Balundis, Tentler and Escobar Receive Walter Payton Award
October 21, 2009

The 10th Annual Walter Payton Award was bestowed on senior Victor Balundis (Elm Middle School), sophomore Ryan Tentler (St. Thecla) and freshman Walter Escobar (Mary Lyon) before the teams’ practice on Oct. 20. Humbled by his teammates’ recognition of his hard work, varsity quarterback Balundis has wasted little time in the limelight, focusing instead on pulling the team together for their game this Friday against Benet.“We are a tough team at four and four,” said Balundis, who believes a fifth win for the Shamrocks is waiting in the wings. “We could definitely make a good playoff run.”

“Vic is the ultimate team player,” said head coach Dan Galante. “The guys see that and respect it.” Balundis is also a member of the National Honor Society, Liturgy Team and Letterman’s Club. He played baseball for the Shamrocks as a freshman. He is undecided on whether he will pursue ownership of a college football jersey next year, but is pretty sure he wants to obtain a degree in physical therapy and athletic training. In his free time he helps coach St. Pat’s summer camps and Elm Middle School’s youth football program. “He’s a part of the game, and at a young age he’s already giving back to it,” noted Galante. “He gives us 110 percent every day.”

Saint Patrick has run the Walter Payton Award program since 2000 to celebrate the efforts of student-athletes who exemplify Walter Payton’s character both on and off the field. The award encourages students to emulate the late Chicago Bear legend in their own behaviors and contributions to the Saint Patrick community. The No. 34 jersey has been retired since the program was instituted, and each year three football players (one from each level) are selected for the award by their teammates. The awardees also assist with the coordination of St. Pat’s role in the annual Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Toy Drive. From 2003 to 2007 St. Pat’s collected more toys than any other school participating in the drive. Visit www.stpatrick.org for a list of past winners.