Marroquin is latest Red Devil to play sports in college as Benedictine beckons

Steffen Marroquin is the latest of the Hall 2008 class that will continue their education and athletic career in college. Marroquin was a unanimous first-team selection in the NCIC Lincoln Division and will now suit up for Benedictine University in Lisle. (BCR photo/Brad Martin)

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SPRING VALLEY — Like so many of his classmates who are headed off to college for an education and athletic career, Steffen Marroquin will continue his education and football career at Benedictine University in Lisle.

Marroquin signed his letter of intent to play for the Eagles Thursday morning at Hall High School.

Marroquin was a three-year varsity player for the Red Devils, and this past season may have been his best as he was named unanimous first-team NCIC Lincoln selection at offensive tackle.

He also earned second-team honors at defensive end position, one of the positions he is being considered for when he arrives in Lisle.

“I just fell in love with the school when I visited,” Marroquin said. “From the time I got there, people from football, basketball and baseball teams were there to greet me. It really felt like a home environment. I was ready to go there after five minutes. Coach Cooper may have me at tight end, but I would really like to play defensive end.”

The offensive line coach is a familiar one around this area as well. Vince McMahon coached for 17 years at IVCC.

“It’s nice to have a guy like Vince McMahon who knows the area and knows there is a lot of talent here,” Hall football coach Gary Vicini said. “Steffen worked hard to get to this point, and he has the tools to be successful at the college level.”

Marroquin says he is excited about playing for the Eagles and has no plans to take it easy on his former high school teammate Jordan Petersen when they play Aurora University.

“Nope, I can’t take it easy on Jordan,” Marroquin said laughing. “That’s our biggest rival, so I can’t take it easy on him if I’m on defense. We have a lot of good players coming in, so I think the team is headed in the right direction.”

Also joining Marroquin at Benedictine will be former St. Bede standout Kasey Shipp. He was also a first-team BCR selection as well as second-team Big Rivers last fall for the Bruins.

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