Last year, Lyons Township High School senior Ben Wuggazer sprinted for a personal-best time that barely qualified for his first Class 3A boys track and field state meet in the 3,200-meter run by .20 of a second.
When it comes to completing school work, Wuggazer rarely cuts it that close.
“I’ve just got to keep a schedule a little bit to make sure I’m on top of things both academically and athletically, using my athletic study hall wisely (at LTHS),” Wuggazer said. “Then there’s not as much to worry about after practice or after meets.”
With that dedication, the cross country all-stater earned a prestigious spot on this year’s IHSA All-State Academic Team, which annually recognizes 26 seniors (13 boys, 13 girls).
Each school may nominate two student-athletes who possess at least a 3.5 grade-point average, have participated in at least two IHSA-sponsored activities each of the last two years and demonstrated outstanding citizenship.
Riverside Brookfield all-state football player Max Strong and LTHS all-state girls basketball player Nora Ezike received honorable mention.
“I think I was a little surprised but very excited to show all of the hard work in the classroom academically and in athletics kind of got streamed through that award,” Wuggazer said.
Honorees will be recognized with a banquet in Bloomington April 13.
Wuggazer learned of his award at school after seventh period as LTHS athletic director John Grundke waited by his classroom.
“I saw him and wondered what he was he doing here. It was cool that he came in person to tell me,” Wuggazer said.
In November, Wuggazer achieved his biggest individual running honor when he earned top-25 all-state honors at the 3A state meet (22nd, personal-best 14:31.10 for 3.0 miles).
For him, the season was just as gratifying because the team also qualified for state and won its first regional championship since 2020.
“Those (awards) are more about winning so competitively I focus on those more, but academically (this award) shows that I can excel in the classroom, too,” Wuggazer said. “I’m really proud of it.”
The Lions’ last IHSA Academic All-Stater was Catherine Sommerfeld (2023) and Julianne Melby was honorable mention last year. Both were track and cross country runners.
LTHS boys track and cross country head coach Mike Danner noted how other recent IHSA All-State Academic Team or honorable mention members from LTHS have been boys cross country/track standouts like Danny Kilrea (2018) and Vince Zona (2017) and honorable mention Owen Hays (2021).
It would seem that recovery time and consistent sleep, elements of proper training for runners, could hinder getting school work done.
“Ben has become dedicated and consistent with his training and it definitely carries over to academics. Time management and a desire to succeed is something that is critical,” Danner commented.
Wuggazer said his academic schedule is a combination of Advanced Placement and regular classes, enjoying European history and environmental science this semester. He believes sports has helped him academically and beyond.
“I think that I’ve learned to be a better leader,” Wuggazer said. “I’ve learned to independently manage myself more because at meets that’s how you warm up, cool down, check in. That’s at least my coach’s philosophy. I’m responsible for my own time.”
Wuggazer developed his love for running through his days competing at Park Junior High.
He’s also developed a love for computer science and space. He’s still deciding on which school he will attend. Depending on that, he may continue running competitively.
“I would love to work for a space agency,” Wuggazer said. “My uncle works at NASA. I would love to (visit him) but I have not.”
