Wheaton Warrenville South celebrates state championship

The second one is a little sweeter for Wheaton Warrenville South High School football coach Ron Muhitch.

His squad secured the school's sixth state football championship Saturday, Muhitch's second as the Tigers' head coach.

"This one was a lot different than the first," he said. "This one was an absolute challenge with a great finish and a great way to end the season."

The Tigers defeated neighboring Glenbard West in double overtime. Tuesday, Wheaton Warrenville celebrated.

"I'd like to think we'll be doing this again next year," said junior Thomas Schubert, who was among the standing-room-only crowd at a pep rally in the school's gymnasium. "We're used to winning championships at this school."

The team was led into the gym by the band's drum corps and applauded right back to the crowd that was cheering their accomplishment.

"If it wasn't for you guys, there would be no one in the stands," said senior receiver Mack Tracey. "You were there for us the whole time."

Interim Athletic Director Mike Healy also lauded the students for their support of the school's fall sports teams.

"At every event we had a ton of students there to make sure they were supporting their classmates," Healy said. "But more importantly, the sportsmanship and character you demonstrated should make you proud, I know I am."

Muhitch even credited fans who attended Saturday's championship game in Champaign with helping secure the team's victory.

"Great timing on the silent to full volume cheer that got us a big fourth down illegal motion call on their wide receiver," he told the crowd.

In addition to the football team's championship celebration, the girl's cross country team was feted as well for its recent third-place state finish.

"We're here for two great accomplishments," Healy said.