We wish our chosen professional Summer teams to play well, find great results, and dominate the rivals. Nonetheless, the high school teams compose the backbone of our sports communities.
It is important with the arrival of State tournaments. It is meaningful to recall previous accomplishments. West Aurora High School specifically is involved now. Gordon Kerkman, for 39 years the head coach of the boys basketball team, will receive sparkling testaments in a public gathering Monday, May 23 starting at 7 p.m. in the School cafeteria. Enter Door 22. There will be good wishes for him and his wife, Marilyn. They will move to Oregon on the West Coast at the end of the month. As head coach, Mr. Kerkman compiled a won-loss record of 805-313, fifth best in State history. Accomplishments include 2,000 State tournament championship, five trophies in 11 years in State tournaments, 13 sectional tournament championships, 24 regional tournament championships, 17 conference championships. He is a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The Monday reception to bid him farewell is open to the public and free of charge. Donations will be accepted by the IBCA Museum which is a sponsor of the gathering.
• Another salute, although private: The West Aurora baseball program will celebrate four successive seasons in State tournaments, 1973-1976.
• State tournaments are at hand in boys and girls water polo in the upcoming weekend, and Naperville North is represented in each; boys tennis, May 26-28; girls Class A soccer, May 27-28, and the other tournaments will be played in June.