Tinsley, Stonewall among McLean County student-athletes honored

Posted on June 21, 2015
Student Athlete Recognition Banquet
Special Olympics athlete nominees (left to right) Larissa Beverly, Jason Alsene, Katherine Harms and Patrick Haynes posed with Michael Hoomanawanui at the Student Athlete Recognition Banquet on Sunday. (Photo by Jill Bartleson)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A Super Bowl champion told local student athletes how they can strive to be their best.

Michael Hoomanawanui brought a message of hard work and humility to the State Farm Student Athlete Recognition Banquet at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington.

“I’m not here to glorify where I am or what I have accomplished,” Hoomanawanui said. “I’m here to make you aware that we are all blessed in some way, shape or form. Make the most of every opportunity.”

Among those who have outworked the competition are University High junior Chante Stonewall as she was named the Female Athlete of the Year. She excelled in basketball and track.

“It’s a huge recognition,” Stonewall said. “All the hard word, extra time in the gym, preparation, it’s all paying off.”

Stonewall led the Pioneers in scoring, rebounding assists and steals during a season in which they were ranked No. 1 in the state for some time. She also recently defended her state title in the 300-meter hurdles.

The Male Athlete of the Year is William Tinsley, a three-sport standout at Ridgeview.

“It was a great year we had, got third place at state (in basketball), 31-game wining streak,” Tinsley said. “It was just a humbling experience.”

Stonewall has accepted a basketball scholarship at DePaul University as she prepares for her senior year at U-High. Tinsley has accepted a basketball scholarship at Lake Land College in Mattoon.

Wearing the Super Bowl ring he received with the New England Patriots, Hoomanawanui concluded his remarks by adding he hopes his work in the community will be remembered more than anything he’s done in football.

“It’s just a game, the things are real everyday life,” Hoomanawanui said. “The things I have accomplished off the field – those are the things I hope I am remembered for.”

The State Farm Student Athlete Recognition Banquet is sponsored by the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission, Special Olympics Illinois, You Name It Sports and WJBC.

Female Athlete of the Year: Chante Stonewall, University High
Male Athlete of the Year: William Tinsley, Ridgeview

Special Olympics Female Athlete: Katherine Harms
Special Olympics Male Athlete: Jason Alsene

Female Scholar Athlete: Carolyn Peters, Normal West
Male Scholar Athlete: Joseph Bevilacqua, Central Catholic

Coach of the Year Female Sport: Christine Konopasek – Normal Community Volleyball
Coach of the Year Male Sport: John Szabo – Bloomington Track and Field

Female team of the Year: Normal Community Volleyball
Male Team of the Year: El Paso-Gridley Golf

Volunteer of the Year: Kathleen O’Connell
Sports Event of the Year: Lake Run

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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