September 22, 2009
Bloomington, IL. -- The Illinois High School Association announced its 2009 Do What's Right! Sportspersons of the Year on September 21. The seven individuals from across the state that were honored for their outstanding sportsmanship during interscholastic competition were:
Division 1: Jennifer Abercrumbie, Chicago (Marist)Applicants were judged by a committee of IHSA staff members based on letters of recommendation highlighting their leadership skills and sportsmanship, participation in sports and activities, academic performance, application essays and overall involvement in their school and community.
"Being named an IHSA Sportsperson of the Year is a tremendous honor, as these seven individuals represent some of the best and brightest in the state," said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Beth Sauser. "One of the IHSA's missions is to produce better citizens through involvement in high school sports and activities. These young people are living proof of that ideal and exemplary role models for the students that will follow them at their respective high schools."
Each winner will receive a plaque and a $500 dollar scholarship during the Illinois Principals Association conference in October. All seven winners were seniors in 2008-09.
A brief bio on each Sportsperson of the Year is listed below:
Jennifer Abercrumbie, Chicago (Marist)
Jennifer was a four-year member of the Marist basketball, cross country and track & field teams. A National & Spanish Honor Society student, she was also involved with Student Council, Youth & Government, Student Ambassadors, Peer Tutoring and Marist Youth United For Mission. Her athletic highlights include helping the Redhawk basketball team to a fourth-place finish in the state in 2008, as well as a pair of Top 5 Sectional track & field finishes in the 4x800-meter relay and 800-meter run, respectively.
Marist teacher and coach Don Richardson on Jennifer: "Jennifer is a tremendous young woman who has exhibited sportsmanship at all times. She is one of the most coachable athletes I have ever coached."
Katie Yohn, Elgin (St. Edward)
Katie was a four-year member of the Elgin (St. Edward) volleyball and basketball teams, where she helped the Lady Wave to a 2007 Elite Eight appearance on the hardwood and a third-place state volleyball finish in 2008. A four-year Academic Honor Roll honoree at her school, Katie rewrote the St. Edward basketball record book before joining the Bradley University hoops team this year. She finished as her school's all-time leading scorer and was named to three All-State basketball teams as a senior.
St. Edward teacher Timothy Brieder on Katie: "She is a leader among her peers. She possess a strong work ethic and desire to succeed, while always demonstrating a positive attitude on and off the court."
Rahul Kamath, Downers Grove (South)
Rahul was a three-year captain of the Downers Grove South tennis team during his high school career, while also competing on the school's scholastic bowl team. A first-chair violist, he was actively involved in the local music community as a member of the Illinois Music Educator's Association, Youth Symphony of DuPage and Downers Grove South Symphonic Orchestra. The Illinois State Scholar also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Hospital and was the Wendy's High School Heisman winner for the state of Illinois in 2008.
Downers Grove South guidance counselor Keri Apking on Ruhal: "His maturity and world perspective are years above his peers. He is an outgoing, diligent, and reliable young man whose motivation does not allow for anything but his best effort."
Garrett Mulchrone, Chicago (St. Ignatius)
Garrett was a four-year member of the St. Ignatius swimming & diving and water polo teams during his high school career. His teammates voted him as the Team MVP as a junior and senior in both sports, as he helped the Wolfpack to Sectional water polo titles in 2007 and 2009. He was an 11-time IHSA Swimming & Diving State Final qualifier, setting eight St. Ignatius records during his career en route to earning a spot on the University of Wisconsin swimming & diving team this year.
St. Ignatius teacher and coach Brian Drumm on Garrett: "Garrett exemplifies what it truly means to be a student-athlete. He was a true leader both in the pool and in the classroom."
Pat Wampler, Champaign (Central)
Pat participated in four total sports during his high school career at Champaign Central, including four years on the basketball and golf squads. A member of the Senior Advisor Program, the three-time Big 12 Leadership Conference attendee placed fourth individually in his team's Regional golf tournament in 2008. He was a part of the Maroons basketball team that finished third in the state in 2008 and was the recipient of the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete Award the same season.
Champaign Central teacher and coach Jeffrey Scott on Pat: "He stands out in the top one percent of the students that I have been privileged to teach and coach in my 14 years as an educator."
Taylor Pulliam, Riverton
Taylor capped a four-year career as a member of the Riverton volleyball and soccer squads by serving as a team captain in her junior and senior seasons in both sports. She was also actively involved in Spanish Club, Hawk Pride, Student Council, Yearbook, Key Club and SADD during her time at Riverton. An All-County and All-Conference volleyball performer, Taylor currently holds the school-record for career assists in soccer. The National Honor Society member received the Hawk Award in 2007, which recognizes a student who excels in character, school work and athletics.
Riverton principal Bill Lamkey on Taylor: "She is an exemplary representative of our school and truly enjoyed each and every day of her high school experience."
Ryan Brown, Shelbyville High School
Ryan participated on the Shelbyville cross country, track & field and wrestling teams during his time at the school, serving as a team captain as a senior in cross country and track. He was also chosen to the Principal's Student Cabinet three times and joined the school Math Team as a senior. A National Honor Society member, Ryan helped Shelbyville place sixth in the state in cross country in 2007 and earned individual All-State honors the following season as a senior. He was also a regional wrestling champion who earned All-Conference track & field honors in six events.
Shelbyville teacher and coach Kevin Kramer on Ryan: "Ryan has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. He is definitely a leader rather than a follower."