Daniel Eilert is a junior at St. John’s High School in Beloit and competes on both the basketball and football teams for the Blujays. Eilert has been playing football for seven years and basketball for eight years and loves competing as well as the opportunities that the sports provide.
As a junior Eilert has been starting for the Blujays’ football team for two years and plays on both sides of the ball at tight end and defensive end. On the basketball court he can play multiple positions as well; he starts at guard and can play on the wing or down low in the post. Eilert is very adept at using his quick first step and size to overpower and outhustle his opponents. Eilert has been an athletic force for many years as his skills and abilities were obvious in junior high.
“Sports have always been a big part of my life,” Eilert said. “Being at St. John’s has allowed me to have opportunities to not only play but compete at higher levels.”
In eighth grade Eilert had a 31 point 20 rebound game. Now his skills have translated to the high school level. As a sophomore Eilert was a defensive menace on the basketball court. Last season Eilert averaged 2.3 steals, 7.6 rebounds, and just under 12 points per game. It was a year of highlights for Eilert as he nearly accomplished a 20-20 game with 17 points and 17 rebounds in a high school contest.
Eilert has the drive to always compete and never back down from a challenge. Last season he played a pivotal role in the Blujays’ monster comeback against Plainville when they overcame a 21 point deficit and came out victorious.
Eilert is thankful for the support he receives from his friends, family, teammates, and coaches in Beloit. Eilert said that having watched his brother finish runner-up and then go on to win a state championship with coach Bergman leading the way keeps him motivated to do the same. So far his hard work has paid off as Eilert has been named to the Amos Morris Classic All-Tournament Team, Kansas All-State Honorable Mention, and was a KSHSAA Honorable Mention.
Outside of athletics Eilert is very active with his church and serves as an usher and often attends mission trips. He has a leadership position in student council serving as the treasurer and is a member of the National Honor Society. After high school Eilert plans to attend Kansas State University to further his education where he plans to study industrial engineering or finance.
