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Spillane brings toughness to backfield
Names in the Game
HALEY WICKHAM
Noteworthy efforts: The senior breaststroker teamed with Kierston Farley Sepe, Mimi Schneider and Colleen Barron to set a pool record in the 200-yard medley relay Saturday at the Sandburg Invitational in Orland Park. Their winning time was 1:47.38. Wickham was also on two second-place relays and took second in the 100 breast stroke to help the Friars win the invite.
OLIVIA RYAN
Noteworthy efforts: The standout sophomore cross country runner turned in another impressive performance Saturday at the Peoria Central Invitational. She finished second individually with a time of 17:28, just behind McHenry’s Lauren Optrnay (17:23).
Article Extras
Updated: November 5, 2012 6:46AM
OAK PARK — When Gene Nudo took over as the head coach of the Fenwick football team this season, he wanted to instill a mental toughness to the program.
One player that fits that description perfectly is junior running back Robert Spillane.
“He’s a big, physical kid. He’s a 215-pound running back and he wants the ball,” Nudo said. “I know he can go 20 or 25 carries. Robert is just a tough kid and adds a little bit of grit to our team, which fits in with what we want to do. His potential is unlimited.”
Spillane needed just six touches Friday to showcase his abilities.
He rushed for 150 yards on five carries and also caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gino Cavalieri, despite playing less than two quarters in the Friars’ 42-6 homecoming win over Gordon Tech in Berwyn.
Spillane is relishing his role as the team’s featured back.
“I want to do my best,” said Spillane, who is quick to credit his offensive lineman. “I work hard and have been preparing since the summer to be the best player I can be and help our team win games. I think I have good vision to find the hole and that may be my biggest (strength).”
One person grateful that he doesn’t have to go up against Spillane during games is senior linebacker Danny Figliulo, who blocked two punts Friday.
“Robert’s been an awesome offensive weapon,” Figliulo said. “He’s just a very good player. The offensive line blocks really well for him, but he’s a hard man to tackle.”
Spillane has also seen time at linebacker, but Nudo would prefer to keep him just on offense.
Pat Hart, an all-Catholic League performer last season, was going to split time in the backfield with Spillane, but has emerged as a standout middle linebacker.
“Our original plan was to (have Spillane play linebacker), but what’s happened is Hart has become more of a linebacker and Spillane has become more of a running back,” Nudo said. “We’ve tried to limit the two-way players, which is good for any high school team.”
Spillane is one of the reasons Fenwick (5-1) has already surpassed its win total from last season. They face a rugged test at 1:30 p.m Saturday when the Friars travel to Loyola (5-1) in Wilmette.
The Friars, who missed the playoffs a year ago, became playoff-eligible with the victory, which was one of Spillane’s main goals.
“Coming into the season I didn’t really have many personal goals,” Spillane said. “I wanted to make the playoffs as a team. I wanted to win the Chicago Catholic League White and I want to go far in the playoffs. Hopefully we can be a big contender in the playoffs.”
Names in the Game
HALEY WICKHAM
Noteworthy efforts:
The senior breaststroker teamed with Kierston Farley Sepe, Mimi Schneider and Colleen Barron to set a pool record in the 200-yard medley relay Saturday at the Sandburg Invitational in Orland Park. Their winning time was 1:47.38. Wickham was also on two second-place relays and took second in the 100 breast stroke to help the Friars win the invite.
OLIVIA RYAN
Noteworthy efforts: The standout sophomore cross country runner turned in another impressive performance Saturday at the Peoria Central Invitational. She finished second individually with a time of 17:28, just behind McHenry’s Lauren Optrnay (17:23).
Quick Hits
Big Numbers
30 | Points the Fenwick football team’s defense has allowed in its five victories this season. Eighteen of those points came in the Friars’ 21-18 win over Bishop McNamara Sept. 4.
Sound Bites
“I’ve never been part of a playoff team. It’s something I’ve strived for and something the whole team has been looking forward to. We’re happy to be (playoff eligible).”
— Fenwick senior linebacker Danny Figliulo, after the football team became playoff-eligible with a 42-6 win over Gordon Tech Friday.
Don’t Miss
Friday and Saturday Girls tennis: At East Suburban Catholic Tournament at Marian Catholic, 10 a.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday
Saturday Football: At Loyola, 1:30 p.m.
