Sports Extras
Jack Walker, a four-year starter for the Concordia University Chicago baseball team, signed a rookie contract with the Schaumburg Flyers of the independent Northern League last week.
Walker, a shortstop for the 2009 Cougar team that went 33-15 and made an appearance in the NCAA III Mideast Regional, was named a first-team All-Midwest Region player by the American Baseball Coaches Association at the end of the season. He batted .360 (59-164) in 46 games this year, scoring 58 runs. He finished with 13 homers and 46 RBIs. Walker was a career .352 hitter and the team’s career leader in five categories, including games played (176), hits (235) and runs scored (211).
“We are very excited for Jack getting this opportunity,” said Concordia head coach Spiro Lempesis through a press release issued by the school. “This is a great chance for him to continue his development in baseball with a fine organization in the Schaumburg Flyers, and we are wishing him the very best.”
Gary to play for legend
Former OPRF basketball player Phil Gary will play for Florida International next season under Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas.
Gary earned an Associate in Arts degree from Malcolm X College last month and was accepted with a full scholarship to Florida International.
Monks nominated to play Junior-Am
OPRF High School student Allison Monks was recently nominated to compete in the American Junior Golf Association’s Junior-Am Event to be held in Aurora in August.
Monks was one of nearly 100 juniors nominated.
McCall named all-conference
Chris McCall, a 2004 graduate of OPRF High School, was named to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference Team.
McCall was the starting catcher for the Lewis University Flyers. He led the team in batting average (.350) and slugging percentage. McCall is the first all-conference catcher for Lewis since 2004.
OPRF soccer alumni game
The OPRF soccer program is hosting its first annual men’s alumni soccer game on July 25 at OPRF Stadium (6 p.m.).
All former OPRF soccer players are invited to play in the game. Donations will go toward the purchase of new soccer equipment, among other things related to the soccer program.
For more information about the game and former OPRF soccer players, visit www.oprfsoccer.com.
Fundraiser in the name of Powell
Friends and colleagues of Oak Park and River Forest head wrestling coach Mike Powell, who has been diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease called polymyositis, are holding a fundraiser to raise money in his name for research on the disease.
The fundraiser will be held on Monday, June 15, at Doc Ryan’s from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Cost is $25 per person.
Donations can also be made by sending a check made out to: In Relentless Pursuit, P.O. Box 4226, Oak Park, IL 60304.
For more information,
e-mailinrelentlesspursuit@gmail.com.
Youth tennis
A tennis program for youth will soon be available in Oak Park. Starting June 19 at the Taylor Park Tennis Courts, the Midwest Youth Tennis program will be open for girls and boys ages 5-11 years. No experience necessary.
The participant program package includes the following: new tennis racquet (21 or 23-inch for 8-and-under, 25-inch for 10-and-under), Ace’s Kids Club package, team uniform, and tennis ball.
Visit www.midwestteamtennis.com to sign up for the program, and for more details on the site location and practice/play times.
Swim lessons
Fenwick High School is offering swim lessons for children 5 and up. The program will consist of two week lessons, Monday-Thursday for 45 minutes. Session 1 is June 15-25. Session 2 is June 29- to July 9, and session 3 is July 13-23.
Cost is $95 per participant for one session, $174 for two sessions and $255 for three sessions.
Registration is at Fenwick off of the East Avenue parking lot. For more information, contact Dave Perry at 708-386-0127 ext 195.