Marchese commits to Illinois; O'Connell verbals to Wheaton

Stevenson senior Michael Marchese announced Tuesday night on Twitter that he will continue his education and football career at the University of Illinois.

"I'm happy to announce my commitment to play football at the University of Illinois! Thank you to my family, friends, and coaches who have helped me along the way. Go Illini."

Marchese's identical twin, Henry, who last week signed with University of Iowa, replied on Twitter.

"Family feud October 7th."

Illinois visits Iowa's Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 7.

Michael Marchese, who played safety and wide receiver for Stevenson, had 94 tackles, including 7 for loss, and 3 interceptions last season. The 6-foot-3 Marchese was a three-year varsity starter.

"He was the emotional leader of our defense and backed it up with his play," Stevenson coach Bill McNamara said last fall of Marchese's selection to the Daily Herald All-Area team. "Simply put, Michael plays with attitude and determination and energy. As a safety, he had the ability to take over a game. He would make tackles behind the line of scrimmage and then make interceptions 40 yards downfield. He was asked to do a lot for our team and excelled at the challenge."

At Illinois, Michael will join his brother Jimmy, who was a redshirt freshman for the Illini last fall.

O'Connell, Wheaton bound: Stevenson senior all-state quarterback Aidan O'Connell has committed to play football at Wheaton College, where his older brother, Patrick (Class of 2015), is a defensive lineman.

Aidan threw for 2,741 yards and 26 touchdowns during his one season as the Patriots' starting signalcaller. He completed 62 percent of his passes. O'Connell said he had preferred walk-on offers from some Big Ten schools, but had a "gut feeling" Wheaton was the right place for him.

Golf

Morrissey preps to tee it up: Warren freshman Chloe Morrissey will join participants from 12 The First Tee chapters from across the county at the upcoming Chubb Classic Golf to Paradise First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, Fla.

The event, which is hosted by The First Tee of Naples/Collier, will feature 24 The First Tee participants competing in a three-day match at TwinEagles Club in Naples Feb. 17-19.

Morrissey, who played varsity golf for Warren last fall, began golfing at age 5 and joined The First Tee at its Foss Park location when she was 7. She plays locally in IJGA tournament and volunteers for The First Tee participants as a way to give back to the organization that has provided her so many opportunities.