Two Oak Lawn Football Standouts Sign With University of St. Francis
Oak Lawn seniors Mike Calandriello and Danny Townsend will remain football teammates on the collegiate level. The two Spartan standouts recently signed letters of intent to play at the University of St. Francis.
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Mike Calandriello and Danny Townsend soon will be trading the Kelly green and white colors of Oak Lawn Community High School for the brown and gold of the University of St. Francis.
The two Spartan seniors recently signed letters of intent to play football next season on full-ride scholarships at USF.
“We are very proud and excited for Dan (Townsend) and Mike (Calandriello) to continue playing football at the college level,” Oak Lawn coach Sean Lucas said in a news release. “Their commitment to training year-round and dedication in the classroom allowed both of them to earn these scholarships.”
Townsend, a tight end/wide receiver, emerged as one of Oak Lawn’s most dynamic offensive threats. He finished with 35 catches for 498 yards and five touchdowns. He also was named to the South Suburban Red all-conference team.
Calandriello, a defensive end, was named Defensive MVP in the South Suburban Red after racking up 48 tackles and five sacks for a Spartans’ team that finished with a 4-5 record in Lucas’ first season as coach.
St. Francis, located in Joliet, Ill., went 10-3 and reached the first round of the NAIA playoffs before falling to Marian University (49-7).
OL Resident
9:15 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
Congratulations to both athletes on their accomplishments. Your parents are very proud of you.
Ron Kremer
10:13 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
The two are joining a program at St. Francis that is one the rise. The Saints were 10-3 last season and reached the first round of the NAIA playoffs. Many starters return, so it will be difficult for them to crack the lineup right away, but not impossible.