Kishwaukee College Athletic News
Athlete of the Month
September 2009 Jenna Karkos
Congratulations to Jenna Karkos, 2009-10 Volleyball Player, as our September Student-Athlete of the Month! The 5'11" Outside Hitter from Hampshire H.S. has been named the team’s captain. She returns from a National Tournament Championship and All-Conference selection last year. She has 132 kills, 51 digs and 8 aces on the year as the team has a 9-2 record. "She is the backbone of our team, a great leader and a person I know I can count on to get the job done on the floor and in the classroom," lauds Head Coach Ron Sweet. "We are proud to have student-athletes of Jenna’s caliber to represent Kishwaukee College and be a great ambassador for our college and athletic programs," adds Athletic Director Karen Wiley.
October 2009 Mark Govednick
Congratulations to Mark Govednick as the October Student-Athlete of the Month! The Serena High School graduate is Team Captain for our Men’s Soccer Team 2009-10. He had 18 goals and 9 assiststs on the season, leading the team in both categories. He also earned First Team All-Region IV honors. “Mark is one of the hardes working and most focused players I have had the pleasure to coach. His progress over the past two seasons has been as great as any KC soccer player. Whatever career Mark chooses, he will be able to succeed based on the character he possesses,” lauds Head Coach Josh Woita. “Mark is a gentleman on the soccer pitch and as he carries himself in the classroom. We are proud to have him here as a quality student-athlete,” adds Athletic Director Karen Wiley.
November 2009 Stephanie Benninger
Congratulations to Stephanie Benninger as December Student-Athlete of the Month! The 5’9” forward is an Earlville High School graduate and currently Team Co-Captain for the 2009-10 Women’s Basketball team. Her team has garnered the #7 slot in NJCAA DII national polls with an impressive 10-1 start to the season. She is currently averaging 18ppg and 6 rebounds. Stephanie also works hard in the classroom, earning Academic All-Conference honors in 2008-09. “Steph has shown great leadership on and off the court and has provided us with great success on the court and an example of hard work paying off. We feel very fortunate to have someone of Steph’s caliber playing for us and representing KC with great class. We wish we could keep her for another two years!”
December 2009 Adrian Thomas
Congratulations to Adrian Thomas as Kishwaukee College’s December Student-Athlete of the Month. The 6' 0" sophomore point guard is one the Men’s Basketball team’s tri-captains. The team remains to to be the only undefeated team in Region 4 and currently ranked #3 in NJCAA Div. II. On the court he is leading Region IV and the nation in assists at a 9.4 apg. Adrian is currently carrying a 3.0 G.P.A. this semester and has accumulated all but three hours to graduate in the spring. Head Coach Rob Buss states, “Adrian is a tireless worker both on the court and in the classroom. He has been pushed both physically and mentally in the last year and a half. He has always responded positively to represent his team and KC with the highest respect. Adrian will graduate and have a chance to play NCAA Division I basketball next season.”
January 2010 Emily McLain
Congratulations to Emily McLain as the January Student-Athlete of the Month. The Prophetstown grad is a 5'7" forward for the Women’s Basketball team. As team captain she leads the team with 17 ppg and 8 rebounds. Emily has been named the Region IV Player of the Week twice, is second in the region in scoring and rebounding. She has helped bring a 19-5 record for the Kougars who are currently ranked #14. She had the team’s top G.P.A last semester. "Emily has worked hard in the classroom this year, and it is evident she is preparing herself academically and physically to move on to the next level. We are very proud of her accomplishments and all she has brought to our program. She represents KC well in all areas," lauds Athletic Director Karen Wiley.
February 2010 Amanda Turner
Congratulations to Amanda Turner for the February Student-Athlete of the Month! Amanda is a sophomore pitcher for the 2010-11 Women’s Softball team. Last year Amanda finished the season as the KC #1 pitcher, All-Conference, 2nd team All-Region, Regional All-tournament team, Academic All-Conference and NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete. Coach Bill Becker believes Amanda has exhibited great leadership both on and off the field. "At practices, workouts, she works hard, setting an example for her teammates. Her leadership has been of great assistance to the coaching staff. She is willing to help her teammates with their academics and gives them assistance," lauds Coach Becker. Amanda currently has attained a 4.0 G.P.A. and works as a tutor in the Learning Skills Center. "We are very proud of Amanda and all she brings to our softball program and class she brings to our department. Thank you for all you have done, Amanda," adds Athletic Director Karen Wiley.
March 2010 Paul Tometich
Congratulations to Paul Tometich, 6' 2", Sophomore, Forward for the Men’s Basketball! He has been named the KC Student-Athlete of the Month!
Paul played an intricall part of winning the Region IV Men’s Basketball Championship. He not only was a strong offensive weapon averaging 15 ppg / 6rpg / 2.5apg but also guarding each team’s best player. In the semi-final against Illinois Valley on IVCC home floor he held all-conference, all-region, and IVCC leading scorer 6' 6" PG Mike Gills scoreless in route to a 3-point Kishwaukee win. In the final Paul had 15pts and 7rebs while having to defend Black Hawk’s leading scorer who was also all-conference & all-region. Paul was named to the 1st team All-Region IV Tournament at Illinois Valley.
Paul continued to lead Kishwaukee at the NJCAA National Tournament. Paul had the most points of any player in the tournament in a single game with 25 points in the opening round win against Mercer (NJ). Paul scored double figures in all 4 games in route to averaging 18.75ppg / 5.5rpg / 3apg. At the conclusion of the tournament, Paul was named All-Tournament, helping Kishwaukee to two national tournament wins and a 6th place finish, 2nd best in KC MBB program history.
Paul graduate this summer and is receiving a wide variety of offers from 4-year scholarship colleges and universities.
