Signing Coup: Marian Catholic Sends 15 Athletes to Collegiate Ranks

Marian Catholic wrestling standout Nate Jackson took action—this time with a pen, not a pin. Jackson signed a national letter of intent to continue his career at Indiana University. He was one of 15 Spartans to announce his plans in a ceremony at school.

In February, Marian Catholic's Nate Jackson was crowned King of the Mat. Jackson pinned Lemont's Eric Kirkman in 3 minutes 29 seconds to capture the 170-pound championship in the Class 2A state wrestling tournament at Assembly Hall in Champaign. Jackson finished with a 39-1 record. Earlier this week, he was one of 15 Spartan standouts to announce his college plans. Jackson signed a national letter of intent with Indiana University during a ceremony at Marian Catholic. Following is a rundown of the Spartan signees: FOOTBALL: Phil Faso, lineman (St. Ambrose), Brad Engstrand (St. Ambrose), Matt Hurt (St. Ambrose), Kevin Pawlak (St. Ambrose, Iowa), Jack Ziltz (Akron). BOYS BASKETBALL: Erik Crittenden (Elmhurst College). GIRLS BASKETBALL: …

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Girls Basketball: Marian Catholic Rides Play of Sophomores Past Mother McAuley

Ashton Millender and Dajhae Mullins power Spartans in tip-off classic at Maine West.

Summer Camp: Back to Work for Marian Catholic Girls Basketball

The Spartans lost a number of standouts to graduation, but coach Annie Basic-Byrne already is implementing a three-stage plan to keep the beat going strong.

Top programs don’t rebuild they reload. That is what the Marian Catholic girls’ basketball team will be doing this upcoming season. “Depending on how well we accept that and come together will determine how quickly we can be a premier team again," Spartans coach Annie-Basic-Byrne said. Marian Catholic will look to overcome the loss of six seniors from last year’s team, including Maryssa Cladis (North Central), Jamie Johnson (Lewis), Simone Law (Loyola) and Jasmine Matthews (Bowling Green). All six will be playing in the collegiate ranks next season. The Spartans have seen their seasons end with losses the last three years in the supersectionals to Chicago power Whitney Young, including last season’s 22-point setback. Still, the Spartans …

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At Marian Catholic, the Beat Goes On in Girls Basketball Program

Coach Basic-Byrne pushes Spartans to perform on the court and off. Three seniors already have made their college plans.

Marian Catholic High School had been a force in girls basketball prior to Annie Basic-Byrne taking over as head coach six years ago, but Basic-Byrne certainly has done her best to elevate the program to new heights. Not only has Marian reeled off an impressive won-loss record the past three years and first month of this season (89-18), the Spartans' gym has become a regular stopping place for college coaches looking for talented student-athletes. This season's edition of the Spartans features three senior girls who have signed letters of intent to continue their basketball careers in college, all on full-ride scholarships. Jasmine Matthews, a 5-foot-10 guard and four-year varsity starter, has committed to Division I Bowling Green State …

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