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Prospect grad Jarosz finishes career at Augustana in style

Now this was quite an ending for Bobby Jarosz.

In the final game of his collegiate career, Jarosz rushed for the fifth-best single-game mark in the history of Augustana's football program.

The Prospect graduate gained 263 yards from 22 carries as the Vikings defeated Carthage 51-36 last Saturday in Kenosha, WI.

Jarosz' big game gave him 1,165 yards this season, the ninth best single-season rushing total in program history.

The last Viking running back to run for 1,000 yards was Mike Guzman (1,089) in 2005. Quarterback Sam Frasco, also a Prospect grad, rushed for 1,172 yards in 2015.

Jarosz also had a blocked punt for a touchdown against Carthage as the Vikings closed out the season at 6-4.

One week earlier, Jarosz celebrated his Senior Day in Rock Island by being named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Offensive Player of the Week. He rushed for a 184 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 34-6 win over Carroll.

Conenna to hall

Palatine resident John Conenna was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame after a 20-year career in coaching.

His playing career began in Norridge and he later became the goaltending coach for a few seasons at Holy Cross High School in River Grove.

Conenna coached a travel program for the Northwest Chargers in Rolling Meadows for 10 years and then coached and served as president of the Conant High School hockey program for 12 years.

He was also the head coach at DePaul University for two seasons.

He was named vice president of the metro northwest hockey board and was a two-time coach of the year for travel hockey and high school hockey.

Conenna retired in 2012 to spend more time with his wife Connie and children Vincent and Julianna.

"I'm very proud of my Italian American heritage and my parents Vincenzo and Elisabetta," Conenna said. "They are no longer with us but I thank them for their love and dedication as great parents. I'm truly honored by this prestigious award. There are no words for this."

Lacrosse signees

Of the 11 St. Viator students who signed national letters of intent last week, eight were lacrosse players (seven from the boys' program and one from the girls). They committed to play at highly regarded programs, ranging from the east coast to the Midwest.

Lions boys lacrosse coach Patrick Gaeger credited his mentor and former coach, Bill Sanford, with establishing a culture of winning in St. Viator's program.

"This culture has now spanned generations and has generated an alumni network of hundreds of players," said Gaeger, a 2008 St. Viator grad. "The boys understand that being a member of the Saint Viator lacrosse program, continues with you well after your four years here.

"The hunger to go and be community leaders both on and off the field is astonishing. That is why so many boys feel compelled to play lacrosse at the next level."

Twin brothers Connor and Jacob Freeman committed to playing Division I lacrosse in the Patriot League for Lafayette College in Easton, PA. Both are midfielders who have a natural connection and high-scoring attack.

"We're excited," Connor Freeman said. "I think we can both bring positive energy to the team."

Giovanni Armocida committed to playing Division 1 lacrosse at Wagner College, located on Staten Island in New York. As a long stick midfielder, Giovanni will be a valuable utility player to the Sea Hawks, who compete in the Northeast Conference.

Zo Lombardo committed to playing D-I lacrosse at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. The talented midfielder will be playing for first-year coach Andrew Whitley in the Southern Conference.

Olivia Moorman, a draw specialist who plays the attack position in the field, committed to D-I Central Michigan University.

Lions girls coach Suzanne Rich said Moorman helped bring her program to a whole other level.

"I expect Olivia will be an impact player her freshman year," Rich said. "She brings her strong athleticism and dedication, and is just a great team player."

Rounding out the committed lacrosse players are Nick Boey (Aurora University), Alec Gern (Carthage) and Michael Campagna (Illinois Wesleyan),

Women's swimming

Carthage senior Becca Rutkowski (Fremd) was selected as the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Women's Swimmer of the Week.

Rutkowski won three individual events during the Calvin quadrangular in Grand Rapids. She swam untapered bests in two events, including the 50-yard freestyle (24.31) and the 100-yard freestyle (53.23).

She also posted a season-best time of 1:58.46 while winning the 200-yard freestyle.

Rutkowski contributed to the second-place 800-yard freestyle relay (8:05.97), second place 400-yard freestyle relay (3:40.45), first place 200-yard freestyle relay (1:38.58) and fourth place 400-yard medley relay (4:11.44).

Girls basketball

Pairings have been announced for the 30th annual 'Coach Kipp Hoopsfest' on Martin Luther King weekend.

The top matchup looks like the Saturday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m. game featuring defending Class 4A IHSA state champ Maine West against Northwestern High School (Kokomo, IN), the two time Class 3A defending champ in Indiana.

Northwestern is led by two Big Ten signees and is currently tied for first in the Indiana state rankings.

Also on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Fremd takes on Marist and Rolling Meadows meets Montini on Monday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m.

Email Sports Notes items to jleusch@dailyherald.com

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