Grads VandeMerkt and McGonagill still ballin’
When student-athletes wrap up their senior year, most go through the difficult task of hanging up the cleats for the final time. For those talented few, they receive scholarships and continue their athletic journey through college. RB has witnessed the growth of many incredible athletes, but none more special than Billy VandeMerkt ’10 and Sean McGonagill ’10.
VandeMerkt was a three sport athlete at RB, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. Even though he was extremely successful in all three sports, he was truly a star when he stepped on the gridiron.
After taking over the starting job in week four of his sophomore year, VandeMerkt’s career really took off.
He was named All-State twice, while throwing for more than 3,400 yards and 36 touchdowns in only 10 games his junior year. He was recruited by several D-1 schools including Western Michigan and Northern Illinois, but in the end, decided to attend St. Joseph’s College in Indiana.
He flourished the second he stepped on campus by starting in four games under center as a true freshman. He completed 65 percent of his passes while throwing for seven touchdown passes and running for five more. After a promising start to his college career, VandeMerkt was named the Freshman of the Year in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
It seems as if VandeMerkt has made the transition to college football with ease.
“College sports are very different from high school sports, it’s a greater commitment. You are held to a higher standard on and off the field,” said VandeMerkt.
After a summer of hard work, VandeMerkt was named the starting quarterback for his sophomore campaign. Even though the team has struggled in an 0-4 start, it certainly isn’t because of poor quarterback play. In two games, he has completed almost 60 percent of his passes, along with over 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns.
It will be interesting to see how VandeMerkt progresses throughout his collegiate career.
McGonagill, a hoops legend here at RB, made an immediate impact at Brown University by being named a starter as a freshman last year. The 6-1, 180 pound guard played in twenty eight games while averaging 11.8 points per game. Last February, in a win against Columbia, McGonagill scored a record breaking 39 points while shooting 15 of 19 from the field. His 39 points were the sixth most points ever scored by a Brown player, and the most points scored by an Ivy League player since 2003.
In addition to his record setting performances, McGonagill was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year. He was only the fourth Brown player to win this award.
It could be argued that McGonagill was Brown’s best player last season. He led the team in minutes played, at over 33 a game, while being the only player to start in all 28 games. He also set the freshman record in assists with 147, and recorded 2 double-doubles against Yale and Penn.
It’s safe to say that the future is bright for both of these former RB stars.
SPONSOR’S NOTE:
We’ve corrected this article to show both athletes as graduating in 2010. -D. Mancoff
Hoops fever is sky high
With the boy’s basketball season finally here, Riverside Brookfield High School could not be more pumped. With nine players returning for another season, the Bulldogs are back and better than ever.
The starting five players are a strong core of athletes including three all conference returners: Six foot one inch guard Senior Sean McGonagill, six foot guard Senior Billy VandeMerkt, and six foot two inch guard Junior Ryan Jackson. Added to those three are six foot five inch center Senior Terrence Reed, who will be commanding the paint this year, and six foot one inch guard/forward Junior Watoris Slater, who will be a rebounding machine. Both of these players are sure to help ensure the team victory.
The Bulldogs also have a strong core of players that will be coming off the bench. Six foot eight inch center Junior Alex Dziagwa, six foot four inch guard Senior Mike Hansa, six foot one inch guard/forward Senior Mark McDonagh, five foot eleven inch guard Senior Nick Arias, and five foot eleven inch guard Senior Matt Meindl, will all provide relief to the starting five.
The Bulldogs opened up their season this past weekend at the Bill VandeMerkt tournament hosted at RB. The team dominated the competition winning their second consecutive title by beating Payton 65-26, Hinsdale South 73-49, and rival Nazareth 69-45.
The Bulldogs are looking to keep their undefeated season going by taking on the Tigers of Elmwood Park on Friday, December 4th at 7 p.m. Come cheer on the Bulldogs, wear your blue and white, and be ready to scream your heart out.
The unsung heroes: The Sixth Man
Football season is now over. This means that it’s time for RB to focus on its next big sports craze, basketball! The 2009-2010 basketball season is quickly approaching and hoops fever is high.
The team this year will be led by future Brown University superstar and senior, Sean McGonagill and returning junior, Ryan Jackson, who came off a sensational sophomore year. With these two players returning this year, the team looks better than ever.
Possibly more important than these two stars, however, is the RB basketball cheering section, The Sixth Man. At home games, more than 100 spirit-filled RB students yell, scream, and cheer on the Bulldogs.
“The goal of The Sixth Man is to give the team a confidence boost during the game and also get in the heads of the other team’s players, and psyche them out,” said senior Ian Robertson, who plans to lead The Sixth Man this upcoming season.
Over the years, The Sixth Man has helped the Bulldogs prevail against many difficult opponents by making their presence known.
“The Sixth Man definitely gives us a home court advantage,” said senior Forward/Guard Mark McDonagh, “every team that comes into our house knows that The Sixth Man is going to be relentless, so they start the game off with a disadvantage.”
Another thing The Sixth Man wants to bring to the table this year is not only going to home games, but games on the road too.
“Playing on the road is one of the hardest things our team has to do. Having The Sixth Man there will definitely make us feel at home,” said senior Shooting Guard Mike Hansa.
The Sixth Man has some big plans for the upcoming season. “We are going to try a lot of new and different things this season to help get our team win a state championship,” said Robertson, “we are going to use black outs, rally towels, and different costumes. Be ready for anything!”
The RB Basketball Season tips off on November 25th at RB. The team will be there, The Sixth Man will be there…will you?
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