BY EDDIE RODRIGUEZ, Editor

Every team has their key players; Derrick Rose for the Bulls, Jonathan Toews for the Blackhawks, Brian Urlacher for the Bears, etc. Most of these athletes have been playing their sport since they were young and have many years of experience under their belt.

One of the most important transitions from novice to pro is the step that comes in between. What separates the good from the greats while getting an education at the same time? Believe it or not, schools are interested in what some of the Kaneland seniors have to offer. Not only by their actions or abilities on the field or court, but also by their actions when the games over. Colleges are looking for multi-sport athletes who get good grades, who are well

rounded individuals and also have good character. According to assistant varsity football coach Patrick Ryan, varsity football players  offensive

lineman Zach Theis, and wide

receiver Zack Martinelli have both been looked at by schools.

“They need to be good students, natural leaders and team captains,” said Ryan.

Three seniors on the varsity soccer team are also under the watchful eye of a few colleges. Midfeilder Alex Gil, and defenders Alec Koczka defense and Sam Rymarz are also being looked at by schools. According to head varsity soccer coach Scott Parillo, good grades, athletic ability and being a model citizen is what they’re looking for in their athletes.

“With all the recent things

happening in the news, it seems like schools are looking more at what type of person they are rather than their abilities,” Parillo said

Athletic director Leigh Jaffke said that the first step in becoming a college athlete is passing the NCAA clearinghouse, followed by many more steps to become a college athlete. This also leads to a promising future. Scholarships for student athletes come in all shapes and sizes, just like the athletes themselves. It could be a full ride at a Division 1 college or a reduction in the regular price of going to school, but either way it helps.

Another varsity senior volleyball player Lyndi Scholl says that she has her mom and the Internet to thank for getting noticed by college scouts.

“My mom and I have Emailed a lot of schools to get my name out there, also there are a ton of websites that you can put your number, your team, and your stats to help get your name out there and get the attention of college scouts.” Said scholl.

“Colleges really like to see active people, whether its clubs, people who work, sports clubs that are year round, or either other sports.”

According to assistant tennis coach Dominic Bruno, good grades and a great personality are helpful characteristics for getting noticed by schools.

One thing that student athletes need to remember is that school comes first.

With all of the technology now a days it is a lot easier to get schools to learn who you are through websites that have scholarship opportunities for not only athletes but every high school student too. Websites like fastweb.com are quick ways to see and apply for scholarships that may be beneficial to students. There are also other tools which make getting scholarships,

whether athletic or academic easier.