Talking Up the Game

Goalie Scott Sutarik has a Division I skill-set, but it could be his soccer smarts that help Fremd the most.

New goalie Scott Sutarik is hoping to help Fremd soccer to a much better end result than it had in 2009. Story and Photos By: John Juettner Follow us on Twitter: @OntheballMSL Follow John Juettner on Twitter: @JohnJuettner       Go to a Fremd soccer game this fall and you will notice a difference.       It’s the chatter.       That’s because new Vikings goalie Scott Sutarik is always talking.       When the ball is in play Sutarik is consistently calling out where his teammates should be positioned, and what play should be made on the ball.       When he isn’t doing that, he is encouraging his his fellow Vikings to stay focused, and make smart plays.…

Sandburg knocks off Fremd in state title game

Vikings take second place with 2-1 loss.

Seniors Kristine Werling (left) and Lena Brottman (right) pose with Fremd’s second-place Class 4A softball trophy. Story and Photo By: Alex Mayster       EAST PEORIA – Fremd’s failure to pitch around Sandburg slugger Lexi Bryant with first base open in the opening inning may have cost the Vikings a state championship.       With one out and a runner on second, Bryant (who was hitting .504 with 15 home runs entering the tournament) belted an RBI-double to the center field fence to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.       “She threw the pitch that I called three inches, four inches off the plate,” Fremd coach Jim Weaver said. “And the girl hit it off the wall.” Fremd (33-5) doesn’t practice…

Fremd’s softball team headed to state title game

Senior pitcher Lean Brottman struck out 16 in the Vikings' 4-1 win over Elk Grove.

Lena Brottman prepares to pitch in Friday’s Class 4A state semifinal game against Elk Grove. Story and Photos By: Alex Mayster       EAST PEORIA - As if recording her 1,000th career strikeout wasn’t enough, Fremd hurler Lena Brottman struck out a state tournament single-game record 16 batters as the Vikings defeated Elk Grove 4-1 on Friday to earn a trip to the state championship.       “She was on today. That’s exactly what we expect from Lena,”  Fremd coach Jim Weaver said of his ace. “Everything was working today; both halves of the plate, slow, fast, up down.”       Brottman’s first nine outs were recorded via the strikeout before she started mixing ground and fly ball outs into the equation.…

Fremd defeats New Trier in Rolling Meadows super sectional

The win sends the Vikings to the state's final four for the second straight year.

Fremd players celebrate their super sectional win over New Trier. Story and Photos By: John Juettner       Let’s just put it this way: no New Trier base runner touched second base.       That’s a pretty solid indicator that Fremd senior pitcher Lena Brottman was pitching a great game in Monday’s super-sectional contest at Rolling Meadows High School.       A couple other indicators were she allowed only three hits, and she struck out 12 batters.       All of those things, plus the simple fact that it is impossible to score when you don’t touch second base.       The Viking hitters were able to squeeze out some late runs after New Trier pitcher Kelsey Lee had shut…

Lena Brottman’s dominant career results in Female Athlete of the Year Award

The softball pitcher and volleyball player earned Fremd's highest athletic recognition.

Lena Brottman holds most every Fremd softball pitching record. Story and Photo By: John Juettner       The Fremd softball program has had an impressive run of great pitchers.       From 1992 to 1995 it was Angie Jacobs. From 1996 to 1998 it was Courtney Walker. Ellen Stoddard followed in 1999 and was there until 2002. Then Stacey Gillette was the star from 2003 to 2006.       Those four names are found in the Top 5 of nearly every Fremd career pitching record.       But in just about every category they trail Lena Brottman, who Fremd coach Jim Weaver calls the best pitcher the program has ever had.       Here’s an example of just how dominant…

Fremd softball defeats Lake Zurich to advance to the Rolling Meadows super sectional

Tess Dinterman's bases-loaded triple in the first inning helps propel the Vikings to victory.

Fremd displays its sectional championship trophy. Story and Photos By: Alex Mayster       Rain may have delayed the start of Saturday’s Class 4A Buffalo Grove softball sectional championship game, but the thunder didn’t develop until the Vikings’ hitters came to the plate.       Top-seeded Fremd took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first after six of the first seven Vikings’ hitters reached base, but the Vikings weren’t done.       With the bases loaded and only one out in the inning, Tess Dinterman battled her way out of an 0-2 count to hit a bases clearing triple, giving Fremd a six run lead and carrying the Vikings past No. 6 Lake Zurich 9-3 for the sectional championship.  …

Fremd loses to Marist in two games at the IHSA boys’ volleyball state tournament

Vikings proved they belonged despite a record that wasn't as lofty as that of some of the competition.

Fremd readies for its match against Marist. Story and Photo By: Charlie Burroughs       The Fremd Vikings proved they belonged in the power packed IHSA boys’ volleyball state quarterfinals Friday night at Hoffman Estates High School.       Going in the Vikings had more losses (12) than any other team left in the tourney, and three times as many as their opponent, Marist. When the Vikings let a 6-6 tie turn into a 21-7 deficit in game one against the RedHawks neither coach Curt Pinley nor senior outside hitter Brian Allen had doubts they belonged in front of the fan-packed crowd.        “Obviously it’s not where you want to be at any point in a state match,” Pinley said of…

Fremd’s “best match” sends it to the Elite Eight

Vikings defeat Lake Park in three games.

The Fremd boys’ volleyball team displays its sectional championship plaque. Story and Photos By: Charlie Burroughs       Sometimes a game, like a story, is best told from the ending first.       After all the kills, floor burns, digs and long volleys in the three game match Fremd’s victory over Lake Park on Tuesday evening can be summed up on that final play. With the ball in play off the Vikings’ serve, the Lancers appeared to have a game-tying kill. The ball deflected off one Viking player and the second volley was sent into the rafters. With the tying point dropping from the ceiling senior setter Steve Maring saved the point with a volley over his head near the back of the…

Fremd defeats Prospect to advance to regional final

Clint Terry leads the way on the mound and at the plate

Fremd’s Mike Risher reaches home safely under the tag of Prospect pitcher Miles Osei. Story and Photo By: Charlie Burroughs       Good pitching beats good hitting.       For Fremd senior pitcher Clint Terry a little bit of both doesn’t hurt either. In the top of first inning in Thursday’s regional semifinals against Prospect Terry belted a two out, two-run homer off Knights’ senior pitcher Miles Osei en route to the 4-1 win.       In most cases Prospect’s offense could overcome an early 2-0 deficit. As Knight coach Ross Giutsi pointed out after the game his team set school records in runs scored (263), RBI (248), and team batting average (.371) this season. But as the old saying goes, “Good…

Many MSL participants qualify for state at the Palatine sectional

Palatine’s Alec Bollman wanted to make sure he had company at next week’s IHSA 3A state track finals in Charleston. So he looked back to see where teammate Tim Johnson was at in the final meters of the 1,600 run. “I knew I had it won, so I looked back in the final 50 meters,” Bollman said. “I gave Tim a little wave and he picked it up.” Bollman was easily able to win the event while Johnson held off Libertyville’s Mitch Neubaur for second place. Bollman’s first place finish and Johnson’s second place finish helped power the Pirates to 56 points and fourth place in the sectional. Bollman also anchored the Palatine’s 4 x 800 relay team. Bollman, along with Tim Meincke, Ryan McGough…

Pitchers’ duel goes Fremd’s way for 1-0 MSL championship game win over Hersey

Fremd's Clint Terry and Hersey's Steve Danielak battle each other to the end

Fremd players celebrate their MSL championship after the final out was recorded. Story and Photos By: John Juettner       There is no wrong answer. A strong case could be made for either player.       The question is: Who pitched better in Saturday’s Mid-Suburban League boys’ baseball championship game between Fremd and Hersey?       Was it Vikings lefty Clint Terry, who pitched a complete game, struck out eight, and allowed three hits and five walks to Husky hitters?       Or was it Hersey’s Steve Danielak, who also pitched a complete game, allowed just two hits, walked none and struck out four?       One thing known is the final score: 1-0 in favor of the host Vikings.…

Fremd defeats Elk Grove 1-0 for MSL championship

Brottman bests Maday in pitcher's duel

Fremd’s Lena Brottman composes herself for the next pitch against Elk Grove. Story and Photos By: Charlie Burroughs       With a late 1-0 lead in the Mid-Suburban League softball championship, every pitch becomes a ride for Fremd senior pitcher Lena Brottman.       It’s Fremd against Elk Grove, top of the fifth inning, with a slow drizzle coming down a full attendance seems extra packed, and extra intimate in the fenced-in facility. From the entrance it was concessions on top of bleachered fans on top of the backstop. A few feet away the Viking’s catcher takes strikes from Brottman against Grenadier starting senior pitcher Stephanie Maday who would love to get back the run she gave up the previous half-inning.    …

Buffalo Grove tops Fremd for MSL championship

The Bison prove to be too much for the Vikings in boys' volleyball

Buffalo Grove celebrates its Mid-Suburban League boys volleyball championship. Story and Photo By: John Juettner       Fremd battled in Wednesday night’s boys’ volleyball Mid-Suburban League championship match against visiting Buffalo Grove, but the Bison proved to be too much.       There were moments where the Vikings looked like they were about to seize control of the match, but each time Buffalo Grove came up with a big series of plays en route to becoming MSL champs with a 27-25, 25-22 win.       “It’s great,” Buffalo Grove senior Nick Baronti said. “You look forward to the postseason, but it’s a great win for us. It was one of our team goals as we started the season, to win conference.”  …

Vikings move on to regional finals with 3-0 win over BG

Story by: Charlie Burroughs            A win is a win, but the Fremd girls’ soccer coach Steve Keller is looking for more urgency.       “I think we got to play better,” Keller said after the 3-0 victory in the Regional Semi-finals over Buffalo Grove Tuesday evening. “Not that we played terrible, but we weren’t on top of our game and alert in the first half.”       In the first half the Bison fought for a little over 20 minutes without allowing a goal from the Viking offense. It was also Bison freshman midfielder Carly Brown who almost drew first blood with a shot at the goal deep inside the box at the 23 minute mark. Viking senior…

Repeat performance for Fremd

Vikings defeat Barrington for the second straight year in girls' water polo sectional finals

The Fremd girls water polo team poses with its 2010 sectional championship trophy. Story and Photo By: John Juettner       It’s nice to be back for Fremd, but the Vikings are looking for more.       For the second year in a row, the Fremd girls’ water polo team is one of the final eight teams playing in the state of Illinois. The Vikings defeated host Barrington 12-3 in Saturday’s sectional final to advance to the elite eight.       “It’s awesome,” Fremd coach Brian Newby said. “It’s probably one of the best feelings other than brining home a trophy at state.”       Bringing home a trophy is exactly what Fremd (29-1) did last year with its third place…

Brottman outduels Roto for 2-0 Vikings win

Game also serves as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness

Senior pitcher Lena Brottman throws a pitch for Fremd against Palatine. Story and Photos By: John Juettner       You don’t even have to be watching the game to know Lena Brottman is pitching for the Fremd softball team.       You just have to listen.       You will hear a very distinctive THWACK! roughly every minute she is on the mound.       It’s the sound of leather smacking against an object. More specifically, it’s the sound of Brottman’s mitt slapping her left thigh as she completes her motion.       “It is just habit,” Brottman said of that part of her motion. “It is part of the windup and how I get momentum started. I’ve always just…

Palatine’s win prevents Fremd from clinching

The MSL West baseball title is still up for grabs after the 6-0 Pirates win

Winning pitcher Byron Skinner fires a pitch against a Fremd batter. Story and Photos By: Charlie Burroughs       It was the third inning Wednesday afternoon that Palatine pitcher Byron Skinner knew his defense had his back.       A ground ball was mishandled by Pirate sophomore shortstop Joe Campe allowing the Fremd base runner on base with no outs. Later, with runners on the corners Skinner struck out a batter and then forced a fly ball to end the inning.       “When Joe Campe made that mistake he said ‘hit me, get me another ball,’” said Skinner after the 6-0 complete game victory over Mid-Suburban League West first place Vikings. “That’s great to hear when you’re a pitcher; you don’t…

Fremd knocks off Barrington in extra innings

Kolakowski's sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth drives in the game-winning run

Fremd right fielder Evan Wright prepares to bat with Barrington catcher Max Redpath ready to receive the pitch. Story and Photos By: John Juettner       He hadn’t played in four games, but he sure came up big for Fremd on Monday evening at Barrington.       Zenon Kolakowski missed all of last week after crashing into the outfield fence when the Vikings took on Elk Grove on April 30.       He didn’t show any residual effects against the Broncos, his first game back in the lineup.       Kolakowski made two diving catches in the center field, and was 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs. Kolakowski’s final RBI came on a sacrifice fly in the top of the…

Fremd a 3-1 winner in soccer over Conant

Kotsakis scores two second-half goals to help propel Vikings

Fremd freshman Jessa Rizzo (in white) tries to gain position on Conant junior Kaitlin Chiero. Story and Photos By: John Juettner       It took until the final minute and 24 seconds before Fremd could breathe easy in Saturday’s girls’ soccer game against Conant.       At that time, junior forward Elise Kotsakis scored her second goal of the game to put the host Vikings up 3-1, which served as the final score.       “It was kind of nerve-wracking,” Fremd coach Steve Keller said.       He added that it was a relief when Kotsakis’ second goal found the back of the net.       Kotsakis’ first goal of the match came with 32:48 to play, and it put…

Conant wins MSL boys’ gymnastics title

Cougars hold off Fremd and Palatine

The Conant Cougars won the Mid-Suburban League boys’ gymnastics championship thanks to a great group effort.            It may have not been Conant’s best performance all year. Still the Cougars managed to pull away from the field at the Mid Suburban League boys’ gymnastic conference meet Friday at Fremd.       Conant cruised to the title with a score of 155.95. Fremd was second with 148.75 points, Palatine third with 148.00, Elk Grove was fourth with 138.75 and Buffalo Grove was fifth with a 136.45.       Conant was able to claim the title thanks to the work of all-arounders Anthony Crivolio, Steve Rink and Joey Mauk. The three combined for 155.20.       “They did another nice…