HHS Wrestler Blake Zalapi Signs National Letter of Intent

By Jean Seegers, REPORTER

JEAN SEEGERS, PHOTO – The Herald.
Blake Zalapi signed a letter of intent on Thursday, Nov. 10, to participate in the wrestling program at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo, next fall. The Hononegah High School Senior has been a member of the wrestling team throughout his high school years, winning several NIC-10 awards. He is seated between his mother Jennifer Zalapi and his father,Vince Zalapi. HHS Athletic Director Steve Cofoid (R) made the announcement.

The first Hononegah High School athletic signing of the school year took place Thursday, Nov. 10. Hononegah High School’s star wrestler Blake Zalapi signed a National Letter of Intent to participate on the wrestling team at Lindenwood University next fall. Seated between his parents Jennifer and Vince Zalapi, the HHS Senior thanked his Coaches, the wrestling team and his parents for their support and guidance.

Athletic Director Steve Cofoid said Lindenwood University is located in St. Charles, Missouri.  It is the second oldest higher education institution west of the Mississippi and, since 1990, the fastest growing university in the Midwest. This year, Lindenwood’s wrestling team is ranked second in the pre-season polls in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference.

Wrestling Coach Jason Glodowski praised Zalapi’s athletic skills and listed his accomplishments at HHS:

Three time Varsity letter winner, 104 Varsity wins

2014/2015 NIC-10 Varsity Conference Finalist (2 x runner-up)

2014 NIC-10 Special Mention All-Conference

2016 NIC-10 Varsity Conference Champion

2015/2016 NIC-10 First Team All-Conference (2 x)

Three time BDN All Area Team – First Team

2015/2016 IHSA 3A Sectional Finalist (2 x)

2015/2016 IHSA 3A State Qualifier (2x)

Three time Fargo All American – placing highest as third

Two time National Team Member for Team Illinois

Zalapi plans to major in Accounting at Lindenwood. “I really like working with numbers,” he said.