Sports
Childers Nets Top Spring Sports Honor in Chicago Heights
Julian Childers led Marian Catholic to its first conference and sectional titles in boys tennis and a top-15 finish in the IHSA state tournament.
Julian Childers, Marian Catholic, junior, tennis
Major Accomplishments/Awards
Childers was the No. 1 singles champion in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
He won the singles title at the Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional and helped the Spartans snag the team title, too.
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He recorded a top-15 finish at the IHSA state tournament.
His Story
Childers put the Marian Catholic boys tennis program on the map with his dominating play. During the regular season, he guided the Spartans to a sparkling 18-2 record a first-place finish at the Lockport Invitational and a third-place finish at the Lincoln-Way East Invitational.
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Childers was so good this year that his only setback heading into the second day of state competition was to state runner-up Jared Hiltzik of New Trier.
In the East Suburban Conference tournament and at the H-F Sectional, Childers placed first in singles, leading the Spartan team to first-place finishes in both tourneys. Both team victories were firsts for Marian.
At the state tournament, Childers won his first three matches before falling to Jason Brown of Deerfield. Childers went on to record a top-15 finish.
He has not lost a conference match since his freshman year.
Julian Childers: In his Own Words
“I will most remember how it felt to get the final win for my team to win the sectional title over H-F," Childers said. "The reason I was so successful this year was that I was working out a lot in the gym and staying physically strong. Also, I was able to stay injury-free."
Scott Bodnar: Coach’s Tribute
“Julian (Childers) worked very hard in the off-season, not only playing but also on his physical conditioning. The training made him stronger, more powerful and he could outlast his opponents. He exemplifies the talent and the ability that the other players on the team look to rise to.”
Personal
Childers will be returning for his senior season next year and has the ultimate goal of winning the state title on his to-do list.
In addition to continuing his strenuous training, Childers will be competing all over the country this summer. He plans to spend a week training at Bollettieri, a world-renowned tennis academy.
Already, he is drawing interest from college recruiters. He hopes to continue his education and playing career after he graduates from Marian in 2012.
