In the first of a series of college commitment profiles from recent graduates of OPRF, Fenwick, and Trinity high schools, we take a look at Fenwick’s Luke D’Alise. The Oak Park resident was a standout linebacker on the Friars’ 2021 IHSA Class 5A state championship football team.
The following year, he was named Fenwick’s Most Valuable Player in the Chicago Prep Bowl title game. He rushed for 161 yards (151 coming in the second half) and a touchdown on 21 carries; defensively he registered 12 tackles and added two interceptions.
D’Alise tells Wednesday Journal his college plans and shares his favorite memories and what he learned as a Fenwick student-athlete:
Varsity sports played at Fenwick: three years football; two years wrestling; two years track and field.
College Sports Plans: Football at the University of Miami as a preferred walk-on.
College Major: Biomedical Engineering with Pre-Medicine.
Reasons he chose the University of Miami: “I dream big, and with that, I never want to back down from an opportunity to play at the highest level of football I can. However, I value my education, and Miami offered the best combination of academics and football for me. This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the people who believe in me, so thank you to my coaches and parents.”
Favorite Fenwick athletic memories: “Fenwick football was a rollercoaster all three years; there were plenty of highs and plenty of lows. But what I will take away from my time at Fenwick is the brotherhood I built between my teammates. From the early-morning car rides to beach training sophomore year, to the team dinners every Thursday night, those guys are my family and forever will be.
“On the football field, my favorite memory outside of state and the Prep Bowl was sophomore year going into St. Ignatius on their homecoming and ruining their perfect season (the Friars defeated the Wolfpack 28-20 to claim the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference White Division title). The energy of that game was through the roof and I couldn’t have asked for a better game going into the playoffs.”
How long he has thought about playing college football: “Since I was a little kid. I was obsessed over the idea of playing in a stadium with thousands of fans supporting your team. But more importantly, I love the sport of football. I want to be able to play this sport as long as I possibly can.”
What he learned from high school sports: “I learned a multitude of lessons, but I think the most applicable ones are being the hardest worker in the room and then being able to work with my teammates for the purpose of winning. Fenwick specifically showed me the importance of community. Once a Friar, always a Friar.”