IHSA membership brings privileges - and more intensity

It has been a busy summer after a banner inaugural year of IHSA athletic competition at Christian Liberty.

Christian Liberty athletic director Steve Rowland said the kids who particpated in the transition year now understand what it takes to compete with established IHSA programs.

"The kids have really taken a look at athletics in a totally different light," Rowland said. "They've never done summer leagues, (football) contact days and shootouts.

"It's amazing, the difference in the kids and the way they see this as stuff we need to do in order to compete at a higher level and be better next year."

Rowland said attendance at the summer programs has been excellent in the first year.

Christian Liberty did hang its first banner in its gymnasium for the girls volleyball team that won a Class 1A regional title.

"It's a dream I always had, even when I first started (17 years ago)," said retiring Christian Liberty track coach Jeff Morello. "I was extremely happy when we did (join the IHSA). Now the kids can do something like go to state or a sectional or regional.

"It's no longer a parks and recreation thinking, now it's athletic thinking. Steve has been an incredible shot in the arm for the athletic department and you see a certain excitement you didn't see before."