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Top Athletes of the Decade
Football: John Dergo (Morris '06) – One of the greatest athletes in Illinois high school
sports history. Dergo shined on both the football field and on the wrestling mat. But it was
in football where he became known as one of Illinois's premier athletes of the decade.
Dergo led Morris to a second place finish in 2005 (Class 5A), and a state title in Class 6A
the following year. He ended his career as the state's all-time leader in touchdowns (110),
points scored (756), touchdowns per season (52), and third in rushing yards per season
(3,010). He was a Class AA wrestling state champion at 171 pounds in both 2005 and
2006. Currently wrestling at Illinois, where he's one of the top rated wrestlers in the nation.
Volleyball: Jordan Haverly (Keith '08) – No other athlete in the area can say they put
an entire school on the Illinois map. Haverly can. Keith Country Day school was just an
IHSA “approved school” at the start of the decade. By 2007, Haverly led Keith to the Class
1A State Title match. She ended her career in second place all-time for most kills in a
career (1,671) and fourth place all-time in kills per season (610). Played collegiately for
Nebraska and currently at Indiana.
Boys Cross Country: Jeremy Stevens (Winnebago '06) – Ran for one of the best
running schools in Illinois. Stevens holds the Class A State Cross Country record with a
three-mile time of 14:18 in his senior year in 2005. Ran for Winnebago's state
championship team that year, and their second place team in 2006. He was the individual
champion in his sophomore season in 2003 (14:58) and runner-up in his junior year. In
addition to his cross country record, Stevens is the Class A State Meet record holder in
the 3200 meter run (9:10.56). Currently running for Illinois.
Girls Cross Country: Alexandria Palm (Winnebago '10) – Also ran for one of the best
running schools in Illinois. Palm is one of seven girls in small school state history (14
overall) to place in the top ten at the Cross Country State Meet: 5th in 2006, 4th in 2007,
6th in 2008 and 9th in 2009. She was a part of a state championship team each year in
high school. So far has been a part of three track and field state medaling relay teams in
the 4x800: 2nd in 2007 and 2008 and 4th in 2009. Currently a senior at Winnebago High.
Boys Soccer: Seth Stockley (Earlville/Leland '09) – While most high schools have
football in the fall, the Earlville/Leland cooperative has soccer. Stockley was the Little 10's
futbol star of the decade. From 2005 to 2008, Stockley scored 120 goals, which currently
is tied for tenth all-time in state history. Helped lead the Red Raiders to the Class A State
Tournament in 2007 and 2008, bringing an unbeaten team to the 2008 tournament.
Currently playing for Loyola University in Chicago.
Boys Golf: Josh Hart (Erie '03) – Was northern Illinois's only individual state champion
in boys golf in the past decade, albeit in a six-way tie for the top spot in a rain-shortened
event. Howevers aside, Hart, as a junior, finished the 2001 Class A State Meet with a
score of 72. He medaled in his sophomore year with a 152, which was best for 13th
overall. He also medaled in his senior year with a 156, good for 11th overall. Qualified for
the Class A State Meet all four years of high school. His leadership was the building block
for the program's first Sectional title in 2003. Played collegiately at Methodist College in
North Carolina, and is currently a professional golfer.
Girls Golf: Ember Schuldt (Sterling '10) – One of two Athletes of the Decade still in
high school. Qualified for the Class AA State Meet all four years of high school. Medaled
three times: shot a 160 as a freshman in 2006, good enough for a tie for 12th. After failing
to medal in her sophomore year, Schuldt placed third in both her junior and senior years.
She shot a 147 in 2008, which was one stroke away from a championship playoff. She
also shot a 147 in 2009. Currently a senior at Sterling High, and will compete collegiately
for Illinois.
Girls Tennis: Chrissy Derouin & Brooke Forsberg (Moline '04 and '06) – Co-
Athletes of the Decade. Doubles duo placed seventh at the State Meet in 2002 and
second in 2003. Won both 2002 and 2003 Sectional title matches in two sets, 6-1 and 6-
0. Went 6-1 at the 2003 State Meet, falling in three sets in the championship match. Went
3-2 at the 2002 State Meet after going 3-0 in the first two days. Derouin played
collegiately at Iowa State, and Forsberg just wrapped up her senior year playing for
Northern Illinois.
Girls Swimming: Deidre DeWall (Freeport '06) – Earned eight medals at the State
Meet, winning two medals each year. DeWall won the 100 backstroke state championship
in 2004 with a time of 0:56.24. Finished eighth in the 100 breaststroke and fifth in the 200
individual medley in 2002. Qualified in the 100 backstroke the following year and placed
second, along with a seventh place finish in the IM. Was second in the IM in 2004 and
2005, and second in the 100 back in 2005. Currently competing in her senior year at
Minnesota.
Boys Basketball: Devan Bawinkel (Winnebago '06) – Became well known in the prep
basketball scene by his eighth grade year. His high school career was even better, having
led Winnebago to back-to-back second place finishes at the Class A State Tournament in
2004 and 2005. Averaged over 20 points per game in his junior and senior years.
Finished his career with 2,185 points and 950 rebounds. Named one of the IHSA's 100
Legends of Basketball in 2007. Played for West Virginia out of high school and also
played at Highland Community College. Currently playing for Iowa.
Girls Basketball – Kailey Klein (Hall '06) – Hall's greatest female athlete in school
history. Klein led the Lady Red Devils to the 2006 Class A Girls Basketball State
Tournament having averaged over 23 points per game coming in. Holds the NCIC record
for most points in a game with 58 against Rochelle in January of 2004. Ranks in top 25 in
most shots attempted (566) and free throws made (174) in a season. Finished her career
with 2,496 points, which is currently 27th all-time in Illinois. Currently playing final season
for Cleveland State University and is on pace to be the all-time scoring leader there.
Wrestling: Seth Milks (Dakota '09) – Only the ninth high school wrestler in state history
to win state championships in all four years of high school: 103 in 2006, 112 in 2007, 119
in 2008 and 130 in 2009. Was a member of Dakota's Class A state championship team
(and athletic winning streak) in 2006. Also helped lead Indians to a third place finish in
2007. Had a career record of 164-10. Was 43-1 his freshman year, 44-4 his sophomore
year, 39-1 his junior year and 38-4 his senior year. Currently wrestling for the University
of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Boys Swimming: James Wike (Sterling '02) – Had success in the high school,
collegiate, and national swimming scene. Wike won four state championships: back-to-
back-to-back in the 100 backstroke (0:50.61, 0:49.38 and 0:49.42) and one in the 200
individual medley (1:49.91). Earned eight medals at the State Meet, winning two medals
each year. Also placed second in the IM in 2000, third in 2001 and eighth in 1999.
Second in 100 back in 1999. Competed collegiately for Wisconsin and Auburn. Was a
semi-finalist at the Olympic Trials in the 100 and 200 backs and 200 IM.
Boys Bowling: Dan Lemiesz (Harlem '09) – Only area bowler to place in the top three
in two straight years (2008 and 2009)at the State Meet. Rolled a 279 high game in the
2008 State Meet and a 2,766 12-game series with an average of 230.5 in placing third
individually. Rolled a 269 high game the following year and a 2,775 series with an
average of 231.3 in placing second. Helped lead Huskies to a seventh place team finish at
state in 2008. Also participated in the State Meet in 2007. Currently bowling for
Lindenwood University in Missouri.
Girls Bowling: Ellen Morrison (Winnebago '07) – In a sport dominated by larger
schools, Winnebago's Ellen Morrison became the first small school bowler to win the
individual championship at the State Meet in 2005. Rolled a 254 high game and a 2,506
series that year, with an average of 208.8. She repeated the championship effort in 2007,
and is only the second girl to be a two-time individual champion. Rolled a 256 high game
and a 2,681 series for an average of 223.4. Also advanced to state in 2006. Team won
the state championship in 2007. Currently bowling at Vanderbilt.
Baseball: Wilbur Gaff (Streator '05) – Streator Baseball's all-time leader in many
offensive categories. Finished his four-year varsity career tied for 15th all-time in
homeruns with 31. Is second all-time in most homeruns in a season with 21, and fourth in
most RBI in a season with 72. Had two homeruns and seven RBI in one inning in a 2005
game against Ottawa. Helped lead Streator to Regional championships in 2004 and 2005.
Played for 20-win teams all four years. Played collegiately at Kishwaukee College.
Softball: Jen Larsen (Moline '06) – Helped lead Lady Maroons to back-to-back Class
AA State Championship games, winning in 2006. As a pitcher, held opponents to 30 hits
in 124 innings and had more strikeouts than innings pitched (186). Had 0.22 ERA in 2006.
Was starting pitcher during 2006 state tournament games (17-0 record), and reliever (16-
2) during 2005 games. Also hit .434 with 24 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 2006. Second on
team in RBI both seasons. Currently playing at Northern Iowa.
Boys Track and Field: Jose Oquendo (Rock Falls '04) – Less than 20 athletes have
medaled nine or more times at the Boys Track and Field State Meet. Oquendo is one of
them. He was state champion in the 100 dash (0:10.69) and 200 dash (0:22.02) in 2004.
Placed seventh in the long jump as a sophomore in 2002. Took third in the 100 and long
jump, as well as sixth in the 200 and eighth in the high jump in 2003. Also took third in the
long jump and fourth in the triple jump in 2004, leading Rock Falls to a fourth place finish
as a team. Ran for Rend Lake College.
Girls Track and Field: Nicole Williams (Sterling '05) – One of only seven athletes to
win state championships all four years in a single Girls Track and Field event. Three times
(freshman, junior and senior year) had a top high jump of 5'7” to win state gold. The only
year she didn't jump that was a 5'10.75” effort during her sophomore year, which is the
second-best jump in State Meet history, and sixth overall. Helped lead Sterling to a fourth
place team finish in 2002 and ninth place in 2004. Competed for Iowa State and currently
competing for Northern Illinois.
Girls Soccer: Alison Kopelman (Lutheran '08) – Scored 27 goals and had 11 assists
in Class A championship season in 2007. Had goals in quarterfinal game and semifinal
game in 2007 tournament. Led team with 26 goals and 23 assists in Class A third place
effort in 2006, two of which coming in the third-place game. Also helped lead team to
Regional final match in first Class AA appearance for the school in 2008. Scored 90
career goals and had 102 assists. Currently playing for Wheaton College.
Boys Tennis: Drew Forsberg & Ryan Golden (Moline '03) - Co-Athletes of the
Decade. Doubles duo placed sixth at the State Meet in 2002 and fifth in 2003. Juniors won
2002 Sectional in two sets, 6-1 and 7-6. Went 5-2 at 2002 State Meet, falling in two sets in
the fifth place match. Won 2003 Sectional with two 6-0 sets. Went 7-1 at 2003 State Meet,
finning the fifth place match with two 6-0 sets. Forsberg played collegiately at Western
Illinois. Golden played collegiately at DePauw University in Indiana. Drew is older brother
of fellow Athlete of the Decade Brooke Forsberg.
Football: John Dergo (Morris '06) – One of the greatest athletes in Illinois high school
sports history. Dergo shined on both the football field and on the wrestling mat. But it was
in football where he became known as one of Illinois's premier athletes of the decade.
Dergo led Morris to a second place finish in 2005 (Class 5A), and a state title in Class 6A
the following year. He ended his career as the state's all-time leader in touchdowns (110),
points scored (756), touchdowns per season (52), and third in rushing yards per season
(3,010). He was a Class AA wrestling state champion at 171 pounds in both 2005 and
2006. Currently wrestling at Illinois, where he's one of the top rated wrestlers in the nation.
Volleyball: Jordan Haverly (Keith '08) – No other athlete in the area can say they put
an entire school on the Illinois map. Haverly can. Keith Country Day school was just an
IHSA “approved school” at the start of the decade. By 2007, Haverly led Keith to the Class
1A State Title match. She ended her career in second place all-time for most kills in a
career (1,671) and fourth place all-time in kills per season (610). Played collegiately for
Nebraska and currently at Indiana.
Boys Cross Country: Jeremy Stevens (Winnebago '06) – Ran for one of the best
running schools in Illinois. Stevens holds the Class A State Cross Country record with a
three-mile time of 14:18 in his senior year in 2005. Ran for Winnebago's state
championship team that year, and their second place team in 2006. He was the individual
champion in his sophomore season in 2003 (14:58) and runner-up in his junior year. In
addition to his cross country record, Stevens is the Class A State Meet record holder in
the 3200 meter run (9:10.56). Currently running for Illinois.
Girls Cross Country: Alexandria Palm (Winnebago '10) – Also ran for one of the best
running schools in Illinois. Palm is one of seven girls in small school state history (14
overall) to place in the top ten at the Cross Country State Meet: 5th in 2006, 4th in 2007,
6th in 2008 and 9th in 2009. She was a part of a state championship team each year in
high school. So far has been a part of three track and field state medaling relay teams in
the 4x800: 2nd in 2007 and 2008 and 4th in 2009. Currently a senior at Winnebago High.
Boys Soccer: Seth Stockley (Earlville/Leland '09) – While most high schools have
football in the fall, the Earlville/Leland cooperative has soccer. Stockley was the Little 10's
futbol star of the decade. From 2005 to 2008, Stockley scored 120 goals, which currently
is tied for tenth all-time in state history. Helped lead the Red Raiders to the Class A State
Tournament in 2007 and 2008, bringing an unbeaten team to the 2008 tournament.
Currently playing for Loyola University in Chicago.
Boys Golf: Josh Hart (Erie '03) – Was northern Illinois's only individual state champion
in boys golf in the past decade, albeit in a six-way tie for the top spot in a rain-shortened
event. Howevers aside, Hart, as a junior, finished the 2001 Class A State Meet with a
score of 72. He medaled in his sophomore year with a 152, which was best for 13th
overall. He also medaled in his senior year with a 156, good for 11th overall. Qualified for
the Class A State Meet all four years of high school. His leadership was the building block
for the program's first Sectional title in 2003. Played collegiately at Methodist College in
North Carolina, and is currently a professional golfer.
Girls Golf: Ember Schuldt (Sterling '10) – One of two Athletes of the Decade still in
high school. Qualified for the Class AA State Meet all four years of high school. Medaled
three times: shot a 160 as a freshman in 2006, good enough for a tie for 12th. After failing
to medal in her sophomore year, Schuldt placed third in both her junior and senior years.
She shot a 147 in 2008, which was one stroke away from a championship playoff. She
also shot a 147 in 2009. Currently a senior at Sterling High, and will compete collegiately
for Illinois.
Girls Tennis: Chrissy Derouin & Brooke Forsberg (Moline '04 and '06) – Co-
Athletes of the Decade. Doubles duo placed seventh at the State Meet in 2002 and
second in 2003. Won both 2002 and 2003 Sectional title matches in two sets, 6-1 and 6-
0. Went 6-1 at the 2003 State Meet, falling in three sets in the championship match. Went
3-2 at the 2002 State Meet after going 3-0 in the first two days. Derouin played
collegiately at Iowa State, and Forsberg just wrapped up her senior year playing for
Northern Illinois.
Girls Swimming: Deidre DeWall (Freeport '06) – Earned eight medals at the State
Meet, winning two medals each year. DeWall won the 100 backstroke state championship
in 2004 with a time of 0:56.24. Finished eighth in the 100 breaststroke and fifth in the 200
individual medley in 2002. Qualified in the 100 backstroke the following year and placed
second, along with a seventh place finish in the IM. Was second in the IM in 2004 and
2005, and second in the 100 back in 2005. Currently competing in her senior year at
Minnesota.
Boys Basketball: Devan Bawinkel (Winnebago '06) – Became well known in the prep
basketball scene by his eighth grade year. His high school career was even better, having
led Winnebago to back-to-back second place finishes at the Class A State Tournament in
2004 and 2005. Averaged over 20 points per game in his junior and senior years.
Finished his career with 2,185 points and 950 rebounds. Named one of the IHSA's 100
Legends of Basketball in 2007. Played for West Virginia out of high school and also
played at Highland Community College. Currently playing for Iowa.
Girls Basketball – Kailey Klein (Hall '06) – Hall's greatest female athlete in school
history. Klein led the Lady Red Devils to the 2006 Class A Girls Basketball State
Tournament having averaged over 23 points per game coming in. Holds the NCIC record
for most points in a game with 58 against Rochelle in January of 2004. Ranks in top 25 in
most shots attempted (566) and free throws made (174) in a season. Finished her career
with 2,496 points, which is currently 27th all-time in Illinois. Currently playing final season
for Cleveland State University and is on pace to be the all-time scoring leader there.
Wrestling: Seth Milks (Dakota '09) – Only the ninth high school wrestler in state history
to win state championships in all four years of high school: 103 in 2006, 112 in 2007, 119
in 2008 and 130 in 2009. Was a member of Dakota's Class A state championship team
(and athletic winning streak) in 2006. Also helped lead Indians to a third place finish in
2007. Had a career record of 164-10. Was 43-1 his freshman year, 44-4 his sophomore
year, 39-1 his junior year and 38-4 his senior year. Currently wrestling for the University
of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Boys Swimming: James Wike (Sterling '02) – Had success in the high school,
collegiate, and national swimming scene. Wike won four state championships: back-to-
back-to-back in the 100 backstroke (0:50.61, 0:49.38 and 0:49.42) and one in the 200
individual medley (1:49.91). Earned eight medals at the State Meet, winning two medals
each year. Also placed second in the IM in 2000, third in 2001 and eighth in 1999.
Second in 100 back in 1999. Competed collegiately for Wisconsin and Auburn. Was a
semi-finalist at the Olympic Trials in the 100 and 200 backs and 200 IM.
Boys Bowling: Dan Lemiesz (Harlem '09) – Only area bowler to place in the top three
in two straight years (2008 and 2009)at the State Meet. Rolled a 279 high game in the
2008 State Meet and a 2,766 12-game series with an average of 230.5 in placing third
individually. Rolled a 269 high game the following year and a 2,775 series with an
average of 231.3 in placing second. Helped lead Huskies to a seventh place team finish at
state in 2008. Also participated in the State Meet in 2007. Currently bowling for
Lindenwood University in Missouri.
Girls Bowling: Ellen Morrison (Winnebago '07) – In a sport dominated by larger
schools, Winnebago's Ellen Morrison became the first small school bowler to win the
individual championship at the State Meet in 2005. Rolled a 254 high game and a 2,506
series that year, with an average of 208.8. She repeated the championship effort in 2007,
and is only the second girl to be a two-time individual champion. Rolled a 256 high game
and a 2,681 series for an average of 223.4. Also advanced to state in 2006. Team won
the state championship in 2007. Currently bowling at Vanderbilt.
Baseball: Wilbur Gaff (Streator '05) – Streator Baseball's all-time leader in many
offensive categories. Finished his four-year varsity career tied for 15th all-time in
homeruns with 31. Is second all-time in most homeruns in a season with 21, and fourth in
most RBI in a season with 72. Had two homeruns and seven RBI in one inning in a 2005
game against Ottawa. Helped lead Streator to Regional championships in 2004 and 2005.
Played for 20-win teams all four years. Played collegiately at Kishwaukee College.
Softball: Jen Larsen (Moline '06) – Helped lead Lady Maroons to back-to-back Class
AA State Championship games, winning in 2006. As a pitcher, held opponents to 30 hits
in 124 innings and had more strikeouts than innings pitched (186). Had 0.22 ERA in 2006.
Was starting pitcher during 2006 state tournament games (17-0 record), and reliever (16-
2) during 2005 games. Also hit .434 with 24 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 2006. Second on
team in RBI both seasons. Currently playing at Northern Iowa.
Boys Track and Field: Jose Oquendo (Rock Falls '04) – Less than 20 athletes have
medaled nine or more times at the Boys Track and Field State Meet. Oquendo is one of
them. He was state champion in the 100 dash (0:10.69) and 200 dash (0:22.02) in 2004.
Placed seventh in the long jump as a sophomore in 2002. Took third in the 100 and long
jump, as well as sixth in the 200 and eighth in the high jump in 2003. Also took third in the
long jump and fourth in the triple jump in 2004, leading Rock Falls to a fourth place finish
as a team. Ran for Rend Lake College.
Girls Track and Field: Nicole Williams (Sterling '05) – One of only seven athletes to
win state championships all four years in a single Girls Track and Field event. Three times
(freshman, junior and senior year) had a top high jump of 5'7” to win state gold. The only
year she didn't jump that was a 5'10.75” effort during her sophomore year, which is the
second-best jump in State Meet history, and sixth overall. Helped lead Sterling to a fourth
place team finish in 2002 and ninth place in 2004. Competed for Iowa State and currently
competing for Northern Illinois.
Girls Soccer: Alison Kopelman (Lutheran '08) – Scored 27 goals and had 11 assists
in Class A championship season in 2007. Had goals in quarterfinal game and semifinal
game in 2007 tournament. Led team with 26 goals and 23 assists in Class A third place
effort in 2006, two of which coming in the third-place game. Also helped lead team to
Regional final match in first Class AA appearance for the school in 2008. Scored 90
career goals and had 102 assists. Currently playing for Wheaton College.
Boys Tennis: Drew Forsberg & Ryan Golden (Moline '03) - Co-Athletes of the
Decade. Doubles duo placed sixth at the State Meet in 2002 and fifth in 2003. Juniors won
2002 Sectional in two sets, 6-1 and 7-6. Went 5-2 at 2002 State Meet, falling in two sets in
the fifth place match. Won 2003 Sectional with two 6-0 sets. Went 7-1 at 2003 State Meet,
finning the fifth place match with two 6-0 sets. Forsberg played collegiately at Western
Illinois. Golden played collegiately at DePauw University in Indiana. Drew is older brother
of fellow Athlete of the Decade Brooke Forsberg.
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