M A R I A N T E A M S E X C E L O N G O L F C O U R S E , G R I D I RO N Fore! Success on the golf course was contagious this fall, as a second place in state finish for the Marian women in 2005 was followed up by top state performances from both the men and women in 2006. Both teams followed up brilliant regular seasons by rolling through the postseason. The women added to their trophy collection with conference, regional and sectional crowns, nearly capturing another state trophy with a fourth-place state finish. The men turned in Marian’s best finish in school history with an 11th-place state finish. “The men’s and women’s teams had outstanding seasons, highlighted by outstanding state finishes and each team featured a conference champion in Samantha Sloan ’08 and Ben Nichele ’08,” said Jim Mendenhall, who has guided the men’s team for 14 seasons. Each team had first-place and runner-up finishes in invitationals and the women also won regional and sectional championships. Seniors who completed outstanding golf careers included Kate Kotora, Lauren Pascarella, Joe Barker, Dan Karwowski, Kyle Panici, Anthony Rosati, Tom Scrementi and Mike Vanover. “There was much camaraderie between the teams as we competed in a Ryder Cup competition that ended in a tie. Both teams are looking forward to next season,”said Mendenhall. The contagious trend of success translated to the football field, as the Spartans earned their first IHSA playoff berth since 2003.
Marian golfer Ryan Maksimik eyes up a shot during a very successful men’s season (11th at the IHSA state tourney).
Marian junior Sammi Sloan finished fourth at the IHSA state tourney.
Winning five of its last six regular-season games, Marian opened the playoffs with a revenge victory over Homewood-Flossmoor in overtime. The Spartans turned the tables on a 42-28 season-opening loss to the Vikings by winning a thrilling 20-14 playoff contest in overtime. It was no surprise that this group brought success as the 2006 seniors posted a perfect 9-0 ESCC record as freshmen, led by this fall’s co-ESCC Players of the Year Cliffton Gordon (Offense) and Josh Howe (Defense). Running back Gordon finished second on Marian’s all-time charts for both single-season
Senior quarterback Jack Krause heads upfield during the Spartans’ run into the Class 8A playoffs.
rushing (1,958 yards) and career rushing (3,274). More good news is forecasted for the winter season, where men’s basketball will try to build on a school-record 22-win campaign and Marian’s second IHSA regional crown in school history. Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team got good news even before it started its bid for a fifth Elite Eight visit in six years. The Marian women’s squad was ranked as the area’s pre-season No. 1 team in the Illinois Times, Daily Southtown and Star Newspapers.
PERKOVICH TANDEM HITS NATIONAL RANKINGS John A. Perkovich, Marian teacher since 1977, and his son, John B. Perkovich ’92, began playing the national USTA Father-Son tournament circuit last year. They achieved a ranking of 77th in the country and were the only father-son team from Indiana ranked nationally. For 25 years, John “A.” was Marian’s varsity tennis coach. He is currently Director of Tennis for Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville, Indiana. John “B.” is a certified PTR tennis pro and head pro at Briar Ridge. He is also the head girl’s varsity coach at Andrean Catholic High School in Merrillville, Indiana. Their competitions have taken them to Cincinnati, Ohio, Cherry Hills, New Jersey and LaJolla, California.
John A. and John B. Perkovich ’92
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