Four Lemont Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Four students have committed to collegiate athletic programs, the school announced Wednesday.

Seniors Melissa Bograd, Derek Nagel, Lee Taylor and Mykala Walton were all honored this week in a special signing ceremony.

The following information was provided by Tony Hamilton, director of school and community relations for Lemont High School District 210:

Melissa Bograd

Bograd has signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. She is the fourth Lemont senior to finalize plans to play college volleyball next year.

Over three varsity seasons, Bograd racked up 536 digs, 61 service aces and 37 kills. During her final season, she earned All-South Suburban Conference accolades and was named the team's best defensive player.

She is a high honor roll student, and will play next year for head coach Dale Starr at Robert Morris, an NCAA Division I school.

Derek Nagel

Nagel, a three-time IHSA state qualifier and one of the most successful wrestlers in Lemont history, has committed to wrestling next year at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

A four-time varsity letter winner, he finished with a career record of 143-40, ranking second on the school's all-time wins list. He established a school record with 84 career wins and was a South Suburban Conference, IHSA Regional and IHSA Sectional titlist.

He is an honor roll performer, and will join head coach David Ray's squad at SIU-Edwardsville, an independent institution transitioning to the NCAA Division I level.

Lee Taylor

Taylor has signed a national letter of intent to play football at St. Cloud State, an NCAA Division II school in St. Cloud, Minn. He is the third Lemont football player to commit to a collegiate program for next year.

A 6-foot-1-inch, 165-pound wide receiver, Taylor finished his career as one of the top pass catchers in school history, and has been a major contributor to the recent success of the Indians' football program.

Over his three varsity seasons, the team posted a 33-4 record with a 16-1 record in South Suburban Conference-Blue Division play.

Taylor finished his career at Lemont with 109 receptions, 1,720 yards receiving and 25 touchdown catches (a school record). As a senior in 2010, he earned All-SSC Blue and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All-State accolades.

He is an honor roll performer, and also competes on Lemont's track and field team.

Mykala Walton

Walton has committed to play basketball at North Park University beginning in the 2011-2012 season.

A 5-foot-10-inch forward, Walton played a key role for head coach Bill Bozue during her two varsity seasons. She averaged 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds over 48 career games.

She is an honor roll performer, and will play for head coach Amanda Reese at North Park, an NCAA Division III institution in Chicago.