Immanuel East Dundee girls go national

For the first time since November, the gym at Immanuel is quiet and the basketball racks are stowed in the equipment closet. The East Dundee grade school enjoyed a basketball season that ran through the middle of March this year as its varsity girls' basketball team competed in not only the state tournament, but also the national tournament for the first time in the school's history.

The Lutheran Basketball Association of America National Tournament, held at Valparaiso University March 17-20, was the site of some of the best basketball play in the country among the Lutheran school system, which includes more than 2,000 schools.

Immanuel's Lady Eagles were no exception as they battled schools from all over the country. Coached by veteran girls' coach Jeff Beutjer and Cheryl Leitner and assisted by Bridget Leahy, the team dominated their local conference and performed well for the huge crowds.

Leitner is a local basketball legend, having played locally for Dundee-Crown High School where she still holds the record for game and career rebounds. Moving on to a spot as 4-year starting forward at Valparaiso University, she racked up over 1,000 rebounds and led a team that lead the nation in scoring her junior year. She has coached boys and girls basketball as well as volleyball for Immanuel and shares her passion for excellence on the court with a new generation of players, including her daughter who is a member of this year's team. She was excited for the chance to take the team to her alma mater and face teams from all over the country, pointing out that "these girls have worked so hard all season and we are proud of all they've achieved. It's an honor to be chosen to compete at Nationals."

For fans who watched Leitner lead the Valparaiso Crusaders to great heights during her time there in the 1990s, seeing her step on to the familiar hardwood, now as a coach, was both familiar and emotional. One of her colleagues, who also attended Valpo and remembers her playing days there remarked, "Cheryl is amazing. Here she is, a pretty big deal in basketball to say the least, and yet it isn't about her. It is about teaching and inspiring and challenging her players. Our school is nice and small, so all of our students get the opportunity to be on a team and to play. So to have Cheryl and Jeff Beutjer, who has coached girls' basketball for decades, is just a phenomenal opportunity. I hope the local high schools are ready for these players!"

Eagle fans were ready too and sported face paint and blue and gold as they road tripped to northern Indiana to support the team. Principal Sue Domeier traveled with the school's bald eagle mascot, a large plush stuffed toy, which quickly became a fan favorite as it was passed around in the stands and cared for overnight by some of the littlest Eagle fans, who saw to its care and feeding. Immanuel Pastor Phillip Baerwolf and his wife Ramona are loyal Eagle fans who try to make every game their schedule allows. Baerwolf was seen clutching the big eagle during tense parts of the game and said the eagle served as his "comfort eagle," a reference to the congregation's Comfort Dog service animal program. Immanuel fans from all generations watched the games as they streamed live from Valparaiso.

Principal Sue Domeier was thrilled, saying "The Eagle Nation was so excited to cheer on our girls' varsity team. Our entire school honored the team with our Eagle Fledge Ceremony before they left, symbolizing their leaving our nest to soar to great heights. It has been a great ride this year watching how the team has come together and exceeded everyone's expectations!"

Fans can see the tournament results at lbaa.org.