this month at Lindenwood and Northwestern.
The platform provided another opportunity for the 6-foot-1, 205-pound star to show off his versatile game.
“These camps are really important to get some exposure with the college coaches,” he said.
Dayton has asked him to come down to its campus to work out for the coaches. He also has received recruiting interest from Illinois State, Indianapolis and Minnesota State.
Last season as a junior, Mennecke directed Neuqua (10-2) to the 8A state quarterfinals while accounting for 22 touchdowns.
Mennecke completed 90 of 157 passes for 1,750 yards and 16 TDs. He also rushed for 562 yards and six TDs, earning all-conference and all-area honors.
He has always excelled with his footwork, balance and ability to improvise. He can make plays either inside the pocket or on the move.
“As a quarterback, his best qualities are being an ultimate competitor and his high-level playmaking skills,” Naperville North coach Sean Drendel said. “At times, he is a magician on the field. He is very tough to prepare for.”
Metea Valley coach John Parpet said Mennecke exudes confidence. His standing as a multisport athlete gives Mennecke a natural leadership and cachet.
“First and foremost, he is a competitor,” Parpet said. “He’s a throwback athlete who makes everyone around him better.”
As an athlete for all seasons, Mennecke is intuitively accustomed to being at the center of the action.
In basketball, despite dealing with a bout of mononucleosis that limited him during the second half of the season, he operated as a point forward. The Wildcats’ offense ran through him.
As a pitcher in baseball, he also thrived under the pressure.
“My parents would say I have always had this competitive side,” Mennecke said. “I just love the responsibility and being the one who is always in control of the action.”
His football role also has shifted over time.
When he took over as the starting quarterback in the pandemic spring season, Mennecke was the newcomer surrounded by veteran talent in 2021.
Now, he is the leader.
“We have a lot of younger guys and a lot of talent,” he said. “When we get on the same page, we are going to be a high-powered offense.
“There is always still learning going on, but my role is being a leader for these younger guys, keeping the energy up and helping us win as a team.”
Mennecke even worked as the emergency backup punter last season after Western Michigan recruit Palmer Domschke was sidelined.
“You never know what he might pull off,” Drendel said.
Casting his three-sport versatility aside, Mennecke has been concentrating exclusively on finishing summer football camp with the Wildcats.
“Everything has flown by and gone way too fast,” he said. “But I am excited for my senior season.
“I just want to win.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.