Anna Wentzloff to look back on true St. Joseph-Ogden success: memories
By Dani Tietz
dani@sjodaily.com
St. Joseph-Ogden’s Anna Wentzloff has had to live through the unexpected.
At age 16 she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma— formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease — a cancer of the lymphatic system.
But Wentzloff also knows how to get through the unexpected. In March 2019 Wentzloff went into remission.
Since then, Anna was part of the St. Joseph-Ogden Volleyball team that placed third in the IHSA 2A State tournament in 2019 and the 2020 girls’ basketball team that won their Class 2A Regional.
Visiting Redbird Arena in uniform was a familiar experience for Wentzloff. As a junior the Spartans’ girls’ basketball team took home the third place IHSA 2A State state trophy.
But then the unexpected happened in mid-March when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. The senior, who was looking forward to returning to the track field to set personal records in shot put and discus, learned that the season would be put on pause and eventually canceled by the IHSA.
St. Joseph-Ogden has previously said that if summer competitions are allowed, they will consider allowing their athletes the opportunity to compete.
Wentzloff, known for her energy both on and off the field, has continued to keep a positive outlook.
“Whether I am competing or not is to be a positive leader that contributes in any way to the team,” she said.
“I have grown up in the Spartan Program and have been a part of the team all four years. It has been amazing to compete with all the talent athletes and be a part of a success program.”
St. Joseph-Ogden seniors will say goodbye to their Spartan experience this weekend as they walk across the stage with their diploma. For Wentzloff, that experience has included a lot of love and support.
“I have had many coaches, adults and family members who have supported me over the years,” Wentzloff said. “One coach that sticks out is our head coach, Coach (Kelly) Steffen. She always has an awesome positive attitude and truly cares about each of us.”
As Wentzloff moves on to Parkland College with her sights set on transferring to the University of Illinois to major in human and family development, she will remember the lessons she’s learned as an athlete at St. Joseph-Ogden:
“Being an athlete has taught me that you can have success, win or lose,” she said. “Working hard, being apart of the team and the memories you take with you is your true success.”
