Glory Days

Marist Principal Larry Tucker Enjoying Success of Athletic Program

What is he doing now? Working at his alma mater has been rewarding for former Marist basketball standout Larry Tucker.

When Marist principal Larry Tucker witnesses the success the athletic program has had in recent seasons, he admits to being a little jealous. Marist’s girls volleyball team reached the state quarterfinals for the first time in November, while the boys and girls basketball teams are currently area-ranked, the boys volleyball team captured the state championship during the 2009-2010 season and the football team finished as state runners-up in 2010. “We didn’t get to go down state when I was in high school,” said Tucker, who was a star basketball player at Marist. “I always envy those kids.” Tucker has been Marist’s principal since 1998. Returning to his alma mater was a dream-come true for the 1979 graduate, who had basketball coaching …

• Photos (1)

Marist Volleyball Standout Holder Picks Akron

Marist girls volleyball standout Ashley Holder has committed to the University of Akron.

When Marist girls volleyball coach Natalie Holder says her daughter is about to become a "zip," she is not kidding. Ashley Holder, the senior setter who led the RedHawks to a fourth-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament, has committed to the Univeristy of Akron. And Akron's teams are known as the "Zips." "It is a great fit for both of them," Natalie Holder said. "Because of her AP courses and scores at Marist, she will enter with 34 credit hours, thus starting out as a sophomore in the honors college." Ashley Holder finished with a team-leading total of 1,116 sets as Marist (34-8) claimed its first IHSA state tournament trophy in girls volleyball. She finished second on the team in digs (446).

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

The Sports Report

Marist Rags to Riches Girls Volleyball Tale One that Needs No Embellishing

Kirsten Ivkovic emerges as an improbable leader during Marist's run to a fourth-place finish in the Class 4A girls state volleyball tournament.

If you’ve ever wondered why so many high schools offer ‘B’ team sports competition, let me point you in the direction of a recent column by the SouthtownStar’s Tony Baranek and the story of Marist senior volleyball standout Kirsten Ivkovic. Baranek recounts the tale of how Ivkovic made a meteoric rise from a freshman ‘B’ team player to a varsity leader during her career with the Redhawks. Let me add a few thoughts of my own here to help you fully grasp Ivkovic’s accomplishment. At 5-11, she played on the front line for Marist and finished a remarkable season as the Redhawks’ team leader in blocks. She ranked fourth kills. Her strong play at the net powered Marist on a run that concluded with a fourth-place finish in the Class 4A state …

• Photos (2)

UPDATE: See Who Fans Vote as Patch Athlete of the Week

Tinley Park's Hannah Schultz outpolled five others in voting for Patch Athlete of the Week, Nov. 6-12. Next, she'll look to make a splash at the IHSA state swimming meet this weekend in Winnetka.

Tinley Park's Hannah Schultz defeated five others in voting for Patch Athlete of the Week honors. She is now eligible for November Athlete of the Month recognition. The nominees for Southland Patch Athlete of the Week, Nov. 6-12, were: Taylor Capouch, senior girls swimming, Sandburg. Capouch won two individuals events and led the Eagles to the team title at the Lockport Sectional. She was clocked in 53.0 in the 100 free and 1:55.18 in the 200 free. Kelsey Clark, freshman, girls volleyball middle hitter, Marian Catholic. Clark had 14 kills and four blocks in two matches and helped the Spartans capture fourth place in the Class 3A girls state tournament. Ashley Holder, senior, girls volleyball setter, Marist. Holder had her hands on the ball…

•  19 Comments
• Photos (7)

Marist Places Fourth at Class 4A Girls Volleyball State Tournament

Redhawks drop Class 4A third-place match to St. Charles East 25-23, 22-25, 25-21 at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Marist lost back-to-back volleyball matches just once during the regular season. The Redhawks tried to avoid doing it in the post-season during Saturday night's Class 4A third-place match against St. Charles East at Illinois State's Redbird Arena in Normal. After dropping the opening game 23-25, the Redhawks rallied for a victory in the second game, 25-22, before dropping a back-and-forth decisive third game 25-21. Marist (30-6) would leave Normal with a fourth-place trophy in its first state appearance. "(St. Charles East) did a great job serving and they were aggressive," Marist coach Natalie Holder said. "It was a true battle, and I think for both teams this is a hard match to play. "You come here with a goal and come up a little short …

• Photos (15)
• Videos (1)

UPDATE: Fans Select Patch Athlete of the Week Winner

Jeremy Esparza's 28-yard field goal turned Evergreen Park into a winner in a second-round Class 4A football game vs. Rock Island Alleman. Fans voted him a winner in balloting for Patch Athlete of the Week, Oct. 31-Nov. 5.

Jeremy Esparza defeated five others in balloting for Patch Athlete of the Week. He is now eligible for November Athlete of the Month recognition. The nominees for Southland Patch Athlete of the Week, Oct. 31-Nov. 5, were: Amber Clay, sophomore, volleyball outside hitter, Marian Catholic. Clay totaled 17 kills in two matches as Marian Catholic defeated Illiana Christian (25-21, 25-23) and Chicago Payton (25-18, 25-13) to advance to the Class 3A state semifinals. Jeremy Esparza, junior, football placekicker, Evergreen Park. Esparza kicked two field goals, including a 28-yarder with 7.5 seconds left to cap Evergreen Park’s 19-18 victory over Rock Island Alleman in the second round of the Class 4A football playoffs. Pat McMahon, junior, boys …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (8)

Ron Kremer

9:08 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Do you think Salis will lead Marist to the Class 4A state championship?   more ›

Girls Volleyball: Marist Escapes with Three-Set Victory Over Lincoln-Way East in Regional Final

Marist 25-22-25, Lincoln-Way East 17-25-15: After failing to close out the Griffins in two sets, the RedHawks regrouped and got the job done in the Class 4A regional final at Thornton Fractional South.

When it comes to beds, couches or any other household furniture, there’s no such thing as “too comfortable.” But for a volleyball team, it might not be the greatest compliment, especially in the playoffs. After cruising to a victory in Game 1, Marist failed to close out Lincoln-Way East in the second game. But the RedHawks, whom many consider to be a state title contender, settled down and rallied back for a 25-17, 22-25, 25-15 victory to claim the Class 4A Thornton Fractional South Regional title. “I think we get too comfortable with teams,” Marist outside hitter Mallory Salis said. “We win the first game and then we get comfortable and we let them into it and we can’t do that because later on we’re going to play teams who are just going …

• Videos (1)

Fan Poll: Cast Your Vote for Patch Athlete of the Week

Give us a hand and pick our Southland Patch Athlete of the Week, Oct. 10-16. The contenders: Lexi Chionis, Ashley Holder, Tyler Hook, Sheldon Jones, Jimmy McClinton and Ryan Utter.

Vote for one of the following (or write in your own candidate and explain your reasoning in the comments section): Lexi Chionis, junior, girls tennis, Chicago Christian. Chionis won four matches without losing a set and captured the No. 1 singles title at the Stagg Sectional. She defeated her sister, Lisa, a freshman, in the final 6-4, 1-2 (retired). Both girls advance to the IHSA state tournament Thursday-Saturday at Mt. Prospect. Ashley Holder, senior, girls volleyball, Marist. Holder delivered 31 assists, 18 digs and seven service points, including one ace, in the RedHawks’ 20-25, 25-21, 25-13 victory over York. Her leadership has helped Marist build a 24-5 record heading into Tuesday night’s match at Joliet Catholic Academy. Tyler Hook…

•  13 Comments
• Photos (7)

Mighty Tough: Mother McAuley Moves Back to Top of Weekly Patch Volleyball Rankings

Mother McAuley defeated Marist to win the title at the Rich East girls volleyball tournament last week. The win enabled the Mighty Macs to climb back to No. 1 in the Patch Power Rankings.

1. Mother McAuley (12-2): De La Salle loomed as the final tune-up for Bridget Powell and the Mighty Macs before another big weekend of play. Title at Rich East included a thrilling victory over Marist. Last week: No. 4. Next: Thursday vs. Berkeley Prep; Friday and Saturday ASICS Challenge at Mother McAuley. 2. Marist (17-2): Rachel Dolton had 10 kills in the RedHawks’ sweep of St. Viator. The question is whether Marist will meet Mother McAuley for the third time this weekend. The two already have split a pair of barnburners. Last week: No. 2. Next: Thursday at Nazareth Academy; Friday and Saturday at ASICS Challenge at Mother McAuley. 3. Providence (18-5): Krista Brakauskas can float the ball in the air to a teammate or sting from the …

• Videos (1)