October 4, 2010
The Illinois High School Association announced its 2010 Do What's Right! Sportspersons of the Year on October 4. The seven individuals from across the state that were honored for their outstanding sportsmanship during interscholastic competition were:
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. "The IHSA core mission 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 2009-10.
A brief bio on each Sportsperson of the Year is listed below:
Elizabeth Faber, Chicago (St. Ignatius)
Elizabeth was a four-year member of the St. Ignatius cross country and track & field teams, where she combined to earn all-conference honors eight times. The two-time cross country state meet qualifier was also a mentor, retreat leader and a part of the school health coalition while at St. Ignatius. She also earned National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society accolades during high school.
St. Ignatius Dean of Students Erin Luby on Elizabeth: “Elizabeth is one of the most exceptional student-athletes I have worked with in my ten years as a teacher, coach and administrator. I cannot imagine a better role model for younger students to emulate.”
Jeffrey Brown, Evanston (Twp.)
Jeffrey was a three-sport athlete during his career at Evanston, participating in football, wrestling and track & field en route to being names the school’s Male Athlete of the Year as a senior. Outside athletics, Jeffrey was involved in the Kiwanis Club and also served as a volunteer wrestling coach for a local youth team.
Evanston Football Head Coach Mike Burzawa on Jeffrey: “In all my years in education as a teacher and coach, I have met few people with the drive and dedication possessed by Jeffrey. I consider him to be a leader in every sense of the word.”
Colin Webb, Wilmington
Colin was named a team captain six total times during his career playing football, basketball and baseball at Wilmington. The National Honor Society member wrote for the school newspaper in and was also pivotal in the Wildcat football team reaching the playoffs during each of his four seasons on campus.
Wilmington Assistant Principal and Football Head Coach Jeff Reents on Colin: “Colin was not only a good player for me, but also a great leader. He is both caring and committed and was always willing to go the extra mile. He is a wonderful young man whose potential is limitless.”
Katie Janssen, Minonk (Fieldcrest)
Katie was a member of the Fieldcrest cross country and track & field teams as a senior and also played three years of volleyball. The Student Council and National Honor Society member also contributed to the school’s yearbook, renaissance committee and curriculum council.
Fieldcrest Science Instructor Arlene Peterson on Katie: “She portrays what it means to be a student-athlete and I feel that she will have great success in the future. She has a love and a passion for people that is hard to come by.”
Erin McGinnis, Normal (Community West)
Erin was a four-year member of the Normal West basketball, soccer and volleyball teams, where she helped the Wildcats to considerable conference and IHSA postseason success. She was also actively involved in band, the student advisory board, a mentoring program and National Honor Society during high school.
Normal West Athletic Director Stan Lewis on Erin: “As an educator for over twenty years, rarely have I encountered a student who combines academic excellence, personality and an outstanding work ethic to the extent that Erin does. She is an exceptional young woman.”
Thomas Trau, East Peoria
Thomas participated in four sports during his time at East Peoria, including four years on the
Raider football and basketball teams. He was also involved in a variety of programs at the high school, including chorus, National Honor Society, the Snowball/Snowflake fundraiser, driving skills for life and teacher cadet.
East Peoria Mathematics Teacher and Football Head Coach Doug Martin on Thomas: “TJ (Thomas) is a very focused and driven young man who I hold in the highest regard. I have no doubt he will be successful in any endeavor he undertakes in life.”
Bret Thixton, Riverton
Bret was a part of the basketball, golf and baseball teams during his time at Riverton, serving as a captain in his senior seasons of the latter two sports. He was also the President of the student body and a member of student government, Hawk Pride, Key Club, SADD and National Honor Society during his high school career.
Riverton Counselor Nancy Penk on Bret: “Bret is an amazing young man that will be successful in any vocation he chooses. Not only is he impressive intellectually, he is diligent, self-reliant and amicable. He lives by what he believes in.