TOLONO — Unity is the only high school in Illinois that has a view of the Assembly Hall.
But when Zebo Zebe went to class at UHS this past year, his eyes must have allowed him to see a little more than just the UI basketball home.
There’s a track across the street from the Hall that plays home to the UI track team. Zebe spotted it, and evidently liked what he saw.
Zebe signed a National Letter of Intent to run for the Illinois track team at a ceremony at Unity last week.
After nearly a year of searching and traveling, Zebe settled on a school five miles away.
“I’m defintely excited now, I’m glad to get the search over with and know where I’m going,” Zebe said during an interview Monday. “It was a long process, I’m glad it’s done.”
A two-sport star, Zebe had the opportunity to participate in basketball or track at the next level. He settled on track after a great senior year, and chose the Illini over Kentucky and Illinois State.
“Originally I wanted to go out of state, but that changed over time and when Illinois offered,” he said. “I like that all of my family will be able to come watch me run.”
His parents are excited as well.
“It’s a great situation for him, and we will get to see him run, so we, along with many friends and family members, are very excited that he chose Illinois,” Zebe’s parents, Bob and Teresa, said.
A long-time Illini fan, Zebe said suiting up in the orange and blue will be a dream.
“I hoped I’d have a good year this (past) year and I’d have a lot of options, but for this opportunity to come up, it’s really opened my eyes,” Zebe said.
Unity track coach Tim Gateley was quick to praise Zebe for his accomplishments.
“I am very proud of Zebo,” he said. “In a way, it is an end to one part of his career and the beginning of another. He has worked so hard and committed himself to one day have a chance to take his running to the next level. And now he has that chance.
“So few get to this point where they can get a great education and continue with a sport. I know it is a dream come true, and everyone at Unity wishes him the best.”
