Extra Effort: Normal three-sport athlete Dexter Niekamp an academic all-stater

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Dexter Niekamp may have to pinch himself to make sure this isn’t a dream.

The Normal Community senior played in a state semifinal football game in November and now has his basketball team in the state semifinals.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Niekamp. “You dream about these moments as a kid. For it to really happen, not people get to experience this.”

Not many people do what Niekamp does.

He was a two-way starter on a state-ranked conference football champ, now he’s a starter on a state-ranked conference basketball champion and, once his hoops season is over, Niekamp will jump into a starting role on the Ironmen baseball team.

“He’s kind of like a 1950’s throwback,” said NCHS basketball coach Dave Witzig. “Three sports, All-American guy who does everything right and makes winning plays.”

Being a high-level three-sport athlete and a state semifinalist in two sports in the same school year is a big deal. But there’s another big deal for Dexter — his grades.

Niekamp was one of only 26 students statewide recognized as academic all-state by the Illinois High School Association. The honor goes to students who are multi-sport athletes with exceptional grades that demonstrate outstanding citizenship.

“It’s a great honor because people see I’m an athlete but I’m also a great student,” said Niekamp. “It’s a really big accomplishment not just for me but for my family because they’ve pressed me on academics my whole life. So to be honored, it’s really special.”

Normal Community plays Palatine in the class 4A state basketball semifinals Friday at State Farm center in Champaign. The game marks Normal’s first appearance at state in seven years.

And Niekamp, who has signed to play college football at Illinois State, hopes he can help bring his school its first state basketball title in history.

As he continues to write his own history at Normal Community.

“I’m kind of a dying breed,” said Niekamp. “You don’t see many three-sport athlete with good grades.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.