Benet Redwings

Outstanding student-athletes at Benet Academy include (front row, from left) John Callahan, Billy Aukstik, Alex Stahley, Nick Beavis, Mike Vanchieri and Dave Sobolewski; (back row) Natalie Patzin, Liz Dudek, Meghan Eastman, Annie Doyle and Sarah Galvin.

Record breakers, history makers

February 17, 2009 By Michael Wojtychiw

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TOP SPORTS MOMENTS

No place like home

1 Benet has the longest home-court winning streak in Illinois basketball history, winning 102 straight games between Nov. 26, 1975, and Jan. 24, 1987. The streak was broken by Naperville North. Included in the streak was a 96-game conference winning streak from Jan. 12, 1977, to Feb.24, 1984. St. Edward broke the streak with a 68-67 victory.

Dream season ends

2 After going unbeaten in conference and squeaking by in the playoffs, the 1984 football team lost 31-14 to Morris in the state title game. Mike Ruffo led Benet with 814 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. The defense, stout all season, allowed only 8.54 points per game, while racking up six shutouts. The team's 25 interceptions were a school record at the time.

Seniors lead volleyball

3 The 2008 volleyball team won 40 of 42 matches before losing to St. Charles East in the Class 4A state title match. Seven seniors signed to play college volleyball in the fall - Natalie Patzin (Clemson), Ariana Mankus (Army), Jessica Jendryk (Illinois), Paige Vargas (Dayton), Beth Kinsella (Harvard), Brianne Hucek (Dartmouth) and Val Mattalaino (Boston College).

Champs times two

4 In their last two years in Class A, the Redwings won two boys state soccer championships and were undefeated (22-0-4) in 2000, when they defeated conference rival St. Viator for the title. The team finished the season No. 13 in the nation. Benet won the title again in 2001 with a 2-1, 3-OT thriller over Peoria Notre Dame as Matt Soldato scored both goals.

Going Downstate

5 The 1997-98 Benet girls basketball team had its best year in school history. The 29-5 season included a trip to the state quarterfinals, the furthest the team has ever gone. Unfortunately, Benet ran into a powerful Marshall team led by Cappie Pondexter and Kourtney Walton and lost 63-37. The team was led by two-time ESCC Player of the Year Mary Ellen Shaefer.

WHAT BENET MEANS TO ME

By Dan Lefevour: The 2005 grad is one of the top quarterbacks in the NCAA. He leads a potent offense for MAC power Central Michigan.

Originally, Benet Academy was just a high school I wanted to go to because all my brothers and sisters had gone there. Being the youngest in my family, it just seemed like the logical choice for me coming out of eighth grade.

After going to school there for four years, I now realize the experience I had at Benet was one that will shape the rest of my life. In the classroom, it was challenging, to say the least.

The best part about it was I learned how to budget my time and stay organized.

I believe these are traits that need to be developed over the course of time. I was able to do that over the four years I spent at Benet.

Another part of my life that Benet had an impact on was my faith. I would have to say I still have a strong relationship with God because Benet planted that seed that is still growing today.

Competing in a number of sports was another great part of high school. I was fortunate enough to play varsity basketball as well as football.

To be honest, I really cannot remember many specifics on the athletic fields. I have a hard time recalling a certain touchdown pass or a jump shot that I probably missed (I wasn't a good shooter). That may seem odd, being a college athlete and all.

What I do remember are the times I spent with my teammates and coaches and the relationships I built.

I met people there whom I will keep in contact with for the rest of my life.

I met some of my best friends and some of my biggest role models, and I do not think I would have done that at any other place. To me, Benet Academy provided the type of family atmosphere that is still present today.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

-Dave Bickler: Former lead singer of Survivor.

-Diablo Cody: Won Oscar as screenwriter ("Juno").

-Patrick Collins: Attorney.

-Vince Condella: Chief meteorologist for Fox News Milwaukee.

-Steven Derks: American Cancer Society CEO (Illinois Division).

-Tim Drover: Five-time Daytime Emmy Award winner, editor of "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

-Steve Haemmerle: Acquired the Navy Pier Ferris wheel.

-Nancy Johnson: 2000 Olympic air-rifle gold medalist.

-Mark Kirasich: Deputy director of NASA's Project Orion - the future of spacecraft.

-Dave Lytle: Inspiration for Mark Harmon's "NCIS" character.

-Ben Murphy: Actor.