GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School senior Liam Schmidt was honored as one of 26 students selected to the Illinois High School Association All-Academic Team, the school said recently, recognizing achievements that extend beyond athletic competition.
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The school said the honor requires athletes to be All-State, compete in multiple sports, and maintain strong grades.
Schmidt is also a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for the Griffins.
In outdoor track and field in 2026, Schmidt recorded a first-place finish in the 800 meters in 2:02.9 on March 24, 2026, at the East Alton-Wood River Quad Meet. He ran a personal best 4:39.51 in the 1,600 meters on April 11, 2026, at the All-Catholic Invite.
Schmidt also competed as part of relay teams this season. On March 27, 2026, he joined Will Rakers, Connor Schmidt and Gus Range at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Championships, where the 4x800 relay finished third in 8:19.92. At the All-Catholic Invite, the Griffins’ 4x400 relay placed second with Schmidt teaming with Rakers, Eddie Foppe and Eric Rybak.
Schmidt said the team is aiming higher this season, particularly in the 4x800 relay.
“The Griffins’ 4x800 relay has great aspirations outdoors this season,” Schmidt said.
“I just hope for our team to keep breaking school records and put our mark at state,” he said. “We were all state last year and have even higher goals this year. Running is so much fun.
"I love the 800 and running with my brothers and the team. We have 3-4-5 middle-distance and distance guys who are all competitive on a state level, so lucky and blessed to run with them.”
