News
Updated 12.09.08
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Three seniors sign with college programs |
St Charles sends three
more players into the college ranks next year, with the announcement this week that Midfielder Nick Campana, Attackman Paul De Bord and Goalie Sean McGushin have signed letters of intent with NCAA programs.
 Nick is bound for St Leo University near Tampa. St. Leo teams compete in the Sunshine State Conference, which recently was recognized for the highest Academic Success Rate of 24 NCAA D2 conferences in the country. The Lions men's lacrosse team competes as a member of the Deep South Conference.
"This is an opportunity for me to further my education and to play lacrosse at a high level," says Nick, who will major in criminal justice, one of St Leo's academic strengths. The Florida sunshine also appeals to him.
Nick is a two-year varsity letter winner, was named StC JV Offensive Player of the Year in 2007, and is a member of Team Illinois.
Paul is headed to perennial Division I lacrosse powerhouse Towson University, near Baltimore. The Towson Tigers play in the powerful Coastal Atlantic Conference. Towson’s non-conference opponents have traditionally included lacrosse stalwarts and NCAA Champions Johns Hopkins University, the |
University of Maryland, and the University of Virginia.
Towson University has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its listing of America’s Best College Sports programs for its outstanding graduation rate of student-athletes.
A member of the Varsity since his freshman year, Paul enters his senior season of lacrosse with the goal of leading his team to its third straight trip to the Illinois State Lacrosse Final Four Championship.
"Paul is always striving for greatness on the athletic field," says Head Coach Andy Thompson. "He is so motivated and disciplined in his preparation. Towson University is fortunate to have Paul coming aboard."
“I am very appreciative of the opportunity that Coach Tony Seaman and the Towson staff have given me," says Paul. "Towson will not only allow me to pursue my dream of playing with and against the best collegiate lacrosse players in the nation, I look forward to receiving an outstanding education at this great institution.
“I feel blessed to have this opportunity,” he adds.
Sean, who is bound for Division 1 Bellarmine University in Louisville, is the first Illinois high school goalie to commit to
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a D1 program and one of a relative handful nationally to be offered D1 scholarships.
"There are nearly 600 high schools in New York and Maryland alone that play lacrosse, so being one of about 45 goalies to be offered a Division 1 scholarship is a great honor," says Sean. "I have a lot of people to thank for helping me get to this level."
The Bellarmine Knights currently compete in the Great Western Lacrosse League with other lacrosse powershouses, including Notre Dame, OhioState, the University of Denver and Air Force. The Knights play a strong nonconference schedule, and open the 2009 spring season against Duke and Maryland.
Forbes Magazine recently recognized Bellarmine as one of the premier universities in the nation by ranking it in its Top 100 Colleges and Universities.
"I think Bellarmine is the best fit for me because I will get a great education and have an opportunity to contribute immediately to the lacrosse team," adds Sean, who has been the St Charles Varsity goalie since his freshman year, helping the team compile a 43-16 record and reach the state semifinals twice. Sean is a two-time First Team All Conference pick, and was named the team MVP in 2007. |
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| The 'Keepers who would be Kings |
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Varsity goalkeepers and North Star Football players Sean McGushin (no. 22) and Blake Chamberlain (55) were members of the St Charles North Homecoming Court. Sean is the North Stars' QB this season, and Blake is on the O-line.
Photo by Alex Claney |
Evans-Erickson Academy opens for business |
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For months, the younger boys in his neighborhood had been asking soph d-pole Trace Evans (back row, left) to teach them how to play lacrosse. So, in August, Trace and fellow soph Greg Erickson (back row, right) gathered up their own equipment as well as items from the Club's stockpile of used equipment, and conducted their own backyard lacrosse camp. It was intended to be a one-week camp, but proved so popular that Trace and Greg extended it to two weeks. |
StC Quartet Battles Blue Lions, Crabs and Bears (oh my!) |
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Quite a weekend it was for Head Coach Andy Thompson (bottom, 2nd from left) and '08 varsity players (left to right) Brian Sullivan, Sean Brogan and Alek Szmajda, who were part of the Players Indoor Sports Centre U19 Elite team that took third place at the recent Vail Shootout in Colorado. The squad went 4-2, losing only to the eventual tourney champs and eventual runner-up.
"This was certainly a trip to remember for all our guys," says Players Coach Paul Stolzer. "In addition to some great lacrosse [there was] a whitewater raft trip down the Eagle River and a black bear confrontation in a parking garage."
Sean Brogan, who safely negotiated that "confrontation," also was one of just three middies named to the All-Tournament team. "They only took 12 players out of the 200 or so players in the tournament," says Coach Thompson. "Sean had a great tournament and deserved the recognition." |
Stephen Colbert -- and Sean
Brogan -- know all about bears. |
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Goalie Sean McGushin called the St. Charles style a combination of "all heart and all hustle," and it fuelled playoff victories over no. 10 St Viator and no. 2 Glenbrook North in the varsity's run to a second straight state semifinal game. Defending champ New Trier derailed the dream there, again, but it doesn't tarnish the luster of a season that started in Texas and almost finished in Toyota Park. (Photo by Connie O'Brien) |
Keeping StC in the News |
This season, a handful of parents have helped put us, and keep us, in the public eye. Their press releases and photographs have appeared in print and online, providing coverage for our onfield and off-field efforts. We thank Holly Watson-Evans, David Fairweather, Karen Fairweather, Dennis McGushin, Connie O'Brien and Julie Sullivan. |
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Machine honors Sean Brogan |
The Chicago Machine has recognized senior attackman Sean Brogan as its McDonald's High School Lacrosse Player of the Week.
Sean, who also earned First Team All Conference and State All-Star honors this season, was singled out for his "terrific career at St. Charles and his volunteer work as a host at Machine community events." |
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StC Sends Three To State All-Star Game |
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Seniors (from left) Sean Brogan, Tyler Hines and Madden Titus represented St Charles in the annual State All-Star Game on June 12 at Lyons Township High School. Sean, Tyler and Madden are all First Team All Conference picks, as well as team Co-Captains with Cam Caruso. (Potos by Julie Sullivan)
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What a weekend it was for the Frosh-Soph. On Friday (inset), the players, coaches and parents teamed up with McDonald's South Elgin to raise money for the newest Ronald McDonald House in the Chicago area. And then on Saturday and Sunday, the squad made a thrilling run to the Conference Championship, capturing the title and the trophy with a 11-7 win over Naperville North in the Final. Click  for more photos of their big weekend, and Coach Hynes' tournament wrapup. (Photos by Dave and Karen Fairweather) |
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No worries, mate: Outback is aces |
We thank Outback of South Elgin and proprietor Tim Paholke for generously hosting our lunch fundraiser on Saturday, May 3. The event was well attended and the lunch was delicious.
 Thanks go as well to parent organizers Mary Beth De Bord and Lee Campana; to those varsity and junior varsity players who sold tickets for the event, and to all those who purchased the tickets and enjoyed the lunch, such as JV player Sullivan Kaska (center) and friends Joe Scheets (left) and Ken Polito. |
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Youth Clinic 'gives back' to lacrosse |
With a big assist from The Sportsplex of
St Charles, the
St Charles Varsity and Coach Thompson devoted three hours on Friday, April 11, to teaching lacrosse fundamentals and team concepts to nearly 40 local youth players in grades four to eight.
"Our varsity players really did a nice job of engaging and encouraging the participants," says Club parent Lee Campana who, with husband and Board member Gary Campana, organized the event at The Sportsplex of St Charles. "I was very impressed with the interaction."
"It was cool," says Judson Huxtable, 11. "The drills we learned were useful. I learned about different dodges."
His friend, Brett Hickey, 11, enjoyed
working with the varsity team. "They really know what they're doing," he says.
Two participants with older brothers on the team -- Nate Campana, 12, and Sam Nesbit, 12 -- agreed. "It was a fun time," says Sam. "I even learned a few new things. All of the big guys were great and they were fun
to work with!" Nate particularly liked the
3-on-2 drills: "They were awesome!" he says. |
Coach Thompson also gained a fan in Liam Hopper, 12. "He is really nice," he says. "He's a good coach and he stayed after to talk with us."
"The youth players were very excited about learning the game," says Coach Thompson. "And I know from my own experience that you always become a better lacrosse player after you become a coach and work with less-experienced players. I'm glad that our Varsity players had this opportunity to coach and to give back to the game of lacrosse."
Participant Evan Falls, 11, believes that lacrosse is the sport of the future. "The game of lacrosse is rapidly heading for the top of the 'sports popularity' charts and it makes me feel great to play the way I do. Thanks to the varsity guys and everyone else."
Adds Club President John Spenard, "The success of the clinic demonstrated what everyone was certain of, that the future of the Club, and of lacrosse in St.Charles, has taken strong root within the community which will only sustain and grow the success the Club has enjoyed on the field to this point." |
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Off-field honors for four |
Four Club players recently were honored by their school, St Charles North. Frosh Misha Zaderej earned a first place in Intro CAD in the IDEA (Illinois Drafting Education Association) regional competition. |
Varsity senior Zach McCullough competed in the State Leadership Conference as part of North's BPA (Business Professionals of America) Club. |
And JV junior Nick Reilly and Frosh Kevin Acton were honored as St Charles North Unsung Heroes at a school ceremony in March. |
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Varsity names 2008 Co-Captains |
Head Coach Andy Thompson has named four seniors as the 2008 Varsity Co-Captains. Photos by Julie Sullivan |
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Sean Brogan |
Cam Caruso |
Tyler Hines |
Madden Titus |
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Snowbirds of a different feather shiver together |
What is it about Head JV Coach Pete Steele (right) and these snowy practices?
Two years ago, as an assistant on then-JV Coach Thompson's staff, Coach Steele was part of a frozen-precipitation filled practice. And then last week, after the varsity had fled the wintry weather for sunnier, southern climes, Coach Steele and his JV found themselves snowsuited up for a Thursday "Spring" Break practice.
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Photos of our admirable snowmen by Connie O'Brien |
It takes a real man to wash cars in the snow |
| Comes the Club's Car Wash Fundraiser at Key West Car Wash in South Elgin and what do you know? It's snowing. Not much of a surprise, and no deterrant at all for players and coaches (and parents) who bundled up and took their turns on the hand-dry line.
Thanks again to Key West owner Rich Ruffin, and to the parents who purchased the tickets (and, hopefully, resold them). Thanks as well to players and coaches who shivered and shammied their way through the day.
Photos by Connie O'Brien
& Jeff Forsell | |
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| Four make Machine Showcase All-Star Team |
More than 170 high school lacrosse players participatd in the Chicago Machine-sponsored 2008 Chicago Showcase in January. The recruiting camp featured several days of competition before nearly 30 top college coaches, as well as opportunities for players to meet those coaches and other college recruiters.
The weekend culminated in a championship game and all-star game. Chosen for the all-star team were four members of StC Lax: senior Tyler Hines, junior Sean McGushin, and sophomores Ben Dvorak and Pat Killeen.
Congratulations to them, as well as to the four other St Charles players who were invited to and participated in the Showcase: senior Zach McGullough, juniors Nick Campana and Paul De Bord, and sophomore Chad Ellis. |
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Hark! The St. Charles Lax Mom Sings! |
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If you attended the St Charles Singers' early-December program, "Candlelight Carols," at the Baker Memorial Church in St Charles, you might have recognized one of the sopranos. Beverly Nesbit (inset, far-right foreground), mother of junior Nate Nesbit, has been a member of the renowned ensemble for six years now, contributing to a sound hailed by American Record Guide for its "shimmering, well-balanced choral textures."
The ensemble's current season includes March and June performances in St Charles and Wheaton; for information and tickets, please visit their website.
Inset photo © Mary Beth Nolan; ensemble photo © St Charles Singers |
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Kane County Chronicle recognizes Cam Caruso |
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Cam Caruso has been recognized by the Kane County Chronicle as a local high school senior who "makes significant achievements both in and out of the classroom." Through its Chronicle Achievement Program, the paper honored 11 such area students, and will further honor seven of the students by giving each a $500 college scholarship at an awards dinner in April.
Cam's sponsor, StC East Counselor Bonnie Dearborn, noted that "Cam's competitive nature in sports and academics is evident. He is a good friend and mentor to students. Due to his leadership and participation in soccer, lacrosse and basketball, he was the [St Charles East] male nominee for the Wendy's Heisman Award."
Congratulations, Cam. |
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Inside Lacrosse features Sean Brogan's Elite 150 odyssey |
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"The boys should be very proud of their performance"
St Charles goes 9-4 at North 7 on 7 Fall Shootout |
It was quite a day for St Charles at last Sunday's North 7 on 7 Fall Shootout.Together, our three squads won nine of 13 games; won one bracket outright and tied for first in another, and advanced to a title game.
The varsity swept its bracket and beat Loyola in the semis, only to fall by 1 in OT to Libertyville in the Finals. The JV tied for first in its bracket with a 3-1 mark, but lost the chance to advance on a tiebreaker. And the Frosh, co-coached by parents Rob Swartz and Robert Haley, won two of four games, including the consolation final against Barrington.
"The boys of St Charles should be very proud of their performance," says parent Gregg Dvorak who, with parent Dennis McGushin, co-coached both the varsity and JV squads. "They fought hard, left everything they had on the field, and made us all proud."
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StC 7on7 Varsity (from left): Brian Sullivan, Coach Dennis McGushin, Alek Szmajda, Ben Dvorak, Chad Ellis, Sean McGushin, Charlie Smunt, Pat Killeen, Paul DeBord, Chris Forsell, Madden Titus, Tyler Hines, Zach McGullough, Sean Brogan and Coach Gregg Dvorak. |
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StC 7on7 Frosh are (standing from left:) Colin Haley, Brian Fairweather, Jesse Nagelberg, Coach Bob Haley, Spencer Motley, Cooper Jones, Marcus Stammen, Andrew Jurewicz, Dan Morawski and Coach Rob Swartz, and (kneeling from left:) Alex Swartz, Nick G. and Brian Sullivan. Goalie Will DeBord is in foreground.
Photo: David Fairweather; other photos by Lacrosse America |
| The StC 7on7 JV roster included Jordyn Brink, Ben Dvorak, Chad Ellis, Chris Gatrel, Dominic Imbordino, Joey Jasica, Sully Kaska, Pat Killeen, Pat Lefelstein, Patrick McGushin, Cooper O'Brien, Mike Orlando, Spencer Swarts and Tyler Thomas. Coaches: Gregg Dvorak and Dennis McGushin. |
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Zach McCullough helped lead the StC Varsity into the Finals. |
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Senior longpole Madden Titus scored four times on the day. |
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Goalie Pat McGushin's 'keeping helped the JV win three close games and nearly beat Loyola. Also pictured is Ben Dvorak. |
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Spencer Motley made an impact for the 2-2 Frosh. |
StC Seniors Shine in State All-Star Game at StC Eastt
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With Head Coach Andy Thompson are StC State All-Stars (from left) Dylan Ward, Conor Hamilton, Andy Forsell, Thomas Feicco and C.J. Nemec.
Coach Thompson has led these five seniors since they were freshmen, first as their Junior Varsity Head Coach and then as an Assistant Varsity Coach and now Varsity Head Coach.
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Photo by Beth Ward
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Sean Brogan D1-bound
Rising senior Sean Brogan, a three-year varsity player and a second-team All Conference Middie in 2007, has committed to play lacrosse for D1 program Mount Saint Mary's
University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Sean will become the first StC Lax player to compete at the D1 level, joining 2007 graduates Thomas Feicco (D2 Mercyhurst), CJ Nemec (D3 Virginia Wesleyan) and Dylan Ward (D3 Endicott) in the NCAA ranks.
Seniors Feicco, Nemec and Ward bound for college lax programs
"Since the St. Charles boys lacrosse club team was founded in 1995, no players have gone on to play in college. After this season, that all will change."
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Kane County Chronicle, 03.24.07
Juniors Tyler Hines & Sean Brogan named All-Machine
The MLL Chicago Machine recently named juniors Tyler Hines and Sean Brogan to its first annual "All-Machine Team." Tyler was named to the first team defense, and Sean earned honorable mention middie honors. The team was selected by the NCAA and high school coaches in attendance at the "First Look - Last Look" Combine held in January at the Max-McCook Centre.
Coach Brian Hynes Joins JV/Frosh Staff
We are happy to announce that Coach Brian Hynes has agreed to coach the Junior Varsity/Freshman teams.
Coach Hynes is Head Coach of the St Charles North Sophomore Boys Basketball team. He also served as Assistant Coach on the North Freshmen Football squad, whose undefeated A Team went 9-0 and whose B squad was 5-3-1.
Coach Thompson calls Coach Hynes "a committed coach who likes working with high school players, and has a great attitude about the game."
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Senior Thomas Feicco bound for D2 Powerhouse Mercyhurst
2006 Co-Captain and returning senior Thomas Feicco has received an athletic scholarship to play lacrosse for Mercyhurst College of Erie, Penn.
Thomas will join a program that has made three trips to the NCAA Division II Final Four in the past four years. In 2006, Mercyhurst finished 12-3 overall and was ranked third in the nation in the STX/USLIA Coaches' Poll of D2 schools.
StC Connection a Big Part of Team Illinois' Memorable Summer
Former Coach Neff, four players contribute to a winning season. MORE
State and Conference Honors for Eight Varsity Players
Three seniors, four juniors and a sophomore were voted state and conference honors for the 2006 season. MORE
JV Coach Andy Thompson Earns Conference Honors, too.
JV Coach Andy Thompson was named the DuPage 11 Conference Frosh-Soph Coach of the Year. MORE
Congrats to Girls Laxers Lisa Blahut & Jackie Shirreffs
StC Girls Lacrosse players Lisa Blahut and Jackie Shirreffs were invited to try out for the national lacrosse team, and Lisa made the cut. She's the first StC Lax player to make the US National Team, and competed in the U.S. Lacrosse National Tournament on May 26-28 in Bethlehem, Pa.
They Did Good, Charlotte
The St Charles Varsity split a pair of games with North Carolina opponents on the club's inaugural Spring Break trip. MORE
Club partners with Athletico for training program
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Club walks (and floats) softly, carries a big stick at StC Christmas Parade.
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