Signing Day: L-W East Sends 4 to Collegiate Ranks

Lincoln-Way East's Kyle Langenderfer turned his thoughts away from football for a moment.

He signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to wrestle next season at the University of Illinois.

Langenderfer was one of four Lincoln-Way East student-athletes honored during a ceremony in the Griffins Liar. All four announced their college plans, their coaches, closest friends and family members on hand to cheer them on.

Jorgi Calombaris (softball) will attend Valparaiso. Matt Stoner (golf) will attend Lewis and Dana Van Dyck (vollyeball) will attend Tusculum.

that takes on Benet Academy at 6 p.m. Saturday in Lisle in the Class 7A semifinals. He placed sixth in the IHSA state wrestling tournament as a freshman, second as a sophomore and won the 135-pound state championship as a junior.

"It is exciting to send Kyle (Langenderfer) to Illinois because it is a premier wrestling school, higher education, the level of the program and it doesn't hurt that it is my alma mater," Lincoln-Way East coach Tyrone Byrd said in a news release.

Coaches spoke about each of East's signees.

Jorgi Calmbaris (softball), Valparaiso

"It is exciting as a coach to see an athlete who achieves their dream that they set out for themselves from a very young age," East softball coach Elizabeth Pawlicki said.

Matt Stoner (golf), Lewis

"It is not an underestimation to say that Matt has been the hardest working golfer to ever come through our program," East coach Ryan Pohlmann said. "He has, quite simply, worked himself into a tremendous golfer by spending day-after-day at the golf course."

Dana Van Dyck (volleyball) Tusculum

"Dan has a very competitive spirit and the role of libero fits her personality," East coach Linda Vivona said. "She plays hard and puts it all out on the court. I wish her the best of luck in college and hope that she leaves her mark on the program."