NEW LENOX (May 2019) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School announced that twelve 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.
Jake Mazrimas
of Lockport, son of Mark and Tina Mazrimas, has been recognized for committing to Illinois College for basketball on an Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in Sports Management and Physical Therapy. Mazrimas is a graduate of Homer Jr. High School and a member of St. Joseph Parish in Lockport. Throughout his four years, he has been on honor students an active member of the basketball and tennis team.
Mazrimas credits Providence Catholic for preparing him for the next level and getting him through some of his toughest challenges. “Spirituality was key for me during my time at Providence,” he said. “Being a student at Providence has helped me get through many obstacles I have faced.”
Adam Taylor of Mokena, son of Timothy and Andrea Taylor, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Joliet Junior College to continue his basketball career. He plans to major in Business Management. Taylor is a graduate of St. Mary Mokena and a member of St. Mary Parish in Mokena. Throughout his four years, he has been an honor roll student and an active member of the basketball and golf team. He was named to the All-Conference of Chicago Catholic League Team, All-Area 1stTeam, and All-Area Honorable Mention Team. Taylor also was awarded team MVP for the last two years.
Taylor says he will miss his time being a Celtic. “I would like to thank all the people in the Providence Catholic community for helping me through the last 4 years.”
Jake Purvis of Shorewood, son of Jeffrey and Kathleen Purvis, has been recognized for committing to Holy Cross for Soccer on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. Purvis is a graduate of Holy Family Grade School and a member of Holy Family Parish in Shorewood. Throughout his four years at Providence Catholic, Purvis has been an honor roll student and an active member of Habitat for Humanity, basketball and soccer teams. He was also named to the All-Conference and All-Sectional Teams. Purvis was also named MVP.
Ryann Ogarek of Joliet, daughter of Doug and Kim Ogarek, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to Lewis University to continue her basketball career on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Pre-Physician Assistant. Ogarek is a graduate of St. Raymond School and a member of St. Raymond Parish. Throughout her four years, Ogarek has been an honor roll student and an active member of International Club, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, and golf.
She was named to the Herald News All-Area Basketball Team, 22ndCentury Media All-Area Basketball Team, All-Conference Team, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association 3A/4A All-State Special Mention Team, News-Gazette All-State Special Mention Team, Daily Southtown All-Area Third Team, All-Tournament Team for Beecher Fall Classic, All-Lincoln-Way Medieval Classic, and Illinois Prep Insider All-Area Team. Ogarek was also awarded MVP and GCAC Player of the Year.
Josh Ramos of Plainfield, son of Raphael and Barbara Ramos, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to McKendree University to continue his wrestling career on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. He plans to major in Business Administration and minor in Human Resources. Ramos is a graduate of Indian Trail School and a member of Saint Mary Immaculate Parish. Throughout his four years, he has been an honor roll student and an active member of NHS, AYM, Student Ambassador Program, Habitat for Humanity, Student Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Wrestling. Ramos has been named to the Chicago Catholic League Champion Team, 3x IHSA State Qualifier, 2x IHSA All-State Team Member and All-Area Team Member. 
Ramos credits Providence Catholic for his continued success. “Providence Catholic has well prepared me for the next chapter in my life,” he says. “From the start of my high school career, I was being pushed on and off the mat. I was at a disadvantage both in wrestling and in the classroom. I tested below average on every subject on my placement exam and was a very undersized wrestler. At the conclusion of my freshman year, I won the conference, qualified for state, and made the honor roll. I cannot even imagine where I would be in my life if I never had the Providence Catholic experience.”
Tyler Struck of Orland Park, son of Ray and Kelly Struck, has been recognized for committing to Valparaiso University to continue his baseball career on an Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in Exercise Science. Struck is a graduate of Century Jr. High and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Throughout his four years, he has been an honor roll student an active member in NHS, Student Council, Respect for Life Club, Habitat for Humanity, Baseball, Football, and Bowling. Struck was also awarded Illinois State Scholar and recognized in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
Maeve Houlihan of Tinley Park, daughter of Kevin and Colleen Houlihan, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to St. Ambrose to continue her soccer career on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Pre-Speech Language Pathology. Houlihan is a graduate of St. George School and a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Mokena. Throughout her four years, she has been an honors students and an active member of AYM, National Honor Society, Respect for Life Club, Basketball and Soccer.
Kellylyn Kotowski of Channahon, daughter of Adam and Erin Kotowski, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to St. Xavier University to continue her career in volleyball on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Nursing. Kotowski is a graduate of Channahon Junior High School. Throughout her four years, she has been an honor roll student and an active member of NHS, Student Council, Student Ambassador Program, Habitat for Humanity and Volleyball. She was named to the All-Conference Team her senior year. Kotowski was also awarded, MVP, Most Improved Player, and Team Captain.
Jimmy Grill of Homer Glen, son of Greg and Peggy Grill, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to University of St. Francis to continue his career in track and cross country on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. He plans to major in Computer Science. Grill is a graduate of St. Cyril’s and Methodius School and is a member of St. Bernard’s Parish. Throughout his four years, he has been an honor roll student and an active member of Habitat for Humanity, AYM, NHS, Respect for Life Club, Spanish National Honors Society, Soccer, Track and Cross Country. Grill was a member of the Frist Providence Catholic XC Team to Qualify for a State Tournament. He was awarded Most Improved Player for Track and named MVP for Cross Country. In the classroom, Grill was named Student of Month and an Illinois State Scholar. He also received the Biology Academic Award.
Angelle Reeves of Joliet, daughter of Jerry and Jenny Reeves, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to St. Xavier University to continue her career in Cheerleading on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Biology. Reeves is a graduate of Liberty Junior High and a member of St. Patricks Parish in Lemont. Throughout her four years, she has been an honors student and an active member in NHS and Cheerleading.
Jake McKendry of Mokena, son of John and Maryann McKendry, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Heartland Community College for Baseball on an Athletic Scholarship. He plans to major in Business. McKendry is a graduate of Mokena Jr. High School. Throughout his four years at Providence Catholic, he has been an honor roll students and an active member of the Baseball team. He also was named Student of Month.
McKendry credits Providence Catholic for his continued success and preparing him for the next level. “Providence has taught me about responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and how to make good choices as a student-athlete,” he says. “These last four years at Providence have helped me develop spiritually, physically, and mentally. I believe I am well prepared for the next level.”
Lexi Leighton of Monee, daughter of Bill and Michelle Leighton, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to Moraine Valley for Softball on an Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Radiology. Leighton is a graduate from Peotone Jr. High School and a member of Park View Church. Throughout her four years at Providence Catholic, she has been an honor roll student and an active member of AYM, Habitat for Humanity and Softball. Leighton was named to first team All-Conference and All-Area Team.