Willowbrook names January recipient of 88's Best recognition

Matt Rowland has been named as Willowbrook’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his stellar involvement in extracurricular activities. Rowland, a senior, was recognized during the Jan. 25 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Rowland has consistently demonstrated high levels of performance and achievement, helping him earn membership into Willowbrook’s Math Honor Society and recognition as a recipient of the Outstanding Freshman and Human Relations Awards. His contributions to Willowbrook and the community are further evidenced by his leadership with Willowbrook’s Warrior Code Committee and organizing and implementing the annual school-wide barbecue for students. Rowland also has served as a role model to future Warriors by visiting local middle schools, volunteering for local charities and foundations and supporting his peers in the classroom.

But it is outside the classroom, specifically in wrestling, where one truly sees Rowland’s talents. He is a two-time State placer, earning a 5th-place and a 2nd-place finish, and he is the No. 1-ranked wrestler in Illinois in his weight division. Rowland has been recognized as an All-Conference and an Academic All-Conference athlete each season, was a preseason USA Wrestling National Finalist and was named as a TribLocal Athlete of the Month.

Rowland has not lost a Conference match throughout his high school career, and his only losses in the past three years have been to eventual State champions. This season, Rowland has broken the all-time win record for Willowbrook Wrestling – he has 167 career wins, and that number is still increasing. He also holds the all-time takedown record for the school and continues to be recognized by his teammates as a Captain and team MVP.

“The amount of work he has put in to become the high-caliber athlete he has become is unmatched,” said Willowbrook world language teacher Cristy Hebreard. “It has been a great pleasure watching his high school career soar to such great heights. I know he is going to continue his amazing success at The University of North Carolina next year, and I cannot wait to watch.”

Willowbrook Guidance Counselor Scott Forcash agreed.

“Rowland’s hard work and dedication have made him a leader among his peers,” Forcash said. “He is a hardworking student, who has always been focused on making the most of his high school experience. He has continued to challenge himself by taking classes that will prepare him for college and performs at a high level in the classroom. Rowland’s accomplishments in wrestling are what have made him a persistent, determined and caring young man. But Rowland is not only an amazing athlete – he is an amazing role model as well.”

Rowland has accepted a scholarship to continue his education and wrestling career at The University of North Carolina. He plans to major in business and said wrestling will always be a part of his life as a competitor and eventually a coach.

• District 88 values the hard work and achievements of students and wants to make sure students are honored and recognized for their accomplishments. The District 88 Board of Education and administration created the 88’s Best award to highlight students’ success. That award recognizes nine Addison Trail and nine Willowbrook students each school year for reaching their personal best in various areas. Students are honored each month during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in the areas of academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives.