Lake Zurich Bears celebrate shot at title
The Lake Zurich High School parking lot, normally empty on weekends, was packed Sunday afternoon with cars sporting school flags and painted windows to support the Bears football team.
Inside the gym a sea of blue filled the bleachers as cheering students, parents and community members stomped and rang cowbells. The team ran in to a standing ovation as Journey's “Don't Stop Believin'” blasted through the sound system.
The Bears played in the Class 7A state final on Saturday in downstate Champaign and lost to Wheaton Warrenville South, 28-17. But players, coaches and fans celebrated nonetheless, as Kildeer Village President Nandia Black declared Nov. 28, 2010, Bears Football Appreciation Day.
“What will the Bears be eating for Thanksgiving next year?” Black yelled before announcing the special day. “Any team that stands in the way of a state championship!”
The pep rally followed a short parade down Church Street in Lake Zurich where the football players were escorted by police and fire officials, as well as politicians and fans.
The Bears have qualified for state eight years in a row and come home with a trophy three times.
School Principal Kim Kolze pointed out the second place trophy they brought home this year is the same size and weight as the one Wheaton Warrenville South left Champaign with.
“Number two in the state, number one in our hearts,” Kolze said.
During the rally, Bears head coach Bryan Stortz said the team's approach all season was to go all in, like the ancient Greeks, who would burn their ships when they landed for battle that way retreat was not an option.
“These boys proved when you put it all in, great things can be accomplished,” Stortz said.
The Bears had the lead for part of the fourth quarter in Saturday's game but, in the end, got outscored by their opponents. Wheaton Warrenville South's team didn't lose a single game this season, taking first place in their second championship game in a row.
Stortz said the game all came down to a few plays. He called Wheaton Warrenville South a “tremendous team” and said the athletes made plays when they needed to.
“I'm very proud of what our guys did,” Stortz said.
Mark Tabaka, 18, has spent four years playing for Lake Zurich's football team and said he wasn't disappointed with Saturday's championship.
“It was a great experience,” Tabaka said. “I'll never forget that game for the rest of my life."