High School Sports Spotlight
October 28, 2012 5:10PM
Eduardo Espinoza, of Joliet Central
Article Extras
Updated: November 30, 2012 6:17AM
Eduardo Espinoza
Sr., Soccer, Joliet Central
Coming into the season a veteran on a young team, Espinoza knew he’d be counted on as a leader.
“I feel honored that I’m being looked up to,” he said. “It’s a big responsibility and it gives me motivation knowing I have to step up.”
Espinoza, a midfielder, was one of just three area players named All-State, in part because he kept his teammates involved.
“I think my strength is my creativity with the ball and looking for other players on their runs,” he said.
Steve Millar
Ryan Curry
Sr., Soccer, L-W West
Curry scored eight goals and dished out 12 assists this season, but West coach Jeff Theiss said his value goes well beyond stats.
“Ryan is the type of player every coach wants on their team,” Theiss said. “He is the first one at practice, the last one to leave, and is a workhorse on the field.”
Curry, an All-Sectional and All-SouthWest Suburban Red pick, scored three game-winning goals and assisted on three others.
Steve Millar
Laura Simon
Sr., Cross Country,
Minooka
Simon entered Saturday’s sectionals a member of three state-qualifying teams.
“It’s been the best high school experience,” she said. “Most of my friends are on the team. It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s totally been worth it. I always looked up to my sister, Maddie. I just wanted to do what she was doing.”
“Laura has had a tremendous running career at Minooka,” coach Kevin Gummerson said. “She will be one of the great ones in Minooka ... history.”
Tim Tierney
Luke Johnston
Sr., Cross Country,
Lincoln-Way East
Lincoln-Way East finished eighth at Saturday’s Class 3A Normal Sectional won by defending state runner-up O’Fallon, but Johnston qualified for the state meet as an individual, placing 23rd in 15 minutes, 59 seconds. The state final is Saturday at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
Johnston was ninth at the Oct. 13 SouthWest Suburban Blue meet and third at the Oct. 20 Andrew Regional to lead East to a runner-up finish behind Thornwood.
Tim Tierney
