Eight Mount Carmel Seniors Sign National Letters Of Intent To Play Major College Football

Chicago – The high school football season ended over two months ago, but the football program at Mount Carmel High School could not have been busier on February 7. The school had eight student athletes sign National Letters of Intent to play college football.

Seniors Sidney Bazemore (Defensive Line, South Dakota), Carter Kopach (Quarterback, Northern Michigan), Tim Kavanaugh (Offensive Line, Arkansas State), Rayondon Kennedy (Defensive Line, Ball State), Keith Lewis (Defensive Back, Wyoming), Ron Newcomb (Defensive Line, Northern Illinois) Mark Oliver (Linebacker, Wyoming) and Arthur Ray (Offensive Line, Michigan State) all officially sealed their collegiate futures as head coach Frank Lenti and parents looked on.

The Mount Carmel seniors can look back on their high school playing days with pride. Although this group lost two consecutive state championship games, the seniors graduated with a 25-3 record. They played in both Soldier Field and Memorial Stadium twice, they defeated Providence on national television (ESPNU) and they reached the state title game in the school’s first ever year in Class 8A with a victory over Lincoln Way East, which hadn’t lost a game in two years.

“This class might go on to set a record for the number of players in one class to play big-time college football. I don’t know if the school has ever had this many in one year,” said Lenti. “This important day is attributed to the players’ fine work ethic, along with tremendous guidance from their parents. Obviously, a player can’t reach the college level without excellent coaching, so our coaches should be commended too.

“The goal of this football program is for our players to leave here with the ability to be responsible adults. We want them to position themselves to get a great college education. Our goal is never to send players to the NFL, because for the vast majority of these guys, the NFL is a pipe dream. We want them to earn their college degrees.”

Ray, who was committed to Boston College until coach Tom O’Brien left for the head coaching position at North Carolina State, is excited to head to East Lansing, Michigan.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for four years, and it finally came,” Ray said. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to play at the next level. In Chicago, all you hear about is the Big Ten, so just to play in that conference is an honor.

“Michigan State is a great fit for me. The position coach and I have already sat down and talked and I already know a lot of the information we went over. The coaches here at Mount Carmel have really prepared me to play college football. I’m ready for the adjustment.”

Oliver and Lewis will travel a long way to play for the Wyoming Cowboys, but neither of the two are afraid of the major adjustment.

“I had no friends when I came here, but it worked out,” said Oliver, who lives in Indiana. “I’ll be in the same situation in August, but I’m not scared. I can go out on my own because I did that when I came to Mount Carmel.

“I’m very excited and I definitely feel I’m ready. Mount Carmel is one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. College coaches everywhere know about us, so I’m confident that I’m prepared to do well.”

Oliver committed to Wyoming way back in July, but Lewis chose the Cowboys at the last second. He settled on Wyoming ahead of Hawaii, Arkansas State, Eastern Illinois and Illinois State.

Newcomb, one of three defensive linemen from Mount Carmel’s 2006 team that will play in college, fully realizes the significance of signing day.

“This is a day that will change my life forever, just like the day when I decided to come to Mount Carmel did,” Newcomb said. “Going to college for free is a huge relief. The coaching staff told me they don’t just recruit great players. They are only interested in great people, and they represent the right values. Coach (Joe) Novak is one of the best coaches in the country.

“I’m a hard-working guy, and I’m very dedicated. I think I’ll fit in perfectly. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if I didn’t come to Mount Carmel. I wouldn’t be as good of a student either. I have a good number of grade school friends who probably won’t go to college. I feel blessed to be in this situation.”

Contact Information:
Matt Kellam, Director of Communication
P: 773-324-1020, x245
F: 773-324-2468
mkellam@mchs.org