Athlete of the Year
The Rochell Foundation began in 1993 as a way of honoring outstanding student athletes and the high schools they represent. The Foundation was the brainchild of Dr. Steven Rochell and Nurse/Athletic Trainer Bruce Taira. This annual award not only enhances the Northwest Herald’s Athlete of the Year award and recongnition of the top student-athletes achievements, but also gives a monetary award to the schools that help nurture the areas top athletes.
The winner of the Athlete of the Year has a gift of $2,500 donated to their respective schools in honor of their achievements. Since it’s inception, the Rochell Foundation has donated $65,000 to the schools of the winning athletes.
The winning athletes and the schools they represent:
BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
- 2007: Evan Jager, Jacobs
- 2006: Jacob Goebbert, Hampshire
- 2005: Dan Haeflinger, Harvard
- 2004: Brad Kalsow, Huntley
- 2003: Donovan Moore, Richmond
- 2002: Justin Duhai, Woodstock
- 2001: Brady Noll, McHenry
- 2000: Steven Nulle, Harvard
- 1999: Kevin Kaplan, Cary Grove
- 1998: Matt Huebner, Woodstock
- 1997: Joe Rockers, Marian
- 1996: Jason Liska, Marian
- 1995: Brian Gosnell, Crystal Lake Central
- 1994: Paul Vandeven, Cary Grove
- 1993: Scott Fischer, Marengo
GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
- 2007: Paige Fiedorowicz, Johnsburg
- 2006: Jennifer Nichols, Woodstock
- 2005: Amanda Walker, Hampshire
- 2004: Sammi Mader, Huntley
- 2003: Jory Bodi, Richmond
- 2002: Amy Kaplan, Cary Grove
- 2001: Nicole Marzano, McHenry
- 2000: Katie Hartmann, Woodstock
- 1999: Kristan Knake, Marengo
- 1998: Billee Russell, Dundee Crown
- 1997: Sara Ettner, Marengo
- 1996: Alice Melhuish, Crystal Lake South
- 1995: Leigh Hadick, Marian
- 1994: Natalie Gambit, Richmond Burton
- 1993: Megan DePuy, Cary Grove
- 750 E. Terra Cotta Ave. ~ Crystal Lake, IL 60014
- Phone: (815) 455-0800 ~ Fax: (815) 455-2895