'Grenadier' gets Elk Grove a state title

Elk Grove High School is now home of a state champion mascot.

The 'Grenadiers' edged out the Freeport High School Pretzels on Thursday to claim the title of unique mascot in Illinois.

More than 186,000 votes were cast in the final round of the Comcast SportsNet's 'Mascot Madness' competition.

Almost 98,000 of those votes belonged to Elk Grove.

"This is truly a win for the entire school and community, said Tom Walloch, an Elk Grove math teacher who organized community voting and led the Grenadiers to victory. "Our students, staff, administrators, parents, community members and local businesses rallied together each week."

Sixty-four schools from around the state competed in the social media-based contest, which launched in February.

The Grenadiers survived five rounds, topping Chicago area schools such as the Schaumburg Saxons and Joliet Central Steelmen before meeting the Pretzels for the title.

The Elk Grove community helped the school come from behind or continue its lead over opponents during the majority of the six-week contest.

"This victory means so much more than a banner in our gym," Walloch said. "This win is a symbol of the pride that goes with being a Grenadier."

The Grenadiers will be recognized on Saturday as the 'Mascot Madness' champions during halftime of the Class 4A boys basketball championship.

Comcast SportsNet will also create a banner for Elk Grove officials to display acknowledging the accomplishment.

Other state championships won by the Grens are five cheerleading crowns from 2006 to 2010, a speech individual events title (1989-99 school year) and the 1981 Class AA girls basketball title.