Opponents take soccer team's stuff

Streamwood police continue to investigate the theft of Bartlett soccer players' personal property at the hands of members of an opposing team.

The Bartlett varsity soccer team returned to a locker room at Streamwood High School during a tournament last week, expecting to rest and go over its game plan.

Instead, teammates found their bags had been rifled through and their belongings gone, apparently at the hands of eight Morton High School soccer players, said Morton Athletic Director Steve Lemon.

The theft occurred Sept. 11 at Streamwood High's Millennium Field, where Bartlett shared a locker room with the Cicero school for the Bartlett Invitational.

Lemon said eight players stole personal property from Bartlett students, including an iPod, cash, several wallets and cell phones, while Bartlett warmed up for its game against Wheeling.

Bartlett players left their bags on the locker room floor, typical for visiting high school sports teams.

Morton's administration took swift action, suspending the suspected players from school the next morning. All eight remained suspended Monday.

"We're very disappointed as to what transpired," Lemon said. "Our players used poor judgment."

Streamwood police are investigating the incident but no arrests have been made. Lemon believes Morton will be allowed to handle the matter internally.

He said the theft is being reviewed by the Morton school board, which will then give the principal its recommendation for disciplinary action.

Most items have since been returned to the Bartlett athletes.

"The Bartlett people were very appreciative of that," Lemon said, though he added it's likely nothing more will be recovered.

The situation had a chance to turn ugly during the tournament finale Saturday, when Morton and Bartlett faced each other.

But the players demonstrated sportsmanship and the game was played without incident. Bartlett junior Garrett Dini scored the only goal, giving the Hawks a 1-0 victory.

"I think under the circumstances it was a well-played game," Lemon said, adding Bartlett invited Morton back next year. "Bartlett graciously accepted our coach's apology. Hopefully that brought some closure to this unfortunate incident."

Streamwood police couldn't be reached for comment Monday.