Broken thumb doesn’t slow Sullivan (+ Loyola team page)

Loyola's Cody Sullivan makes the read and breaks for the Fenwick rusher during their game in Wilmette on Saturday. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Updated: November 12, 2012 10:53AM

WILMETTE — Cody Sullivan’s right hand looked like something out of a horror movie.

The cast he wore started around his wrist and formed around his hands, essentially becoming a club. It was hard and stained with the day’s memories. Sullivan’s thumb is broken, and there probably are a few more problems with his hand.

None of that is stopping Sullivan from playing.

Loyola’s middle linebacker won’t be denied his senior season on the field. After paying his dues for three seasons, this is his first year as a starter.

“He’s doing a terrific job,” said senior safety Luke Ford, who recently committed to Holy Cross. “There’s been almost no learning curve. I have no doubt he will continue to have success for the rest of the season.”

Sullivan was a picture of frustration following Saturday’s 49-28 win over Fenwick. He was angry with how he and the defense played, allowing three touchdowns to the Friars. All of the scores were longer than 23 yards, including a 69-yard reception early in the fourth quarter.

“Giving up 28 points is unacceptable and embarrassing,” said the 6-foot, 220-pound Sullivan, who started in last year’s Class 8A championship game against Bolingbrook. “We didn’t show what our defense is about. We need to tighten it up and execute better.”

Not surprisingly, Sullivan, who lives in Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood, is hard on himself. Both his father, John, and uncle, Mike, played major-college football. Both brothers played at Chicago’s St. Francis de Sales before competing at the next level.

John Sullivan played at Ohio State from 1985-88, while Mike Sullivan played at Miami from 1986-91, winning two national championships with the Hurricanes. Mike now is an assistant coach with the San Diego Chargers.

“I just know they weren’t given too much during their childhoods, so they worked for everything they have,” Cody Sullivan said. “I have more than they had growing up. I want to take advantage of the opportunities given to me by working hard and putting forth great effort.

“That’s what makes good football players and good people.”

Loyola coach John Holecek, who played linebacker at Illinois and then in the NFL, appreciates Sullivan’s upbringing.

“This is someone who comes from a real football background,” Holecek said. “He’s one of the toughest kids we have.”

Sullivan hopes to continue playing in college. He still is early in the process and isn’t sure he wants a scholarship to a smaller school or try and walk on at a major program.

“I am getting some tape out now from this season,” he said. “I am waiting to see how things develop.”

Despite the degree of difficulty Saturday, the No. 4-ranked Ramblers still came away with the win to improve to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the Catholic Blue.

Loyola plays Brother Rice (4-3, 2-1) at home Saturday. A win ensures Loyola of at least a share of first place in the conference.

Names in the Game

Caroline Zaworski
Noteworthy efforts: The freshman clocked a 19:13 to finish 37th on Saturday at Sterling’s invitational. The Ramblers took sixth out of 23 teams with 161 points. Sarah Kelley, Cecily Martinez, Kathryn House and Amanda Bombard all contributed to the team’s scoring. Loyola runs at the GCAC meet this Saturday.

Matt Randolph
Noteworthy efforts: The junior runner will be among those counted on to perform Saturday when the Ramblers compete at the Catholic League meet. The team last ran at its own invitational at Montrose Harbor on Sept. 29. Others who are expected to contribute include senior Chris Kelly, senior Jaquan Grier and sophomores Christian Swenson and Spencer Kelly.

Quick Hits

Big Numbers
2 | Goals scored by Ramblers field hockey player Isabella Armstrong in the team’s 4-0 win over Deerfield on Friday.

Sound Bites

“One thing we took away from Saturday was you can’t underestimate anyone. But a win is a win. It doesn’t always have to be pretty.”

— Senior safety Luke Ford talking about the team’s 49-28 win over Fenwick, a game that was tied four times before the Ramblers scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Don’t Miss

Saturday
Girls tennis: Ramblers at New Trier Sectional, TBA
Senior Hannah Post, senior Jennie Gault and junior Nora Hughes compete for spots at the state tournament. All three played on the last weekend of the season last year.

Tuesday
Boys soccer: The Ramblers, the No. 9 seed at the New Trier Sectional, start the state playoffs against seventh-seeded Glenbrook South in the semifinals of the Maine South Regional. The winner plays for the regional title Friday.

Culture Grid: Colin O’Neill

Winnetka resident Colin O’Neill is a senior golfer for the Ramblers, who return to the state tournament.:

What is the best place you’ve played golf? “Pinehurst No. 2. It’s in North Carolina. I played there with my dad earlier this summer while going on some college visits. I played from the tips and played pretty good.”

What is your favorite TV show? “I love ‘The Office’ and ‘Modern Family.’ They are good comedy shows. I’m not that sad that The Office is ending. Once Michael Scott left it’s not been as much fun.”

Who have you been listening to lately? “Of Monsters and Men and Mumford & Sons. Our teammate, Michael Hultquist, has the new Mumford & Sons album on his iPod, and we listen to it in the van.”

Where’s a good place to eat around town? “Meatheads. It’s a place we go as a team after practices. They give Loyola some free stuff, so that’s good, too.”

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