James Kavanaugh Scholar/Athlete Award Recipients Recognized
Barb Dawson • July 17, 2024

Congratulations Mick and Danny!

Montini Catholic proudly awarded seniors Michael (Mick) Ranquist and Daniel (Danny) Petersen with their 2024 James Kavanaugh Male Scholar/Athlete Award.  The senior athletes accepted their awards during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's annual Founders Day ceremonies on May 17th.

The James Kavanaugh Scholar/Award, in memory of Montini's first Head Football Coach, is presented to male students who have exhibited excellence in scholarship and athletic participation throughout their high school career. 


Mick is a two sport athlete (Football and Wrestling) - earning Academic All Star honors throughout his high school career and All Conference honors his junior and senior year. He also earned All State and Academic All State accolades for Football his senior year. Captain of the 2023 football team, Mick became the 11th Bronco Football team member to be awarded the Johnny Weiger Spirit of 76 Award last fall for best embodying great character, faith and sportsmanship. "Mick and fellow captains (George Asay ‘24, Alex Marre ‘24, Sam Hemmersmeier ‘24 and JC Hayes ‘25) have provided great leadership throughout the entire year, and have really exemplified our 'Team First' motto,” said Head Varsity Football Coach, Mike Bukovsky. 


After finishing the Bronco's regular Wrestling season with a glittering 24-2 team record, Mick and eleven of his teammates* advanced to the IHSA Individual State Tournament. He also played a major role in aiding the 2023-24 Bronco Wrestling Team in capturing the IHSA Team State Tournament Championship's second place trophy.


Danny Petersen, 2023-24 co-captain of Montini's Basketball Team (along with Maddox Shepherd) earned Academic All Conference accolades in two sports (Basketball, Golf), as well as Basketball All Conference accolades during his junior year and All Conference Honorable Mention his senior year in Basketball.

Academically, both Mick and Danny were honored earlier this May for being 'Academic All-Stars,' and earning the President's Award for Academic Excellence. Danny is an Advanced Placement Scholar and both student athletes earned the IHSA Scholastic Recognition Award (5th and 7th Semester) their junior and senior years.

Mick committed to play football this fall at Washington University, and Danny will be a student at Miami of Ohio.

Congratulations went out at the closing of the school year to these two outstanding athletes who have forever secured their spots in Montini Catholic Bronco athletics history.



*Allen Woo ‘27, Mikey Malizzio ‘27, Isaac Mayora ‘27, Josh Vazquez ‘25, Kam Luif ‘26, Jeremy Huf ‘26, David Mayora ‘24, Harrison Konder ‘24, Santino Tenuta ‘26, Alexander Tack ‘26 and Jaxon Lane ‘25

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