St. Viator grad gets to showcase skills

Dante Warren had to adjust his exam schedule at the University of South Dakota because of a surprise test he’s taking Saturday.

The 2006 Daily Herald All-Area quarterback at St. Viator had to move up four exams to the beginning of the week after he found out last weekend he was chosen to play in the second annual FCS Senior Scout Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Warren, a two-year starting quarterback at South Dakota, will be among some of the top players in the Football Championship Subdivision participating in the game. Warren will leave Wednesday and have two days of practice before the game at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“Going to a game like this, you are wondering who is going to play and what type of challenges will be out there,” said Warren, who will play for the South team. “Looking at the website, I’m confident in who they are bringing out there. There are some pretty good players.”

The 6-foot-1, 201-pound Warren included. This season, he threw for 1,729 yards with 14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and rushed for 415 yards and 9 touchdowns.

As a junior, Warren threw for a career-high 352 yards in a 41-38 upset win over Minnesota. Warren threw for 4,361 yards and 35 TDs in his college career.

“I’m kind of hungry to show what I can do against these other seniors,” Warren said of the chance to showcase his skills before pro scouts.

Warren has also been invited to the BSN (Beyond Sports Network) Collegiate Showcase on March 9-11 in Akron, Ohio. The showcase features tests and events similar to those at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl for players from the FCS, Division II and III and NAIA levels.

Warren hopes these chances to showcase his skills could help him get a shot at playing professional football.

“I definitely believe (I can), and if I keep working hard and maintain my speed, why not,” Warren said. “I could get looked at for another position. I’ll go however I need to to get to the NFL and I believe I can do it.”

Delaney, Quilty honored by Bears: Loyola senior center and Palatine resident Robert Delaney and Carmel senior linebacker and Gurnee resident Seamus Quilty have been chosen as recipients of the Chicago Bears’ Community Champion Award for outstanding civic achievements.

Delaney was an all-Chicago Catholic League pick, captain and two-year starter who helped Loyola to a Class 8A state runner-up finish last month. He is also an Honor Roll student who scored 28 on the ACT.

Delaney is the director of Loyola’s Christian Life Community, a mentoring program where upperclassmen help underclassmen. He also founded “Athletes to the Respite,” where monthly events are scheduled for athletes and special needs children to participate in activities such as bowling, sports in the park and movies.

Quilty has been a Superior Honors student his first three years at Carmel for maintaining a 4.25 grade-point average. He also received the 2011 Monte Award which recognizes the football team member who exemplifies the meaning of being a team player and leader.

Quilty has devoted more than 60 hours of community service each year in high school and has been a leader for the setup and logistics crew for the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, which gives children and adults with physical and visual impairments the opportunity to participate in athletics. His other activities include involvement in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and working as a tutor for Carmel students.

The award-winners will be honored Feb. 20 at Halas Hall at a National Football Foundation Awards Ceremony.