Oakwood’s Alyssa Romito strength is learning.

“I realized at a young age that I was very good at learning,” Romito said. “This caused me to want to learn everything that I possibly could. The opportunity to learn is very special to me. I have realized that without the opportunity my teachers gave me I would not be where I am today.”

On her way to becoming a Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Romito had support.

“My entire family was behind me becoming Valedictorian,” she said. 

“Two of my teachers, Mr. Odle and Mr. Hicks also encouraged me along the way to do my very best in everything. When I wanted to quit someone else would push me to get back up. Knowing that I had these people behind me in everything I did was super comforting and encouraging.”

Coming into the 2019-2020 school year, Romito had a case of senioritis. That was quickly cured by being with the Oakwood volleyball team. 

“Volleyball proved to be much more fun than I expected and I enjoyed screaming down the hallways with my friends,” she said.

The season ended with her name being added to the Vermilion Valley All-Conference list, the Vermilion County All-County team and being nominated for the Sportsmanship Award, alongside the memory of winning conference and county titles.

The reward of making lifelong friends also kept Romito participating in FCA, WYSE team and band. 

“My highschool is a special place because of the amount of school spirit it has,” she said. “I have never been to a school who cares more about school pride than Oakwood High School.”

Romito will take her love of learning and the lessons she learned during her teenage years to Parkland College where she will prepare to attend a four-year university where she can study Architectural Engineering. 

From the time she spent with teachers and friends, she knows how important it is to surround oneself with supportive people who come from a place of encouragement. 

“The final lesson I will take with me is to never give up even when life gets rough,” she said.

The last eight weeks has not been as tough on Romito as it has some other high school seniors.

“To me, these last eight weeks have been amazing!” she said. 

“I was given the chance to move in with my mom two months before I had planned too. I also really enjoy online learning. It gives me the chance to spend more time with family and to have more freedom when I do my learning. I also learn a lot better on my own. 

“Going into graduation, I could not be more excited to end this chapter of my life and move onto bigger and better things.”

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Illinois State Scholars must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen who is also a resident of Illinois. The student must attend an approved high school, take the ACT or SAT between Aug. 1 and June 30 before the third semester of high school graduation, perform in the top one-half of the high school class at the end of the third semester prior to graduation and/or score at or above the 95th percentile on the ACT or SAT. They must also graduate from the high school during the academic year in which they were chosen as State Scholar.

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Oakwood piled up 64 first-half points on Friday and blitzed Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville 84-0 in a non-conference football road game.

The Comets (2-1) reached the end zone on an interception, a fumble recovery and return, a kickoff return as well as on passing and running plays.

Eight squad members were part of the scoring either via touchdowns or conversions.

Colby Smiley, who rushed for 92 yards, scored four TDs. One of his scores was after an interception. Smiley finished with 26 points, also adding one two-point conversion.

Gaven Clouse, who rushed for 74 yards, added three TDs. One of his was on a 90-yard kickoff return.

Jack Carey scored two TDs, one on a 78-yard pass from Rhett Harrison. Carey also converted an extra-point kick and had a pair of two-point conversions.

Blaine McCord, who rushed for a game-high 124 yards, added one TD as well as three two-point conversions.

Harrison, who completed 3 of 4 passes for 141 yards, had one two-point conversion.

Bryce Harrison rambled 38 yards to the end zone after recovering a fumble.

The team’s other points came on a two-point conversion by Josh Young and an extra-point kick by Caide Borden.

Oakwood returns to action on Friday at home against Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac (0-3).

Oakwood Volleyball

Katelyn Young was named to the all-tournament team after Oakwood placed 12th in Mahomet-Seymour’s Bulldog Invitational on Saturday.

The Comets (6-9 overall) were 1-4 in the tournament. In pool play, Oakwood lost to M-S 25-10, 25-12 and Williamsville 25-13, 25-2 before upending the Pleasant Plains JV team 25-20, 20-25, 15-13.

In the consolation semifinals, Rantoul handed Oakwood a 25-15, 25-15 setback before Springfield Southeast won the 11th-place match 25-19, 23-25, 15-13.

Young posted seven kills against Rantoul, six assists against Williamsville and five kills against M-S.

Aaliyah Denius had six kills against Rantoul. Karsen Rupp had six assists against Williamsville.

On Thursday, the Comets opened Vermilion Valley Conference action with a 25-17, 8-25, 25-21 victory at Chrisman.

Alyssa Romito had seven kills. Denius and Young each supplied six kills.

Denius and Maria Adams each served two aces. Young handed out 12 assists and Rupp had eight.

Oakwood returns to action on Tuesday at home against Westville.

Through 15 matches, Young has a team-high 92 kills, Rupp leads with 78 assists and Denius is tops with 18 blocks and 10 service aces.

Oakwood Soccer

For the second time this season, the Oakwood/Salt Fork squad battled St. Joseph-Ogden to a 0-0 tie through regulation.

However, Friday’s match in the Hoopeston Area Cornjerker Classic was settled on penalty kicks rather than with a draw and the Comets suffered a 3-2 loss on PKs.

It was one of two tournament matches the team lost on PKs. Oakwood/SF fought Iroquois West to a 1-1 draw, but fell in PKs, 1-0.

In the team’s other tourney match, eventual champion Monticello blanked the Comets 5-0. It was the sixth match this season where the Comets (3-7-1) were held scoreless.

On Thursday, in a non-tournament match at home, Hoopeston Area shut out Oakwood/Salt Fork 5-0.

O/SF returns to action on Tuesday at the Oakwood Grade School against Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin.

Oakwood Golf

For the sixth time this season, Logen Hoshauer posted the best score for Oakwood. On Thursday at Danville’s Harrison Park, he earned medalist honors by three strokes, with a 39.

Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin was the meet winner with a 175. Oakwood (202) was next, followed by Judah Christian (227).

The Comets return to action today at Danville  Country Club against Schlarman Academy and Judah Christian.

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The Oakwood/Salt Fork soccer program suffered its first loss of the season on Monday, dropping a 4-1 decision at home against Monticello.

The Comets led, 1-0, at intermission, thanks to a goal by Brady Tevebaugh, who was assisted by Sam Howie.

Chris Winkler had a season-high 11 saves for the Comets.

On Tuesday, the Comets were shut out by unbeaten Fisher/Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 1-0.

Oakwood was limited to two shots on goal.

The Bunnies (4-0) broke a scoreless tie with 18 minutes remaining.

Oakwood/Salt Fork (2-2-1) returns to action tonight at Rantoul.

Oakwood Volleyball

Oakwood (4-4) suffered a three-set loss on Tuesday against Heritage in its home-opener.

The Hawks posted a 25-14, 16-25, 25-23 victory.

Katelyn Young had eight kills and five assists, Alyssa Romito had four kills and Karsen Rupp contributed 10 assists.

The Comets return to action next Wednesday (Sept. 11) at St. Joseph-Ogden.

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Oakwood High School’s volleyball program always has a guaranteed captain, though the person’s name is not known until some of the positions are secure.

“My setters are usually the captains,” veteran coach Lynn Anderson said.

Besides that, Anderson looks to leadership from her seniors.

“It is important that the leaders I designate are on the same page with me and by the time they are seniors, they usually are,” Anderson said.

The Comets’ leaders this season will be sophomore setter Karsen Rupp and senior hitters Alyssa Romito and Katelyn Young.

“Being a captain means that you have to be a role model and set a good example for your teammates,” Rupp said. “One of my responsibilities is to be available to help my teammates if they have any questions. I hope I can encourage people to do their best.”

Romito can draw upon the examples set by the team’s veterans from previous years.

“I see my role as being someone everyone can look up to and ask questions if they don’t understand,” she said. “I plan on being the energizer of the team. I want to make this year fun for everyone.

“I have learned that older people on the team need to help maintain a hard-working environment during practice and help the team become better as a whole.”

Rupp said she will do whatever it takes.

“I am a fun person who is not afraid to dance or act silly to make others happy,” said Rupp, who has had good role models.

“My previous captains had great attitudes and helped our team succeed. They were great teammates and played hard and had fun.”

Young said the team leaders won’t necessarily have the same roles each day.

“Be the person my team can count on when times get tough,” Young said, “and be someone who knows where everyone should be and be able to give advice and encourage people at the same time. Also, someone who steps up when the team is struggling.

“Sometimes you have to be the cheerleader and sometimes you have to be the bad guy. You need to find a balance between the two that works best for the team as well as each individual.

Anderson said her two seniors both have a passion for competition.

“Katelyn walks the talk,” Anderson said. “She is just so naturally talented. So, being a senior and being a great athlete, sets a super example for the rest of the team.  She encourages and is positive in her criticism for the youngens.

“Alyssa has developed into a great leader also.  She loves the game, has fun playing and also encourages and directs.  They both are right on any directions given and help set up any drills or rotations. They play hard.”

Off-season workouts enabled the Comets to develop their camaraderie.

“This summer helped me to grow relationships with the younger girls and work with them in the weight room,” Romito said. “This allowed me to encourage the girls at all times and make sure they were putting the work in because hard work pays off.

“This summer as a team we became stronger and developed close relationships with each other.”

Participating in a summer league at Danville Area Community College enhanced the transition for Rupp.

“We saw what we had to work on,” Rupp said. “We had weightlifting and open gyms this summer. 

“All of that work helped us to play together as a team.”

Young is a multi-sport standout who has a fondness for volleyball.

“I love the intensity and environment of the game,” Young said. “I love the bond that you create between your teammates that you don’t get in everyday life.”

Romito has made adjustments as she has grown with the program.

“Off of the court I tend to be very quiet and reserved,” she said. “However, on the court I have learned to be very outgoing and make people excited.

“I have grown into a leader a lot over the summer by just having the added responsibility of being the oldest and having a very young team.”

Personality-wise, Young said she is similar to Romito.

“I consider myself a reserved person and more of a leader by example,” Young said. “This year, I will need to become more vocal and step outside of my comfort zone.”

Anderson said Rupp will benefit from having Romito and Young as teammates.

“She will be one to call the toss as a setter and hopefully the leadership of the other two will rub off,” Anderson said.

Rupp said she is fixed on seeing improvement as the season continues.

“Of course, our goal is to win games,” Rupp said. “I would love to see us continue as County and conference champs again this year.  Ultimately, I want us to continue to improve as a team and be better than we were at the beginning of the season.

“We are a fairly young team, but we have been working hard and will definitely surprise a few people.”

Rupp’s playing time will increase this year.

“Our main setter graduated last year, and I had to step it up,” she said. “It has been a lot of work, and I still have a lot of work to do, but I am up for that challenge. My experience last year has helped me to grow.”

Romito welcomes the arrival of volleyball season.

“Volleyball is a time for me to just have fun and let loose,” Romito said. “I love the aspect of how everyone bonds together and works as a team.

“I am very excited to play volleyball this year and I can’t wait to see what the year will bring us.”

Young said it’s not a stretch to say it’s a treat playing on a team coached by Anderson, who is often referred to by her longstanding nickname.

“I get another year of Juice’s banana bread,” Young said.

The post Oakwood Volleyball team gains strength with positive leaders first appeared on SJO Daily.

fred@mahometnews.com

Oakwood lost its season-opening football game on Friday when Watseka scored a tie-breaking touchdown in the final two minutes at home to claim a 28-21 triumph.

Colby Smiley rushed for 239 yards on 29 carries for the Comets. He scored two touchdowns, each pulling Oakwood into a tie.

Quarterback Rhett Harrison completed 4 of 10 passes for 96 yards, including a 68-yard score to Jack Carey.

Caleb Lashuay kicked the extra-point conversion after each TD.

Defensively, the team leaders were Caide Borden (12 tackles) and Bryce Harrison (11 tackles).

Oakwood returns to action on Friday at home against Warrensburg-Latham (1-0).

Soccer

Colin Merritt and Brady Tevebaugh each scored two goals on Thursday as the Comets topped Unity 6-1.

Caleb Lashuay scored the first goal of the match, on an assist by Tevebaugh.

Sam Howie hit a goal that lifted the Comets into a 2-0 halftime lead. Grant Powell assisted Howie.

Other second-half goals were assisted by Caleb Lashuay and Joe Lashuay.

Overall, Oakwood had 14 shots on goal, while Unity had six. Comets’ goalkeeper Chris Winkler had five saves.

Oakwood (2-0-1) returns to action today at home (Oakwood Grade School) against Monticello.

Girls’ cross-country

Oakwood finished eighth in the 14-school Saber Corn Classic, on Saturday at St. Thomas More.

The Comets’ top placer was Grace Davis, who was 34th in a field of 96 competitors. Her 3-mile time was 21 minutes, 27.1 seconds.

Other team leaders were Mackenzie Russell (42nd in 22:40.2), Ally Morris (56th in 24:03.5), Katie Fritz (64th in 24:56.8) and Cassie Fugate (77th in 27:31.8).

Oakwood returns to action on Saturday at Chrisman’s Cowchip Classic.

Boys’ cross-country

The Comets had two runners who participated in the Saber Corn Classic, on Saturday at St. Thomas More.

Ethan Brewer was 103rd with a 3-mile time of 21 minutes, 47.0 seconds. Teammate Bryce Tucker was 110th in 24:11.1.

Oakwood, which didn’t have enough runners to be scored as a team, returns to action on Saturday at Chrisman’s Cowchip Classic.

Volleyball

Oakwood senior Katelyn Young was chosen for the Cissna Park Timberwolf All-tournament Team after helping the Comets to the title in the third-place pool.

In the season’s first week, Oakwood played seven matches, winning four.

On Saturday, the team dispatched Cissna Park (25-17, 25-23) and Fisher (25-11, 25-12).

Oakwood totaled 18 kills and 14 assists against Cissna Park, and 16 kills and 12 assists against Fisher.

On Thursday, in a non-tournament match, Rantoul topped the Comets 25-19, 25-8. The Comets were limited to nine kills.

On Wednesday, Oakwood rallied to beat Watseka 15-25, 25-23, 15-3. In that match, Young and Alyssa Romito combined for 39 kills. Young collected five blocks.

“The whole team brought the energy,” coach Lynn Anderson said.

Oakwood returns to action on Tuesday for its home-opener, against Heritage. The Comets’ lineup includes two seniors, one freshman and, Anderson said, “five with just one year (experience) under their belt.”

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