April 2026 Athletics

1. Rosary College Prep

Several Rosary students were named IHSA State Champions in Swimming!

Congrats to Senior Ariyana Nieckula, who won in the 100 Butterfly and 200 Freestyle Relay; Sophomore Paige Kowal, who won in the 200 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle Relay; Junior Annabelle Nawrocki, who won in the 200 Freestyle; and Sophomore Abby Moore, who won in the 200 Freestyle Relay.

IHSA State Champion Ariyana Nieckula, Rosary ‘26.IHSA State Champion Paige Kowal, Rosary ’28.
IHSA State Champion Annabelle Nawrocki, Rosary ‘27.IHSA State Champion Abby Moore, Rosary ‘28.

2. Community Unit School District 308

Jacsen Tucker, junior at Oswego East High School, recently became the all-time home run leader for Oswego East's baseball team.

Oswego East High School Senior, Jacsen Tucker, all-time home run leader.

3. Waubonsee Community College

The Waubonsee Community College’s Men’s Tennis team opened their 2026 season with two wins over the Milwaukee Area Technical College and Sauk Valley Community College.

Let’s go, Chiefs!

Waubonsee Community College Tennis player swinging racket during 2026 season opener.

4. Aurora Central Catholic

Congratulations to Corina Maratea ‘26 on collecting her 37th career win, an ACC record, and strikeout number 100 in a 15-0 victory over Walther Christian. Go Chargers!

Corina Maratea ’26, holding the game ball after her 37th career win and a 15-0 victory against Walther Christian.
Corina Maratea ’26 poses for photo with teammates celebrating her 37th career win.

5. Aurora Christian Schools

The Aurora Christian High School Track Team kicked off their season this month with plenty of smiles and sportsmanship!

6. IMSA

IMSA’s FIRST Robotics team, Titan Robotics, competed at the Central Illinois and Midwest Regionals, where they won several matches and earned the Team Sustainability Award for their commitment to sustainable practices, efficient resource use, and long-term impact.

Olivia Pan ‘27 was also named a FIRST Leadership Award Finalist, one of only four students in Illinois recognized for outstanding leadership, strong character, and contributions to her team.

IMSA’s Robotics team poses for group photo, earning the Team Sustainability Award.

7. Indian Prairie School District 204

Congratulations to the Waubonsee Valley High School Boys' Water Polo team, who were named the 2026 DuPage Valley Conference Champions!

Waubonsee Valley Boys’ Water Polo team, 2026 DuPage Valley Conference Champions.

8. Kaneland School District 302

Congratulations to Heston C., Alex L., Charlie M., and James R. from Kaneland Harter Middle School for becoming Conference Champions in wrestling! Their hard work and dedication led them to victory, making their school proud.

From left to right — Kaneland Conference Champion wrestlers, Heston C., Alex L., Charlie M., and James R.

9. Marmion Academy

The Marmion Cadets’ Wrestling Team was recognized this month at the City of Aurora Council Meeting for several individual honors and for winning their second straight state title earlier this year.

The Swim Team was also recognized for winning multiple IHSA State Championships!

Group photo of Marmion Academy's Wrestling team with Mayor John Laesch and Alderman Edward j. Bugg,
Marmion Academy Swim Team pose for photo celebrating IHSA State Championship wins.

10. West Aurora School District 129

Chadd & Henry of West Aurora High School took on the Illinois Bass Nation Youth Series on the Des Plains River, battling the cold temps, wind, and rain earlier this month.

The duo landed 4 bass totaling 7.35 pounds, finishing 6thout of 23 teams. Congratulations Blackhawks!

West Aurora Bass Fishing teammates Chadd and Henry holding bass, Illinois Bass Nation Youth Series.