For the third time this year, Mount Carmel High School recently celebrated the accomplishments of a group of talented student-athletes. On Wednesday, April 13, parents, coaches, and teachers gathered in the Kiska Suite as Connor Spear (baseball), Jake Rhode, Nick Chambers, and Christian Peevy (basketball), and Grant Peebles (soccer) all signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.

Before the actual signing, their individual coaches offered some reflections  on what these players had accomplished. Head Basketball Coach Mike Flaherty, who recently announced his retirement, spoke about his three players as the core of this year’s team, “These three guys exemplified what high school athletics is all about.  They came in as freshmen and stuck together. Nick (Chambers) always used the word ‘family,’ and that is what they became over time.”

Following Flaherty, Head Soccer Coach Antonio Godinez recalled how Peebles year almost didn’t happen. Just before the start of the school year, Godinez learned that Peebles wouldn’t return for his senior season.  Fortunately, the night before preseason workouts began, that all changed. “I received a call from Grant’s father and we were able to work it out. Grant ended up being a big part of our success this year.”

Head Baseball Coach Brian Hurry came next, and noted how Spear, playing his second year on the varsity, has become a leader over the first few weeks of the season. “Connor and the rest of his class have helped lead the team all year, and he has made great strides so far.” Just eight hours after signing his letter of intent, Spear demonstrated that leadership, getting the start for the Caravan and pitching a complete, one-run game.

When the players finally got their moment in the spotlight to address questions from the Caravan media, a few themes seemed to emerge.  First and foremost, it was clear that each future collegian is pleased with his school of choice.

Rhode, who will be attending Elmhurst College, “loved the atmosphere, and competitiveness from the coaches,” while both Peebles (Florida Memorial University) and Chambers (North Central College) expressed the importance of hard work and the need for dedication on the next level.

Spear appreciates that his school, St. Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, Indiana), is close enough to allow him to return home often to visit his family. “Being close to home is great.  On Sunday afternoons I can go and get a nice home cooked meal.”

When asked about how his Mount Carmel’s baseball experience will translate to college, Spear responded with one simple phrase: “It’s all about team.”

Peevy (University of Incarnate Word – Texas), on the other hand, doesn’t mind the fact that he’ll be studying and playing far from Chicago.  “I’m gonna have to work for every minute I get, and I really respect that. Plus, 70 degree winters don’t sound too bad.”

Following the interviews, MC Athletic Director Dan Lacount took time to acknowledge Flaherty, who completed his final season as head coach for the Caravan basketball program.   Lacount asked the basketball players to recount a favorite Flaherty moment, and both remembered the several times a clip board was broken courtside.

Senior guard Rhode also explicitly remembered Flaherty’s excited reaction any time confusion reigned on the court.  “Whenever the ball was being tipped around, he would flail his arms and yell.”