SISC Trifecta: March 2011

Mar 19, 2011

Sponsored by Peoples National Bank

SISC continues to shine a spotlight on area athletes who have risen to the occasion in the classroom, in their communities, and on their teams or in their sports.  We hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of the feel-good stories of young people who are contributors in the game of life.

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Lee Sopczak – Goreville

Lee Sopczak, a senior at Goreville High School, has played baseball, basketball and ran cross country for four years but is also very active off the playing field. Sopczak is a member of WYSE, scholar bowl, BETA, class vice president, has participated in school plays and is ranked second in his class. Sopczak will attend the University of Illinois next year where he will major in accounting.

“Lee is the true definition of a student-athlete,” said Goreville Athletic Director Todd Tripp. “Lee has always been a top-notch person and we will miss him greatly next year.”

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Nathan Butler – West Frankfort

Nathan Butler is a senior at Frankfort Community High School where he played football for four years and basketball for two years. Butler has also serves student body president his senior year, BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) for four years and president his senior year, National Honor Society for two years, class officer for three years, First Priority four years, Key Club two years and has a cumulative GPA of 4.7 on a 5.0 scale.

“Nathan Butler personifies what you look for in a student-athlete,” said FCHS Principal Danny Stevens. “He contributes in the classroom, in multiple sports, as well as modeling the appropriate behavior. His leadership is our vision of the Redbird Spirit.”

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Sean Baumann – Carbondale

Sean Baumann, a senior at Carbondale Community High School, was recently honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as a high school All-American. Sean was one of only 36 All-American high school scholars chosen nationwide. Sean set a CCHS school record for most goals (37) and also had seven assists. He was al all-state selection as a junior and a senior, an All-Midwest selection as a senior and made the South Seven All-Conference team three years and was named MVP two years. Sean is also president of the CCHS Student Council, a member of Lifesavers where he served as group leaders and a Freshmen Mentor.

“I have worked with lots and lots of students and Sean is by far the best of the best,” said Connie Morgan, student activities director at CCHS. “He is has a wonderful personality, is hardworking and is extremely dedicated to his school and community. He goes above and beyond and is a true leader!”

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Zach Lochhead – Chester

Zach Lochhead became the all-time leading scorer in Chester basketball history this year scoring 1,102 points, capped off by a single-season record of 636 points during his senior season. Lochhead has been captain of the basketball, football and baseball teams during the past four years. While Zach has been busy on the playing field he is equally busy away from sports as member of the concert band for four years, Swing Choir and Spanish Club for three years and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years. He has also participated in four drama productions at CHS and is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and a 2010 Boy’s State Delegate in 2010.

“Zach is not only a great student and an excellent athlete,” said Coach Robert Bell. “But he is also a fine person with a great attitude.”