Nazareth Academy, located in Illinois, has made headlines recently for the outstanding achievements of its students both on the athletic field and academically. Two standout athletes, Landon Thome and Gabe Kaminski, have shown exceptional talent and dedication, earning them recognition and accolades.
Landon Thome, a promising baseball player, has made quite an impact on the field. Ranked as one of the top players in the state, currently positioned at No. 3 in Illinois, Thome was pivotal to his team’s success. He significantly contributed to Nazareth’s state title triumph in 2023 and was instrumental in their impressive run during the following season after the team moved to the more competitive 4A classification. Thome's skills stem from his remarkable hit-tool and notable bloodlines, showcasing a refined ability to hit from the left side with potent bat-to-ball skills.
Recently, Thome participated in the 2024 Future Games, where he continued to assert himself among the advanced hitters of his class. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds, he demonstrated impressive metrics: he clocked a 6.87-second time on the 60-yard dash and recorded exit velocities peaking at 94.2 mph. His adeptness at the game was evidenced throughout the week, where he displayed maturity at the plate and exemplary defensive skills, including making routine plays at third base.
Coach Tim Racki has noted the progressive development he has witnessed from Thome, stating, "His overall game translated even more...his feel for the game shined." With his recent commitment to Tennessee, Thome's future looks bright as he continues to grow as both a player and athlete.
Meanwhile, Gabe Kaminski has become one of the top defensive players not just at Nazareth, but throughout the state. His coach, Tim Racki, recognized Kaminski's potential almost immediately during his first summer camp practice, where he was pitted against Division-I players. After just ten minutes of drills, Racki decided to place Kaminski on the varsity roster. During his time at Nazareth, Kaminski achieved several significant milestones, including leading his team to back-to-back state championships and securing his place as the IHSA’s record holder for career sacks, finishing with 42.
Kaminiski's stats paint the picture of dominance on the field; he accumulated 405 solo tackles, securing second place on the all-time list. For his remarkable defensive performance, Kaminski has been honored as Friday Night Drive’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing not only his physical talents but his cerebral approach to the game.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Kaminski shared, "It’s amazing...a testimony to the coaches who put me in this position and my teammates around me who allow me to make those plays." Beyond the field, Kaminski emphasizes the importance of education, which he often relates back to his success tackling challenges on the football field. He attributes some of his analytical skills to his experiences in AP and honors classes, allowing him to decipher opponents’ strategies effectively.
This season, to adapt to teams game-planning away from him, Nazareth moved Kaminski to middle linebacker, where he perfectly executed his new role. During last season’s state championship game, Kaminski shone with 15 total tackles and also managed to intercept a pivotal pass, demonstrating the seamless transition back to the linebacker position. Observing this, Coach Racki affirmed Kaminski's relentless drive: "He never separated those two," referring to Kaminski's commitment to excelling both academically and athletically.
Kaminski's achievements lead to discussions about his place among Nazareth Academy's all-time greats, including NFL players Julian Love and J.J. McCarthy. Kaminski remains humble, stating, "I still feel like I have a lot to prove... I’d be grateful for [being compared to them]." Now, with his eyes set on Stanford, he is determined to carry his hard work and problem-solving abilities to the next level.
Both Thome and Kaminski exemplify the spirit of Nazareth Academy student-athletes, showing how determination and strategic thinking are keys to success, whether on the field or the classroom. With their bright futures established, the legacy of Nazareth Academy continues to inspire. Their stories are not just about personal achievements but also about community, resilience, and the support of those around them, emphasizing the importance of both education and athletics.
