Justin Buckner has been at St. Rita for just a year, but the senior linebacker already feels plenty of Mustang pride.
Buckner, who transferred from Lincoln-Way East before last season and quickly became a key contributor for St. Rita, has learned plenty about the football program in a short time.
“All the tradition and all the alumni,” Buckner said. “I talk to alumni all the time. I was just at a graduation party and an alum was telling me how much St. Rita football means to him. So that means a lot to me. I want to ball out every single time.
“Even when I’m in practice, I want to go 110% for these alumni, the Rita community, teachers, students and everyone.”
Buckner is now a captain and an important leader for St. Rita, which clocks in at No. 6 in the Daily Southtown’s preseason rankings.
St. Rita coach Martin Hopkins counts on Buckner to help set the tone.
“The one thing about Justin Buckner is he’s such a great kid off the field,” Hopkins said. “You know you’re going to get 100% from him every time on the field. He just raises up the guys around him. He might not be the most vocal guy but he leads by example.”
As far as being vocal goes, Buckner intends to bring more in that department as a senior.
“I feel ready,” he said. “I feel honored because my teammates picked me as a captain. It’s amazing that they trust me and believe in what I can do as a leader.
“One thing I need to do is use my voice more. I like to just play. But I can definitely be loud when I need to be, so I’m going to be loud now.”
The Mustangs went 5-4 in the regular season last year then lost to rival and eventual Class 7A state champion Mount Carmel 39-10 in the first round of the playoffs.
St. Rita, though, went on to win the Prep Bowl. Buckner said those extra three games he got to play with his new team as part of those playoffs were a huge benefit to him.
“I didn’t even know that was a thing when I was at Lincoln-Way East,” Buckner said of the Prep Bowl. “But that helped a lot with getting to know all the plays, the blitzes and coverages.”
Buckner piled up 110 tackles last season and had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He also was a huge contributor on special teams.
“I love his willingness to do whatever’s best for the team,” Hopkins said. “He’s not a me guy whatsoever.
“We had him returning punts as a linebacker. Very few people ever do that. He was on all special teams phases. He was willing to get involved on offense. He was a lot of fun to work with.”
Senior defensive lineman Cormac Lacy said Buckner quickly made a good impression on his teammates.
“His work ethic is what stood out,” Lacy said of Buckner. “He goes hard every play. I’ve never seen him take a play off. He’s tough, too. He’s great.”
St. Rita’s Justin Buckner (11) tries to put up a shot as Providence’s Tyler Cucio (23) defends during a Catholic League crossover game in Chicago on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
In general, Buckner does not like taking time off. He also plays basketball at St. Rita and had competed in wrestling and baseball at Lincoln-Way East.
“I didn’t play baseball here at St. Rita, but I’m thinking about playing next year,” Hopkins said. “Being athletic, my dad always said to play as many sports as you can when you’re young because you can’t do it when you’re older.
“I don’t really like sitting down, being on the couch. I do play a couple video games, but as far as sitting down and relaxing, I don’t really like to do that. I like to be out and always competing.”
Team: St. Rita.
2023 record: 8-5.
Offensive leaders: Steven Armbruster, junior, quarterback; Pat Conneely, senior, lineman; Nick Herman, senior, running back; Joe Katalinic, senior, lineman.
Defensive leaders: Justin Buckner, senior, linebacker; J.P. Danaher, senior, lineman; James Kingsbury, senior, linebacker; Cormac Lacy, senior, lineman.
X-Factor: Walter Jones, junior, defensive back/receiver/kick returner.
