Oak Lawn's Altenburg Heading to Carthage

Football coaches can be pretty persuasive. Just ask Oak Lawn senior Colin Altenburg.

Altenburg has decided to play football next year at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. After talking with Carthage coach Tim Rucks, the South Suburban Red All-Conference running back was convinced it was the right choice.

Altenburg, also a basketball player for Oak Lawn, wasn’t too sure about playing football in college, but after playing his senior year in high school following a year off and then hearing from coach Rucks, he decided he would.

“Coach Rucks got me really excited about it,” Altenburg said.

Altenburg made a highlight tape at the urging of his father, and next thing he knew, Rucks was calling.

While Altenburg played on the offensive side in high school, Carthage is interested in him for defense. Altenburg said Carthage runs a spread offense with lots of passing, so rather than use his skills as a running back, they’re looking at him to be a strong safety or outside linebacker.

He’s excited about the school’s proximity to Chicago—it’s only about an hour-and-a-half drive north of the city.

“My mom and dad will be at every home game that they can get to,” Altenburg said.

The Division III program also plays numerous Chicago-based schools, such as Wheaton College, North Park University, Elmhurst and North Central in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, which will be special for Altenburg.

“I’m going to know some kids going to (the Chicago-based CCIW schools) from around this area and from my school,” he said.

Altenburg plans on studying special education.

Spartans Top Reavis Twice on Diamond

Oak Lawn’s baseball team defeated conference rival Reavis twice this week. On Monday, the Spartans went on the road and defeated the Rams 4-1, as Bob Kametas picked up the win on the mound. On Tuesday, Oak Lawn beat Reavis 9-8 at home, with Tony Swistek getting the win.

After a 7-6 loss to St. Rita in a nonconference game Thursday, Oak Lawn’s record stood at 13-9. The Spartans play against Andrew on Saturday.

Spartans Spike Two Foes

Oak Lawn’s boys volleyball team defeated T.F. United 25-10, 25-22 on Tuesday, and followed that up with a 25-23, 25-19 victory at Argo on Thursday. Outside hitter Patrick McGuinness had 10 kills while Marc Hansen added eight. Setter Ali Sheikh had 25 assists.

Oak Lawn Plans Volleyball Alumni Tourney

According to a recent Oak Lawn news release, Spartans boys volleyball graduates are welcome to an upcoming tournament on Saturday, May 21. Here’s the release:

“On Saturday, May 21st, The Spartans will welcome back boys volleyball stars of the past to participate in a pool play style tournament. The number of games and teams will be determined by the numbers of participants. Warm-ups will begin at 4:00 p.m. with games following at 4:30 p.m.  Registration will take place in the Spartan Gym. Please RSVP your t-shirt size and any questions to Ryan Skendzel at rskendzel@olchs.org.

A $10 donation will be collected upon entry to cover fees for the t-shirts and pizza.  Additional information is available on Facebook at Oak Lawn Volleyball Alumni.  A post-game gathering at Prime Time Restaurant and Bar, 7750 W. 95th Street, Hickory Hills, is scheduled at 7:00 p.m.”

Tough Loss for Bulldogs

Richards’ boys volleyball team lost a heartbreaker to Oak Forest on Tuesday. Here’s the story from the SouthtownStar.