Illinois High School Association State tournaments, in any form, create special experiences and many memories. They are the final stops in a season in which teams play for the highest honors.
Last weekend there were four classes, based on enrollments, each in softball and baseball. See Bobby Narang’s page 8 capsules. Following high school Summer play in nearly all sports, Fall sports will begin in late August, from football to both boys and girls cross country, boys and girls golf, to boys soccer, girls swimming and diving, girls tennis, and girls volleyball. Preparation and joy will ensue.
Widespread interest may be absent such as in the one or two professional teams in metropolitan areas, however, taken as a whole, high school community sports provides community interest, teaching elements, stepping stones for the elite athletes to participate at the college levels, and a special few who will play at the professional level. The latter are the exception and it is over much too quickly for most of the participants, fans, and supporters.
Nonetheless, high school State tournaments are distinctive and create memories. For example, even though Yorkville fell, 9-1, in the girls softball championship game to Chicago Marist, the Lady Foxes played in the big-school, Class 4A, State championship game. Memories will linger and rather quickly to become a prominent memory for participants, coaches, and fans. In the sectional tournament leading up to the super-sectional and State tournament, Yorkville prevailed over community neighbors, Oswego and Oswego East.
Nazareth Academy, York, Sycamore, Lemont, Joliet Catholic Academy, were among other schools in State tournament games, baseball and softball. Memories and preparation for next season.
- The Chicago Bears are in a three-day minicap this week and will begin training camp in late July for the season with the first regular-season game at home against rival Green Bay Sunday, Sept. 10. Where will the Bears play home games in 10 years? Will it take longer than 10 years to sort it out?
- Questions on the Bears and other sports items such the tennis Grand Slam events and the U.S. Open golf tournament through Sunday, are good materials to distract from the possible race to the bottom by both Chicago Major League Baseball teams who, through Monday this week, were both nine games below .500. Help!
- Another distraction are the men’s and women’s Aurora University sports teams. Both won the awards for best performances in the NACC (Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference) All-Sports Awards. It was the 10th time for the men and eighth time for the women. The school has been in the NACC for 17 years and six times won both awards.