Two Willowbrook student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent

On Nov. 11, Willowbrook hosted a signing day for two seniors who will continue to compete in their respective sport at the collegiate level.

The student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent and celebrated with classmates, friends, administrators, staff members and family members.

Matt Rowland

Willowbrook senior Matt Rowland signs to wrestle for The University of North Carolina.

Rowland will wrestle at 174 pounds for The University of North Carolina. He has participated in wrestling for 10 years and has been on the varsity team at Willowbrook all four years of his high school career.

Rowland will leave Willowbrook as one of the most decorated wrestlers in the school’s history. He holds nearly every school record and is on track to break the record for most wins. He also is a two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State placer, earning 5th place his sophomore year and 2nd place last year.

“Wrestling has given me everything, and now it has helped me get a college education,” Rowland said. “It has taught me the importance of working hard and what it means to be dedicated.”

He added his goal is to win a national title at The University of North Carolina, where he plans to major in business.

Cameron Zunkel

Willowbrook senior Cameron Zunkel signs to play baseball for University of Illinois Springfield.

Zunkel will pitch for the Mens Baseball Team at University of Illinois Springfield. He has played baseball since he was about 4 years old and has been on the varsity team at Willowbrook for two years.

And baseball seems to be a family sport, as Zunkel’s brother, Tyler (a 2014 Willowbrook graduate), is playing for College of DuPage. Zunkel said the highlight of his baseball career so far has been being named to the West Suburban Conference Gold Division All-Conference Team and the Daily Herald All-Area Team last year.

“I like that baseball is a team sport – each player has to do his part,” Zunkel said. “It’s competitive, but it also is relaxing for me. I’ve always loved this sport, and I never want to stop playing.”