Willowbrook Athletics names September Anyway’s Athletes of the Month

Willowbrook Athletics is proud to share senior Elizabeth “Liz” Pettinger and junior Legend Alka have been named as the Anyway’s Athletes of the Month for September.

Name: Liz Pettinger

Sport: Girls Flag Football

September successes: In September, Pettinger delivered one of the most dominant two-way performances in the team’s history. On offense, she served as a primary playmaker and dynamic threat to opposing defenses, racking up 51 receptions, 782 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns and 92 total points. Equally impactful on defense, Pettinger led the team with 18 defensive points, while recording 30 flag pulls, 11 pass deflections and 10 interceptions – including three returned for touchdowns. Her game-breaking play and leadership helped drive Willowbrook to a West Suburban Conference Gold Division Championship and an outstanding 14-1 regular-season record.

Name: Legend Alka

Sport: Boys Cross-Country

September successes: Alka put together a stellar month of competition, setting a new home-course record at Lombard Commons with a time of 15:28. He earned individual top honors in multiple elite meets, including 2nd place at the Minooka Champion flight, a top-4 finish at the Lyons Township Invite and a 4th-place finish at the Peoria Invite (where he broke the 15-minute mark in the 3-mile run with a time of 14:52). Setting the standard in practice, performance and perseverance, Alka helped lead the team to its best finish in a decade at the Lyons Township Invite and near 100% personal bests for the squad at the Peoria Invite.

* This monthly recognition honors Willowbrook student-athletes and is sponsored by Anyway’s (www.anywayspub.com/oakbrook-terrace/). Recipients are presented with a plaque and a $25 gift certificate to Anyway’s.