John Leusch

Arlington Heights

High School Sports Reporter at Daily Herald

High school sports reporter for the Daily Herald, and contributor to Arlington Park coverage.

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Articles

Softball: Lucas fans 19, hits grand slam in Fremd’s win over Prospect

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

After a dominating performance in which she struck out 19 batters and belted a grand slam while reaching base three times, Fremd senior Hailey Lucas called the Vikings' 7-0 win on Wednesday in Palatine a great team win. That's the sign of a great team player who respects all of her teammates. And respect was all Prospect coach Krystina Mackowiack had for the hard-throwing right-hander who is committed to Southern Illinois University. "Hailey is phenomenal," Mackowiack said.
Softball: Maine West edges Vernon Hills to remain undefeated

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

When Maine West softball co-coaches Chris Addante and Jim Dvorak watched their team claim an undefeated Central Suburban North championship in 2024, the Warriors closest call in eight games was a 2-1 decision with Vernon Hills. Those two teams opened play in the CSL North on Tuesday and it was yet another 1-run decision, as the host Warriors held on for a 6-5 decision to remain undefeated on the season 6-0.
Softball notes: Dolecki, Schaumburg mashing early; St. Viator’s pitching coming on strong

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

The Dolecki family has another member headed to play Division I softball. Junior center fielder Taylor Dolecki, an All-Area selection last spring, has committed to Arizona State University. Playing for the Sun Devils has been a long time goal for Taylor, whose sister Madison recently slugged her first career homer for Belmont University.
Softball: Barrington avenges loss to Hersey behind Cullen’s big day at the plate

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

Catch this. Barrington softball receiver Reese Cullen wears No. 7 and on Monday in Arlington Heights, the Ohio State pledge finished the day with 7 home runs for this season. It happened despite fierce southwest winds which were sending many fly balls back toward the infield making it a difficult day for outfielders.
Girls water polo: Fremd bounces back from 1st loss, beats Schaumburg

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

After falling behind 3-0 in the first three minutes to York on Tuesday and suffering its first loss in 13 decisions, Fremd girls water polo coach Theresa Knowles made the goal very clear for Wednesday's Mid-Suburban West game at Schaumburg.
Softball: Woldman, Palatine collect shutout victory over St. Viator

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

Palatine’s Madelyn Lebor, right, is greeted at the plate by Meghan Czyzowicz during a non-conference softball game against St. Viator on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Palatine. Joe Lewnard/[email protected] After recording a tie in its only previous game, Palatine's softball team landed its first win against visiting St. Viator on Friday.
Girls water polo: Fremd continues undefeated season with win over Conant

3 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

In the third period of Fremd's 10-2 Mid-Suburban League victory over visiting Conant on Wednesday, Vikings senior Reese Winegar had the 2 goals that stretched a 6-1 halftime lead to 8-1. But scoring goals is hardly the only part of Winegar's game that helps makes Fremd a favorite to win a second straight Mid-Suburban West title under third-year coach Theresa Knowles. "Reese is like our quarterback," Knowles said of her three-year varsity player.
Softball: Elk Grove’s Grams becomes IHSA’s all-time wins leader

3 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

Ken Grams showed how much he loved coaching softball in the mid-1980s when he assumed the role as assistant athletic director at Elk Grove High School. That meant he would give up his boys basketball coaching duties and keep softball as his only sport. But Grams, who was at the school teaching typing and accounting when it opened in 1966, never imagined he'd be in the dugout after 45 years as the state's winningest coach in the sport.
Softball: Taraschewsky, Barrington silence West Chicago

3 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

After giving up a leadoff single to West Chicago junior Sophia Ptak and moments later facing two runners on base with two outs in the first inning, Katie Taraschewsky knew she had to bear down. "It could be a little frustrating at points but I just know I've got to bounce back and get the next batter," said the Barrington ace pitcher.
Scouting Cook County softball

1 month ago | dailyherald.com | John Leusch

History is on the verge early this softball season in the Mid-Suburban League. Elk Grove coach Ken Grams begins his 44th season just two wins away from becoming the winningest coach in IHSA softball history. The Arlington High School and Northern Illinois graduate started the year with 1,043 wins behind all-time leader Randy Olken of St Joseph-Ogden High School who retired with 1,044 wins. Barrington's Perry Peterson, also a hall of famer like Grams, sits third all time with 971 wins.