Cary-Grove, now better known as Title Town
No question about it: Cary-Grove High School athletic fans have plenty to be thankful for this year.
The Trojans won two state athletic titles in two consecutive weeks - first in girls volleyball, then this weekend in football - and the community celebrated the second victory Sunday with a packed-to-the-rafters rally in the school gym.
With nearly everyone in the room decked out in Trojan blue and white, Principal Jay Sargeant made early note of the two trophy wins by calling the school "Title Town."
"It took 48 years to break the ice, but (winning) two state titles in two weeks certainly gives you a little bit of swagger," Sargeant said.
The gym erupted with every accolade for the Trojan team, which defeated Providence Catholic 34-17 on Saturday to win the Class 6A title.
A week earlier, the volleyball team earned its trophy by defeating Lyons Township in the Class 4A finals.
Sunday's rally really belonged to the football team, which went a record 14-0 - the first undefeated football squad in school history.
Cary Mayor Tom Kierna, Fox River Grove Village President Robert J. Nunamaker and Trout Valley Village President Bob Baker were on hand to honor the athletes. Nunamaker even donned a tuxedo for the event.
"This is a momentous occasion, and I wanted to dress up especially for you," Nunamaker told the team.
Nunamaker earned some laughs and applause by describing how, as a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, he's trained for disappointment.
"But you guys never disappoint," he told the Trojans.
Sargeant, dressed on more traditional Trojan gear, congratulated the players for their "team effort and a phenomenal season."
"Thanks for making such (wonderful) memories for our entire community," he said.
Coach Bruce Kay introduced the players one by one, saving the seniors for last. Each teen received enthusiastic applause when his name was called.
But the players weren't the only students honored Sunday. Sargeant singled out a group of students dubbed the Super Fans for how they supported the Trojans all season.
"You are, without question, the best 12th man in the conference and the state of Illinois," he said.
The team presented the championship trophy to the Super Fans at the end of the rally, letting them pass it around for a while.
The accolades for the Trojans aren't yet over.
This week, when Cary officials light the village's Christmas tree, the bulbs will be blue instead of the usual holiday colors, Kierna announced. Additionally, members of the football and volleyball teams will flip the switch.