Thirteen Providence Catholic Student-Athletes Make College Commitments to Continue Athletic and Academic Careers

NEW LENOX (February 2018) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce that thirteen student-athletes will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “We are extremely proud of these two young men 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. 

Dylan Davalos of Braidwood, son of Mike and Sandy Davalos has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at Arizona Western College on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Davalos is a graduate of Reed Custer Middle School in Braidwood and attends Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Braidwood. Davalos is an honors student and a member for the football team for all four years. During his four years, Davalos was named All-Conference in football and was on the 2014 State Championship football team.

Cody Nawrot of Wilmington, son of Jason and Sandy Nawrot has signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio Dominican University to continue his Football career on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Nawrot is a graduate from St. Joseph School. Nawrot has been a member of the football and track team for all four years and wrestling for two. Nawrot was also a member of the 2014 State Championship Football team And he was also honored as one of the school’s Student of the Month.

Nawrot credits Providence Catholic for preparing him for Ohio Dominican next fall. “Providence has given me the opportunity to push myself in the classroom as well as on the field,” he said. “It gave me a better understand of my faith life, and that is just as important as being a part of any team.”

Aaron Krockey of Homer Glen, son of Brian and Lisa Krockey has signed his National Letter of Intent to Saint Ambrose University to continue his Football career on an athletic & academic scholarship. He plans to major in business. Krockey is a graduate of St. Cyril and Methodius school in Lemont. Krockey has been a member of the football and baseball team for all four years and basketball for one. During his four years, Krockey was awarded the Most Improved Defensive Player and All Conference CCL Blue. He has also been a member of Habitat for Humanity the last three years.

Krockey is looking forward to starting his new journey at Saint Ambrose but will miss the family atmosphere at Providence. “Providence has taught me how to prepare myself for the years to come, both academically and athletically,” he said. “My teachers and coaches would always go the extra mile to make sure I achieve my personal goals.”

Tom Farley of Mokena, son of Thomas and Anita Farley has signed his National Letter of Intent to Saint Xavier University to continue his football career on an athletic and academic scholarship. He plans to major in pre-med. Farley is a graduate from Mokena Jr. High School. Farley is an honors student has been a member of the football and wrestling team all four years and track team for two. Throughout his four years he was named wrestling team captain.

Farley thanks Providence Catholic President, Father John Merkelis OSA, for strengthening is faith and succeeding academically and spiritually the last four years. “Father Merk has really made me experience God in ways I never thought possible,” he said. “Providence has truly matured me and formed into the man I am today. I achieved goals I never thought I could reach.”

Joey Markasovic of Frankfort, son of Frank and Kim Markasovic has signed his National Letter of Intent to Saint Xavier University to continue his football career on an athletic and academic scholarship. He plans to major in business finance. Markasovic is a graduate from St. Mary’s, Mokena. He is an honor student and has been a member of the football team all four years, lacrosse for two and track and field for one. This past year, Markasovic was named football team captain and received the Matt Seffner Award. He was also on the 2014 State Championship football team. Maraksovic also made an impact off the field and was a member of the Student Council, NHS, Habitat for Humanity, and National Spanish Honors Society. He was also a Celtic Nation Leader and Celtic Time Advisor. Maraksovic received an award for health and was named Student of the Month this past year.

Maraksovic says Providence has provided him the confidence to continue his academic career at Saint Xavier in the fall. “Providence has played a vital role in forming who I am both as a student and a person,” he said. “I feel more prepared and confident to continue my academic and athletic career due to the amazing teachers and coaching staff.”

Tim Klotz of Orland Park, son of Gerald Klotz and Marjorie Owens-Klotz has signed his National Letter of Intent to Saint Ambrose University to continue his football career on an athletic and academic scholarship. He is a graduate of Central Middle School in Tinley Park and a member of St. Julie’s Parish, Tinley Park. Klotz has been a member of the football and track & field team for four years and a wrestling for one. Throughout his four years he was named Orland Park Prairie Athlete of the Week, Student of the Month and recently named an Illinois State Scholar and an Eagle Scout.

Klotz says Providence Catholic strong academic schedule has prepared him for the next level. “Providence Catholic’s rigorous academics and the level of competition for athletics has given me the tools to succeed to the next level.”

Scott Slocum of Channahon, son of Scott and Roxanne Slocum committed to the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to continue his soccer career on an academic scholarship. Slocum plans on majoring in Electrical Engineering. He is a graduate of Channahon Jr. High School. Slocum is a honors student and has been a member of the Soccer and Basketball team all four years. Throughout his soccer career, Slocum was named All-Sectional Grade, All Conference Grade, All Area Team. He was also awarded the Most Improved Player in basketball. Off the field, Slocum has been a member of NHS, Habitat for Humanity, and National Spanish Honors Society.

Slocum hopes to carry the core values of truth, unity and love with him to Wisconsin Platteville in the fall. “Providence has shown me the ability to reflect on things in my life and help me realize who I want to be,” he said. “The challenging courses and individual problem solving will help me succeed in college.”

Mitchell Gray of New Lenox, Scott and Janet Gray has committed to St. Norbert College to continue his football career. He plans to major in pre-med and minor in spanish. Gray is a graduate from Martino Jr. High School. Gray is an honors student and has been a member of the Football team for four years Basketball for three years. When he is not playing sports Gray is also a member of NHS and Spanish NHS. HE was recently named an Illinois State Scholar and received the Outstanding Academic award in English, US History and Theology.

Gray models the true characteristics of the Providence Academic Advantage. “Providence has prepared me for college by offering challenging classes and a rigorous curriculum,” he said. “Because of Providence, I was able to get a 31 on ACT, which opened the door to many scholarships.”

Steven Meyer of Homer Glen, son of William and Cheryl Meyer has signed his National Letter of Intent to Saint Xavier University to continue his football career on an Athletic and Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in biology pre-medical. Meyer is a graduate from St. Jude’s in New Lenox and a member of St. Jude Parish. He is an honors student and a member of the football and baseball teams for four years. Meyer was on the 2014 State Championship football and the 2015 State Championship baseball team. This past year, Meyer was also named football team captain. When he is not competing, Meyer is also a member of Habitat for Humanity and Celtic Nation Leader.

Meyer said Providence has challenged him to his fullest potential the last four year. “Providence has prepared me for college by challenging me to do my best and not always take the easy road in situations,” he said. “I have no doubt because I learned with effort you will always succeed.”

Eduardo Favela of New Lenox, son of Eduardo and Patricia Favela has committed to Drake University to continue his football career on an academic scholarship. He plans to major in biology and minor in chemistry. Favela is a graduate from Liberty Jr. High School and a member of St. Jude’s, New Lenox. He is an honors student and a has been member of the football and track team for the last four years. Favela was a member of the 2014 State Football Championship team and received 1st team All Area and was named Track and Field Captain. Academically, Favela has been a member of the International Club.

Caden Kalinowski of Mokena, son of Mark and Heidi Kalinowski has committed to the University of Chicago to continue his football career. He plans to major in Economics. Kalinowski is a graduate from St. Mary Mokena and a member of St Mary Mokena Parish. He is an honors student and has been a member of the football team for four years, Baseball Team for three years and Track for one year. Kalinowski was a member of the 2014 State Championship team and received All Conference, and All State Academic. Off the field, Kalinowski excels in the class room as a member of NHS and received the Economics Award, Student of the Month and was recently named an Illinois State Scholar.

Joey Tracy of Manhattan, son of Gregg and Jacqui Tracy has signed his National Letter of Intent to Saint Ambrose University to continue his Football career on an Athletic & Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in Business and minor in Economics. Tracy is a graduate of Peotone Jr. High School and a member of St. Anthony’s Parish. He is an honors student and has been a member of the Football and Track Teams all four years. Tracy has also been a part of Habitat for Humanity the last two years.

Tracy is looking forward to starting at Saint Ambrose in the fall. “PCHS has helped me mature and prepare for college and the real world,” he said. “My spiritual life has grown from many experiences. Providence has really helped me find who I am today.”

Jack Halper of Mokena, son of Joseph and Kristine Halper has signed his National Letter of Intent to Kent State University for football on an academic and athletic scholarship. He plans to major in architectural studies and minor in urban planning. Halper is a graduate from St. Mary Mokena and a member of the St. Mary Mokena Parish. He is an honors student and has been a member of the Football team for four years and lacrosse for one. Halper was awarded All Conference in football and Student of the Month. He is also a member of Habitat for Humanity.

Halper encourages any 8th grader to choose Providence Catholic as their high school. “Providence pushes you academically and athletically to be ready for the next level,” he said. “It was a great choice to come here and I have grown close to God and have a deeper understanding of my faith.”

 

###

 

Kathleen Kennedy

Director of Communications

Back to top