7 Shocking Facts About Lincoln-Way East Athletics That Prove It's Illinois' New 'Title Town'
The Lincoln-Way East Griffins are solidifying their reputation as one of Illinois' most dominant high school athletic programs, with the 2024-2025 academic year already delivering a torrent of high-level accomplishments across multiple sports. Far from resting on the laurels of past state championships, the Frankfort-based powerhouse continues to produce elite teams and collegiate-bound athletes at a pace few schools in the state can match, making the current athletic calendar a must-watch for fans and recruiters alike.
The program's success, which spans 29 different sports, is built on a foundation of exceptional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has become the hallmark of the SouthWest Suburban Conference (SWSC) contender. As of today, December 19, 2025, the Griffins are celebrating a new wave of individual and team achievements, highlighted by major state final appearances and a significant number of student-athletes committing to top college programs nationwide.
The Grill of the Griffins: A 2024-2025 Athletic Profile
Lincoln-Way East High School, under the leadership of Athletic Director Mark Vander Kooi, maintains one of the most comprehensive and successful athletic programs in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The school's commitment to competitive excellence is evident in its continuous presence in state final contention across various sports categories.
- School: Lincoln-Way East High School (LWE)
- Location: Frankfort, Illinois
- Mascot: Griffins
- Conference: SouthWest Suburban Conference (SWSC)
- Athletic Director: Mark Vander Kooi
- Total Sports Offered: 29
- Notable Alumni (Pro/College): Nick Allegretti (NFL), A.J. Henning (College Football), Devin O'Rourke (College Football)
- Recent Recognition: Selected as one of only 15 public schools in Illinois to receive the prestigious 2025 Governor's Blue Ribbon School Award, a testament to the blend of academic and athletic success.
The 3 Pillars of LWE's Dominance: Fall, Winter, and Spring Success
Lincoln-Way East's ability to compete at the highest level is not confined to a single season or sport. The 2024-2025 year has already seen major success stories emerge from the gridiron to the mat, demonstrating remarkable program depth.
1. Football's Relentless Pursuit of the 8A Crown
The LWE Football program, led by Head Coach Rob Zvonar, remains the gold standard in Illinois high school football, consistently competing for the largest class title. The 2023 season saw the Griffins finish with an impressive 13-1 overall record, culminating in a dramatic loss in the IHSA Class 8A State Championship game to Loyola Academy.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, expectations remain sky-high. The team is bolstered by key returning players and the presence of elite talent like transfer quarterback Jonas Williams and standout lineman Caden O'Rourke. The release of the 2025 schedule, which kicks off with a major matchup against Maine South, signals the Griffins' continued commitment to a challenging, championship-caliber slate.
2. Winter Sports: Wrestling and Basketball Take Center Stage
As the calendar turned to the winter season, the focus shifted to the mat and the court, where Lincoln-Way East wrestlers are making headlines. The Griffins' Wrestling program has already produced top-tier talent for the 2024-2025 IHSA State Finals.
- Tyson Zvonar (Senior): A dominant force at 132 lbs, Zvonar qualified for the 2024-2025 IHSA Class 3A State Finals with an exceptional 39-7 record, positioning him as a major contender for a state title.
- Jeremy Marshall (Junior): Also qualifying for the 3A State Finals, Marshall entered the tournament with a stellar 36-8 record, showcasing the depth of the LWE wrestling room.
- Brayden Mortell: Another key athlete mentioned in the 2025 IHSA State Finals, highlighting the program's consistent presence at the sport's highest level.
The Boys Basketball team, featuring key 2024-2025 roster members such as Nick Buggemi, Jhei-R Jones, and Tylon Tolliver, is actively competing in the SWSC, with their 2025 schedule already released, signaling their push for a conference title and a deep playoff run.
3. Fall and Spring Title Runs: Volleyball and Baseball
The Girls Volleyball team delivered a major championship victory in the 2024 fall season, capturing the highly competitive SouthWest Suburban Conference title. This achievement underscores the diverse success of the LWE athletic department beyond the traditional power sports.
In the spring, the Baseball program is poised for another deep run, building on its impressive 31-9 season in 2023 that ended in the Super-Sectional round. The program is a consistent pipeline for college talent, with key 2024 commits like left-handed pitchers (LHP) Tyler Ledvina (Heartland CC commit) and LHP Justyn Hart (Missouri commit) leading the way.
The College Pipeline: 16 Athletes Commit on Fall Signing Day
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Lincoln-Way East's elite status is the sheer number of student-athletes who transition to collegiate competition. The Fall Signing Day in November 2024 was a major event, celebrating 16 student-athletes who officially committed to play their respective sports at the next level, a figure that rivals many smaller colleges.
This commitment list highlights the program's reach across NCAA divisions and sports, proving that the LWE experience prepares students for both athletic and academic rigor.
Notable Fall 2024 College Commits:
- Elizabeth Burfeind: Soccer, committed to Purdue University.
- Olivia Rowell: Softball, committed to Loras College.
- Noah Sloane: Baseball, committed to the University of Wisconsin - Platteville.
- Tyler Ledvina: Baseball, committed to Heartland Community College.
- Justyn Hart: Baseball, committed to the University of Missouri.
The depth of this list—spanning soccer, softball, and baseball—demonstrates the comprehensive quality of the 29 sports programs offered at Lincoln-Way East High School. The school's success is a direct result of strong coaching, including the efforts of Head Football Coach Rob Zvonar and Wrestling Head Coach Collin McKillip, who continue to mold young athletes into college-ready competitors.
The LSI Factor: Key Entities Driving LWE's National Reputation
The success of Lincoln-Way East Athletics is a convergence of numerous high-performing entities and programs that collectively drive its national reputation. From the administrative leadership of Athletic Director Mark Vander Kooi to the competitive fire of the SouthWest Suburban Conference (SWSC), every component contributes to the 'Title Town' atmosphere.
The LWE Griffins are not just a regional power; they are a national recruiting target. Key entities like the 8A State Finalist Football team, the IHSA Class 3A Wrestling qualifiers (Tyson Zvonar, Jeremy Marshall), and the consistent flow of Division I-bound athletes solidify the program's prestige. Future athletes like baseball's Justyn Hart and soccer's Elizabeth Burfeind represent the next generation of LWE talent, ensuring the school remains a dominant force in Illinois high school sports for years to come. The school's commitment to both athletic and academic excellence, as recognized by the 2025 Governor's Blue Ribbon School award, ensures a holistic environment for its student-athletes.
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