ITCCCA announces 2021 George Dekan Scholarships recipients

Kevin Christian Illinois College and University News, Illinois HS Cross Country, Illinois HS Track & Field, ITCCCA News & Updates

In the 26th year that ITCCCA has awarded scholarships to Track & Field/Cross Country athletes, two seniors will receive $2,000 each towards their college expenses.

Nathan Clapp graduated from Mundelein High School in Mundelein, IL.  He served as the Co-Captain of his Cross Country team this past season, and he qualified for the IHSA Sectional Championship, which was his personal goal this year.  Beyond running, Nathan is a recognized National AP Scholar, having scored a 4 or better on 9 separate Advanced Placement Examinations.  He will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall and major in Civil Engineering.  Of the impact running has had on his life, Nathan wrote, “This family meant a lot to me because I’d never had a group of friends where everyone cared for one another the way this team did.”
Natalia Martino graduated from Winnebago High School in Winnebago, IL.  She was the IHSA Regional and Sectional Champion in the 2020 Cross Country season, and she placed 8th individually and 1st as a team at the Shazam Cross Country Championships.  While completing her high school coursework and competing in Cross Country and Track and Field, Natalia also earned an Associate of Science Degree through Rock Valley College.  She will attend Portland State University in the fall and major in Biology with hopes to enter the medical field.  Of the impact running has had on her life, Natalia wrote, “Running on the Cross Country and Track teams has meant everything to me and I would not be the person I am today without those experiences.”