Sports
Extras: Gillis Hopes to Lead the Spartans to the Top of the Prairie Southwest Conference
Gillis looks to bring his baseball and football talents to the college level.
The Romeoville Spartans stand as a middle-of-the-road team looking to break into the top of the Southwest Prairie Conference at 5-6 (3-4).
The team fell to Plainfield East in their last game Wednesday after being on the odd end of a thriller 8-7.
But leading the Spartans even through a loss was senior Matt Gillis. Gillis went 2-for-4 with a triple, double, two runs and the go-ahead RBI into the bottom of the sixth. Nevertheless, Gillis and company were unable to notch the victory.
Gillis has been important to Spartan athletics since early on in his career. The senior was promoted to varsity as a freshman and has honed centerfield as the starter for his junior and senior year.
“Matt has done everything we’ve asked him to,” said Romeoville assistant coach Denny House. “He gives 120 percent every game. He already has three diving catches this year because of his great speed. He has a couple outfield assists with a strong throwing arm. He’s a complete ball player.”
On the opening play of the April 13 game against, Oswego lead-off hitter John Hugunin hit a line drive in the gap between left and center field. Gillis sprinted and made a dive to snatch the ball for a spectacular diving catch, winning Patch’s best play honors.
Gillis shows his consistency in the batter’s box as well. This season, he boasts a .333 average with two homers and 12 runs scored. His slugging percentage stands at .593 and his on-base percentage is .457.
“All I try to do is put the ball in play,” Gillis said of his success at the plate. “When there’s a man on base and two outs, you just have to get the job done.”
Not only is Gillis the outspoken leader in the outfield, he also is the starting quarterback for Romeoville football. Gillis has been the starter for nearly his entire high school career after winning the position midway through his freshman year.
The leadership position is second nature to Gillis.
“Football has helped me (in the centerfield role),” he said. “The last two years I’ve taken ownership of the outfield. As a centerfielder I have to let (the other outfielders) where we need to lineup on each batter. I’ve seen most of these (players) in our conference (due to summer leagues), and I think I know where to line up on every single player.”
As graduation approaches, Gillis plans to take both of talents to the college level. Although he hasn't made a final decision yet, he is very interested in Wartburg University in Waverly, Iowa.
Wherever he ends up, Gillis plans to major in the criminal justice program.
“You know what you’ll get out of him,” House said. “If you need him in another role he’ll accepted and do a great job at it. Wherever he goes to school will be lucky to have him.”
Gillis and the Spartans are focused on getting back on track. Romeoville finishes the series against Plainfield East this weekend, and begins their next series against Plainfield South.
“In the last two series, we lost the first game,” Gillis said. “We need to come back swinging. We can’t give up seven or eight runs a game. We’re a lot better than our .500 record. We need to get things rolling.”
