MONDAY'S ILLINOIS PREP ROUNDUP: Crete-Monee's Hulbert to run track at LSU

Crete-Monee track standout Rashad Hulbert will sign a national letter of intent this morning to continue his career at LSU.

Hulbert has had a stellar prep career in which he has made all-state the last two years in both the 110-meter high and 300 intermediate hurdles. Over the summer, he was second at the USTAF Jr. Olympics in Wichita, Kan., in the 400 intermediate hurdles.

Last spring, he was the 300 hurdles champ and was third in the 110s. In 2010, he was fourth in the 110s and seventh in the 300s.

Hulbert said Houston, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois and Kentucky were among the finalists for his talent. He said LSU's program speaks for itself.

"I think they have 32 (individual) national champions and they are among the best programs in the nation," Hulbert said. "Xavier Carter and Lolo Jones (women's team) came from there. There is a lot of great talent that came from LSU.

"I know I will have to work hard and I am willing to do that. I have to be shy and humble going in."

As a junior in 2011, he was first in the Southland Athletic Conference meet in the triple jump, 110 and 300 hurdles as well as a member on the Warriors' 1,600 relay team.

Portage grad Tori Bliss, a three-time Indiana state champ in the shot put, is a member of the LSU women's track team. !~ Mike Nieto

Illiana's Bonnema to Huntington: Illiana Christian girls basketball player Jaclene Bonnema will continue her career at Huntington (Ind.) University.

The Dyer resident recently signed her letter of intent.

"They have a real good exercise science program and I want to be a physical therapist," Bonnema said. "The basketball team is pretty good and that as well as academics were a big influence on my decision."

The Foresters are 15-7.

In 2011-12, she is averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. She was named to the Beecher Ladycats Fall Classic and Lisle Holiday Classic all-tournament teams.

She is a three-year varsity team member and is a team captain this year. Bonnema was a Times preseason all-area pick and was a second-team choice as a junior in 2010-11. She was honorable mention as a sophomore. Bonnema credits Illiana Christian for preparing her for college.

"The teachers really push you and won't let you scoot by," Bonnema said. "They care and they challenge you in the classroom." ~! Mike Nieto