The Oak Park and River Forest High School badminton team has been a best-kept secret the past few seasons. That's about to change.

Maggie Steffens, captain of the U.S. national water polo team that will compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, checked out the Oak Park and River Forest High School girls water polo team last week.

I'm lousy at prognostications but I'll predict the Oak Park and River Forest High School girls softball team gives up at least ONE more run this season. Heck, OPRF might even lose a few games.

Park District of Oak Park Executive Director Jan Arnold contacted Tim Walsh with an idea last fall to celebrate Arbor Day.

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls track and field team finished second at Saturday's Devilette Invitational behind Hinsdale Central. The story of the day for the Huskies, who scored 115 points, trailing only the host Red Devils (120 points), was the highly anticipated return of Mary Blankemeier.

Connor Nelson has power to all fields. The Oak Park and River Forest High School senior first baseman hit a grand slam in the Huskies' 12-6 win over Lyons Township on Monday.

With the exception of an 11-7 loss to defending state champion Stevenson, the Oak Park and River Forest High School girls water polo team has been unbeatable this season.

Oak Park and River Forest senior tennis player Jacob Palley made an interesting and, in retrospect, smart decision last season. A singles player at heart, he decided to join teammate Joe Gullo to form the Huskies' No. 1 doubles team.

With two pairs of brothers (Pat and Jack Kenny, Nick and Conner Lillig) and a tight-knit group of players overall, chemistry will be a central focus of the Fenwick High School boys volleyball team this season.

Considering the Fenwick High School boys and girls water polo programs have won 29 state titles, collectively, the Friars' rivalry with Oak Park and River Forest is rooted in spirit if not always results.