NEW LENOX (February 2019) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School announced that seven 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.
Kyle Bell of Joliet, son of Grant and Susan Bell Kyle. Bell has been recognized for committing to North Central College to continue his cross country & track career on an academic Scholarship. He plans to major in pharmacy. Bell is a graduate of Troy Middle School and a member of Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus Parish. During his high school career, Bell has been an honors student and an active member of NHS, cross country and track and field. In his four years, Bell was named to the All-Conference Track and Cross-Country Team, All State Cross-Country Team, All Regional Cross-Country Team, All Sectional Cross-Country and Track Team. In addition, Bell was also a state qualifier for both cross country and state his junior and senior year. He was named captain his senior year and was awarded most improved cross country runner his sophomore year and most valuable runner his senior year.
Bell would like to thank the Kazma family for making his dream a reality. ” I would like to thank the Kazma Family Foundation and the Kazma family for giving me the opportunity to attend Providence Catholic,” he said. “Without their generous help, I wouldn’t be here and nowhere else would I have been so successful academically and athletically. PCHS has prepared me for my future of unlimited possibilities in college and the rest of my life.”
Thomas “T.J” Galligani of Monee, son of Dan and Jill Galligani has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at Saint Xavier University on an Athletic and Academic Scholarship. Galligani is a graduate of Crete Monee Middle School and a member of St. Boniface Parish. He plans to major in sport and fitness administration. Throughout his high school career, Galligani has been an honor roll student and an active member of the football, baseball, basketball and track teams. In his four years, Galligani received a Football Academic All-State Honor and All Conference.
Galligani credits his family and the PCHS coaching staff for his continued success. “I would like to thank my parents for all of the sacrifices they have made for me over the years,” he says. “No matter the price, they have been willing to give up sleep, time, etc., for my growth and development. I also would like to thank all my coaches throughout the years for believing in me and helping me to become a better student and athlete. I want to thank Providence Catholic for giving me a place to call home for four years and all the great memories and friendships that I have developed. I can’t wait to begin my next journey.”
De’Whon Gavin of Joliet, son of Jennifer Gavin has signed his National Letter of Intent to the University of St. Francis to continue his football career on an academic and athletic scholarship. He plans to major in social work. Gavin is a graduate of Laraway Jr. High School and a member of Mt. Ebal Parish. During his high school career, Gavin has been actively involved as a Student Ambassador, Student Diversity and Inclusion Leader, Peer Mediator Program, Cafeteria Aid, Prospective Student Speaker, and Football Camp Leader. In addition, Gavin has been a member of the football, wrestling, and track team. In his four years, he was named the most improved offensive player, team captain and was awarded the Herald News All-Area Honorable Mention Team. Gavin also exceled in the classroom as an honor roll student and received a Student of Month Award. 
Gavin credits Providence Catholic high school for his continued success academically and athletically, “I can’t thank the PCHS community enough for the support I received for the last four years,” he said. “I truly believe without them, my family and God in my corner, I would not have the blessing I have today. I’m truly proud and beyond blessed to say, I’m a Celtic for life.”
Matthew Herman of Frankfort, son of John and Donna Herman has been recognized for committing to Carthage College to continue his Football career on an academic scholarship. Herman is a graduate of Noonan Academy and a member of St. Anthony Parish. Throughout his four years, he has been an active member of the Basketball and Football team. He was named the captain of the football team in 2016.
Herman credits Providence Catholic for preparing him for his next level. “The strong academic and athletic program at Providence has definitely prepared me for college,” he says. “The teachers and coaches are always willing to answer my questions and help with any problems. This support system helped me to want to be a great student-athlete and gave me the tools for a successful college career.”
Brenden Martus of Lockport, son Matthew and Elizabeth Martus has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at the University of St. Francis on an academic and athletic scholarship. He plans to major in finance and minor in management. Martus is a graduate of St. Mary Mokena and a member of St. Mary Mokena Parish. Throughout his high school career, he has been an honors student and active member of the baseball, track, and football team. He was awarded the Matt Seffner Award and named team captain. Martus is also a sacristan for the school.
Michael “Ike” Papes of Elwood son of Michael and Joan Papes has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his volleyball career at William Penn University in Iowa on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in sports management. Papes is a graduate of St. Joseph Manhattan and member of St. Joseph’s Parish. Throughout his high school career, he has been an active member of the volleyball team where he was named to the All Area Team and two all-tournament teams.
Bradley Sample of Channahon, son of Eric and Tara Sample has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his soccer career at University of Louisville on an academic and athletic scholarship. He plans to major in engineering. Sample is a
graduate of Channahon Jr. High School and a member of New Life Church. During his high school career, Sample has been an honors student and an active member of NHS and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, Sample has been a member of the football team and his Club Soccer Team all four years.
Sample says Providence Catholic has prepared him in making this decision. “Every day that I have gone to school at Providence, it has helped prepare me for the next stage of my life,” he says. “Providence Catholic is a college prep school and that’s the type of classes I get the chance to participate in every day. I know that I will be prepared for my classes in college.”
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Kathleen Kennedy
Director of Communications