St. Viator: Six Student Athletes Headline National Signing Day

National Signing Day at Saint Viator High School showcased six student athletes as they signed their letters of intent to play Division I and II college-level sports.

On hand for the ceremony were their parents, coaches and members of the Saint Viator administration.

“We’re privileged to recognize and celebrate all their achievements,” said Rev. Robert M. Egan, C.S.V., president. “This is a realization that people at the college level have seen in them all their potential for success that we have.”
Student athletes included:

Mayo Arogundade of Arlington Heights committed to play football at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. As a runningback last season for the Lions, Arogundade had 139 carries for 788 yards, with an average of 6 yards per carry. He scored 10 rushing touchdowns and had 12 receptions for 87 yards.

Gunnar Kay of Arlington Heights committed to play baseball at Dallas Baptist University. As a pitcher for the Lions last year, Kay compiled a record of 7-1, with an ERA of 1.71. He had 60 strikeouts while giving up 16 earned runs, and 26 runs given up during 65 innings pitched.

Patrick Martin of Arlington Heights committed to play baseball at Heartland Community College in Normal. As a left-handed pitcher for the Lions last season, Martin had a record of 1-2, with an ERA of 4.16. He had 30 strikeouts while giving up 20 earned runs and 25 runs given up during 33.2 innings pitched.

Hugh Masterson of Inverness committed to play football at Georgetown University. He was a two-way starter for the Lions, as an offensive tackle and defensive end. Masterson was co-MVP of the 2012 team, first team all-East Suburban Catholic Conference, first team all-area, and first team all-state in the 6A division.

Harry McCollum of Arlington Heights committed to play football at Georgetown University. An injury last fall limited his time on the field, but McCollum was the starting kicker/punter for the Lions. He had 17 punts for 565 total yards and an average of 34 yards per punt. One punt soared 60 yards. McCollum also put down five punts within the 20-yard line. He also had 15 kickoffs for 574 yards, with his longest at 55 yards. McCollum also kicked three field goals and 14 points after attempt.

Peter Trunk of Arlington Heights committed to play lacrosse at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J. Trunk is the second Saint Viator player to commit to Coach Brian Brecht at Rutgers. Last year, he was the Lions’ MVP as a junior, leading the team in total points and leading all midfielders in the state with more than 40 assists.

Like many of the athletes on hand, Arogundade plays two sports at Saint Viator. He is a point guard for the Lions in basketball, but he chose to play football in college.

“I’m blessed and excited to have this opportunity to get a great education through football,” said Arogundade, who grew up playing prep football in Schaumburg.

Gunnar Kay follows his two older brothers, who both play college-level baseball: Brett Kay plays at Illinois State University, and Cory Kay at Harper College.

“Dallas Baptist is a developmental program, which is just what I liked about it,” Kay said. “They take a player with potential and mold him into getting ready to play at the next level.”

Peter Trunk admits he didn’t pick up a lacrosse stick until one week before the start of freshman year, and now he finds himself headed to a Division I program at Rutgers. He will be playing midfield along with fellow Saint Viator alum Brian Goss of Arlington Heights, who is a sophomore at Rutgers.

“Four years ago I never would have thought this was possible, but Rutgers and Coach Brecht are a good fit for me,” Trunk said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity.”

Information submitted by Paige Wiser, director of communications for St. Viator.