2001 Highlights: Started every game for Illini at first base ? Hit first home run as an Illini in a 9-2 win over Sam Houston State to help lead Illinois to McKenzie Valentine Championship. ? Scored game-tying run in win over Southern Mississippi. ? Ranked third on the team in stolen bases (12) ? Posted a .990 Fielding Pct., the second-best on the team, committing just five errors in 526 chances. ? Went 3-for-6 with two runs scored in Indiana State doubleheader. ? Had a banner game at Eastern Illinois, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and three RBI. ? Batted .400 with three runs scored at Buzz Classic.

Prep Highlights: Member of 2000 Sandburg team that placed third in state championship and 1999 team that placed fourth ? Finished 2000 season with .281 batting average and 1999 season with .373 batting average ? 2000 Illinois State hitting derby champion ? Three-year varsity starter in softball ? three-year varsity letterwinner for basketball ? Played for two-time SICA West champion ? State finalist in 3-point shootout in 1998 ? High School Coach was Randy Couwenhoven ? Played for Orland Park As(1992-94, 1998-2000) and Sparks (1995-97) ? Club coaches were Paul Otto, Ralph Wiley, Al Golonka, and Marcel Cairo ? Club teams qualified for AFA Nationals in 1999, 1998, 1996, and 1994 and for ASA Nationals in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999.

Personal: 2000 Illinois State Scholar ? member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta ? math resource center tutor ? First Class Leader and P.E. Leader ? Majoring in English. ? Plans on pursuing a career as a high school English teacher. ? Born Feb. 10, 1982 ? Parents are Bob and Mary Hammel.