Make Your Mark Foundation Strike Out Cancer Games Saturday, April 14th, 2018

The LTHS Baseball and Softball Booster Clubs’ are joining to host a multi-game event where all proceeds from this day benefit the non-profit Make Your Mark Foundation, a foundation which raises money for pediatric cancer. The LTHS boy’s baseball freshman (A and B), sophomore, JV, and varsity teams & visiting teams, as well as the LTHS freshman, sophomore and varsity girls’ softball teams & visiting teams will proudly take part in this event. Paid admission includes donation, one wrist band souvenir, and a picnic lunch or dinner. Additional donations will be accepted.

Admission Costs-

All proceeds are donated to Make Your Mark - The Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation $10 Adults

$7 Students with ID, Seniors & kids under 10 Free - kids under 5

The Booster Clubs will also be raffling off items with all proceeds going to Make Your Mark Foundation. Finally, all players from Minooka, Lockport and Downers Grove will be wearing special shirts honoring a family member or loved one who has battled or who currently is battling cancer.

Game Times:

Boys Baseball: Varsity Field - Minooka @ Lockport. 10:00 am: Frosh B, 12:00 pm: Frosh A, 2:00 pm: Sophomore, 4:00 pm: JV, 6:00 pm: Varsity Girls Softball: Varsity Field – 9:00 am: Lockport JV vs. Minooka JV, 11:30 am: Lockport Varsity vs. Minooka Varsity, 2:00 pm: Downers Grove South Varsity vs. Minooka Varsity, 4:30 pm: Lockport Varsity vs. Downers Grove South Varsity Girls Softball: Garfield Field – 8:00 am: Lockport Freshman vs. Minooka Freshman, 10:30 am: Downers Grove South JV vs. Minooka JV, 1:00 pm: Minooka Freshman vs Downers Grove South Freshman, 3:30 pm: Lockport JV vs. Downers Grove South JV

Location: Lockport Varsity Baseball & Softball Fields at 1200 Garfield St. Lockport IL 60441

“If you give in life, it comes back one hundred times over,”

- Mark Staehely

http://www.makeyourmark7.org/

The Lockport Township High School Baseball and Softball Programs will be hosting 13 games on Saturday, April 14th to raise money for the Make Your Mark Foundation. Please click HERE for more details about the event. Our Lockport Township High School’s Baseball and Softball Booster Clubs have combined over the last five years to raise $52,127.00 for the Make Your Mark - The Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation. This foundation uses funds to help support the research of pediatric cancer and families that are affected by it.

Here is a HOME RUN example of the use the Make Your Mark Strike Out Cancer Game

Funds!

All money raised during the Make Your Mark Strike Out Cancer Games is used by the foundation to support The Mark Staehely Family Assistance Program. This Mark Staehely Family Assistance program helps children battling pediatric cancer and their families in their greatest time of need. Make Your Mark assists families with gas cards, food cards, etc… The Staehely family knew firsthand how difficult day to day living expenses can be when your child is facing a life treating illness. It is the foundations wish that no family be faced with the choice between food on their table or gas for their car to drive their child for the medical care they need.

A HOME RUN example of the money raised during the 2017 event was displayed when the foundation donated the proceeds to update the Northwestern Medicine Pediatric Waiting Area. Pediatric cancer patients and their family use this waiting area while they wait to receive treatment at Northwestern Medicine Hospital.

SPORTS

‘Strike Out Cancer Day’ another big success By JEFF DEGRAW Shaw Media correspondent April 17, 2017

LOCKPORT – They played the game for the name on the back of the jersey, even though the varsity score will read Minooka 6 Lockport 2.

But it was much more than just a baseball game Saturday at Ed Flink Field. It was the sixth annual “Strike Out Cancer Day” in honor of the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

This year, more than 1,100 people attended and $11,500 was raised, bringing the six-year total to more than $50,000. Both attendance and money raised were the best in the history of the event. All the funds raised will go to the family assistance program of the Staehely Foundation.

“We use this money to help families with whatever they need,” said Sue Staehely, Mark’s mother. “It could be parking at the hospital, food for the families, gas for transportation. It’s not cheap to have someone sick and we are trying to do everything we can to help them.

“Words alone cannot express how grateful we are for this entire day. I wish there was no cancer, but Mark had such a positive attitude and effect on everyone, we want to always continue to help.”

All levels of the Porters and Indians played games on the varsity field starting at 10 a.m. Also included in this event were the softball teams from Lockport, Downers Grove South and Minooka.

In the valued tradition of this event, every player during the day, from the freshman level through varsity, wore a special jersey that had the name of someone they chose who had to deal with cancer.

Lockport (6-6) senior Matt Medina had the name “Grandma” on the back of his jersey.

“My grandma was diagnosed with leukemia a couple of years ago,” Medina said. “She is here tonight and has been my biggest supporter. She really got me into this game, and it’s so special to have her here and play this game for her.”

For the Indians (9-5), you saw many of the jerseys with the name of “Mark Smith” on their back. The tribute is to the former teacher/coach who died from cancer and was loved in the Minooka community.

Senior Grant Olsen had “Shawn Capodice” on his orange jersey.

“She passed away from cancer last year,” Olsen said. “She was a special person to many of my friends and family. This is a tribute to her, and tonight I play this game for her.

More than 100 parents volunteered and local businesses donated food for the all-day event.

Pam Strysik, from the Lockport baseball booster club and main organizer for the event, talked about what the day has come to mean for everyone involved.

“I had the opportunity to talk with Sue Staehely for over an hour on the phone,” Strysik said. “And after talking with Sue and learning so much about Mark, you really understand and appreciate why we do this. It’s a lot of work for everyone involved, but so worth it and so rewarding. We always strive to improve and make this event better every year. Developing the website with all the information on this day has really helped.”

Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic said he thinks this day is special, especially since he had Mark in class.

“Mark was special,” Petrovic said. “He was always so happy and so well-liked by everyone at Minooka. It’s also special because we get to see all of our levels play at one site. That never happens in baseball. It truly is a playoff atmosphere and something the lower levels really never get to experience during the season.

“Lockport does such a great job with this event, and we are so proud to be a part of it. This has created so many great memories over the years for all of our players and coaches.”

Ray Staehely, Mark’s father, talked about how special this entire event has become.

“I can’t say enough about the hundreds of volunteers who make this happen,” Ray Staehely said. “In today’s world it doesn’t happen very often that a fundraising event gets bigger and better every year. This is phenomenal.

“To see the class of these two programs, from the coaches to every level of player and the so many different names that they all play for is unbelievable. I know Mark looks down on this event every year, keeps his scorecard and has that big smile on his face.”

Porters baseball, softball teams raise $11,500 at Strike Out Cancer

The Lockport and Minooka baseball teams gather with a check for Make Your Mark - The Mark Staehely

Pediatric Cancer Foundation Saturday, April 15, at the Strike Out Cancer event at Flink Field.

Randy Whalen, Freelance Reporter

2:36 pm CDT April 18, 2017

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Back in 2011, Lockport Township baseball coach Andy Satunas had a vision to do something for the people in the community whose families have been touched by cancer.

So he and the Porters created the annual Strike Out Cancer day to benefit the nonprofit Make Your Mark - The Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Now in its sixth season, and the fourth where the Porters softball team has joined in, the event is bigger than ever. This year’s games, which were held Saturday, April 15, were attended by more than 1,300 people and generated $11,500 in donations. That toppled last year’s record-setting total by $1,000.

“It’s become an event where people look forward to it,” Satunas said. “One of the cycles of growth that I’ve seen is that now we have entire families that have T-shirts from each of the years. That’s special, and so many people are involved and make sure that they give back.”

All the proceeds raised will go to the family assistance program of the foundation, whose mission is to promote the vision and ideals of the late Mark Staehely and to carry on his legacy of love, compassion and service.

“It was a no-brainer to donate to the Make Your Mark Foundation and help out in this way,” Satunas said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day from the

weather, to the [more than 100 parents and local businesses] people and places that volunteered. We view it as a way to give back.”

Satunas, who is in his seventh season as Porters coach, lost his father, Alan, to cancer just over a year ago, and he honored him during Strike Out Cancer. Carrying on a tradition since the start of the event, players and coaches from both teams wore special shirts with the name of someone they knew who had been afflicted with cancer. Satunas’ simply said “Dad.”

The event is an all-day affair, with a trio of varsity softball games and many lower level baseball games going on at Flink Field throughout the day.

Lockport senior right fielder Jake Suchor was part of his second varsity “Strikeout Cancer Game.” After honoring his great-grandfather, Phillip, last year, he honored his great-grandmother, Jane, with her name on his back this year.

“It’s great that so many people get help with the money raised,” Suchor said. “It’s one of my favorite games of the year, and it’s especially a special event to have it on Easter weekend. [Cancer] is something that’s affected everyone’s lives.”

Minooka won the varsity baseball game over the Porters by a 6-2 score.

“On the field, we’ve got to pick up the energy,” Suchor said. “We know what we have to do. We just have to execute it.”

Lockport (6-6) fell behind 5-0 before scoring single runs in the fifth and sixth. The Porters, who could only muster four hits, received RBIs from senior designated hitter Brent McDowell and junior shortstop Steven Salvino. Cole Alstott (3-for-4, 3 RBI) led the Indians (9-5), who have been a part of the event every year.

“It’s always a great game and one of my favorite days of the year,” Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic said. “It’s a great atmosphere, a special atmosphere, and we’re appreciative to be a part of it.”

So is the Lockport softball team, which hosted three varsity games during the midday portion of the event. Downers Grove South and Minooka were the other two softball teams.

“All three teams take part in the special day,” Lockport coach Marissa Chovanec said of the teams all wearing special shirts with someone’s name on the back. “We want to thank the parents, the boosters, the baseball team, the school all for being a part of this.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer. Everyone has lost someone or knows someone who is battling. That’s what we tell the team and not to take for granted this opportunity or this beautiful day.”

The Porters (14-1) are having a beautiful season on the field, too. In the first game, they defeated Downers Grove South 10-4 as juniors Taylor Shingler (5 hits) and Graci Voulgaris (3 hits) led the way. Senior Meghan Kelly went five and two-thirds innings to get the win. But she was even happier that her grandfather, Terry Nolan,

was able to be there to see here pitch. Kelly wore “Papa” on her special uniform to honor him.

“He was diagnosed with lung cancer two or three months ago,” Kelly said of Nolan. “He’s fighting, and we all signed a ball for him from the team telling him how much we love him. He got here and was able to see me pitch, so I knew I had to get something done.

“Playing with his name on the back made it a more special day.”

Later in the day, Lockport defeated Minooka 11-0 in five innings. The Porters scored seven runs in the bottom of the fifth to end the game. Shingler and juniors Courtney Schoolcraft and Taylor Herschbach all had two hits to support junior pitcher Elly Hagen (6 K), who fired a two-hit shutout.

In the middle game, Minooka defeated Downers Grove South 6-5 by scoring a run in the bottom of the eighth.

Lauren Berg [Morita], a 2005 Lockport graduate, is now the coach at Downers Grove South. She was a member of the Porters 2004 Class AA state champion team and wore “Daddy” on her uniform in honor of her late father, Daniel Pubins, who died from cancer in 2015.

“He would always sit in his favorite chair, usually right behind home plate, to watch me play,” Berg said of her dad. “There wasn’t this [Strike Out Cancer event] then. It’s something that gives you a bigger perspective. I told my team that we are playing for a bigger purpose.”

There will be more festivities for the softball team this weekend, too. The Porters host Schaumburg on Saturday, April 22, in a doubleheader starting at 10 a.m. There they will honor the 20th anniversary of their first softball state championship team, which defeated Morton 3-2 in 15 innings to capture the 1997 Class AA title.

Barb Burk, who coached the team for the first 30 seasons, is expected to be there, along with many of the players.

Lockport, Minooka hold fifth ‘Strike Out Cancer Day’

Published: Saturday, April 16, 2016 11:04 p.m. CDT

LOCKPORT - On Saturday, Lockport and Minooka hooked up for a baseball game at Ed Flink Field.

But it was much more than a game.

It was the 5th-annual ‘Strike Out Cancer Day’ in honor of the Mark Staehely Pediatric

Cancer Foundation. This year, more than 1,000 people attended and $10,500 was raised, bringing the five- year total to just over $40,000.

“The commitment from Lockport and Minooka for our foundation has been overwhelming,” Ray Staehely said. “This keeps the spirit of Mark going. He loved the game of baseball. He knew the players, the history and stats. It was his passion.

“In this day and age, it’s rare to find a project that keeps growing and helps people. This is truly an amazing effort by all.

“Andy Satunas (Lockport head coach) is such a great leader and role model for this event. I can’t say enough about what he has done.”

All levels of the Porters and Indians played games on the field starting at 10 a.m. Also included in this event were the softball teams from Lockport, Downers Grove South and Peotone. Over 100 parents volunteered and local businesses donated food for the all-day event. Everyone received a meal as part of their admission.

In what has become a valued tradition, all players and coaches at every level wore special team shirts that had the name of someone that had to deal with cancer.

“I think one of the coolest things about this whole day is seeing all the different names that the players and coaches honor on their shirt,” said Roger Damyen, a foundation board member. “It shows that cancer affects everyone.”

Lockport senior Mike Stevens had the name Grandma P. on his shirt.

“My grandma had breast cancer and this is a great way to honor her,” Stevens said. “This whole day is pretty special for all of us. The game, sure we want to win, but it’s about the day.”

Another Lockport senior, Dylan Barthel, had the name of Aunt Gabby on his shirt.

“My aunt has been battling cancer the last few years, and I wanted to honor her because of what she has gone through,” Barthel said. “Today is to honor everyone who has had that battle. Not just here but everywhere in the world.”

Minooka senior Austin Moretti changed his honoree at the last minute.

“I was going to honor my aunt, but two weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Moretti said. “This is a great way to honor her. My mom is my mother. I think all sons are mamma boys at heart. My whole season is dedicated to her. Last year, coach told us something that has stuck with me – ‘Most of the year you play for the name on the front of your jersey, today you play for who is on the back.’ ”

Mark Staehely attended Minooka and is still remembered around the campus.

“I had Mark in class,” Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic said. “I thought the world of Mark. He was a special person and enjoyed having him in my classroom.

“Getting to participate in this game and event means a lot to our program and school. I want to thank Lockport for all they do to make this day a success.

“This disease affects so many. I lost my dad to cancer and in that same thought, the name on the back of my shirt is ‘Satunas’ because Andy lost his dad recently and I know what it means. A lot of work goes into a day like today, it brings us all closer together, you always want to win a game, but this day is different.”

“This is always a special day for our program,” Satunas said. “So many people help and make it all happen and come together. I couldn’t be prouder of how this has grown over the years. This year it has hit a little closer to home. Losing my dad in late February really keeps things in perspective. My whole family now looks at all this a little differently.

“It’s always great to see who everyone honors on their shirt. This year I ordered extra shirts for my family to honor my dad. What Jeff (Petrovic) did was really unexpected and emotional. It shows the bond that we all have, the fraternity that coaches have. Sure, we all want to win, but this proves everyone can come together, be competitive and really do something special, especially in the name of the Mark Staehely Foundation.”

To cap off the successful day, the Indians used a four-run fourth inning to claim a 8-7 victory over the Porters.

Copyright © 2017 The Herald-News. All rights reserved.

Staehely, and to carry on his legacy of

compassion and service.

Our labor of love's vision is to: •

e RAISBMONBYFOR PEDIATRIC RESEARCH

e P IDE ASS ISTANCE TO CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER AN D THEIR FAMILIES IN THEIR GREATEST TIME OF NEED

e SUPPORT MARK'S TREASURE CHEST PROGRAMS

e AWARD AYEARLY SCHOLARSHIP TO A YOUNG MAN OR .. WOMAN PURSUEING A CARREER IN FIRE SCIENCE

1 PRO\IDFASSISTANCHO CHILD CANCEa A.t\0THEIR FAMILIFS IN 'fJMEOfMED

Digital Exclusive: Porters, Indians look to 'Strike Out Cancer' at annual event Randy Whalen, Freelance Reporter

2:29 pm CDT April 20, 2016

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It was only fitting the word “Dad” was on the back of Lockport head coach Andy Satunas’ uniform during the fifth annual Strike Out Cancer Games.

Satunas’ father, Alan, died Feb. 29 at age 64 after battling cancer, and his death coincided with the first day of baseball tryouts this year.

So when Minooka and Lockport took the field Saturday, April 16, the teams kept with the tradition of wearing special uniform tops that include the name of someone they knew who has fought cancer.

But as Satunas looked across the field, he was surprised to see his last name on the back of Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic’s jersey.

“That was really nice and unexpected,” Satunas said. “Words can’t describe how much I was touched by that. We have such a great fraternity of baseball coaches in this area, and we all treat each other so well.

“Minooka has been a part of this for all five years, and I hope they’re part of it for the next 25 years.”

Petrovic thought honoring Alan at the Strike Out Cancer Games was the right thing to do.

“All the coaches in the area respect each other tremendously,” Petrovic said. “I lost my dad [Dennis] to cancer in 2010, and that was right before we started these events. So I’ve usually won his name on the back of my uniform.

“It’s always tough to deal with, and this was a great opportunity to give Andy a shout out and show him some support.”

The Strike Out Cancer Games, which benefits the Make Your Mark - Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation, has grown every year since its inception. The late Staehely attended Minooka and is still remembered in the community.

“I had Mark in class,” Petrovic said of Staehely. “I thought the world of Mark. He was a special person and enjoyed having him in my classroom.”

The teams raised $10,500 over the weekend, which brought the five-year total to more than $40,000. All levels of the two teams played in the varsity field throughout the day, and Lockport, Downers Grove South and Peotone softball teams played in a triangular. More than 100 parents volunteered, and local businesses donated food for the all-day event.

During the varsity game, the Indians held on for an exciting 8-7 win. Minooka (7-7) trailed 2-0 after two innings, but scored two runs in the third, four in the fourth and another run in the top of the fifth to take a 7-2 lead. Lockport rallied for four runs in the bottom of the fifth to trim the lead to one, and each team added a run in the sixth.

The Porters looked poised for a comeback, as the team loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh. But it hit into a double play to end it.

Brothers Joe, a senior, and Jon, a junior, Butler led Minooka. Each had pair of RBI, and Joe (3-for-4) and Jon (2-for-3, 3 runs) combined for five of the Indians 11 hits. Junior Logan O’Brien also added two RBI for Minooka, which used three different pitchers and made five errors.

Lockport (6-3) could not take advantage of the opportunities. In addition to having five players reach via error, the Porters were issued seven walks, had two hit batsman and nine hits. But the team stranded 16 on base.

Senior Anthony Cocco (3-for-5, RBI), junior Gavin Lovesky (2-for-4, 3 RBI, run), and senior Joey McGuire (2-for-3, run) led Lockport.

“I’m really proud of how the boys battled,” Satunas said. “But you just can’t chase good teams like Minooka. But we’ll be OK. We’re a pretty good team, too.”

The Porters have won or shared the SouthWest Suburban Blue title for the past six straight seasons. The team got off to a 2-0 start in the league this past week after defeating Joliet West 7-2 on April 13 and 14-4 on April 15.

In the 14-4 game, Lockport surrendered four runs in the top of the fourth and trailed 4-3. After plating a run in the bottom of the fourth, the Porters scored 10 times in the bottom of the fifth to walk off with the win.

The Porters have two more SWSC Blue games this week, both against Homewood-Flossmoor.

Local high school teams play to Strike Out

Cancer

Porters senior Toni Wolfe high-fives softball coach Marissa Chovanec at the April 18 Make Your Mark Strike Out Cancer event at the Edward Flink Field complex. (Photos by Tristan Zeier/22nd Century Media)

Jeff Vorva, Freelance Reporter

4:02 pm CDT April 30, 2015

Share + Coaches have a saying that what’s on the front of the uniform is more important than what’s on the back of it.

In other words, the team name on the front is more important than the individual name that is on the back of a jersey or shirt.

But once a year at Lockport Township, that adage goes out the window. That’s when the Porters’ baseball and softball teams host their Make Your Mark Strike Out Cancer games. The fourth running of the event was April 18, with freshman, sophomore and varsity baseball and softball teams from four schools playing 13 games throughout the morning, noon and night. Admission money went to the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Organizers hoped to raise $10,000 at the event for 2015.

Lockport’s baseball team, coached by Andy Satunas, dropped a 7-2 decision in the evening’s main event to Minooka. Lockport’s softball squad beat Peotone 8-5, but dropped a 7-0 decision to unbeaten Downers Grove South, a team ranked first in the state in Class 4A, according to the April 13 Illinois Coaches Association poll. Lockport was 19th.

The hundreds of players who participated in the event wore shirts with the name of a person they knew who either died of cancer, is currently fighting cancer or survived cancer.

“Each of the kids share their stories about grandma or grandpa, or an aunt or uncle, or family or friend,” Lockport softball coach Marissa Chovanec said. “Everybody has been touched by cancer in some form. The kids realize they are fortunate to be able to do this.”

In 2004, Tara McElligott, a freshman third baseman on varsity, was 4 when she lost her brother, John, to cancer at age 5.

“I play in honor of him all the time, but today is special,” she said. “I remember he loved the White Sox and we would play together. We would watch Sox games and ‘Power Rangers’ on TV. Sometimes, he would play with my Barbie dolls. We would play catch.

“At the time, I didn’t know what was going on. He was gone. Looking back at it ... I totally get it now.”

Lockport senior baseball players have been around this event since the beginning.

Crowds were starting to swell in the late morning this year, creating a buzz to go with the sounds of bats hitting balls and crowds cheering; the sights of tents and white smoke, as well as smells of hot dogs and hamburgers being cooked on a big grill permeated, too.

“Look at this crowd — and it’s not even 11:30 [a.m.],” senior Collin Cronberg said. “It’s come a long way. There is a lot more people here now than there was four years ago.”

“The first year, it was all baseball families,” teammate Ben Wishba said. “Today, we have the entire community here. It’s a community-wide event now.”

The back of Cronberg’s shirt was dedicated to Pete Fulton, his uncle and a former Lockport athlete.

“He’s still fighting it,” Cronberg said. “He’s in his 60s and was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. Hopefully, he comes through. He’s battling for quite a while.”

Wishba’s grandfather, Wayne, died six years ago of lung cancer, but the Blue Island native left a lasting impression on his grandson.

“He was an inspiration on my life and everybody around him,” Wishba said. “He was an Air Force guy and he pushed me into baseball and gave me my career choice. He was a civil engineer, who worked for IDOT and told me I should go to school for that.”

Wishba plans to play baseball at North Central College in the fall.

The event started modestly in 2012, when the Minooka and Lockport baseball teams battled on the freshman, sophomore and varsity levels — raising more than $3,000.

It grew in 2013 when the softball teams were included, and Downers Grove South and Peotone joined in on the fun. That year, the all-day event made more than $7,600.

Year 3 threatened the $10,000 mark, but fell short with a final total of $9,178.90.

The inspiration behind the fundraising event is Mark Staehely, an 18-year-old who succumbed to pediatric cancer in 2006. Even though he was suffering from cancer, he spent the final years of his life raising money and appealing to people to donate toys for young cancer patients.

So, for one day on the diamonds at Lockport’s Ed Flink Field complex, the names on the back of the shirt meant far more than the names on the front.

Digital Exclusive: Porters, Indians look to

'Strike Out Cancer' at annual event Randy Whalen, Freelance Reporter

2:29 pm CDT April 20, 2016

Share + It was only fitting the word “Dad” was on the back of Lockport head coach Andy Satunas’ uniform during the fifth annual Strike Out Cancer Games.

Satunas’ father, Alan, died Feb. 29 at age 64 after battling cancer, and his death coincided with the first day of baseball tryouts this year.

So when Minooka and Lockport took the field Saturday, April 16, the teams kept with the tradition of wearing special uniform tops that include the name of someone they knew who has fought cancer.

But as Satunas looked across the field, he was surprised to see his last name on the back of Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic’s jersey.

“That was really nice and unexpected,” Satunas said. “Words can’t describe how much I was touched by that. We have such a great fraternity of baseball coaches in this area, and we all treat each other so well.

“Minooka has been a part of this for all five years, and I hope they’re part of it for the next 25 years.”

Petrovic thought honoring Alan at the Strike Out Cancer Games was the right thing to do.

“All the coaches in the area respect each other tremendously,” Petrovic said. “I lost my dad [Dennis] to cancer in 2010, and that was right before we started these events. So I’ve usually won his name on the back of my uniform.

“It’s always tough to deal with, and this was a great opportunity to give Andy a shout out and show him some support.”

The Strike Out Cancer Games, which benefits the Make Your Mark - Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation, has grown every year since its inception. The late Staehely attended Minooka and is still remembered in the community.

“I had Mark in class,” Petrovic said of Staehely. “I thought the world of Mark. He was a special person and enjoyed having him in my classroom.”

The teams raised $10,500 over the weekend, which brought the five-year total to more than $40,000. All levels of the two teams played in the varsity field throughout the day, and Lockport, Downers Grove South and Peotone softball teams played in a triangular. More than 100 parents volunteered, and local businesses donated food for the all-day event.

During the varsity game, the Indians held on for an exciting 8-7 win. Minooka (7-7) trailed 2-0 after two innings, but scored two runs in the third, four in the fourth and another run in the top of the fifth to take a 7-2 lead. Lockport rallied for four runs in the bottom of the fifth to trim the lead to one, and each team added a run in the sixth.

The Porters looked poised for a comeback, as the team loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh. But it hit into a double play to end it.

Brothers Joe, a senior, and Jon, a junior, Butler led Minooka. Each had pair of RBI, and Joe (3-for-4) and Jon (2-for-3, 3 runs) combined for five of the Indians 11 hits. Junior Logan O’Brien also added two RBI for Minooka, which used three different pitchers and made five errors.

Lockport (6-3) could not take advantage of the opportunities. In addition to having five players reach via error, the Porters were issued seven walks, had two hit batsman and nine hits. But the team stranded 16 on base.

Senior Anthony Cocco (3-for-5, RBI), junior Gavin Lovesky (2-for-4, 3 RBI, run), and senior Joey McGuire (2-for-3, run) led Lockport.

“I’m really proud of how the boys battled,” Satunas said. “But you just can’t chase good teams like Minooka. But we’ll be OK. We’re a pretty good team, too.”

The Porters have won or shared the SouthWest Suburban Blue title for the past six straight seasons. The team got off to a 2-0 start in the league this past week after defeating Joliet West 7-2 on April 13 and 14-4 on April 15.

In the 14-4 game, Lockport surrendered four runs in the top of the fourth and trailed 4-3. After plating a run in the bottom of the fourth, the Porters scored 10 times in the bottom of the fifth to walk off with the win.

The Porters have two more SWSC Blue games this week, both against Homewood-Flossmoor.

Softball: Strike Out Cancer unites Porters for cause

Members of the Porters freshman softball team huddle together while wearing pink jerseys with the name of someone they know who has been affected by cancer Saturday, April 16, at the Strike Out Cancer event at home.

Randy Whalen, Freelance Reporter

1:58 pm CDT April 22, 2016

Share + It was important for the Lockport Township softball team to get some wins as the weather turned nice and the schedule picked up last week.

More importantly, the Porters once again hosted Strike Out Cancer Games to benefit the nonprofit organization Make Your Mark – Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation Saturday, April 16, at the Lockport athletic fields. The event, which featured the LTHS baseball and softball programs playing in multiple games, saw the varsity softball team cap the week off with a pair of wins.

It was the third straight season the softball team has been part of the event, which was started by the Lockport and Minooka baseball teams five years ago. The cost of admission for the games included a donation to the foundation, a wristband souvenir and one food ticket for a picnic lunch or dinner. Additional donations were also accepted.

Downers Grove South and Peotone were the opponents in the softball triangular, as they have been the past few seasons. As per tradition, the Porters all wore a special pink jersey with the name of someone they know who has been affected by cancer.

“Downers South and Peotone also worked to make donations,” Lockport coach Marissa Chovanec said. “We had 1,000 hot dogs donated by Berkot’s. We had many people that donated time and/or money, and we appreciate all who donated.”

Lockport senior pitcher Lauren Stoch was happy to once again participate in the event. This year, more than 1,000 people attended between baseball and softball, and $10,500 was raised.

“I love it,” she said of the event. “It’s a special day, and it’s really cool that we get to focus on something like this.”

Stoch had a special performance in the circle in her team’s second game of the day, which was an 8-0 win over Peotone. She fired a two-hit shutout, with a trio of strikeouts and no walks. The Porters scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth in the victory. They made the most of seven hits and took advantage of five errors by the Blue Devils to score four unearned runs in the game.

Elena Woulfe paced the Porters’ offense. The junior was 4-for-4 while scoring two runs and adding an RBI out of the leadoff spot. Junior Emily Dybas also had an RBI double, and sophomore Bailey Delrose deposited a two-run home run to right in the bottom of the sixth.

For Delrose, an accomplished bowler who helped Lockport to the state championship her freshman year and a third-place finish this past February, it was her first high school home run. She didn’t play softball last season.

“I was really happy, but I didn’t see it go over,” said Delrose of the line drive homer. “When I got to first, [assistant] coach Angie [Findlay] told me it was a home run.

“[Strike Out Cancer] is a nice way to kick off the season. I loved the event. We’re not just playing for us, we’re playing for a bigger cause.”

Delrose also pitched a complete game victory in the opening game, a 9-4 victory over Downers Grove South. She allowed four earned runs on 12 hits to go along with two walks and five strike outs.

The Mustangs got the game’s initial runs with a pair in the top of the third. But Lockport answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning and added three in the fourth. After Downers Grove South chipped away for a run in the fifth and sixth to cut the lead to 5-4, the Porters put it away with four more runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Lockport (7-2) had 13 hits. Delrose (2 runs), Dybas (RBI) and senior Bailee Moll (RBI) all had two of them. But once again, Woulfe was the leader, going 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI.

“I’m just seeing the ball really well, and the whole team is on the same page,” Woulfe said. “I think after spending a lot of time in the batting cage, we’re more disciplined and hitting strikes.”

Woulfe was also glad to be a part of the cancer benefit.

“It’s really nice,” she said. “We were able to raise a lot of money, and it’s a really good cause to play for people affected by cancer.”

Downers Grove South, which had opened the season 8-0, then went onto lose to Peotone 4-2 in the second game of the triangular.

The pair of wins capped a busy week for the Porters, who now hope the schedule picks up with the better weather. They lost a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover 9-8 to Andrew on April 11 but rebounded to win the opening two games on the Blue side of SWSC play. Those were an 11-2 victory at Joliet West on April 13 and an 8-4 win at home over Homewood-Flossmoor two days later.

“We only had four games played going into [last] week,” Chovanec said. “So, it felt good to get some things going.”

Sports Briefs: LTHS baseball, softball raise money.

Sports Briefs: LTHS baseball, softball raise money, Lockport Baseball seeking umpires

11:27 am CDT April 5, 2016

Share + LTHS baseball, softball raise money to Strike Out Cancer

Lockport Township baseball and softball booster clubs are to hold Strike Out Cancer games Saturday, April 16, at the Lockport varsity baseball and softball fields, 1200 Garfield St. in Lockport.

The multi-game event is to benefit the nonprofit organization Make Your Mark - Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

The freshman, sophomore, junior varsity and varsity LTHS baseball and softball teams are to participate in the event, which is scheduled from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Admission costs $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors and children under 10. Children under age 5 can attend the event for free.

The admission includes a donation to the foundation, one wristband souvenir, and one food ticket for a picnic lunch or dinner. Additional donations also are to be accepted, and the booster clubs have scheduled a raffle to support the nonprofit.

For more information, visit www.porterbaseballboosters.org.

Errors doom Porters in loss to Minooka

Randy Whalen, Freelance Reporter

3:00 am CDT April 23, 2014

Share + Lockport Township held a meaningful event on a beautiful day as the Porters’ baseball and softball teams hosted their third annual Strike Out Cancer Day on Saturday, April 19.

More than 800 people showed up to the all-day event that included lower level games. Players wore the name of someone who was stricken with cancer on the back of specialty jerseys and proceeds went toward Make Your Mark Foundation, a nonprofit which supports pediatric cancer research.

The only damper on the day was that the Porters varsity baseball team lost the nightcap to Minooka, 5-2, before a sizable crowd gathered under the lights at Flink Field.

“I can’t thank our parents, baseball boosters and softball boosters enough,” Lockport coach Andy Satunas said. “What a special event and it’s really special that everyone had someone special to play for like that. When you step away, you realize there’s bigger things than baseball out there and it puts things in perspective.”

Still, Satunas was disappointed that the Porters made four errors in the game and just didn’t play crisp against a top opponent. The victory improved Minooka to 11-3, while the Porters fell to 7-9.

“We played sloppy,” Satunas said. “You can’t do that against a team of Minooka’s caliber.”

Especially not with the Indians’ pitching, which only allowed four hits.

The tone was set early. Lockport starting pitcher Cole Bellair mowed Minooka down in order in the top of the first — getting the first two batters on a pair of strikeouts. The Porters had an opportunity to get something going in the bottom of the inning as senior shortstop Lorenzo Blazekovich led off with a walk.

But the Porters failed to sacrifice him over, bunting foul for a strikeout. That started a streak of eight in a row retired by the Minooka starter, sophomore right-hander, Joe Butler.

“We had an opportunity to manufacture a run early,” Satunas said. “But we didn’t get that bunt down in the first.”

The Indians, however, made the most of their situations and were helped by four Lockport errors. The first of those came in the third when Butler bounced a two-out tapper in front of the plate that was thrown away at first to allow two runs to score.

Lockport trimmed the lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the third. Blazekovich, who walked twice and reached on an error when he put down a sacrifice bunt in the fifth, had a two-out single to left. Junior center fielder Jeremy Quade walked and junior third baseman Tyler Hair ripped a full-count pitch for a two-out RBI single to left center.

The Porters tied it in the fourth. Senior right fielder Ryan Dalton singled to left to lead off the inning, was sacrificed to second by senior left fielder Rusty Hoh and scored as senior first baseman Mike Formella reached out and poked a 1-2 pitch to left for a one-out RBI single.

“We’ve got to make that play,” said Satunas of the error in the third. “The kids battled back, and I’m proud of them for that. But then we got sloppy again.

“We need to go home and do the mirror test. That’s when everything will change.”

Formella’s single was the last hit by Lockport. Minooka took the lead in the fifth when senior first baseman Brennan Polcyn bounced a single to the left side for the Indians’ only RBI of the game. That scored senior shortstop Neal Tyrell, who had singled to center to lead off the inning.

Butler walked two and the Indians committed their only error in the bottom of the fifth to load the bases. But he got out of the jam by coaxing a groundout after an eight-pitch battle with Dalton.

Butler (4-0) went the first five innings, allowing the two runs on four hits with five strikeouts and four walks.

“We’ve been getting great pitching all year,” Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic said. “[Butler] is a sophomore and he just goes out there and acts like it’s another day. We made the plays and we’re going to win a lot of games with our pitching.”

Minooka added two more runs in the sixth with no hits. But Bellair and Noah Masa combined to hit three batters and walk two. Junior pinch hitter Jon Vesper (walk) scored on a double-play grounder, and junior center fielder Kenny Walsh (hit by pitch) scored on a wild pitch.

Bellair, a junior righty, went the first five innings, allowing five runs — three earned, on five hits, with four strikeouts, three walks and a hit batter.

Mitch Vogrin came in for the final two innings for Minooka. The senior right-hander, who threw a no-hitter earlier in the week, was overpowering, striking out five and walking one to register the save.

“It’s nice to have Vogrin,” Butler said. “I’m glad to hand it over to him.” Jake Null had two of Minooka’s five hits and scored the game’s first run in the third. Junior right fielder Tyler Paulsen also added a single for the Indians.

Petrovic was proud that his team got to be part of the Strike Out Cancer Day.

“It’s great,” he said. “It really teaches the kids that there’s something that’s bigger than the game, and how fortunate we are to be here.”

The week started out with a cancelation of the Porters’ SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover against visiting Thornridge on Tuesday, April 15, because of cold and wet field conditions.

But the next day brought better news as Masa fired a no-hitter to lead Lockport to a 5-0 victory over visiting Bolingbrook in the SWSC Blue opener for both teams. Masa, a senior right-hander, struck out 10 and walked three. Quade was 2-for-4 with an RBI double.

The Porters then traveled to Bolingbrook on Thursday, April 17, and defeated the Raiders 6-2. Formella (3-2) was the winning pitcher as he went the distance, allowing three hits and striking out seven as the three-time defending SWSC Blue champions got off to a 2-0 start in conference. Sophomore second baseman Anthony Cocco had a two-run double and Dalton also had two RBIs, while Blazekovich went 2-for-4 for Lockport.

This week brought more SWSC Blue action as Lockport traveled to Joliet Central on Tuesday, April 22. The Porters turn around and host Joliet Central at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. An always big nonconference clash is on tap at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at home under the lights as the defending Class 3A state champion Joliet Catholic Academy comes to town.

At 4:30 p.m. next Monday, April 28, Lockport travels to Joliet West for another SWSC Blue battle.

Mark your calendars! 2017 Strike out Cancer Event

April 15th, 2017

2016 Strike out Cancer was •A HUGE success// The event raised $10,500 for the MaKe Your MarK The MarK Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/17/locKport-minooKa-hold-fifth-striKe-out-cancer-

day/ay0u21n/

Playing for a cause

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Peter http://buglenewspapers.com/playing-for-a-cause

An unselfish athlete is always told to play for the name on the front of their jersey, not the name on the back.

That was just the opposite Saturday at the Lockport High School athletic complex.

On a day where winning took a back seat to remembering, the Porters hosted their fourth annual Strike Out Cancer day.

All of the athletes from all of the schools involved had a name on the back of their jersey of someone they know who had fought cancer. Someone they loved. Someone to play for.

“This is really nice. I really love that we get to play for someone who we was affected and all the money goes to a good cause and we get to play some good softball,” said Lockport’s Tara McElligott. “We are all working toward a goal together, no matter who you are. It is nice for baseball and softball to come together for this. I am playing for my brother, John, who I lost to neuroblastoma when I was about four. He was a year older than me. I always play for him, but it is nice to have his name on my back today.”

Lockport and Minooka played head to head on all levels of baseball while the Porters, Downers Grove South and Peotone played a round robin format on the softball fields, all to bring in fans and raise money for the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Mark was a Channahon resident who died of neuroblastoma in 2006 at age 18 after a six-year fight.

While he was fighting his own cancer, Mark fought for others who were suffering like he was.

He began a Treasure Chest Program on the oncology floor at Children’s Memorial Hospital, where he conducted a toy drive to allow patients having a bad day can select a toy from the “treasure chest” to help ease their pain.

In 2005, Mark was awarded the Red Cross Hometown Hero Award and he was honored by the Board of Directors of Children’s Memorial Hospital with their highest award, the George D. Kennedy Leadership Award. He was recognized for the difference he made at the hospital. Without any corporate sponsorship, his toy drive in 2005 was the largest individual toy drive in Children’s Memorial Hospital history.

Four years ago, the Lockport and Minooka baseball teams decided to turn what was an annual day of baseball into a fundraiser and got softball on board to host what has become the third largest fundraiser for the foundation.

“Everything here, from the burgers to the water to the Gatorade is donated,” Lockport baseball coach Andy Satunas said. “So, all of the money raised here is donated. All of the money we take in goes directly to them and they are able to use that to help families in need that are impacted by pediatric cancer.

“We have to thank Minooka and their parents and the softball parents and with the help of Peotone and Downers Grove South, it has really turned into an event. I don’t think I have ever seen the parking lot this full and that includes when there have been sectional championships going on at both the baseball and softball fields at the same time.”

The softball program is happy to be part of the cause.

“This is something for the bigger and greater good. Our kids are lucky to have what they have and do what they do and this kind of keeps it real for them,” Lockport softball coach Marissa Chovanec said. “They are very blessed. For us to understand that and give back. That is what Mark wanted to do and the family does and the foundation.”

Using the already in-place day of baseball between Lockport and Minooka seemed to be an easy decision for both teams.

Former Lockport athletic director Kent Irvin was Mark’s uncle, so the Porters already helped with the toy drive in the winter and Minooka varsity baseball coach Jeff Petrovic also had a close connection with Mark.

“I had Mark in class for World Cultures his freshman year and he was just a wonderful kid and just a joy to be around. So, this was a real no brainer for us to be a part of it. The Lockport boosters and families have done such a great job putting this on,” Petrovic said. “It has really been a lot of fun to see all the camaraderie out here. I think a lot of kids kind of live in their own little world and it is nice to open their eyes a little bit and let them know there is a lot more out there than themselves and a sport. Today is about something more.”

While many of the athletes had a family member’s name on their back, or just “Grandma,” “Papa,” or “Mom,” Satunas honored local Plainfield High School and Lewis University baseball legend Chris Priest, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins, but died of cancer in 1997 at age 25.

“I was very fortunate to play for Chris Priest as a freshman at Lewis University,” Satunas said He had beaten cancer the first time and decided to come back and give back and coach us and I can’t tell you what an impact he had on me and some of my college teammates.

“After that summer of my freshman year, unfortunately, the cancer came back and he passed away in the fall of my sophomore year and to be able to show love for a coach that meant so much to me is great. He is a guy that needs to be remembered in our area as a great baseball player.”

Anyone wishing to help the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation can visit its site at www.MakeYourMark07.org.

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"We have to thank Mirlooka and heir parents and the softball parents md with tl1e help of Peotone and )owners Grove South, it has really 1m1ed irlto an event. I don't think I 1ave ever seen the parking lot this full md that includes when t11ere have )een sectional championships going m at both tl1e baseball and softball ields at the san1e time."

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part of the cause. "Tilis is something for the bigger

and greater good. Our kids are lucky to have what they have and do what they do and tllis kind of keeps it real for them," Lock1JOlt softball coacll Mruissa Chovanec said. "They ru-e very blessed. For us to understand that and give back. That is what Mark wanted to do and the frunily does and the fotmdation."

Using tl1e ah-eady in-place day of baseball between Lockport and Minooka seemed to be an easy decision for both teams.

Fom1er Lockpmt athletic director Kent Irvin was Mark's uncle, so the Porters ah-eady helped ·with the toy dlive in t11e winter and Minooka v< rsity baseball coacllJeffPettuvicalso had a close connection witl1Mark

"I had Mru'k in class for World Cultures his freshman year and he was just a wonderful kid and just a joy to be ru·ow1d. So, tllis was a real no brainer for us to be a prut of it.TI1e Lockpott boosters and fanlilies have done such a great job putting this on," Petrovic said. "It has really been a lot of ft.m to see all the can1aradelie out he1-e. I think a lot of kids kind of live in their 0\Nn little world and it is nice to

open their eyes a little bit and let them know t11ereis a lot mot-e out the1-e than themselvesand asport.Today isabout somethirlg more."

\•\11ile many of the athletes had a falnily membesiname on their back, or just "Grandlna," "Papa," or "i\1om," Satunas honm-ed local Plainfield High School and Lewis University baseball legend Chris Pliest, V\oTIO was dlCifted by the Minnesota1\vins, but died of cancer in 1997 at age 25.

"I was very fortunate to play for Chlis Pliest as a freshmru1 at Lewis University," Satunas said He had beaten cancer tl1e first time and decided to come back and give back and coach us and I cru1't tell you what an impact he had on me and some of my college temates.

-·\fter thatsunrrner of my fr-eshman yeruwlfmttmate)lthe cancer came back and he passed away in the fall of mysophomore year and to be a})le to show love for a coach that meant so mucll to me is great. He is a guy that needs to be remembe1-ed in our area as a great baseball player."

.'\nyone ·wishing to help the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation can visit its site at wvvw. MakeYourMark07.org.

Herald Life - Local news for the Minooka-Channahon area, Illinois

Minooka beats Lockport in Strike Out Cancer game

Published: Monday, April 21, 2014 10:40 p.m. CDT

LOCKPORT – Minooka baseball coach Jeff Petrovic has been able to count on pitching and defense this season.

And while the Indians haven’t been scoring a lot of runs, they’ve used timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to take advantages of opportunities that come their way.

That was the story, again, Saturday when Minooka played at Lockport in the finale of an eight-game marathon involving all levels of baseball and softball teams that supported a good cause.

The Strike Out Cancer Day event at Flink Field in Lockport is a fundraiser for the Make Your Mark Foundation, which seeks a cure for pediatric cancer.

So while two traditional area teams met up for bragging rights, the game was about something bigger than just wins and losses.

That’s why Petrovic was pleased to see his team come away with a 5-2 victory over the Porters, while also being a part of the special evening.

“I’ve been here since 11 this morning watching all of the baseball, and it was really fun,” Petrovic said. “It teaches the kids that there’s something bigger than the game and how lucky they are to do this every day. After listening to the sweet girl who sang the national anthem, we realize that we are lucky to be able to play this game.

“Both of our guys threw the ball really well today. Joe Butler is only a sophomore, but he looked like it was another day out there. And then we threw Mitch Vogrin in there at the end. We also played great defense and did the things that we needed to do in order to win today. They gave us some opportunities and we were able to take advantage.”

Joe Butler went the first five innings and only allowed four hits, while striking out five and then Mitch Vogrin recorded five strikeouts and didn’t allow a hit in the final two innings.

The Indians (11-3) went up, 3-2, with a run in the fifth, and then scored a pair without the benefit of a hit in the sixth to pull away from the Porters (7-9).

“We made four errors and you can’t do that against a team like Minooka,” Porters coach Andy Satunas said. “I was proud of our kids since they battled back from being down, 2-0, but the sloppiness showed up again. In one inning, it seemed first and third, and then it was first and third again. Unfortunately, we just had a breakdown.”

The Indians went up for good in the fifth when Brennan Polcyn singled home Neal Tyrell. An inning later, they benefited from a pair of walks and three-hit batters to collect the game’s final runs. Jon Vesper and Kenny Walsh collected those tallies.

Lockport’s Cole Bellair allowed five hits and struck out four in five innings, while reliever Noah Masa recorded three strikeouts and did not give up a hit in two innings.

Minooka went up, 2-0 in the third when Jake Null and Tyler Desmarais came home on errors. But the Porters got a run back in the bottom of that frame when Tyler Hair singled in Lorenzo Blazekovich.

The Porters tied things up in the fourth when Mike Formella singled home Ryan Dalton, but the Indians moved back in front for good in the next at-bat and that proved to be enough run support to assure Butler of his fourth win.

“Even though I didn’t have all of my pitches working, I was able to spot them, and when they hit them in the infield, my teammates made great plays,” Butler said. “My curveball was going into the dirt a lot and my catcher, [Tyler Desmarais], did a great job of blocking things. We were patient at the plate and also had good baserunning.”

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