West Aurora High School is proud to announce the newest members of its Athletic Hall of Fame. These exceptional individuals have made significant contributions to the school’s athletic legacy. The 2025 inductees are: Shannon (Brooks) Rutherford; Lauren (Henry) Cahill; Don Landgraf; Austin Real; and Josh Zinzer.
These remarkable alumni will be honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame reception and ceremony Saturday, Feb. 1. The schedule of events is as follows:
Hall of Fame reception (Veterans Fieldhouse): 1:30 p.m.;
Sophomore game (Main Gym): 2 p.m.;
Induction ceremony (Main Gym): 3:15 p.m.;
Varsity game (Main Gym): 3:30 p.m..
Class of 2008
Tennis
•Shannon (Brooks) Rutherford, a graduate of the class of 2008, made her mark as a four-year varsity starter in tennis, amassing a remarkable 124-42 career record. Shannon was a four-time all-state honoree, a four-time first team all-conference selection, and led her team as captain. She also achieved four consecutive sectional championships in doubles. At Eastern Illinois University, Shannon continued her athletic success, playing both singles and doubles for four years and serving as team captain. Today, Shannon is a sales strategist and customer marketing analyst at Ferrara Candy, residing in Gurnee, IL, with her husband and two children.
Class of 2008
Tennis & badminton
•Lauren (Henry) Cahill, from the class of 2008, excelled in both tennis and badminton. Lauren was a four-year varsity starter in tennis, earning 121 career wins, three all-state honors, and multiple all-conference and all-area distinctions. In badminton, Lauren was a three-time state qualifier, highlighted by a third-place finish in doubles her junior year and a top-ten finish in singles her senior year. A graduate of Quincy University, Lauren is now an operating room nurse and lives in Aurora with her husband and two children.
Class of 1955
Football, basketball,
wrestling, & track
•Don Landgraf, a multi-sport athlete from the class of 1955, contributed significantly to West Aurora athletics in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. Don was a four-year varsity football player, team captain, and key contributor to numerous victories. In track, he excelled in pole vault, discus, and relay events. Beyond athletics, Don built a successful career as the owner of Landgraf’s Ltd. and served on several community boards. He remains a proud member of the Aurora community.
Class of 2000
Basketball
•Austin Real, a graduate of the class of 2000, was a key figure on the 2000 Illinois State AA Championship basketball team. Known for his leadership and skill as a center, Austin earned numerous accolades, including IHSA State Championship Game Most Valuable Player and all-state tournament honors. At Lewis University, he became one of the school’s most decorated athletes, earning a spot in the Lewis University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022. Austin is married to fellow West Aurora Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Jordan Garrison Real (class of 2000).
Class of 2009
Football, wrestling, & track
•Josh Zinzer, a class of 2009 graduate, excelled in football, wrestling, and track. He was a four-time state qualifier in wrestling and track, with top finishes, including a first-place finish in the 200 meters and third-place finishes in the 4×100 and 4×200 relays at state. Josh earned numerous all-conference and all-state honors, and in 2009, was named West Aurora High School’s Athlete of the Year. He continued his track career at The University of Illinois, where he competed on the 4×100 relay team that set a school record. Josh graduated from U of I in 2013 and is employed as a lead data scientist at Nielsen.
This year’s varsity game will feature the West Aurora Blackhawks taking on the Downers Grove South Mustangs. The community is invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of these outstanding individuals. Their contributions to West Aurora High School’s storied athletic history will be formally recognized during this special event.
— West Aurora High School