Bindel and Lochhead honored as 2014 CHS Athletes of the Year

<span>CHESTER -- Former Chester High School students Sarah Bindel and Jacob Lochhead have been named the 2013-2014 CHS Athletes of the Year. The announcement and presentation of the honorees plaque took place on Sept. 12 at halftime of the CHS versus Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn football game.</span>

<span>"The decision to name Bindel and Lochhead 'CHS Athletes of the Year' for the 2013-2014 school year was actually determined at the very end of May prior to graduation, but both Bindel and Lochhead were still involved in sports," said CHS Athletic Director Mike Coffey.</span>

<span>Bindel was competing at the IHSA state track meet in Charleston at the time, while Lochhead was playing in the Class 2A Harrisburg Sectional in baseball.</span>

<span>Coffey and school officials decided to postpone the award ceremony until this fall in order to conduct the presentation in front of a home crowd.</span>

<span>In February, Bindel signed a National Letter of Intent to run track for Murray State University. She has since begun her college career at Murray and currently trains with the Racers' track team for the upcoming indoor track and field season that begins in January. </span>

<span>"I am very happy at Murray," Bindel said. "I have to study all of the time and when I am not studying I am working out.</span>

<span>"It really keeps me busy but that's alright because it keeps me out of trouble."</span>

<span>Bindel said she will run a cross country race in a few weeks with Murray State's cross country team. </span>

<span>"It will be my first college meet and I am a bit nervous," Bindel said. "I told them I would run one race with them to help them out, so I am keeping my promise."</span>

<span>Bindel was involved in numerous sports throughout grade school and high school, but track and field was her main sport. At the state track meet in May, she finished fourth in both the 100-meter and 300-meter events. </span>

<span>Lochhead was captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams at CHS and was a key player for each squad all four years.</span>

<span>In April, Lochhead signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Blackburn College in Carlinville. </span>

<span>"We think Jake can help us (this) year," said Blackburn College coach Jason Baribeau at Lochhead's signing. "He can rebound, lead the fast break, shoot from the perimeter and go strong to the basket. </span>

<span>"He can do it all and we think he will fit into our program."</span>

<span>Lochhead's goal at Blackburn is to major in a pre-medical program, possibly occupational therapy.</span>

<span>After graduating from Blackburn, he intends to enter a major university medical school to pursue a degree in medicine. </span>