Hannah Marusarz has been a staple in the lineup and playing in the outfield for the St. Laurence softball team over the last two seasons.
But in an era of sports specialization when young athletes often focus on one sport, Marusarz is an exception.
She’s ready to try any sport you can throw at her, including wrestling and flag football.
As the starting quarterback on the flag football team, Marusarz threw for six touchdowns on Oct. 8 as St. Laurence rolled to a dominant 39-7 victory over host Hinsdale South in a regional championship.
“Honestly, taking on so many things at the same time, it gives me that purpose,” Marusarz said. “Softball is my No. 1, but I still enjoy these sports just as much. Flag football, it’s a new thing. It’s conditioning, endurance, it’s everything that will help me improve as a softball player.”
St. Laurence (22-4) advanced to play King in the Hinsdale South Sectional semifinals on Oct. 13.
It was the Vikings’ second straight regional championship in flag football’s second year as an IHSA-sanctioned sport.
Sophomore McKenzie Saffold said the regional was a big-time achievement for the Vikings.
“It gives us motivation to go forward,” Saffold said. “Hinsdale South is a really good team. If we can beat them, we can do a lot more things. State is a dream of ours, but if we go game-by-game, we can make state and accomplish even more things.”
Saffold had two receiving touchdowns and three interceptions on defense.
Marusarz is a two-year starter at quarterback.
While many flag football teams are utilizing overall athleticism and running the ball a ton, the Vikings showcased an impressive passing game.
Marusarz also connected with senior Hazel Diaz for three touchdowns (39, 9 and 55 yards) and senior Sara Burzycki for another.
Marusarz is putting her softball skills as an outfielder to good use.
“Being a quarterback, I thought it’d be easier with my arm,” Marusarz said with a laugh. “It’s reading the defense and getting to know my players and where their strengths fit in. I can adjust plays or find plays that work. It’s my job to keep everyone focused and aggressive to a point we can still compete in high-pressure situations.”
Marusarz said it’s been fun watching the team’s offensive identity grow over the last couple years.
“We have a little bit more of a passing offense, but at the same time, it depends on the defense,” Marusarz said. “We’ll exploit things and run a lot. It’s different plays to meet a player’s strengths.”
Saffold is also a multi-sport star, competing in basketball and track and field for the Vikings.
She’s been a big two-way presence for St. Laurence all season and said the team has a strong bond.
“We all just trust each other. Me, Hannah, all our teammates,” Saffold said. “Our plays are tailored to one another. We’ve all bonded together. We talk a lot, talk over plays, so we have that trust in each other. Our teammates have our back.”
Freshman rusher Eniece Danzy had a big day defensively, putting pressure on the Hinsdale South backfield. Danzy finished with a sack and three other tackles for losses.