From the Sun-Times

Tragedy avoided when Glenbard coach collapses

November 18, 2001

A tragedy was averted at a Glenbard South pep rally to honor its state-championship boys cross-country team.

Assistant coach Terry Artman suffered what doctors called "a lethal rhythm'' of his heart and passed out at the pep rally, held three days after the Raiders won their first state title in any sport.

Artman was revived with the use of a defibrillator and CPR administered by school nurse Jean Karris and security guard Jim Kozlow, a former paramedic. Also assisting were Barb MacTaggart, a nurse and the mother of sophomore Eric, trainer Meghan McGovern and principal Bill Leensvaart.

"I wish this would not have happened during the assembly celebrating their championship,'' Artman said. "They've all worked hard and deserve to be the focus of this outstanding accomplishment, along with [coach] Andy Preuss.''

Artman, who has taught drivers education and physical education since the school opened in 1972, may be back at school in a couple of weeks.

"I'm thankful for the Glenbard South family,'' Artman said. "The school motto is 'Where excellence is tradition,' but they're not only excellent in educational and athletic goals and accomplishments, but also in the caring and dedication of the staff and students who are there every day.

"Thank you seems just too simple of a word to say for the readiness, knowledge and courage displayed that saved my life.''

BEEFING UP: Latin has won three regional basketball titles in its history but has not won a sectional. With 6-6 junior Mike Rudoy heading a squad favored to win the Independent League title in 2001-02, coach Dave VanderMeulen has toughened his schedule in hopes of advancing farther in the Class A state tournament.

Latin's nonconference schedule includes home games with perennial Class A power Providence-St. Mel, led by Minnesota-bound Stanley Gaines, on Nov. 30; Fenwick on Jan. 12, and Homewood Christian, led by Notre Dame-bound Rick Cornett, on Feb. 5. The Romans also will participate in Loyola University's shootout Feb. 10.

One of VanderMeul-en's assistants is Marty Clark, a former St. Joseph star who played at Duke.

BLUE STAR RANKINGS: The Blue Star Report has five Illinois players rated among the top 80 in the nation--No. 15 sophomore Candace Parker of Naperville Central, No. 45 Jordan Wilson of Benet, No. 49 junior Britney Jordan of Woodruff, No. 51 Kari Embree of Wheeling and No. 61 Johanna Solverson of Lake Zurich--and nine of the top 100 seniors: No. 30 Wilson, No. 34 Embree, No. 43 Solverson, No. 51 Lindsay Richards of Barrington, No. 52 Janelle Hughes of Hillcrest, No. 54 Candis Jackson of Young, No. 68 Morgan Kasperek of Hinsdale Central, No. 71 Tiffany Sardin of Marshall and No. 100 Kristin Moore of Hope.

Contributing: Tina Akouris, Taylor Bell

400

Career wins for Hinsdale South girls basketball coach Brenda Whitesell after her Hornets opened the season with a victory over Glenbard East on Tuesday.

250

Career wins for Richards' football coach Gary Korhonen through last week's 6A

quarterfinals.

JOINING THE CHAMPS

Cesar Carrillo, Mount Carmel: Perhaps the No. 1 baseball prospect in the class of 2002, the Mount Carmel pitcher-shortstop signed with reigning national champion Miami, Fla. Last spring, he hit .440 with a school record 52 hits. On the mound, he was 4-4 with 56 strikeouts in 46 innings.

NATIONAL HONOR

Tim Brasic, Riverside-Brookfield: The Sun-Times 2001 Player of the Year in football was selected as the national player of the week by National Student Sports Inc., after passing for 589 yards and seven touchdowns in a 56-50 Class 5A state quarterfinal loss to Joliet Catholic last Friday night.