5 Reasons Why Lincoln-Way East Sports Is Dominating Illinois High School Athletics In 2025-2026
The Lincoln-Way East Griffins are currently solidifying their reputation as one of the most dominant high school athletic programs in Illinois, with the latest updates from the 2025-2026 school year confirming a deep tradition of excellence across multiple sports. As of December 20, 2025, the Frankfort, IL, school's cobalt blue, black, and white teams are riding a wave of success, marked by state championships, major individual awards, and a consistent flow of athletes committing to collegiate programs. This article provides a fresh, in-depth look at the powerhouse programs driving the Griffins' success.
The school's commitment to providing comprehensive athletic opportunities is evident in its offering of 29 sports, with competition levels ranging from freshman to varsity. The Griffins' success is not limited to one season; it spans the entire calendar, making them a perennial contender in the Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) landscape.
The 2025-2026 Season: Key Athletes, Coaches, and Achievements
Lincoln-Way East High School, located in Frankfort, Illinois, competes in the highly competitive Southwest Suburban Conference (SWSC). Their athletic program consistently places the school among the top contenders in the state. The 2025-2026 season has already produced several major headlines, particularly in the most high-profile sports.
- Team Name: Griffins
- Location: Frankfort, Illinois
- Conference: Southwest Suburban Conference (SWSC)
- School Colors: Cobalt Blue, Black, and White
- Head Football Coach: Rob Zvonar
- Notable Football Athlete: Jonas Williams (Quarterback)
- Notable Cheerleading Athlete: Alyssa Goodman (USA Today Illinois Cheerleading Athlete of the Year)
- Total Sports Offered: 29
- Recent IHSA Success: Girls' Track & Field Class 3A State Champions (Multiple Years)
- 2024 Football Record: 12-1 Overall
Football Dominance: The Jonas Williams Era and Coach Zvonar's Legacy
The Lincoln-Way East football program, under the guidance of Head Coach Rob Zvonar, remains one of the premier teams in the state, consistently competing for the IHSA Class 8A title. The Griffins finished their 2024 season with an impressive 12-1 overall record, setting the stage for a highly anticipated 2025 campaign.
The focal point of the team’s success is star quarterback Jonas Williams. Williams, who began his varsity career as a freshman starter, has garnered significant national attention. Entering the 2025 season, he was named the Herald-News Football Player of the Year and the Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois, leading a powerful offense that drives the team’s championship aspirations. The 2025 IHSA playoffs saw the Griffins battling deep into the quarterfinal round, a testament to the program's consistent strength.
The team's dominance is built on a foundation of strong coaching and a demanding schedule that prepares them for the postseason. Their commitment to excellence is a key reason why they are consistently featured in the Illinois High School Football Top 25 State Rankings.
The Historic Dynasty of Girls' Track and Field
While the football team captures headlines in the fall, the Lincoln-Way East Girls' Track and Field team owns the spring season. The program has established a historic dynasty, particularly in IHSA Class 3A competition. The Griffins are repeat state champions, having claimed their fourth straight Class 3A title in May 2025.
This unprecedented run of success is a monumental achievement, showcasing the depth of talent and coaching within the program. The team's victory was secured at O'Brien Field at Eastern Illinois University, where they outscored their rivals to secure the championship trophy once again. The consistency of this program has cemented its place in Illinois high school sports history, making the LWE track program a benchmark for excellence.
Recent Updates and Future Prospects in Basketball and Other Sports
The athletic success at Lincoln-Way East extends far beyond the gridiron and the track. The school’s comprehensive athletic department provides a platform for numerous student-athletes to excel and pursue collegiate careers.
Boys' Basketball 2025-2026 Season
The Boys' Basketball team is actively competing in the 2025-2026 winter season within the competitive SWSC. The varsity roster features key players such as Nick Buggemi, Jhei-R Jones, Tylon Tolliver, Brent Taylor, and Tanner Vaundry, who are leading the team through their conference and non-conference schedule. Recent matchups, including a tough overtime battle against rival Lincoln-Way Central, highlight the intensity of the conference play.
Collegiate Commitments and Individual Honors
The ultimate goal for many high school athletes is to play at the next level, and Lincoln-Way East consistently delivers. The 2025 Spring Signing Day saw a number of student-athletes commit to playing their respective sports at the college level, a tradition that speaks volumes about the quality of the LWE athletic development pipeline. In addition to team success, individual athletes are earning top honors, such as Alyssa Goodman, who was named the USA Today Illinois Cheerleading Athlete of the Year, further demonstrating the breadth of the school's athletic achievements.
The school’s athletic offerings are vast, including Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, and Wrestling, ensuring that a culture of competitive excellence permeates every corner of the campus.
The Culture of Excellence: More Than Just Winning
The enduring success of Lincoln-Way East sports is rooted in a culture that prioritizes both academic and athletic growth. The school district is committed to maximizing the academic and social growth of all students, with athletics serving as a crucial component of that mission. The Griffins’ consistent performance in the IHSA's toughest classes, including Class 8A for football and Class 3A for track, demonstrates a program built for the long haul.
The continuous cycle of success—from the dominant football program led by Coach Zvonar and star QB Jonas Williams, to the dynasty established by the Girls' Track and Field team, and the numerous college commitments—makes Lincoln-Way East High School a true powerhouse in Illinois high school athletics. As the 2025-2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on the Griffins to see which program will deliver the next major state title to Frankfort, IL.
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