Seven Student Athletes Commit to Collegiate Athletics

NEW LENOX (May 8, 2023) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School, announced that seven student athletes will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “As always, we are extremely proud of these athletes. They are academically accomplished students who are leaders in the classroom and in their respective sports. We wish all of them the very best in college and in the future, and are excited to see them continue playing at the next level,” said Ternik.

Jimmy Peterson of Elwood, Illinois, son of Eric and Kathy Peterson, has been recognized for committing to Loras College to continue his football career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Sports Management. Peterson is a member of St. Joseph Manhattan Parish, from which he is also a graduate. He is a member of the honor roll and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. He has also been a member of the football team. “Providence prepared me for college by teaching me how to be engaged during classes and develop good note-taking skills,” says Peterson.

Samantha Costello of Morris, Illinois, daughter of Craig and Jaime Costello, has been recognized for committing to Monmouth College to continue her track and field career on academic scholarship. She plans to major in Physical Therapy. Costello is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet and graduated from Homer Junior High. A member of the honor roll, she has also been involved in the National Honor Society, as well as serving as a sacristan, choir member, and a member of the Provi Theatre. An athlete, she has participated on the cross country team, track and field team, and soccer team all four years at Providence. In addition, she was named Cross Country and Track and Field Captain her senior year, and was voted Most Improved Player for Cross Country as a junior. “Providence has prepared me for college through the amazing classes and programs that they provide for students,” says Costello.

Billy Jones of New Lenox, Illinois, son of Patrick and Kathleen Jones, has been recognized for committing to Augustana College to continue his football career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Finance. Jones is a member of St. Jude New Lenox Parish and graduated from Liberty Junior High. He is a member of the honor roll and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. He has also been a member of the football team, baseball team, and track and field team at Providence Catholic. As a junior, he was named track and field’s most improved thrower, while his senior year saw him named to the CCL All Conference Team for football and a Football Defensive MVP. “Providence has pushed me to work hard and be the best person I can be,” says Jones.

Lucas Proudfoot of New Lenox, Illinois, son of Brian and Isolta Proudfoot, has been recognized for committing to North Central College to continue his football career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Proudfoot is a member of St. Jude New Lenox Parish and graduated from Liberty Junior High. He is a member of the honor roll. A member of the football team all four years at Providence, he was also named to the CCL All-Conference Team. “My teachers, coaches, and fellow students have pushed me to be the best student-athlete I can be,” says Proudfoot.

Joe Baumhardt of Manhattan, Illinois, son of Dan and Andrea Baumhardt, has been recognized for committing to Joliet Junior College to continue his track and field career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Electric/Electronically Automated Systems. Baumhardt is a member of St. Dennis Parish from which he is also a graduate. He is a member of the honor roll and was inducted into the National Honor Society. In addition, he also serves in the Augustinian Youth Ministry at Providence. Athletically, Baumhardt has been a member of the soccer, track and field, and bass fishing teams at Providence. He was named to the Soccer All-Conference Team his junior and senior years, and as a senior has served as the team captain. He was also named MVP his senior year. “Providence has given me all the tools I needed to be where I am today. The staff are wonderful and have done a great job preparing me to get where I am academically. They helped teach me to treat everyone with respect, and have prepared me to continue my education and sports,” says Baumhardt. “I would like to thank God first and foremost for helping me overcome the many obstacles I have gone through over the past four years, and especially my parents for their love and support for me. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates for training and pushing me to be the best I can be.”

Noah Billows of Lockport, Illinois, son of Jason and Michelle Billows, has been recognized for committing to Cornell College to continue his basketball career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Billows is a member of St. Joseph Lockport Parish, from which he is also a graduate. He is a member of the honor roll, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He played on the basketball team all four years at Providence Catholic.

Hailey Wagner of Tinley Park, Illinois, daughter of Ronald and Robbin Wagner, has been recognized for committing to Carthage College to continue her soccer career. She plans to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Graphic Design. Wagner is a member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Catholic Church and graduated from Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. A member of the honor roll, Wagner has also been involved in Habitat for Humanity, Forensic Science Club, and Medical Club at Providence. As an athlete, she played basketball her freshman year and varsity soccer all four years.  “Providence has prepared me athletically and academically. From going to class to then going to practice, my teachers and coaches prepared me to start the next chapter of my life, continuing my academics and athletics for the next four years. My teachers have provided assistance, and my coaches have taught me to keep going and given me the support to continue soccer. Providence has also taught me how to work hard, be respectful, and truly be the person I am today,” says Wagner.