Park Forest, Schools

Spartans (32-9) top ESCC Foe Marian Central To Win IHSA 3A State Championship at ISU


Marian Catholic Spartans win 3A IHSA women's volleyball state title
Marian Catholic wins the 3A IHSA state title on Nov. 12 at ISU. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Normal, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Marian Central got the ESCC title this year, but Marian Catholic got the biggest prize, as the Spartans toppled the ESCC foe Hurricanes, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22 on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena to win the IHSA Class 3A state championship for Marian’s fourth team sports state crown.

The Spartans conclude the year with a 32-9 mark, while handing MCC just its second setback in 42 matches.

Temi Thomas powered home 18 kills with nine digs to lead Marian Catholic, which also got six kills from Ashley Sledge and five from Lauren Hatch. Jordan Piekarski dished out 18 assists and Rachel Churilla notched 12 digs. Temilade Adekoya finished with seven assists and five digs.

The Spartans have now won four team IHSA titles, including 1993 football, 2012 baseball and 2013 girls basketball, with all but baseball occurring at Illinois State University.

women's volleyball ihsa 3a state champions
The team with administration and coaches. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

The Spartans have numerous individual state titles to their credit as well. This is a comprehensive list supplied by the school:

IHSA State Trophies (17 Final Four)

1st- Women’s basketball (2012-2013)
1st- Baseball (2012, Class 3A)
1st- Football (1993, Class 4A)
2nd- Wrestling (2016, Class 2A)
2nd- Women’s golf (2005)
2nd- Women’s basketball (2001-2002)
2nd- Football (1999, Class 5A)
3rd- Women’s basketball (2013-14)
3rdWomen’s golf (2007)
3rd- Women’s basketball (2006-07)
3rdSoftball (1985)
4th- Women’s volleyball (2011, 3A)
4thWomen’s Golf (2006)
4th- Women’s basketball (2003-04)
4thSoftball (1987)
Semi- Football (1986, Class 5A)
Semi- Football (1980, Class 4A)

Non-IHSA State Finishes

2nd- Cheerleading (2014, ICCA Medium Division)
2nd- Men’s lacrosse (2009, IHSLA Class B)

IHSA State Champions (19)

2016- Jose Champagne, Wrestling (Class 2A- 160 pounds)
2016- Travis Ford-Melton, Wrestling (Class 2A- 106 pounds)
2016- Kordell Norfleet, Wrestling (Class 2A- 170 pounds)
2015- Joey Cifelli, Men’s swimming (Diving)
2015- Thaddeus Newby, Men’s Basketball Three-Point (Class 4A)
2014- Joey Cifelli, Men’s swimming (Diving)
2013- 4A Women’s Basketball (Marian 48, Rolling Meadows 47)
2012- 3A Baseball (Marian 10, LaSalle-Peru 2)
2012- Nate Jackson, Wrestling (Class 2A- 170 pounds)
2010- Erick Gavin, Men’s track (Class 3A- 110-meter hurdles)
2009- Erick Gavin, Men’s track (Class 3A- 110-meter hurdles)
2008- Elias Larson, Wrestling (Class 3A- 145 pounds)
2007- Mitchell Erickson Men’s track (Class AA- Pole vault)
2007- Melissa Gergel, Women’s track (Class AA- Pole vault)
2005- Casey Taylor, Women’s track (Class AA- Triple Jump)
2004- Casey Taylor, Women’s track (Class AA- Triple Jump)
2003- Casey Taylor, Women’s track (Class AA- Triple Jump)
1993- 4A Football (Marian 13, Geneseo Darnall 6)
1992- Mickey Griffin, Wrestling (Class AA- 125 pounds)

IHSA Elite Eight

2014: Men’s soccer (Class 3A)
2013-14: Men’s basketball (Class 4A)
2012-13: Men’s basketball (Class 4A)
2010-11: Women’s basketball (Class 4A)
2009-10: Women’s basketball (Class 4A)
2008-09: Women’s basketball (Class 4A)
2005-06: Women’s basketball (Class AA)
2002-03: Women’s basketball (Class AA)
2002: Women’s volleyball (Class AA)
1992: Football (Class 4A)
1988: Football (Class 5A)

IHSA Sweet 16

2015: Baseball (Class 4A)
2014-15: Women’s basketball (Class 4A)
2008-09: Men’s basketball (Class 4A)
2007-08: Women’s basketball (Class 4A)
2005: Women’s softball (Class AA)
2004: Women’s softball (Class AA)
1987-88: Women’s basketball (Class AA)
1998: Women’s volleyball (Class AA)
1994: Women’s softball (Class AA)
1985: Women’s volleyball (Class AA)

Perfect Season (1)

1993: Football (14-0)

Pictures of the title women’s volleyball match are available here.


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