Liam Piekarczyk
Panther football ’25: Most memorable team since ’03
On Dec. 3, Oswego became the state runner up at NIU in the class 8A game. For the past 22 years, Oswego football has not made it as far as this '25 team did, which marked the best results Oswego has achieved since 2003. "I think every year is a great year, you deal with what you have and we did what we could," said OH senior kicker Kaleb Stumpenhorst. "Because of that, we went to the State Championship. [[And]] I think because of that, it was one of the best seasons.”
Shattering records: Oswego swimming & diving earns accolades at State
On Nov. 14 and 15, OE senior Katie Malm shattered the IHSA State record and earned first place in her dive in the 2025 IHSA Girls Swimming & Diving State Finals. Many girls in the OE and OH combined swim and dive team went to State, held at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, and competed, contributing to the team's outstanding Sectionals and State performance. “Katie is an incredible athlete," said Coach and OH Career & Technical Education Ryan Pentzian. "She has all the skills and all the head space to succeed in her stuff.”
Coffee beans and oak trees: SOTC’s second annual coffeehouse opens to packed venue
With the weather getting chillier and the Christmas lights starting to rise, Standing O Theater Company (SOTC) welcomed its second annual Coffeehouse on Nov. 21 at the local Oak and Bean in downtown Oswego. SOTC president and OH senior Hayden Esbjorn said, “Back at the very beginning of the school year, I emailed the owner of Oak and Bean asking if she would be able to let us use [[their space]] for Coffeehouse again this year. As last year was our very first year doing it, and we were extremely successful.” Coffeehouse is an event that consists of students who choose to perform a talent of their choice, mostly singing, with some like to spice it up with their musical or stand-up comedy acts. Below is a photo essay of these wonderful acts, alongside what they performed.
Photo Essay: Oswego beats Lockport; next stop 8A State this Sat., 7 PM
On Sat., the Panthers' Kaleb Stupenhorst made history with a 42-yard field goal to win 10-7 against Lockport, giving Oswego a bid at the State title after 22 years. With characteristic teamwork and determination, the Panthers continued to get done what they've aimed to all season: a win - good, bad or ugly. In the photo essay below, relive the instant classic game as it unfolded. Now, the team looks ahead to their goal of bringing home the State championship this Sat., Nov. 29. They know they are the underdogs in this fight, but wouldn't it be the cherry on top of the Mt. Carmel sundae to bring that trophy home?
Photo Essay: 42Fifty & The Reflector beat the fall heat, find their rhythm in downtown Nashville at JEA Convention
Last weekend, the OH journalism program, including 42Fifty and The Reflector, traveled to Nashville, TN, for the yearly National Journalism Education Association (JEA) Convention hosted by JEA and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). From Thurs., Nov. 13 to Sun., Nov. 16, 10 student journalists received multiple opportunities to indulge themselves in journalism, expanding their knowledge base and exploring facets of scholastic and professional journalism. They also had the chance to explore the rich, musical, and food history of Nashville, TN.