July 14, 2008

Where Will They Be?

You may not know their names or their faces just yet, but you will—and soon. These 15 teens are among the best in their sports in their age groups, and each one is on track to be a star at a major college, earn professional riches or go for gold at an Olympic Games. (In some cases, maybe all three)

Text by Joe Lemire

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Meagan Morris
16 DEFENDER
Montclair, N.J.

Achievements A niece of former New York Giants running back Joe Morris, Meagan has been a mainstay on U.S. age-group soccer teams since she was invited to join the under-15 squad as a 13-year-old; she currently is in the U-17 and U-20 player pools. With Meagan as a stopper, Montclair High shut out 16 opponents in 21 matches.

Reminiscent of Joy Fawcett. At 5'1" Meagan is four inches shorter than the former national teamer but plays the same tenacious on-ball defense. "I make sure," says Meagan, "I know [my opponent's] next move before she does."

Coach's comment "There's something about Meagan's size or style of play that you immediately [notice]," says Mounties coach Chris Johnson. "She's a tiny gal, but she's so reckless and so rough. She almost has a football mentality. She's been blessed with great speed and quickness, and despite her size she's strong as an ox."

Next step Johnson plans to play Meagan more up front to generate scoring chances. She'll continue to be part of the national team program—she's one of five high schoolers in the U-20 pool—and will have her choice of colleges.

Logan and Hunter Stieber
17 and 15 WRESTLERS
Monroeville, Ohio

Achievements Logan, a junior, went 94--1 in his first two years at Monroeville High, winning state championships at 103 and 119 pounds. He also won the 119-pound title at the nation's top high school tournament, the Walsh Ironman, and is a two-time national cadet champ. Hunter, a sophomore, went 51--0 last winter and won the 103-pound state title. He also won his weight class at the Ironman and at last summer's cadet freestyle nationals.

Reminiscent of Cael Sanderson and Joe Heskett. Logan, like Sanderson, attacks nonstop. Hunter, like Heskett, can turn unfavorable positions into advantages.

Coach's comment Eagles coach Scott Bauer on Logan: "He comes straight at you. In the first eight to 10 seconds he's got at least a takedown." On Hunter: "He likes to lull you to sleep and wait for you to make a mistake."

Next step Logan has committed to Ohio State and wants to win a Big Ten title before competing in the Olympics. Hunter has the talent to do the same.