Nick Farmakis and his teammates on Libertyville’s baseball team have proven exceptional in more ways than one. Their accomplishments extend beyond the field, earning back-to-back Class 4A state titles and now setting academic milestones. The Wildcats received recognition from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), being one of 20 Illinois high schools to receive the Team Academic Excellence Award, and notably the sole recipient in Lake County.
Farmakis highlights the overlap between skills needed for athletic and academic success, such as discipline, accountability, and time management. He notes, “We all know that if we stay ahead of our stuff in our classes, it paves the way for succeeding athletically.” To qualify for the ABCA award, teams must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Libertyville coach Matt Thompson emphasizes the importance of academic performance alongside baseball, stating, “Baseball is important to us and to these kids, but they know that getting good grades will open other opportunities for them.” The team monitors academic reports, finding that those struggling are few in number.
For Farmakis, registered as a pre-business student at Indiana University, passing multiple Advanced Placement exams has been advantageous. He has accumulated 15 credit hours toward his undergraduate degree, expressing a desire to explore more diverse classes in college. He shares, “Knowing that I already have that many credits might lead me to finding something I like.” To accommodate players taking AP exams, the Wildcats rearranged their team activities, an effort made challenging by the proximity of exams to the school year’s conclusion.
Farmakis, involved in football, basketball, and baseball at Libertyville, has honed his time management skills. He learned early to prioritize schoolwork despite his busy sports schedule. “The big thing I learned early on was to always get my stuff done early,” he explains. Leveraging resources such as study halls and making productive use of bus rides helped him manage his responsibilities effectively.
On the baseball field, Farmakis contributed crucial plays despite not being a prominent player. As a reserve outfielder, he shone as a defensive replacement and reliable pinch runner. Highlights of his efforts include scoring 24 runs over 20 plate appearances and achieving nine steals out of 10 attempts. Coach Thompson commends his dedication, “He was someone who accepted his role and thrived at it.” Observing pitchers from the dugout, Farmakis developed strategies to excel as a base runner.
His instincts led him to score a decisive run in Libertyville’s 1-0 victory against Prospect during the postseason. Farmakis’s quick move from second base forced a rushed throw, leading to a scoring opportunity after a ball deflected off his helmet. Reflecting on this pivotal play, he remarks with humor, “That was probably the best result I’ve ever had from getting hit in the head.”