Luke Venegoni bio - The Official Athletics Site of the Western Illinois University Leathernecks

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#46 Luke Venegoni

Position:	Linebacker
Height:	6'3"
Weight:	230
Year:	Junior
Hometown:	Gurnee, Ill.
High School:	Carmel

SOPHOMORE (2012): Made a tackle on special teams in the Butler game... made three tackles against Indianapolis... made three tackles and got his first-ever interception at Iowa State (14-yard return)... also broke up a pass in the game... career-high five tackles versus Illinois State and shared on a tackle for loss... team-leading and career-high 11 tackles at South Dakota, including one for a loss, and recovered a fumble to seal the victory... broke up a pass at South Dakota State... made two tackles against Indiana State... four tackles and shared on a sack at Missouri State... one tackle against UNI... six tackles against Youngstown State... made six tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble at Southern Illinois.

FRESHMAN (2011): Played in all 11 games... recorded four tackles at Northern Iowa, including one for a loss... solo tackle on special teams against Southern Illinois... made a solo tackle on special teams Youngstown State... solo tackle in the North Dakota State contest. Named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll.

HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter and First Team All-State by the Chicago Tribune, Rivals, Chicago News-Sun and Coaches Association... First Team All-Conference... Most Valuable Defensive Player in the East Suburban Catholic Conference... led the defense with 127 tackles, along with 12 tackles for a loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles... team advanced to the quarterfinals round of the playoffs in Class 7A, finishing 10-2... won the 2009 and 2010 East Suburban Catholic Conference Championship... First Team All-Area by the News-Sun, Pioneer Press, Daily Herald, and ESPNChicago.com... during his junior year earned All-Area honors by Pioneer Press and Daily Herald while also earning All-Conference honors... finished as the fourth-leading tackler all-time with 253 career stops... also blocked two punts in his prep career... earned three football and two baseball letters... played for coach Andy Bitto.

PERSONAL: Born February 14, 1993 in Lake Forest... No. 1 sports highlight was playing as a freshman with his older brother David as the quarterback in the state semifinals... his two older brothers Mark and David have been a major influence, "For their strong work ethic and passion for football and sports in general."... most admires NFL standout Troy Polamalu, "For his aggressive style of play."... his father played football and baseball at Illinois (1977-81)... brother Mark was quarterback at Illinois (2004-08) and other brother David was quarterback at Augustana from 2008-09... enjoys fishing and listening to all types of music... favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears... favorite musician is Dave Matthews Band... son of John and Claudia Venegoni.

MAJOR: Economics