Triton Announces 2021 NJCAA All-Americans

The 2021 athletic season saw a number of Triton College student-athletes honored. However, six Trojans stood above the rest for to earn the distinction of NJCAA All-American.

The six individuals recognized represent five different sports and bring the total amount of NJCAA All-Americans to 259 in Triton school history.

Listed below are the six NJCAA All-Americans:

Katlyn Cherry-Softball-Second Team All-American
Cherry filled the offensive stat sheet to help lead the Triton softball team to their first national tournament appearance in 33 years. The Hebron, Ind. native led the nation in both stolen bases (59) and doubles (25). She was 2^nd in the nation in hits (115) and runs scored (85). Cherry was selected first-team all-region and to the Region 4 all-tournament team.

"I knew Katlyn would be an All-American since the first day she stepped on campus," said head coach Christina Christopher. "She surpassed my expectations with flying colors. Katlyn had an incredible season despite suffering an arm injury that prevented her from the field for an entire month. But she showed up at the plate and handled business in the third spot of our lineup all season."

Kejuan Clements-Men's Basketball-Third Team All-American
The sophomore from Simeon averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game to earn Region 4 Player of the Year honors. Clements, who will be moving on to Eastern Illinois University was also an All-Region 4 selection and named to the All-Region 4 tournament team.

"We are very pleased to see Kejuan receive the recognition he deserves, said former head coach Steve Christiansen. "He had a very strong year on the floor and did equally as well in the classroom. Coach Simmons and the EIU Panthers are getting a great kid who is the consummate WINNER. Everyone associated with both the Triton College and Simeon High School programs are very excited for his next chapter."

Marcin Kieta-Men's Soccer-Second Team All-American
The Lane Tech product was the top vote-getter among all the Region 4 schools to earn first-team status in the region. Kieta finished second in the nation in assists to help a Trojan squad who played short-handed the entire season due to injuries and other factors to the Region 4 semifinals.

"Marcin was the best player in the region and is one of the best players to go through this program," said head coach Piotr Sliwa. He's a great leader and a work horse on the field and is well deserving of the All-American award.

Curtis Ruff II-Wrestling-Sixth in the nation to earn All-American status
Ruff, a freshman from Orlando, Fl. Became the 85^th All-American to represent Triton wrestling in program history. He was the No. 9 seed at 285 entering the national tournament and got a first-round bye. Ruff pinned Alex Christy of Jamestown Community College in the round of the 16 and then topped Dillyn Miller of Iowa Western Community College by a 7-4 decision to advance to the national semifinals. However, in his semifinal match against Jorden Pryor of Iowa Central Community College, Ruff got pinned at the 3:19 mark.

"Curtis made the most out of his first college tournament and placed sixth in the nation," said Triton head coach Tim Duggan.  "I am very happy for Curtis and know the best is yet to come for him."

Alyssa Stramaglia-Softball-Third Team All-American
The Melrose Park native and Fenwick graduate was the ace of the Trojans staff and was a major reason why Triton softball advanced to the national tournament. Stramaglia ended the season with 20 wins which ranked fifth in the nation. She was ranked 7^th nationally in strikeouts and sixth in the nation in batting average against as opposing hitters just hit .173 against Stramaglia. She was twice named NJCAA Pitcher of the Week for Division II.

"Alyssa stepped up to throw countless innings after coming off of Labrum surgery last season,' said Christopher. "The team knew we could count on her to produce on the mound and she certainly did. Alyssa will be working hard this summer to show up one last season for the Trojans and we couldn't be more excited."

Colin Summerhill-Baseball-Second Team All-American
The freshman catcher out of Loyola Academy became the first All-American representing the baseball program since 2007. Summerhill was the second-leading vote getting in the Region 4 to earn all-region status. He finished ranked 7^th in the nation in batting average (.468) and 11^th in the nation in slugging percentage (.855). But Summerhill was just as impressive with the glove, committing just two errors all season to be selected the Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year.

"I'm definitely honored to receive All-American," said Summerhill. "Obviously during a season full of uncertainty, to achieve such an accomplishment is pretty impressive. But at the end of the day, helping Triton win a regional and district championship next season are my main goals."
 
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