By Aiden Murillo ’26
Senior Matt Pikus accomplished something that only a few student-athletes have ever done at Brother Rice; he has earned IHSA Academic All State. Pikus works very hard, whether it is on the field, throwing the shot put, or in the classroom. This achievement makes Matt the only student from a Catholic school in the Southland to receive this award.
Pikus said, “It’s an absolute honor to be selected for the IHSA All State Academic Team. I have put so much hard work into these past four years into both my academics and athletics, so it’s a blessing to receive this award because of that.”
Matt has played football and has participated in track and field for his whole high school career. He is a state champion in football and is one of the most talented shot put throwers in the school. He is also a captain of the football team and a backbone of the team on the o-line. His hard work and dedication has shown both athletically and academically.
He ranks in the top five of his class and looks forward to finishing the year strong. Matt hopes to get an even better GPA than he did last year.
“I thank my parents, and all my teachers, coaches, and friends who have helped me to be the person I am today and the man I am becoming,” said Matt.
Pikus also said, “The past four years have been some of the best of my life.”
Matt looks forward to finishing track and field better than how he did last year, which is going to be hard since last year was a great year.
