KIKK Stalwarts - Eric Loebig and Jack O'Donnell

Just who are Eric Loebig and Jack O'Donnell, the two Hinsdale Central H. S. varsity soccer players who coordinated the KIKK fundraiser for Schools Count? Well, one look at their soccer resumes and other interests will tell you much about them and how they were able to raise in excess of $6,400.00.

Both Eric and Jack are seniors. In terms of their careers in soccer at Central, each was a standout. Eric, a midfielder, and Jack, a keeper, were starters on this year's varsity team that made it to the 'Sweet Sixteen' in the IHSA State Tournament. Both were named All-Conference players in the West Suburban Silver Division for the 2009 campaign. Eric and Jack were joint winners of the Coaches Award which honors players for their all around play.

Their HC exploits don't end on the pitch. Both Eric and Jack are recipients of the 2009 All Conference Academic Award. What this means is that both players had at least a 4.0 GPA. Quite an accomplishment indeed.

Let's take a look at what makes Eric and Jack tick beyond school. Eric loves his music. The Third Eye Blind is his favorite band. Aside from soccer Eric enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, ice hockey, golf, and surfing. Though Eric has not yet made a final decision in terms of where he will attend college, his choices have been narrowed down to the University of Missouri, Dayton, Miami, and Iowa.

Jack O'Donnell also, like most teenagers, enjoys his music. For Jack, though, there is more to it than merely listening to his favorite songs. He plays the guitar and drums and currently performs with two bands. Aside from music Jack loves watching all types of college and professional sports. Jack currently has a gig on HC's WHSD radio station on Thursday mornings. His show is a political satire called "The Americans." Jack hopes to attend DePauw University upon graduating from Central.

These are two players who clearly have their act together, both on and off the soccer field. From my perspective, there is no way the KIKK fundraiser would have been such a wonderful success without their leadership.



Many thanks,

Dick Flesher