The Standard: Goodbye, Brother Rice

2025-05-14T10:05:27-05:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

“You don’t know about real loss, ’cause it only occurs when you’ve loved something more than you love yourself,” said one of my favorite actors of all time, Robin Williams, in my favorite movie, Good Will Hunting.

Over the past four years, Brother Rice felt like a second home to me. The people at Brother Rice—my teachers, classmates and coaches—felt like a second family. I truly loved Brother Rice more than I loved myself.

My senior year was nothing short of incredible. I had the opportunity to be one of the first peer mentors in Brother Rice’s new Mt. Sion […]

The Standard: Goodbye, Brother Rice2025-05-14T10:05:27-05:00

The Standard: April Fools’ Day Gone Wrong

2025-04-11T11:29:43-05:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

My one plan was to prank my friends on April Fools’ Day, laugh, and walk away as the mastermind of some lighthearted, funny tricks. But now, as I sit here with a bruised ego, (and maybe some ruined friendships), I realize my pranks might have been a little too convincing.

I kicked off the day with Vaughn Goberville, starting with a classic one. I pointed at his shirt and told him he had something on it. When he looked down, I hit him with, “April Fools!” Vaughn didn’t laugh.

Next, I moved on to Connor Allen. I decided to get […]

The Standard: April Fools’ Day Gone Wrong2025-04-11T11:29:43-05:00

The Standard: State Stories – Thank You, Basketball

2025-03-27T20:02:00-05:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

Basketball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing in 2nd grade, and it’s crazy to think that I’ve been on the court for so many years now. My journey with the sport started at Mt. Greenwood Elementary School, and man, were we good We won a lot of championships, and every season we got even better. The best part was getting to play alongside my twin brother, John, and one of my best friends ever, Max Justic.

After Mt. Greenwood, I moved on to Brother Rice for high […]

The Standard: State Stories – Thank You, Basketball2025-03-27T20:02:00-05:00

The Standard: South Side Surprise

2025-02-20T20:23:15-06:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

On Feb. 12, Brother Rice High School had an interesting day. Chicago was expecting four to six inches of snow in the afternoon, and Brother Rice was on a 20-minute schedule. The day started at 7:50 a.m. and ended just before noon, giving faculty and students time to drive home before the big storm.

Although students were excited about the early dismissal, those involved in Brother Rice’s Mt. Sion Program were excited about the “big announcement” that everyone was talking about. This announcement was going to be made that morning.

Senior Matt Phelan said, “When I walked into the main […]

The Standard: South Side Surprise2025-02-20T20:23:15-06:00

The Standard: The Driving Force Behind Brother Rice Basketball

2025-01-24T08:10:39-06:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

Brother Rice basketball has had many historic coaches over the years. In the past nine seasons, however, assistant coach Jim Zigulich has helped lead the Crusaders to some of their most memorable campaigns.

Zigulich, a proud member of the Crusader family since his freshman year in 1999, was once part of the “Crusader Crazies”, cheering on Brother Rice to victory from the student section. Now, 25 years later, he has the privilege of leading the Crusaders on the hardwood.

“As a Brother Rice alum, I understand how much the basketball program means to our school community,” Zigulich said. “Working with […]

The Standard: The Driving Force Behind Brother Rice Basketball2025-01-24T08:10:39-06:00

The Standard: Turkey Trot Takeover

2024-11-14T18:37:36-06:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

On Sunday, Nov. 3, two grateful Crusaders participated in the Tinley Park Park District’s annual Turkey Trot 5K. Seniors Stephen Devine and Carter Mosel raced in festive attire. Devine wore his fuzzy turkey onesie, and Mosel dressed as a dapper pilgrim.

The race took place in the heart of Tinley Park’s Vogt Woods. Participants enjoyed running or walking through the neighborhood in their Thanksgiving-themed outfits.

Mosel said, “Racing through my hometown of Tinley Park every year is something that brings the community together. Everyone had so much fun, and they all loved the costumes.”

Although Carter wanted to have a good […]

The Standard: Turkey Trot Takeover2024-11-14T18:37:36-06:00

The Standard: Crusaders Defeat Dons on Homecoming Game

2024-10-18T11:34:35-05:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

On Friday, Oct. 11, the Brother Rice football team played its homecoming game against Notre Dame of Niles, Illinois. The Crusaders were firing on all cylinders in this one, dominating the Dons 42-7.

Senior captain Conner Stack was one of the key players in the game. Although Stack’s primary position on defense is safety, he scored two touchdowns—one on special teams and one on offense. His special teams touchdown came from a blocked punt in the first quarter, while his offensive touchdown was a rushing score in the fourth quarter.

“It’s an amazing feeling to get this win in our […]

The Standard: Crusaders Defeat Dons on Homecoming Game2024-10-18T11:34:35-05:00

The Standard: Crusaders Race at the “First to the Finish” Invite in Peoria

2024-09-19T22:50:16-05:00

By Zach Mikrut ‘25

On Saturday, Aug. 14, the Brother Rice cross country team had a standout performance in the “First to the Finish” Invite in Peoria, Illinois. Some huge finishes for the Crusaders led them to place 21st out of 67 teams.

Senior Captain Gavin O’Connor led the charge with an impressive fourth-place finish in the entire race. He led the team with a new personal record time of 15:00, which secured him as the seventh fastest runner in the state.

“I felt pretty confident going into the race,” O’Connor said. “I knew I had been putting the work in, and this was […]

The Standard: Crusaders Race at the “First to the Finish” Invite in Peoria2024-09-19T22:50:16-05:00
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