Joseph Wenke '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello! My name is Joseph (Joey) Wenke, I am currently a senior at Monticello High School, Illinois.  I have been running Cross Country and Track since 7th grade with my friends. What inspired me to run long distance is my best friend who was the first person to introduce me to the sport. I never knew how much I would enjoy running Cross Country and Track and still be doing it today. Cross Country is a sport I take pride and self relying in me because it is a metal sport that relies on yourself and your teammates to achieve great success. Every year I learn  something new in what it takes to be a teammate, to cheer on your team, being respectful in every meet no matter how bad or good I did, bonding with your teammates like over a dinner or a fun activity, being friends with people you never thought of,  to always be positive to bring up people, being humble, determined, and confident in any event, and never be doubtful in what my abilities are.  Last year at the IHSA Class 1A Boys State Meet I ran 16:29 for three miles and placed 103rd overall.  My team and I became the 2019 IHSA Class 1A Boys State Champions.  It was my first time under 16:30 for the season and I felt excited and shock at what I did and what I still can improve this coming season by being under 16:00 for three miles. Every season will always be different no matter what happen in the past. I am sadden that I won't be able to run the IHSA State Series due to Covid-19, but that only mean for me to improve better this year than previous years.  My goals are: to run on a competitive collegiate level team that qualifies for NCAA Championship; 2.  Earn a bachelor's degree (agriculture, science or business), and 3. Obtain employment in a career that I will enjoy.

I live on a farm breading, raising and showing Simmental Cattle and Boer Goats for the past eleven years through 4-H and FFA.  I am interested in majoring in an Agriculture related field's as in Ag Education, Animal Science, Ag Management, or Ag Business.  Competing in county, state fairs, and national competitions, I know the dedication to detail it takes to win.  Similar to having teammates, everyday I get up early and put in the work of feeding, watering, and grooming my livestock till the sun goes down. I learned from my livestock to be self-independent and responsible.  As my animals are dependent on me, so are my teammates.  I don't quit easy, I stay in what I believe.  I aim high to be a leader by example.  

Outside of sports, I am involved in many community services.  I am Monticello's FFA Community Vice President.    As a leader, I am there for my teammates by community service planning, and working fundraises. I have been awarded Outstanding Agriculture Student since my freshman year, and last year I was inducted into The National Honor Society as a junior student.  Throughout my high school's career I have maintained perfect attendance since my freshman year.  I like to sing Bass and I have perform as a Madrigal choir member since my sophomore year. My Madrigal group and I share our musical gifts in performing our Christmas Festive Music all around my community and dinners. I am also a member of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at my school, and an active member of St. Philomena's Catholic youth group.

I believe to help others in need, trusting the program, never giving up, always be confidence, doing what I love,  bringing in hard work and effort day in and out to get great success out of it, having determination, being self-driven, and to be positive.  I hope that I may prove my character and ability to be successful on your team.  All I ask is for an opportunity to do so.  Thank you.