Waukegan gym special place

There is still something special about walking into an old-school gym for a high school basketball game.

Especially a big postseason game with a large, early-arriving crowd packed into every possible corner in the anticipation of watching something special.

No place oozes tradition and what makes March Madness special better than Waukegan's old gym.

While I had watched some of the boys sectional games in the past there on TV - including last year's incredible championship where Jereme Richmond's half-court shot at the buzzer gave Waukegan a victory over rival Warren - Wednesday was my first opportunity to experience it in person.

And even though the crowd ddin't fill up the old place when Schaumburg beat Deerfield, it was still a special atmosphere that has been a tradition and should always be one in Lake County.

One where boys basketball players dream about getting to Waukegan.

"It's a great, great environment," said third-year Waukegan coach Ron Ashlaw. "I would come up for years before to watch sectionals and it's one of those sectional sites that has a lore about it.

"Everybody has always said it's one of the best sectional situations in the area, almost no matter who is playing."

Before Wednesday's game, all the lights were turned out except for a spotlight on the ROTC squad that brought out the American flag - which was raised to the rafters at center court as the school band played the national anthem.

And once the game gets rolling, the noise level grows with the intensity of fans surrounding all four sides of the court. Tonight figures to be packed and ear-splitting as Richmond plays his final game on his home floor and tries to lead Waukegan back to Peoria against upset-minded Schaumburg.

It adds to the odds Schaumburg is up against. And that's OK with first-year coach Matt Walsh.

"Where else would you rather be," Walsh said. "It's a historic gym and it's a great opportunity and challenge for us. We're excited to be here and look forward to the challenge."

Some might view it as an unfair advantage for Waukegan to have a chance to play sectional games on its home floor every year. There have been years where the sectional has been awarded by the IHSA to Stevenson, Lake Zurich and Barrington.

Advantage or not, there's no way this place should be empty and quiet during boys sectional week in March. It used to be primarily a Lake County event but expansion to four classes and sectional assignments by the IHSA has given some Mid-Suburban League schools the chance to get there.

My guess is Schaumburg coaches, players and fans may remember this even more because of the chances to experience this kind of atmosphere.

It's one that's well worth the trip.

mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com