June 5, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Student-Athlete of the Month Rylee Sjuts

Every month in season coaches at St. Joseph-Ogden High School nominate athletes to be the student-athlete of the month. A committee of out of season coaches selects the student-athlete of the month.

We then ask them five questions.

In July, the committee selected Rylee Sjuts.

What is your favorite class at SJO?

My favorite class at SJO was Advanced Spanish 4 with Señor Sutton because he made each class enjoyable. I learned a lot but still managed to laugh and have fun each day.

What are your plans for after high school?
After high school I am attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am not completely decided on my major but think I will study business.

What is the best thing about being a student athlete at SJO?
The best thing about being a student-athlete at SJO is the encouragement and involvement from the community. Everyone is always asking how things went and cheering you on.

What is the most difficult thing about being a student athlete at SJO?
The most difficult thing about being a student-athlete at SJO is leaving it behind. I had so much fun each day and loved the family atmosphere so it is sad to say goodbye after an amazing four years.

How does it make you feel to know your coach nominated you for Athlete of the Month?
I feel honored that Coach Steffen nominated me for Athlete of the Month. I have loved being coached by someone with so much passion, knowledge and personal success. There are so many great athletes so it means a lot that she thought of me.

The Coach Says: Rylee values input from coaches. She always wants to make sure she is doing everything correct in terms of training, taking care of her body and being a good leader- Kelly Steffen

Banner
Related Posts

SJO girls’ basketball wins long-awaited season opener

February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

The last time St. Joseph-Ogden hosted a girls’ basketball game before Thursday night, it had a good ending for the...

SJO boys’ track and field looks to build upon past success

April 2, 2019

April 2, 2019

Jason Retz is no stranger to success when it comes to St.Joseph-Ogden High School athletics. The sixth-year coach of the...

Postseason quest begins for SJO baseball after strong finish to regular season

May 15, 2019

May 15, 2019

The regular season ended on a positive note for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team. Now, the Spartans hope...

Seeley’s hat trick leads SJO soccer to first win

September 10, 2019

September 10, 2019

Prolific goal scoring highlighted both of St. Joseph-Ogden High School’s soccer matches last week. One went in favor of the...

Harper sparks SJO soccer to another win

September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024

The St. Joseph-Ogden boys’ soccer team has proven this season it can find the back of theopponent’s net. Frequently. The...

Wells, Armstrong help balanced Spartans to strong showing in Illini Prairie

March 11, 2021

March 11, 2021

Performing well in conference games is about the best outcome a high school basketball team can consider during this pandemic-abbreviated...

Maroon named student-athlete of the month

November 25, 2020

November 25, 2020

Carson Maroon wants to have a job that supports people in their time of need. “After high school, I hope...

McCune accomplishes personal goal

May 14, 2021

May 14, 2021

At the beginning of his sophomore track season at University of Illinois-Springfield, St. Joseph-Ogden graduate Isiah McCune had a goal...

Martinie, Brooks lead SJO girls’ basketball past Rantoul

February 1, 2024

February 1, 2024

When the St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ basketball team is making three-pointers at a high rate, watch out.The latest example of the...

Blackburn soars on Friday nights

September 6, 2019

September 6, 2019

Kaylee Blackburn isn’t afraid of heights. In fact, the St. Joseph-Ogden High School cheerleader is known as a high-flyer. Blackburn,...

McKinney, Wedig help SJO football pull away from Prairie Central

September 5, 2025

September 5, 2025

Big offensive plays are bound to happen with the St. Joseph-Ogden football team. The Spartans, simply put, have too many...

SJO baseball hits 20-win mark, pushes win streak to four games

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

Every year Josh Haley has coached the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team, the Spartans have won at least 20...

Dowing ties state home run record as SJO softball wins third straight game

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

Bailey Dowling is one home run away from cementing her name atop a state record. Add on the fact the...

Public Statement from Dan Vogelsang

December 23, 2019

December 23, 2019

It was with a heavy heart that I submitted my resignation to the Saint Joseph-Ogden High School Board of Education...

Spartans kick off season with 1-1 record

March 31, 2021

March 31, 2021

SJO 28-Pontiac 0 The Spartans dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage in defeating the Indians 28-0 in...

Comments
Leave a Reply