Columns by Joe Stevenson

Megan Graf started seriously looking at colleges last year with two things in mind – majoring in pre-veterinary science and playing soccer.

Prairie Ridge’s Mitch Wilkins and Marengo’s Torben Hoffmeyer became friends through competitive running over the past few years and will get much better acquainted over the next few.

Seeing Abe LaMontagne atop the awards stand, holding the bracket given to each weight-class champion, likely was not what anyone envisioned three years ago.

Under normal circumstances, Crystal Lake South senior Charlie Oliver would have signed his NCAA national letter of intent Wednesday to play soccer on scholarship at Northern Illinois University.

Huntley’s setter became known for having a namesake in the NFL, although Elizabeth Manning also earned a reputation with her ability on the volleyball court.

Zack Geib remembers a pivotal moment when he played 12U baseball with the Crystal Lake Cyclones and his coach, Chuck Ahsmann, taught him grips for various pitches.

Prairie Ridge’s gymnastics team more or less reached the end of an era last year when Jenny Covers graduated.

Marengo’s Allison Rogutich was inspired by the IHSA Girls Track and Field State Meet in May.

Luke Waggoner said his East Coast trip to visit three prospective colleges with his parents, David and Lisa, conjured up memories of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”