The Stevenson Seven: Senior Athletes Make Their College Choices Official On Signing Day
When seniors David Kohan and Jonny Farber first met each other, swimming at the pool probably meant water wings and nothing but the shallow kiddie area.
“We were three,” Kohan said with a laugh. “We grew up together, grew up swimming together. We’re really close. Our parents are really close, too.“And we’ve been swimming together (competitively) for at least seven to eight years.”
“Probably more,” Farber chimed in.
And now…still even more.
Kohan and Farber (pictured above, left and right) will be continuing their nearly lifelong friendship and swimming connection far beyond the kiddie pool, and even past Stevenson.
The two signed their National Letters of Intent Wednesday afternoon in the Wood Commons as part of Signing Day at Stevenson, and across the nation…and they both signed on the dotted line to go to Boston University.
Kohan and Farber, part of group of seven Stevenson seniors who took part in the signing ceremony, say it wasn’t intentional, that they didn’t set out to be a “package deal” at any particular college, but that they aren’t surprised that their paths are intersecting once again, especially through swimming.
Now, they’re planning on being college roommates.
“We were getting recruited by a bunch of schools, some different schools,” said Farber, who specializes in freestyle and backstroke. “But we both wanted to choose a great academic school and program so we visited Boston together and we just fell in love with the team and the school and the campus. And we decided ‘Why not (go to the same school)?’
“Swimming is a really hard sport mentally and physically. It’s really easy to get down on yourself and having someone you know so well next to you is a really big deal. It will help me a lot.”
What also helped Kohan and Farber with their recruiting was the extraordinary success of last year’s boys swim team. The Patriots won the IHSA state championship, the program’s first in school history.
“In swimming, if you come off a great season, especially winning state, it factors a lot into recruiting and it does put you on the map with college coaches,” said Kohan, a sprinter in freestyle and butterfly. “They’re looking at that and they’re looking at leadership. It’s a big deal.”
Kohan and Farber weren’t the only Stevenson swimmers to turns heads at Boston University. Interestingly, senior Milena Busma signed her letter of intent yesterday to swim for the women’s team there. (All three ~ Kohan, Busma and Farber ~ are pictured left.)
A coincidence…yes. But one that Busma, a specialist in the butterfly who is competing at state this weekend, is elated about.
“I didn’t have a lot of communication with the boys about Boston. I did have some other schools I was talking to but in the end, I felt like Boston was going to be the best place for me and my home for the next four years,” Busma said. “But it’s such a great coincidence because I’m really excited to have these boys as teammates for the next four years. For the next four years, I think we’ll probably be practicing together in the pool every day. I’m so excited that I can be best friends with them all through college.”
Like “the boys,” Busma has been swimming for almost as long as she can remember.
“I started swimming when I was 6 years old,” Busma said. “I never imagined that I would take it this far. Being a Division I committed athlete. Especially this early in senior year. I’ve been looking forward to this day. I’m just so excited.”
Another Stevenson swimmer signed on the dotted line yesterday.
Michael Wywrocki, who swims the individual medley and the butterfly, made it official with Cornell University. (Wywrocki is pictured right with Farber, boys swim coach Doug Lillydahl and Kohan.)
“(The state championship) last year really helped me with my recruiting,” Wywrocki said. “I dropped some really good ‘best times,’which really helped me get noticed by coaches who invited me for visits and then I got offers. That really helped.”
In addition to the swimmers, two golfers ~ Allie Santos and Jessica Velent ~ and soccer player Mimi Van Zanten also signed their National Letters Of Intent.
Van Zanten (pictured left) will be playing for Florida State, which is currently the No. 1-ranked Division I women’s soccer team in the nation. Meanwhile, Santos and Velent leave behind quite a legacy at Stevenson to move on to Southern Illinois and Wisconsin-Whitewater respectively.
“They’ve had amazing careers here at Stevenson,” girls golf coach Emma Degen said of Santos and Velent, pictured together below right. Santos is on the left, then Degen and Velent. “They are all-state athletes. And over their four-year careers, we are four-time conference champions, four-time regional champions, four-time sectional champions and we got first in state, had the COVID year and then were twice second at state.
“They are going to be huge contributors to their (college) teams, just like they have been huge contributors here.”
Each athlete spoke during the ceremony, thanking their parents, their coaches, their teammates while reflecting on the momentous nature of the occasion. For most, signing on that dotted line reflected years of dedication and sacrifice.
“It means a lot,” Kohan said. “We put in a lot of work, a lot of seasons and a lot of ups and downs and it’s really great to finally be here and sign this piece of paper. It’s amazing. It’s always been a dream for me to swim in college. Now that it’s finally happening, it’s a great moment. I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.”
Stevenson Salutes Military Week!
Stevenson’s annual Military Week continues today! During this week, representatives from many branches of the military will be available to speak with students. Students interested in attending a session and learning more about what is available may fill out this Google form.
Here is the schedule for the rest of the week:
- TODAY: Visitors will include the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (third period), U.S. Navy (fourth period), Air National Guard (fifth period) and U.S. Air Force (sixth period)
- Tomorrow: A member of the U.S. Army (fourth period), Army National Guard (fifth period) and U.S. Marine Corps (sixth period)
Juniors: Mark Your Calendars! Course Selection Day Coming Up
You’re up next, Juniors!
Just a reminder that next Wednesday (Nov. 16) marks the first day of 2023-24 Course Selection for juniors.
For more information about Course Selection, check out the “Course Selection Page” on the Stevenson website.
During the Activity Period on Monday (Nov. 14), juniors will meet with their counselors to prep for the first day of “Course Selection.”
Nearly 100 Stevenson Students Receive Commendation From National Merit Scholarship!
Approximately 34,000 students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise by National Merit Scholarship, and nearly 100 of them are from Stevenson.
Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, “Commended Students” placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
”Those being named ‘Commended Students’ have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. ”These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
For a full list of the 95 “Commended Students” from Stevenson, please click here.
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Become A Freshman Mentor! Information Meeting Tomorrow
There will be a Freshman Mentor Program Information Meeting during all the half lunch periods TOMORROW in the Recital Hall.
Current sophomores and juniors who are interested in mentoring in FMP next year can attend to learn more about the application process.
Want To Be A Badger? Wisconsin Has Virtual Visit Next Week
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be visiting Stevenson through a virtual visit on Tuesday (Nov. 15) during FIRST PERIOD in Room 2104.
Please remember to sign up in Naviance and ask your teacher if you may attend the rep visit. Ideally, please make these arrangements two school days in advance, which, in this case, means by Friday (or over the weekend via e-mail.)
Sophomores: Get Your Class Swag Now!
The Sophomore Class Board is selling some new “Class Of 2025” swag.
Click on this link to check it out and place your order.
There are T-shirts, sweatshirts and joggers priced between $15 and $28.
All orders are due by Nov. 15.
Try Spikeball Today At The Patriot Wellness Center!
Interested in playing Spikeball? Come try out Intramural Spikeball on Thursdays at the Patriot Wellness Center.
So what is Spikeball? It’s a little bit Volleyball, a little bit Four-Square but with its own unique twist and rules.
No experience is needed to try IM Spikewall. No commitment either. And all are welcome.
Students may participate from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 pm. Please e-mail Mr. Wellington with questions.
Game On! Table Tennis Tryouts Today
Looking for a fun club to join? The Table Tennis Club is hosting tryouts in the Lower East Commons from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. TODAY.
This is a recreational club for students who would like to learn the basic techniques, and is open to anyone who would like to play. Some tournaments will be scheduled.
There is also Advanced Table Tennis at Stevenson. This club is designed for the more experienced player who is looking for higher level competition. Students will compete against other high schools.
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Girls Swim Heads To State Finals Tomorrow With Big Contingent
With 12 individuals and three relay teams, Stevenson will be well-represented at the IHSA State Girls Swim/Dive Finals this weekend.
The Patriots, fresh off their 10th Sectional Championship, will begin competing tomorrow and into Saturday at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont. Stevenson has placed once as a team at the state meet, a third-place finish in 2007.
In addition to the three relay teams (200 medley, 200 free and 400 free), Stevenson will be represented individually by:
Junior Hana Wienckowski (200 free, 100 free)
Freshman Shay Donovan (200 IM, 500 free)
Senior Amy Andres (200 IM, 500 free)
Senior Izzie Gattone (50 free, 100 free)
Junior Stephanie Kirova (50 free, 100 breaststroke)
Sophomore Lada Volkov (Diving)
Freshman Cassidy Carlborg (Diving)
Senior Milena Busma (100 butterfly)
Freshman Linnea Florin (100 butterfly)
Junior Jennifer Chen (100 backstroke)
Senior Abby Collins (100 backstroke)
Freshman Nelli Sandor (100 breaststroke)
Over the course of program history at the IHSA State Finals, Stevenson has registered 45 individual place-winners and 24 relay place-winners.
Athletic Results
Boys Hockey: A hat trick (3 goals) by Davis Jegers paved the way as Stevenson (17-4) soundly defeated Lake Forest, 6-1. The Patriots jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period with a perfectly placed goal in the top corner by Jegers, assisted by Zach Kulick. Tristan Caridei made it 2-0 a couple minutes later on a goal assisted by Bryan Wojdelko. Jegers added his second goal of the night, late in the first period, off an assist by Drew Lermer. Caridei scored an unassisted goal in the second and Jegers completed his hat trick with an assist from David Etingen. Dylan Jette added the Patriots’ final goal off an assist from Caridei. The Patriots are back on the ice at 5:50 p.m. tonight at Twin Rinks in a crucial SHL matchup against Glenbrook South.
Sports Notes
Mandatory Student-Athlete Meeting: If you are a student-athlete and you have not attended the mandatory student-athlete meeting, there is one Thursday, Nov. 17 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the West Auditorium. Please be on time as the auditorium fills up quickly and the meeting will start promptly at 9:45 a.m.
Fall Sports Awards: The Sneaker Ball Awards are coming soon, so get your favorite sneakers ready and attend the Fall Sports Awards on Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Dress to impress and win the best program award for the most fun sneakers. Attire: No sweats or pajama pants.
Boys Ice Hockey Allstate Arena Game: On Sunday, Nov. 20, the Patriots will be taking on rival St. Viator at Allstate Arena right after the Chicago Wolves host the Iowa Wild. The puck will drop approximately 45 minutes after the Wolves game ends. Tickets can be purchased here. Seats will be assigned for the Wolves game and then become general admission seating in the south end between Sections 105 and 116 for the Scholastic Hockey League game between Stevenson and St. Viator.
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Dozens Of SAT Tests Have Been Lost After Flying Out Of An El Paso UPS Truck
Dozens of El Paso High School students’ SAT answer sheets were lost after they flew from the UPS truck transporting them. The school district was able to recover all but 55, which means those unlucky students may have to retake their tests. A video on social media appeared to show Scantron sheets scattered across El Paso’s Mesa Street.
How Royalties From The Extraction Of Oil And Gas Are Helping A Texas University
The University of Texas, which is making millions from land it leases for oil and gas drilling, is getting close to overtaking Harvard University as the school with the largest endowment.
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Mark your calendars for these events and see the Stevenson Calendar for details on these and future programs.
Nov. 10-11: CCC Military Week
Nov. 11-12: IHSA Girls Swimming And Diving State Meet
Nov. 14: Fall Sports Awards
Nov. 14: Activity Period
Nov. 16: PPA Bake Sale
Nov. 17: Late Arrival
Nov. 17: Consortium Musical Performance
Stevenson Daily Digest 