Marek Makowski

[RECAP] Day 2 at Redbird Arena

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

Marian Catholic's buzzer-beating put back to beat Rolling Meadows in the Class 4A State Championship described day two at state: remarkable. After Morton...

Whitney Young beats out Huntley for the Class 4A third place title

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

Huntley awoke from its story-tale dream on Saturday night when it collided a vengeance-hungry Whitney Young team in the Class 4A Third-Place Game. Reality...

Unbelievable: Quincy Notre Dame clinches its third state title

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

The first thing Kassidy Gengenbacher did after she dribbled the ball and released it at mid court when time expired in the Class 3A Championship Game...

[RESULTS] Queen of the Hill 3-point showdown

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

Katie Poe, a freshman from Cumberland, won the Queen of the Hill 3-Point Showdown Final in between 3A games on Saturday afternoon. Poe, the 2A champion,...

[RECAP] Day one at Redbird Arena

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

I was sitting next to an IHSA reporter on press row when he joked to another journalist, “...and we’re here at Redbird Arena, where nothing...

Spartans spear Dolphins

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

For a defending state championship team, Whitney Young played a dirty game against Marian Catholic in the Class 4A State Semifinal on Friday night. The...

Huntley loses to Rolling Meadows, gains minute of fame

By Marek Makowski
March 2, 2013

It happened with 26 seconds left in 42-59 state semifinal game between Huntley (26-7) and Rolling Meadows (30-3). It was when the black and red stands...

[PREVIEW] Class 4A Third Place Game Huntley v. Whitney Young

By Marek Makowski
March 1, 2013

Class 4A Third-Place Game Huntley vs. Whitney Young Friday, March 1 6:30 p.m. Huntley (26-7) Starters Kayla Barreto, guard,...

[PREVIEW] Class 4A Championship Game Rolling Meadows v. Marian Catholic

By Marek Makowski
March 1, 2013

Class 4A Championship Game Marian Catholic vs. Rolling Meadows Saturday, March 2 8:15 p.m. (approximately) Marian Catholic (32-1) Starters Teniya...

[RESULTS] Class 4A 3-point Showdown Finals

By Marek Makowski
March 1, 2013

The four winners from Thursday's preliminary Three Point Showdown participated in Friday's Three Point Showdown finals. Bolingbrook's Kamari Jordan...

[PREVIEW] Class 4A State Semifinal: Whitney Young v. Marian Catholic

By Marek Makowski
February 28, 2013

Marian Catholic vs. Whitney Young Friday, March 1 8:15 p.m. (approximately) Marian Catholic (31-1) Starters Teniya Page, guard,...

[PREVIEW] Class 4A State Semifinal: Huntley v. Rolling Meadows

By Marek Makowski
February 28, 2013

Class 4A State Semifinal Huntley vs. Rolling Meadows Friday, March 1 6:30 p.m. Huntley (26-6) Starters Kayla Barreto, guard, freshman Bethany...

[RESULTS] Class 4A Three Point Showdown Preliminaries

By Marek Makowski
February 28, 2013

Four shooters advanced to the Class 4A Country Financial 3-Point Showdown on Thursday night in Normal, Ill. Grayslake North's Kendall Detweiler...

[GALLERY] Raiders poach Tigers, advance to state semifinals

By Marek Makowski
February 25, 2013

Before their monumental game against Wheaton Warrenville South in the Dundee-Crown Class 4A Super-Sectional on Monday, the Raiders watched an inspirational...

[GALLERY] Raiders light up Sabres for first-ever sectional title

By Marek Makowski
February 22, 2013

In the biggest game in the program’s history, the Huntley girls basketball team's greatest opponent was pace itself. The white-hot Raiders, who...

[BRIEF] Kaniewski advances to State Preliminaries

By Marek Makowski
February 21, 2013

Huntley senior Amanda Kaniewski advanced to the State Preliminaries of the Country Financial 3-Point Showdown on Thursday night. Kaniewski tied...

[GALLERY] Raiders slam Harlem, reach first-ever sectional final

By Marek Makowski
February 19, 2013

After Huntley secured a 17-11 lead over Harlem in the 4A Rockford East Sectional Semifinal on Tuesday night, head coach Steve Raethz knew that the...

[GALLERY] Huntley shocks thunder

By Marek Makowski
February 15, 2013

Going into the last regional championship of her career, Huntley senior Haley Ream didn’t put herself first. The guard, who has played...

[BRIEF] Huntley duo drops bombs to advance in Three Point Showdown

By Marek Makowski
February 14, 2013

Huntley freshman forward Ali Andrews and junior guard Amanda Kaniewski advanced to the sectional round of the Queen of the Hill Three Point...

[GALLERY] Andrews sisters, Zornow clutch in regional semis against DeKalb

By Marek Makowski
February 12, 2013

Basketball is a game of decisions, and Huntley girls basketball didn’t get the decision at its regional game on Tuesday night with Huntley...

Trojans steal victory

By Marek Makowski
February 4, 2013

This is where the next chapter of the historic rivalry between Huntley and Cary-Grove ends: at the free throw line with 5:36 left in the fourth quarter. “It...

In the spirit of new years why shouldn’t negative aspects of people be overlooked?

By Marek Makowski
December 21, 2012

In the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about what my New Year’s resolution is going to be. Now I’m fully informed that New Year’s resolutions...

An oral history of Dave Johnson and the legacy he will leave behind

By Marek Makowski
December 21, 2012

Rochelle Hewlett: We were both hired in the same year, 1995. We started when there were 300 students in the entire high school, a very different environment. ...

Still nothing credible for Friday threat, Johnson said

By Marek Makowski
December 20, 2012

After the unending stream of murmurs, fear, and investigating on Wednesday afternoon, rumors of a potential shooting at Huntley High School on Friday have...

Marek’s Mind: putting life in perspective

By Marek Makowski
December 16, 2012

I love where I work. I love being a busboy at Lou Malnati’s, a top-tier pizza place, not because of the employee meals or the pay. I love being a busboy because of my coworkers, who are the most genuinely kind people I’ve met in my life.

Sharp Huntley performance hands South “butt whooping”

By Marek Makowski
December 11, 2012

With his team chipping away at Huntley’s 15-11 lead, Crystal Lake South coach Kyle McCaughn called a pivotal timeout with 4:43 left in the second quarter. “It’s...

Raiders’ new-look offense routs Warriors in first FVC game

By Marek Makowski
December 4, 2012

It’s not about “me” for Ali Andrews. Huntley’s 6-foot, 3-inch freshman didn’t have much to say about herself after a 20-point performance on...

Marek’s Mind: Test driving the Wii U GamePad

By Marek Makowski
December 1, 2012

I was rabid last week. I foamed at the mouth 11 days ago and went out to get my hands on a copy of the new Wii U (Don’t know what that is? Check out my preview). Things went pretty well.

The New Wii U

By Marek Makowski
November 16, 2012

Six years ago, Nintendo broke into the homes of millions of families and ripped away hundreds of dollars from their fun-loving hands. The quintessential...

Somewhere Between Huntley and Manhattan

By Marek Makowski
November 16, 2012

If you want to get to know Jenny Dinh really well, you’re going to have to steal her songbook. Or crack open and probe her MacBook Pro. Either one will...

Marek’s Mind: The spirit of Thanksgiving

By Marek Makowski
November 16, 2012

In years past, I haven’t been very grateful on Thanksgiving.

Girls basketball stomps Bartlett in season opener

By Marek Makowski
November 13, 2012

Huntley wasn’t fazed going into its season opener against last year’s third-place team in the state. Huntley’s young starting five, featuring...

“I’m here to help you stop and notice the details”

By Marek Makowski
October 4, 2012

Right now, we’re living in a fast-paced world that has too little time for the details. If we flip through a magazine or scroll through websites, we...

[GALLERY] Girls tennis beats Dundee Crown

By Marek Makowski
October 3, 2012

Girls tennis tames nature and DC

By Marek Makowski
September 24, 2012

Mother Nature could no longer hold back Huntley from trumping Valley Division rival Dundee-Crown on Monday afternoon. After the meet was postponed...

Huntley varsity baseball season ends with loss to Jacobs

By Marek Makowski
May 25, 2012

When Huntley’s (20-8) varsity baseball team lost to Jacobs (20-15) on Thursday afternoon, the last thing head coach Andy Jakubowski wanted his team...

Huntley hires new volleyball coach

By Marek Makowski
May 23, 2012

Last Thursday, Karen Whitehouse was approved by the District 158 Board of Education to be hired and to take over as Huntley High School’s new volleyball...

Red Raiders finish season, prepare for regionals game

By Marek Makowski
May 23, 2012

This season, Huntley’s varsity baseball team floundered at times with key situational hitting. If it can do so in its next game, the sky’s the...

Huntley defeats Glenbard West in first annual “Senior Day” game

By Marek Makowski
May 19, 2012

Huntley defeats Glenbard West in first annual "Senior Day" game.

Finally shaking off cold feets

By Marek Makowski
May 6, 2012

Blake Klein's life is full of music, whether he is making it or listening to it.

GALLERY: Spazmatics performance

By Marek Makowski
March 18, 2012

Click here to view the Spazmatics performance held in the Pac on March 18.

Boys baseball season preview

By Marek Makowski
March 16, 2012

Sport: Baseball Head coach: Andy Jakubowski, seventh season as head coach Assistant coaches: Matt Sassie, Mick Matsie Record last season:...

Gingrich’s LITH appearance allows local family to meet their hero

By Marek Makowski
March 15, 2012

Scott Jensen has been supporting Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich even before Gingrich wanted to run for office. “In 2008 I wanted...

Raider Nation, finalist in biggest fan contest

By Marek Makowski
March 13, 2012

On Sunday, it was announced that Huntley’s student section, Raider Nation, is a candidate in CN100’s annual Battle of the Fans Madness tournament. The...

Sergio’s Story

By Marek Makowski
March 3, 2012

Sergio Quintana takes a splotch of Axe gel and rubs it between his fingers. He then runs it through his hair, sculpting it up like a pyramid. He...

The blooming of a new era

By Marek Makowski
February 23, 2012

Athletic Director Bruce Blumer’s room is filled with plenty of things to see. Look to the right and you see photos of various Huntley High School...

Girls basketball takes loss in regional final in stride

By Marek Makowski
February 17, 2012

Huntley’s entire season was mirrored in Thursday night’s loss in the Dekalb 4A Regional Championship to the Dekalb Lady Barbs. Click here to view...

Huntley advances to regional finals with win over Jacobs

By Marek Makowski
February 15, 2012

Huntley went back to winning on Tuesday night. Click here to view the HHS vs. HJD photo gallery The team, which has stressed a balanced offense and...

Woodstock North defeats Huntley in FVC Division Crossover

By Marek Makowski
February 11, 2012

Polar opposites battled in the Fox Valley Conference Division Showdown on Saturday, Feb. 10. Click here to view the HHS vs. WNHS photo gallery Huntley’s...

myVoice: Why ‘The Legend of Zelda’ is the greatest video game series of all time

By Marek Makowski
February 6, 2012

I know, I know. That headline up there must make you think I’m a maniac. How can somebody take such a successful commercial enterprise as the video...

Cary-Grove clinches Valley Division with victory over Huntley

By Marek Makowski
February 5, 2012

Turnovers have seemed like a double-edged sword to the Red Raiders in their past two games. Huntley picked up a victory against Dundee-Crown on Wednesday...

Regional speech team prepares for post-season competitions

By Marek Makowski
February 4, 2012

On Friday, Feb. 3, Huntley High School’s Speech Team hosted its annual “Meet the Regional Team” night. The team presented all of its regional entries...

Winter pep assembly unites student body

By Marek Makowski
February 3, 2012

Huntley High School hosted its winter pep assembly on Friday, Feb. 3. The 25-minute-long assembly highlighted Huntley’s extracurricular teams by announcing...

Ream, Raiders defense defeat D-C in divisional match-up

By Marek Makowski
February 1, 2012

Huntley head coach Steve Raethz has stressed defense more than anything else this season. Wednesday night, that philosophy paid off. “We knew...

Girls varsity basketball loses to Wheeling, drops fifth straight game

By Marek Makowski
January 31, 2012

A rough first quarter led to Huntley’s demise in its 42-53 loss to Wheeling Monday night. The Raiders fell back early, scoring just 4 points but...

Annual winter variety show highlights Huntley’s talent

By Marek Makowski
January 29, 2012

The Huntley High School Fine Arts Boosters (FAB) held its annual Winter Variety Show on Jan. 29, 2012. The show was organized by Ann Knipp, who is...

President Obama Announces New Jobs Plan for Teens

By Marek Makowski
January 5, 2012

On Thursday, Jan. 5, the White House announced President Barack Obama’s newest proposal to improve the economy: Summer Jobs+. The purpose...

BREAKING NEWS: Lyman Commits to Louisville

By Marek Makowski
December 9, 2011

Junior Colin Lyman becomes Huntley High School's first Division-I recruit since alumnus Tanner Funke did it in 2009.

Community Comes Together To Rally for Huntley Hospital

By Marek Makowski
December 2, 2011

Residents in and around Huntley came together on Dec. 12 to support the possible creation of a new hospital in Huntley.

15 Years: Amanda Svoboda

By Marek Makowski
November 18, 2011

Amanda Svoboda

Heroes commemorate with Junior Class in honor of Veterans Day

By Marek Makowski
November 10, 2011

Huntley High School hosted its yearly Veterans Day presentation on Tuesday.

GALLERY: Veterans Day Assembly

By Marek Makowski
November 10, 2011

Tuesday Huntley High School hosted a Veteran's Day Ceremony for juniors.

The King, the Kid, and the Classy

By Marek Makowski
October 20, 2011

After many attempts at reviving a decaying fanbase, a group of students invented a new organization. The group chose a promising trio to secede its leadership, and the result is unforgettable.

WHBM hosts fashion show for pageant

By Marek Makowski
October 13, 2011

10 ladies modeled clothing Sunday night to raise funds for the 2012 Miss Fox Valley Scholarship Pageant.

GALLERY: Miss Fox Valley 2012 fundraising fashion show

By Marek Makowski
October 10, 2011

GALLERY: Huntley vs Jacobs 10/8 soccer match

By Marek Makowski
October 10, 2011

GALLERY: October 7 Football Game

By Marek Makowski
October 10, 2011

Huntley woes continue with a loss to Cary-Grove

By Marek Makowski
October 10, 2011

The Raiders fall to 1-4 in conference after a 31-14 loss to the Trojans.

Eagles spoil Raiders’ Homecoming hopes

By Marek Makowski
October 2, 2011

Huntley came into the game fresh off their first win of the season, but was the momentum enough for a victory over undefeated Jacobs?

Powderpuff: Freshmen put up a fight, come up short in the end

By Marek Makowski
September 26, 2011

The freshman and sophomore defenses battled, while running backs Driscoll and Arnieri battled.

Powderpuff: Lycos, seniors roll against Juniors

By Marek Makowski
September 26, 2011

The seniors' offense put on a clinic, and their shutdown defense picked up a win in their last high school powder puff game.

Brad Pitt’s “Moneyball” is a Homerun

By Marek Makowski
September 25, 2011

Is "Moneyball" a home run, or is it just another strike-out sports movie?

SIDE TALK: Little League Player’s Draft

By Marek Makowski
May 5, 2011

Just last week, each team in the NFL fetched college football’s finest in their annual draft. These millionaires-to-be are in the midst of an endless...

There’s Always Next Year

By Marek Makowski
March 25, 2011

They say that time heals all wounds. There is a lingering wound that time has yet to heal, and thousands of Chicagoans have it. This wound is a side...

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Marek Makowski, Author

The Voice