Fourteen Student Athletes at Providence Catholic Commit for Collegiate Athletics

NEW LENOX (February 2020) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School announced that fourteen student-athletes from the school will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “We are extremely proud of these student-athletes for their hard work both in the classroom and on the field. We wish them the very best in college and in the future,” said Ternik.

Gabrielle Baffes of Joliet, daughter of Nick and Megan Baffes, committed to St. Ambrose University to continue her tennis career on academic and tennis scholarships. She plans to major in Marketing. Gabrielle is a graduate of Liberty Junior High and is a member of St. Jude’s Parish in New Lenox. During her time at Providence she has been active on the Tennis Team. “Providence has given me the foundation for success by teaching me seldiscipline, commitment, and how to tackle class challenges,” she says. “By attending Providence I lived my faith daily. Being surrounded by peers that share the same values and beliefs was a blessing. I feel a sense of community and family when I am at school.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Gabrielle Baffes, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Mitchell Bahnaman of Mokena, son of Jack and Michelle Bahnaman, committed to continue his baseball career on an academic scholarship at Lewis University. He plans to major in Business. Mitchell is a graduate of Mokena Junior High School and is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mokena. During his time at Providence he has been active on the Baseball Team, as well as the Computer Club. He has also been named Student of the Month. “Providence has prepared me academically for college by offering challenging courses and having amazing teachers who pushed me to excel every day, both in and out of the classroom,” he says. Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Mitchell Bahnaman, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Connor Knott of Channahon, son of Kevin and Laurie Knott, committed to Concordia University Wisconsin to continue his career in baseball on a Presidential Scholarship. He plans to major in Finance/Business and minor in Economics. Connor is a graduate of Channahon Junior High School and a member of Channahon United Methodist Church. During his time at Providence he has been active in Baseball, as well as Habitat for Humanity. He has been Student of the Month and a consistent honor roll student. Outside of school, Connor was awarded the title of Eagle Scout. “My education here is without a doubt the best I ever received. It has prepared me very well for college.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Smith, Connor Knott, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

George Pavlopoulos of Homer Glen, son of Tom and Maria Pavlopoulos, committed to continue his baseball career at University of Dubuque on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. George is a graduate of Homer Junior High/Hadley Middle School, and is a member of St. Constantine and Helen Parish. During his time at Providence Catholic, he has been active on the Baseball Team. “My teachers really pushed me to do my best and tried their hardest for me. They encouraged me to get out more and enjoy my high school experience while I can,” says George. Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Smith, George Pavlopoulos, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Zach Zbonski of Tinley Park, son of John and Tricia Zbonski, committed to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to continue his career in baseball on an academic scholarship. He plans to major in Civil Engineering and minor in Industrial Engineering Leadership Management. Zach is a graduate of Central Middle School and a member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Parish in Tinley Park. During his time at Providence Catholic, he has been active on the Baseball Team, Augustinian Youth Ministry, International Club, Computer Club, and the Science Club. In addition, he is a member of the National Honor Society. Zach is prepared for college, he says, thanks to “a challenging curriculum that helped prepare me for the rigors of college.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Smith, Zach Zbonski, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Aidan Bagley of Frankfort, son of Pat and Jennifer Bagley, committed to continue his soccer career at St. Ambrose University on academic and athletic scholarships. He plans to major in Criminal Justice. Aidan is a graduate of St. Mary Catholic School in Mokena and is a member of their parish. During his time at Providence, he has been active on the Soccer Team and has earned several accolades, including 2019 All-Conference, 2019 All-State Special Mention, and 2019 Team 22 Second Team (22nd Century Media). “Providence Catholic HS prepared me for college in many ways, including teaching me the basic fundamentals to being a successful student,” says Aidan. “The teachers and administrators showed me the importance of turning in quality assignments, time management, following directions, teamwork, organization, and communication with my peers, teachers, and coaches. I feel ready for this next step!” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Aidan Bagley, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Quinlan Cummings of Lemont, son of Roger and Laurie Cummings, committed to continue his volleyball career at Loras College on a merit scholarship. He plans to major in Biochemistry and minor in Athletic Training. Quinlan is a graduate of SS. Cyril & Methodius School in Lemont, and is a member of their Parish. During his time at Providence Catholic, Quinlan has been active on the Volleyball and Football Teams, as well as Habitat for Humanity. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. “The academic rigor that comes with attending a Catholic High School has greatly prepaired me in taking on the role as a collegiate student-athlete,” says Quinlan. “God has given me the strength and perseverance to chase any goal I set for myself whether it be in or outside of the classroom.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Quinlan Cummings, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Gabe Cole of Joliet, son of Brandon and Ann Cole, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to St. Ambrose University to continue his career in football on academic and athletic scholarships. He plans to major in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice. Gabe is a graduate of Liberty Junior High and is a member of Peace Lutheran in New Lenox. During his time at Providence, he has been active on the Football and Baseball teams. “Providence has taught me to balance schoolwork and football which will be huge in college for me,” says Gabe. Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Gabe Cole, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Lucas Porto of Joliet, son of Joseph and Jennifer Porto, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at St. Ambrose University on academic and athletic scholarships. He is a graduate of Liberty Junior High. During his time at Providence Catholic, he has been active on the Baseball, Track, Basketball and Football teams. “Providence Catholic has prepared me for college by not only teaching me how to be a great student but how to be a great man.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Coglianese, Lucas Porto, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Michael Charnot of Orland Park, son of Dave and Christina Charnot, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to St. Ambrose University to continue his career in football on athletic and academic scholarships. He plans to major in Business. Michael is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernadin Catholic School and a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. During his time at Providence, he has been active on the Football, Lacrosse, and Track team. He has also consistently made honor roll. He was a captain for the Football Team. He is prepared for the next step in his academic and athletic journey because “I have been pushed very hard both academically and athletically here at Providence.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Coglianese, Michael Charnot, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Oliver Cox of Oswego, son of Jonathon and Alexandra Cox, committed to Carthage College to continue his football career on merit and academic scholarships. He is a graduate of Traughber Junior High. During his time at Providence, Oliver has been active in Football and Lacrosse. He was honorable mention for the Joliet Herald News All-Area Team for varsity football in 2019. “I couldn’t have gone to a better school than Providence Catholic for helping me prepare for my future life,” says Oliver. “Along with the support and encouragement from my family, I’m ready for the next step.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Coglianese, Oliver Cox, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Kevin Countryman of Morris, son of Kevin and Rebecca Countryman, committed to Saint Xavier University to continue his career in football on merit and athletic scholarships. He plans to major in Computer Science. Kevin is a graduate of Shabbona Middle School. During his time at Providence Catholic, Kevin has been active in Football, Wrestling and Track. He earned the honors of Football All-Area Team (senior), Football All-Conference (senior), Wrestling All-State (junior), Wrestling State Qualifier (sophomore, junior), Wrestling All-Conference (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), Wrestling All-Area Team (sophomore, junior), and Track State Qualifier (sophomore). “Providence has prepared me for college by always pushing me to my full potential,” Kevin says. “The only reason I have the opportunity to further my education and athletics at SXU is because of my parents. The great sacrifice that they make for me daily is a blessing to me. I will always thank my parents for my success because they are the ones who gave me the opportunity to receive it.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Coglianese, Kevin Countryman, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

James (Tre’) Allen III, of Frankfort, son of James and Gina Allen, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to St. Ambrose University to continue his career in football on academic and athletic scholarships. He plans to major in Business. Tre’ is a graduate of Hickory Creek Middle School. During his time at Providence Catholic, he has been active in Football, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Track, and the Law Club. “Providence Catholic has prepared me for college in a verity of areas. Primarily in structure and the PCHS course curriculum. What is special about PCHS is they interweave spirituality (the teachings) in the daily routine. Regardless if it is a lesson being taught or on the field.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Coglianese, James (Tre’) Allen, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

Elias Valdez of Joliet, son of Hassan Aboukier and Gabriela Valdez, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Grand Valley State University to continue his career in football on academic and athletic scholarships. He plans to major in Nursing and minor in Biology. Elias is a graduate of Liberty Junior High and is a member of St. Albert the Great Church. During his time at Providence Catholic, he has been active on the Football and Track and Field teams and was a member of the Band his sophomore year. For football, he has earned several accolades including Team MVP (junior), All-Conference (junior, senior), Conference MVP (senior), All-State (senior), All-Area (junior, senior), and was Team Captain (senior). “Providence has been a place to help me prosper as a student and an athlete. This place has helped me to stay focused on the journey that is ahead of me so that I me be as successful as I can in my life. Providence has also developed me a person as well. I have had a lot of great influences at the school that have helped me become the young man I am today. The wisdom and guidance I have received allows me to also pass it on. Going on to college I know I have been prepared to be a better student, athlete, and person.” Pictured are Principal Dr. John Harper, Coach Mark Coglianese, Elias Valdez, and Athletic Director Doug Ternik.

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