5 Super Athletes With Ties To Channahon-Minooka

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Channahon-Minooka area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Kendal Franklin (Track & Field)

Kendal Franklin, a 2022 Minooka Community High School graduate, has quickly risen in the world of high jump. As a freshman in college, she earned All-GLVC honors in 2023 by breaking her school’s outdoor high jump record with a leap of 1.65 meters. During high school, Franklin led her team to Indoor and Outdoor Championships in 2022 and was a two-time state qualifier. In addition to track, she excelled in volleyball, leading her team to a conference championship.

2. Jake Allgeyer (Baseball)

Jake Allgeyer, a Channahon native and 2020 Minooka High School alum, has impressed as a versatile switch-hitting infielder. He began his collegiate career at Spoon River Community College, breaking records before transferring to Western Illinois and Southern Illinois, where he excelled with career-highs in home runs and OPS. After college, Allgeyer played in the MLB Draft League, winning Player of the Week honors, and debuted professionally with the Joliet Slammers, where he hit his first pro home run. In 2024, he joined the Gary SouthShore RailCats, continuing his promising baseball journey.

3. Tyler Colwell (Track & Field)

Tyler Colwell, a Minooka High School graduate (Class of 2022), is a record-breaking sprinter at Colorado State University. In 2024, he set a school record in the 100-meter dash with a personal-best time of 10.25 and also won the 200-meter dash at the Doug Max Invitational. Named Mountain West Athlete of the Week for his outstanding performances, Colwell’s success reflects his relentless dedication and the foundation built in Channahon.

4. Russ Weil (Football and Wrestling)

Russ Weil, a 2004 graduate of Minooka Community High School, is a multi-sport legend recently inducted into the MCHS Athletics Hall of Fame. Weil excelled in football, rushing for 2,500 yards and earning all-state honors as a senior. In wrestling, he was a two-time IHSA state champion at 215 lbs. Weil continued his football career at the University of Illinois, playing 44 games and competing in the 2008 Rose Bowl. He later spent time on NFL practice squads, showcasing his athletic prowess across disciplines.

5. Cassandra Brushaber (Track & Field)

Cassandra Brushaber, a Minooka High School distance runner, has recently committed to Western Illinois for the 2025 class. A four-time Varsity Award winner and state qualifier, she placed in the top seven at State in her sophomore and junior years. Brushaber also played a key role in her team’s dominance, contributing to four regional titles, three sectional titles, and two top-four finishes at State in cross country.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.