Winter Sports Roundup: Hockey Team Makes a Stand
December 17, 2009

The Saint Patrick High School athletic teams are ready to forge into the winter break with some great experience and strong victories under their belts. Celebrating their first win of the season, the hockey team is excited for the Windy City Tournament hosted by Naperville Central Dec. 27-28. The Shamrocks feel ready for the competition they will face after their recent 8-6 win over Cary Grove at the Crystal Lake Ice House. Led by senior Justin Wollenschlager (four goals), Eric Smolicek (two goals, two assists), and Mike McCarthy (one goal, two assists), Saint Patrick gave the Trojans a run for their money scoring four goals in the third period. Last year, the Trojans beat the Shamrocks a combined 11-2 in two games. “Everybody stepped up,” said head coach Eric Wollenschlager. “It wasn’t just one player. It was all of them.” Eric noted that the contribution of the freshman was crucial to the team’s victory. Freshman John Lozeau scored one goal, while freshman Anthony Andras logged one assist.

The basketball team has its own holiday tournament to prepare for in the annual Proviso West Holiday Tournament. The Shamrocks (5-2) look ready to compete having gotten into a strong rhythm that’s been complimented by promoted freshman, Royale Ewing. The Shamrocks defeated St. Viator 64-48. Before the tournament they will have two intense tune-up games against Nazareth (Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.) and St. Ignatius (Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.). Both games will be on the road.

Although the swimming team was defeated by Loyola Academy, the meet was not without positive results for many Shamrocks. “Several swimmers clocked personal records,” said assistant coach Courtney Choura. Freshman Quinn Vanderah broke his own 50-freestyle record each of the three times he swam the distance at the meet.

The wrestling team has been putting up a consistent effort so far this year. Freshman Steve Galiardo lost his first match of the season at the Buffalo Grove Tourney Dec. 13, placing second overall in the 112-pound weight class. Sophomore Stephen Kettner was a tournament champion at the 103-pound weight class. The varsity squad will have three important meets over the Christmas holiday including the St. Pat’s Quad at Saint Patrick on Sat., Dec. 19 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Following the home meet, the team will wrestle at the Palatine Wrestling Classic on Dec. 28-29 before returning home to host Grant and West Aurora on Sat., Jan. 2 at 9 a.m.

The bowling squad will have just one more dual meet before heading into the conference championships in mid-January and the IHSA Sectionals Jan. 23. The meet is scheduled for Jan. 7 versus the Notre Dame Dons.