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As one person said to me last week, I say what people think but won't say.
So here goes...
Soccer lovers in the south suburbs please sit down and hang on, because you are about to enter "Reality 101."
The south suburbs need to look in the mirror and realize that face just isn't as pretty as they think it is.
As Michael Jackson screamed, this is the new t-shirt motto of the south suburbs:
"Bad."
I can't wait for the few clueless responses from folks who are going to say I'm being negative.
Folks, I'm not. There are some good players out there.
But overall - big picture - the area is dying fast. That's why you can hear Tom Petty's hit "Free Falling" playing throughout the south suburbs.
Again, I was born and raised in the south suburbs - lived in Frankfort, Mokena and Orland Park during my time. I started my journalism career at an award-winning suburban newspaper, which covered basically every south suburb - The Star Newspapers (which has since combined with the Daily Southtown to form the SouthtownStar).
I began covering soccer out there in 1995 and had the pleasure of working with Pat Disabato, who covered high school soccer prior to my time. He saw and talked about the stud teams from Sandburg, Eisenhower and Brother Rice.
Sandburg, under the leadership of Brian Papa, captured the area's first state crown in 1993. As the area grew and the Chicago Magic began to groom local talent, the south suburbs slowly began to open eyes on both the boys and girls side north of the Stevenson.
With Mike Matkovich leading the Magic, and Ko Thanadabouth's leaving the Magic and starting Windy City Pride, this was an area loaded with talent both at a local and national level. I talked with Matkovich at Toyota Park last Sunday during the Pepsi Showdown title game. He is now an assistant coach with the Fire, and he knows the area isn't the same and may never be again.
From national players to MLS players, the south suburbs produced a number of the state's best. You saw teams like Sandburg, Lincoln-Way and Homewood-Flossmoor going north and west to play the so-called powerhouses. Papa recalled last week when he first created Sandburg's schedule and went up north and out to Naperville. He also talked about when he finally changed Lincoln-Way's schedule to go out to St. Charles or an Evanston to play the stronger programs.
This was a first for south suburban programs. Tell me how many do that now on a consistent basis?
"The bus rides were long, but it was something we needed to do to gain respect and play the best," Papa said.
So now that you have the background, here goes:
People in the south suburbs - please, please, please put the kool-aid down and get a clue. Every area does go through its ups and downs - I get it.
But the south suburbs have been on a nose dive to death. From Sandburg to the Lincoln-Ways, the area does not have a state power nor does the overall talent compared anywhere to where it was in the early 2000s, late 1990s or mid 1990s.
Basically, it's come to this - the south suburbs is what U.S. Soccer was to the rest of the world in the 1990s - 11 warm bodies on the field.
How can I say that? I've seen it. Coaches are saying that, too - both at the high school and college level. Just look at the Pepsi Showdown for example and how the south suburbs have faired against teams north of the Stevenson.
Looking at the first three days of the Pepsi Showdown this year (because that's all my stomach could handle), south suburban teams went a combined 4-13 and were outscored 58-20.
I've talked to current and former coaches, former and current players and even officials. There is not one person who disagrees about what I'm saying. I can't tell you how many time my phone rings or I receive an email from a former player, former coach or former parent of a player and the email or call starts with, "Joe, this is bad soccer. What's happened?"
Some blame it on the Lincoln-Way split, and I get that. But the football programs aren't struggling since the split. Some blame it on changing times. I get that, too.
But tell me when you ever saw a Sandburg team actually score four goals in one game against a team north of the Stevenson and then blow a 4-1 lead that same game?
On that note, no disrespect to Reavis, but what in the hell is Sandburg doing playing Reavis?
That's an outstanding game for Reavis, but that also shows how far the Sandburg program has fallen. The interest level in the Sandburg/Lincoln-Way matchups are all but gone.
The interest is dead. Why? The overall talent level is flat, like your 401k.
Don't believe me? Then tell me the best player in the south suburbs this year and tell me if he compares to Ned Grabavoy (top), Jed Zayner (middle), Brad Guzan (bottom), Andrew Duran, Josh Feigl or Billy Saverino to name a few?
You'd be hard pressed to find a player today that could, yes, hold any of their jock straps. In past years, you had national team players or a few studs here or there. Now, you have some very good players and just nice players.
Some will say, "Joe, Andrew advanced to the supersectional last year."
You are correct, they did. But guess what? They advanced by playing south suburban teams. Not that Andrew wasn't a nice team last year - they were. But they weren't a great team, which is why the state tournament is so misleading.
Remember when Rich East and Thornwood used to be good? Do you remember when Rich South hosted a huge tournament? Do you remember when the Homewood-Flossmoor boys program used to compete for a sectional title every year? What about Eisenhower? Kudos to Brother Rice for playing a tough schedule these days, but that program isn't the same either.
I watched as Lake Zurich dismantled Stagg 7-1 in the Pepsi Showdown. It was tough to see, because as I sat in a golf cart I listened to parents from Lake Zurich ask how they were stuck playing this team.
Stagg was a having a good season on paper. I wanted to give them a good game and a chance to help the south suburbs. It backfired to the point where Stagg coach Mike Kealy apologized to me after the game.
But there was no need to apologize. It was what it was, and it just proved the difference in the talent level of a true Top 10 team.
So I'll finish on this note, which is what had me fired up to begin with.
Sun-Times prep editor Steve Tucker told me today that he received a called from a Joliet parent while I was in Miami over the weekend.
She said Joliet was 13-0-1, just beat Providence and deserved to be ranked or at least in the other teams to watch.
I'm happy Joliet is 13-0-1, I am. I know Joliet coach Eduardo Contreras and went to bat for Joliet last October both locally and nationally when the IHSA stuck it to them in the state tournament.
But come on - Top 10 - are you kidding me?
I know, I know, Joe don't be blunt, but it's just not in my makeup.
So here it is - Joliet beat Stagg 4-3 last week in penalty kicks, the same Stagg team that lost 7-1 to a lower ranked Top 10 team that has four losses.
I'll say it again - the south suburbs needs to look in the mirror and realize that face just isn't as pretty as they think it is.
As Michael Jackson screamed - "Who's Bad?"
The south suburbs.
- Joe Trost
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How would you fix soccer in the south suburbs? I do know it is not at the level it used to be. What are your suggestions?
how can you say that the sandburg scheldule is no longer competing with the north schools? they have played lyons, sure they lost to them but it was the first game of the season you got to give them some credit. Sandburg also played naperville central who was so high on everyone's top ten early in the season and guess what... sandburg beat them in pks. sorry the south suburbs schools don't have the fire academy team loaded their rosters but they are in no way considered bad teams
An indicator of what is happening in the South Suburbs is the fact that the best player in that area decided not to play high school soccer his senior season. Decided to get ready for his career at SMU by playing in an adult league.
Joe , I have a question . When you say that the South Suburbs needs to look in the mirror , who are you referring to particularly . Players,parents,club coaches,high school coaches,athletic directors, school districts ?.........and please don't tell me everyone because thats just too vague an answer.
I think the decline of the South Suburbs can be tied both to the rise and fall of the Magic
How can you say Sandburg is going to nose div? I am a member of the Sandburg Sophomore soccer team. We are on a twelve game win-streak dominating every team we play. Sandburg may have a down year this year, but I can assure you in a few years we will return to the powerhouse of the south.
Well your saying Sandburg's program is falling- look at the sophomores..... 11 game win streak joe..... Still falling???
There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the talent pool in the South Suburbs . The level is the same as it was 10 years ago . The Magic always have pulled players from the West Suburbs and North Suburbs . The concept that all the Magic players played on teams out in the South is wrong. Players like Grabavoy , Ducci , Regan , were tremendous athletes who shone as individuals on their teams . They would find it much harder to do the same today . The sport has changed to the point where it is hardly recognizable to what it used to be like back in the day.
Part of the difference today is that the West Suburbs HS teams have caught up in terms of talent and also that the talent is handled much better in Naperville , Downers , Hinsdale etc than it is in Orland , Tinley , Frankfort , New Lenox etc .
Go watch a freshman game between lets say Naperville Central and Lincoln-Way East . You will see a pretty close affair . Go watch that same group play Varsity 3 years later . No contest . Why ??? The clubs out in the South have good , solid programs - LWSC are better now than a few years ago . PSG is a small club with two excellent coaches . Inter , Eclipse , OPSC , Midwest Wings etc have all improved.
So if they can compete at freshman level , and they can't compete when that same group reaches Varsity , and given that they receive good , competent , club coaching , then where is the problem ?
Assume you have a son or daughter 10-12 years old who happens to be a highly competent soccer player , and you live in the City . You want to move to the Suburbs to get him/her a better education and you want to further their potential on the soccer field . Where do you move - West or South Suburbs ?
I know where I would go
I'm the varsity coach of Joliet and I don't apologize to anyone for our record. We'll play anyone and we don't run away from anyone. With the split next year, I'll be staying with Joliet Central and our schedule will include some of your teams from the north suburbs. Win or lose, I'll take my boys anywhere. Speaking of openings, Mr. Trost, put us in the Pepsi Showdown next year since we are looking for a tournament. I appreciate your help last year and what Beth Sauser and IHSA did to my program, but don't think that I'll let you take a shot at my program. We don't have the club players that you say are lacking on the southside but we do have quality players. Some people don't respect us because my players parents don't have the $$$ to spend like they do in the rich affluent suburbs but my boys can play. Email me about the Pepsi Showdown so that my players can play against the supposedly superior talent from the northern suburbs. Thank you for your past help.
Joliet gets passed up unfairly when we talk about the South Suburbs . They have come on leaps and bounds in the past 5-6 years . Just an example of what a solid coaching program does for your soccer program . I don't believe the students have changed over that period of time.
I coached with Joliet Township Head Coach Eduardo Contreras between 2001--2008, and had to resign this year due to another committment to advance my education, but I'm just as passionate about continuing to suuport the boys in our program.
I actually do not disagree that the South Suburban schools are not competing with the likes of the Dupage County schools right now, but I'd like to point out a few things that haven't been mentioned yet, as a way to explain perhaps why this is happening.
First, the split IS affecting Lincoln-Way. You can't compare soccer to football. Besides, L-W Central and East
aren't the ones struggling as much as the newest schools, North and West. Neuqua Valley wasn't very impressive in their first year either. Speaking of Neuqua, this is a team that could beat most junior college teams in the area, and probably most Division III teams, and I bet they could give DivII teams like Lewis a decent game. They're a powerhouse beast. They beat New Trier this year 4-0. How many teams can compete with that? Lyons, ok good for Lyons. Neuqua is beginning to split this year
But I also think Matkovich's departure has affected the area in ways more profound than some realize. Why would one coach leaving has such an effect? Maybe it's a little mysterious, but it was Mac who essentially produced the Grabavoys and Regans and Zaynors, wasn't it?
As Joliet coach Eduardo Contreras has said, we have plenty of talent. What I'm about to say is something people may have never truly realized and appreciated. The boys in our schools tend to not have the monetary means to play at the elite club level. They actually have to work; they are their parents are sinply unable to commit the resources that it takes to make yourself a great player. Anyone who works in a district that is less than affluent will know what I'm talking about. I believe that US Soccer is missing out on great athletic talent by not steering enough funds toward seeking out and developing talent in urban and poorer areas in the country.
Some people reading this will roll their eyes, because they have no understanding or compassion for those who are less fortunate. But let's not pretend that soccer elitism is not synonymous with actual financial wealth.
Does New Trier excell at sports like Basketball, Football, Wrestling to the extent it does at sports for which money is necessary in order to develop? In high school basketball, city schools still do well because AAU doesn't charge them thousands of dollars to play. There is enough sponsorship, etc.
I'll be very curious to hear the responses to this blog. I'm sure there will be people saying "Oh, cry me a river. You're just not good enough to compete. Don't make excuses."
Eduardo and I have seen enourmously talented players drop out of our program early freshman or sophomore year due to these money issues, or other issues that affect kids at schools like Joliet Central. One player a few years ago scored 13 varsity goals his freshman year, then got his girlfriend pregnant and it was all over. I believe issues like this don'm affect kids at other schools because their parents are able to bail them out and go to bad for them...The parents at our school are too busy trying to make ends meet. Soccer is kind of a luxury.
Again, people with comfortable upbringings will be hardpressed to understand what it's like to not have money. So be it. But it's the real reason the Hinsdales, Napervilles, Wheatons,etc. are excelling at soccer. All of the other qualities that have gotten them to where they are (hard work, dedication) are traits that come from wanting to maintain the level of success earned by previous generations. Parents of kids in Dupage County feel a sense of entitlement to success. For others it will take time.
The south suburbs may be out of the elite game for now. But this won't last forever. If the game continues to grow in popularity countrywide, and corporate sponsorship grows, then perhaps the playing field will even out, and the true athletes will emerge in more equal fashion.
hey joe trost if you want to compare teams then how is it that napervilla central won 4-1 to lincoln way east and joliet won 4-0 to lincoln way east and naperville is ranked and joliet is not.
Joliet hasn't come leaps and bounds. In the mid 1990s, Joliet was always loaded under the direction of Jose Conardal. They've always, always had talent, but could never get over the hump. One reason why is its lack of a strong schedule. I compared its schedule from the past five years and it hasn't changed. Sometimes, quality losses are better than average wins.
Mr. Gutierrez:
There will always be inequities in income, but I can speak for Naperville and everyone here is not rich. My husband works long hours and is always on call. I got laid off from my job a few years ago, never finding an equivalent one. Its a struggle to pay for club fees and I know some clubs offer scholarships to those who cant pay. I see Naperville fathers being laid off and moving from job to job all the time. So dont let the players think rich/poor is always the reason they dont get things. Initiative and motivation have a lot to do with it.
Players have to show that they are serious about playing and getting to practice and are not more interested in heavy dating esp. in freshman and sophomore year. It is a parents responsibility to make sure that their children, especially in high school, are watched over by someone, doing the right things, hanging out with decent people, doing their homework. Dont blame that on two people working because lots of families work and juggle heavy schedules these days. Kids still need discipline and guidelines. They are lucky to have someone like you, Mr. Gutierrez.
Good, thought-provoking blog and comments. There is no doubt that elite club soccer is an expen$ive and time-consuming luxury, and takes raw talent and athleticism and shapes it into top-flight soccer players. So the south burbs are at a disadvantage out of the gate. And the decline of the Magic Club adds the difficulty of long practice and game commutes for the elite south suburban soccer player who wants to play with and against the best, whether at the Fire Academy/Juniors, Chicago Sockers, Eciipse or other top clubs. The final disadvantage, which no one has mentioned, is the size differential between the Western Suburban/Northern Suburban and South Suburban schools. With the Lincoln Way split, most of the South Suburban schools' student populations are now materially smaller than the Western Neuqua/Napervilles/Lyons Township/Morton/Oak Park and Hinsdale schools. Smaller player pool most often translates into less competitive sports teams, irrespective of the sport.
In answer to the blogger who suggested that the reason that Dupage County schools are better because they have more money is just flat wrong . Granted that there are lots of players from less fortunate backgrounds who don't have the same financial opportunities to play for expensive clubs , but there are good clubs available ( eg CLASA in the city where players who have skill can find a home ) . The question is does the player want to sacrifice , as pointed out by Soccerfan . All of our kids have crosses to bear . I know of one player that had 2 MCL injuries back to back and he's out there playing this year. Soccerfan is right - we're not all rich out here . I'm a single parent and have raised 3 kids on my own for 11 years and 2 of them played Varsity soccer , so don't tell me about hardships.
I am so tired of hearing that the split has affected the SD210 schools . Of course it has , but is that the whole story . No , of course not , . It's becoming a tired old excuse . Those schools that split get to play together for 3 years and play Varsity for 2 years . If they have any kind of guidance they would compete . Keep an eye on LW West though . Coach McCallister is building a staff which will guide that group to a solid record over the next couple of years .
Why can't you compare soccer to football ?? I'm not comparing the type of sport , I'm using football as an example how sports programs get over a split in short order , and don't let that situation consume them.
If you need any convincing that West Suburb teams are a class ahead , just go watch them play and get back to me. If you know the sport at all , you'll know what I mean.
To the anonymous poster who talked about the Joliet v. LWE and Naperville Central v. LWE: Naperville Central didn't have anywhere near their best team on the field for the majority of the game. Not to mention one game against a south side team is not enough to start questioning state rankings.
I played for a high school team in the south suburbs and I completely agree with you Joe. The will, more than anything, to play the game has visibly dropped in my last few years. Players have accepted the circumstances that they're in as irreparable and have developed a shocking level of apathy about the game - especially at the high school level. When we played against teams on the west side the thing that took me back more than anything wasn't their talent level or their seemingly inherent team chemistry, but their will when they were on the field. Every player wanted to be out there; they were constantly talking, constantly moving off the ball, making runs, getting back on defense - doing all of this at 110%. They have a hunger about them that my team and I don't come close to. It really took me back to when I felt that way about the game, and made me disgusted at the way I look at it now.
The problem begins at the club level. West side teams have a plethora of top class clubs with top class coaching. The south is a mish-mash of average clubs at best. The Magic are in pure disarray; I'm in close contact with many former Magic players who were part of the mass exodus the club has experienced over the last few years, and I haven't seen a real quality Magic team since then. There is LWSC, who are an average club. OPSC, the Dynamo, Midwest Wings - all average clubs. These teams do a decent job of getting the wheels turning on young players but their biggest fault is that they shroud players in this false sense of superiority. They play domestic competition and fail to test themselves. The coaches are so hopped up on their own average successes that they're too afraid to bring their teams a step up and sacrifice the perfect record to play some good competition. Their players subsequently go into high school with a cocky attitude and get a rude awakening when they play anybody from the west or north.
And for high school coaching, my god. I'll do my best to keep this concise and to the point. The coaching is generally awful. I can say that for 2 of the Lincoln-Way Schools for sure, and I have not been impressed by many others. I'll get a lot of flak from a lot of people for saying this, but let's call a spade a spade here; LWC and LWN coaching is utterly pathetic. I’m sorry to those coaches, but it just is. I'm tired of having to stroke your ego just because you've been a part of the LW program for longer than I've been able to walk. That doesn't make you a good coach. The south side coaches have trouble gathering the talent from the area and harnessing that talent to maximize on-field performances. Try all you want to deny it, but all you need to do is look at the results. The LW coaches can't use the excuse of the lack of talent in the area. My freshman year was a very successful season. We did get split, but we still had talent come through in the year under us. The players recognize this incompetence which ultimately leads to the passionless performances that are so widespread amongst the schools.
Combine these two aspects of club coaching and high school coaching and you get staggering levels of ignorance and arrogance. The coaches don't realize that their methods are either outdated or just flat wrong, and they are way way too high on their own egos to ask for help or step aside for others to pick up the pieces; so hung up on their past successes that they refuse to believe that sometimes things do need to change. The amazing part is most of them are prepared to argue their methods to the death if challenged. These guys get the title "Varsity Coach" and all of a sudden everyone else is a peon and they know all. You go to athletic directors and they're ready to hear your complaints and sweep it under the rug as you walk out the door. Little does everybody know that the outcome dictated is that one group of people suffer throughout this - the group of people that matter the most: THE PLAYERS. I ended up quitting as a result. It wasn't about playing time. I started every game. I told my coach exactly why I quit, and it ran off of him like water off rock – because no one else spoke up. To him I was just a kid who had a problem with authority.
I myself find these circumstances unbearable, and I find that what was once a passionate hobby now has become a desperate struggle for enjoyment with no end in sight. Our talent level isn't entirely worse than the west side players (most are better though, don't get me wrong). I know people that play for the Chicago Fire Juniors who are no better than the players around here. Soccer players can reach immeasurable heights in this game with the right amount of will. One of the factors that holds them back, however, is the environment in which they are taught the game. We, I am afraid to say, are in a crap environment. I am undoubtedly a worse player than I was 3 years ago. I'll take the majority of the blame for that, but I will not hesitate to dish out the remainder to those responsible.
Until more parents and players are willing to step up and give some substance to the debate, our current predicament will sink further by the year. And coaches and districts in the south suburbs will idly watch and claim everything's still floating. It's already happening now.
If someone thinks a bigger school results in a better soccer team they need to look at the total picture.
Lockport is hugh! Busting out at every corner. And yet the area refuses to allow them to build a second, much needed, high school.
Yet Lockport's soccer is weak at best.
Why? It is not for the lack of boys trying out. It could be because the majority of their players are coming from average clubs. Inter, Homer, Orland, and Bolingbrook to name a few are good clubs. But they are average clubs developing players in an average way.
Take a look at who is playing in the Midwest Regional League (MRL). You will see Sockers, Fire, Galaxy and Eclipse year after year. Developing TOP players to play against other TOP players.
How do you expect to improve something when the people who are in charge are the problem.
This is to those High School Coaches who 'think' or played the game. You are the problem.
Players don't want to hear you screaming during the game. Guess what we stopped listening to you during our Freshman year.
Referee don't want to hear you screaming during the game.
Really, when was the last time one of them change a call because of your yelling. And congrats to the REFEREE who tossed Sandburg's Coach out, it is about time. Here are a few more to look for Bolingbrook, Andrew, Lockport, and yes toss Sandburg out again. (Also if that overweight Referee was any good do you really think he would be doing our High School game.)
Do you really think we care that you played the game before? NO - the game has changed, times have change, and players are different. It is not about you.
Do you think you are motivating us? NOT - read about about positive reinforcement. You might learn something.
Coaches - please read this and learn something.
The one thing I did is this:
Thanks for being our here with us. If it wasn't for you we might not have a coach.
wow, lots of interesting comments and opinions. And who said there was no passion for the sport on the south side?
Here's a question: Why don't the "elite", "high caliber" clubs come down to the south suburbs to recruit or to run practices or clinics? Is it perhaps because generally speaking it isn't worth it for them financially to do so?
The sport seems to be steadily growing on a national level. MLS is adding expansion teams, etc. But as far as the south suburbs "dwindling down" or "fading away", I will say again that I think Mack leaving had a lot to do with it. Magic was based down here in Frankfort's Hallmark Sportsclub. Even Joliet had Magic players.
But there's no reason that lesser known clubs can't rise up and improve; most of the CLASA teams are operated by just former players with no official coaching licenses. And for anyone who has never seen some of the top teams from that league play, you may be surprised. I'm telling you that we have seen enormously talented players come through Joliet (yes, players who had professional potential), but the problem of developing these young men stems primarily from their lack of financial resources.
Again, there's passion, drive, committment, hard work, etc., but what do these things mean when Mom and Dad can't pay to get their car fixed, or the plumbing repaired in the bathroom, or can't even come up with $50 for the athletic activity fee?
Listen, there are parents who make tremendous struggles for their kids, and that's awesome, but when we're talking about the Neuqua Valleys and the Wheaton Souths, and the Conants, you're not gonna find a whole lot of kids on free or reduced lunch programs at those schools. It's the combination of money and numbers that makes a school competitive in soccer. For that matter, how many of the Tribune or Sun-Times' top 10 happen to be schools with more than 20% low-income students? Compare this to basketball's top 25.
MONEY IS STILL THE ISSUE IN DEVELOPING SOCCER TALENT IN THIS COUNTRY. Period. And the reason is simple: there isn't enough corporate sponsorship trickling down to reach out and recruit kids whose families can't pay club fees, like there is with AAU basketball.
What's too bad is that just because L-W and Sandburg are down from where they used to be, all of the sudden the word is that the entire south suburbs have fallen down. But almost every other south suburban school has actually improved in the last 5 years.
By the way, Joliet is 17-0-1, 7-0 in conference, with a win over Sandburg last night. Guess we'll just have to wait for playoffs to see where we really stand won't we?
Unfortunately , soccer is a sport where money talks and there is no getting away from that . CLASA is as close to semi-pro as you can get in this area and it's high quality stuff but some players are paid to play even in that League.
I agree that the Joliet team this year has excelled and has an unbeaten record , but like anything else in life , when you're not considered to be a contender , you get no respect . I've seen them play , and they play the right way so hats off to the coaches . You will get your chance at the end of the year.
The comments made about money being the determining factor in sport success is bothersome . First of all , it suggests that if you have money , then you should be good . That's simply not the case . There's money in Frankfort , New Lenox , Orland and Tinley but those programs are in decline . Secondly , in my humble opinion , I think you should cease using the money factor when talking about your team . Your team speaks for itself . If they are successful , they will do it with or without the money.
To me , lack of money is an excuse . I could keep you reading for hours about my life issues and so could hundreds of other parents. The challenges your boys face are no worse than any others , they are just different .
You have done a great job in getting that team to where it's at . Let them do the talking now . You will get more respect.
Bolingbrook beat Joliet 3-1 to take a share of the SWSC Blue Division Conference Title. Do they deserve to be in the top 10. I do not think so but they are getting better every year. Where is the love for Bolingbrook. Every year they play an outstanding schedule non conference and conference. They are 10-9 and 4 of 9 losses are to top teams in the state either 2A or 3A. There is something to be said about playing quality programs that makes your program even better. Congratulations to Bolingbrook for winnning their 1st conference championship in over 10 years!!! Building a program is all about playing quality teams with quality programs and players. Not always about playing against teams that you can get a WIN against every year.
How the so called mighty have fallen. Sandburg lost last night to H-F.
and I was wondering - How much yelling and screaming their Coach was doing? Maybe he received his 2nd red card of the season.
I guess Joliet were not as good as some of us thought.