Athlete lauded by Bears for ‘making a difference’
‘Eduardo is an extremely hard worker’
It wasn’t that long ago that Evergreen Park Community High School junior Eduardo Antunez didn’t know how to play football.
But now that it has become such a huge part of his young life, Antunez is giving back to the organization that introduced him to the sport, the Evergreen Park Stallions.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive end/offensive lineman may be used to giving back to his community, but he became a receiver earlier this month as he was named the ninth and final recipient of the Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star award for the 2023 season.
“Eduardo is an extremely hard worker,” Evergreen Park football coach Jerry Verde said. “He is always looking to do more than just the minimum. He never looks for shortcuts, but instead leads by example both on and off the field. With so many players that get caught up in the ‘all about me’ mindset, Eduardo stands out as a player that always puts the team first.”
He’s the kind of kid that always steps up.
“Whether we had a need on special teams or just needed an extra player to help out on a practice prep team, he always volunteered to help,” Verde said. “From a service standpoint, when a team’s biggest and best players are making a difference in their community, it sets an example for younger players to be able to follow and aspire to.”
Along with the award from the Bears, Antunez received a handpainted football, gift bag and an invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears will also make a $500 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his name.
“I want to hopefully help kids that are sick,” Antunez said. “I was surprised that I got it and was reminded that my mom signed me up for it,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d get it because of all the schools in the Chicago area, but I’m happy to get it and to represent my school.”
The award, which was presented to Antunez May 4 at EPCHS, recognizes special athletes like Antunez who are making a positive impact not only at their high school but also throughout the community.
“When I was 8 and we moved here I started some new things and the Stallions was basically where it all started with football for me,” he said. “They hold their camp at Evergreen Park and I’ve