Irving Crown Class of '72 pays tribute to history and celebrates future at reunion events

Coming home after years, or even decades, away can be an exciting and emotional journey. For the Irving Crown Class of 1972, this year's return to their place of early education is especially moving for all.

After months of planning, the 50-year reunion committee will bring together an array of welcome-home events that have something for everyone starting on Friday, Sept. 30 and culminating with dinner on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Attendance is anticipated to be more than 100 with former students coming from as far as Florida and California.

Al Drewke, a 1972 graduate and owner of Roudon-Smith Winery in Saratoga, California, said "After our amazing 30-year reunion I am primed! I can't imagine missing out on the chance to see old friends and the places that meant so much one more time."

Making this year's reunion out-of-the ordinary is the timing of events starting with reserved seating at the Dundee-Crown Homecoming Game at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

For the reunion sports fans, the game start will be a pleasure in that the class of '72 has chosen to honor one of their favorite sports staff members, Coach James Wilbrandt, then varsity football coach, for his inspirational leadership to those of the '72 graduating class and beyond. Wilbrandt joined the Irving Crown opening staff in 1964 working through 1976 in roles of varsity football coach, PE teacher, and athletic director. He later returned to Crown in 1983 acting as dean of students from 1985 until becoming principal in 1987 - 1994 when he retired. Wilbrandt will accept his honor by initiating the game-start coin toss between the Dundee-Crown and McHenry high football teams.

For those who may not be aware, Wilbrandt was part and parcel of the legendary 1952 Hebron basketball team that became legendary after winning that year's Illinois State Championship against much larger schools and before the multiple class system was created. Casimir Kowalski, fellow staff member at Irving Crown, and friend of Wilbrandt, said, "Jim is a great guy who worked well with everyone. He is a leader and a great family man."

Also at the game, John Skillman, president of the Village of Carpentersville, will issue a proclamation in honor of the class of '72. Skillman will recognize the lives well lived of attendees and will join the community in welcoming them home. Gary Knapp ('72), who advanced the proclamation, had this to say: "Unlike the Thomas Wolfe novel, the Irving Crown class of 1972 is proving you can go home again! I look forward to reminiscing with my classmates and to honoring the memory of those we have lost."

Just before the game, classmates are invited to tour their former Irving Crown campus. Attendees will meet at the athletic entrance of the school at 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, classmates will gather at the Pinecrest Golf Club in Huntley. Cocktail hour with complimentary beer and wine will be served at 5:30 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., attendees will be welcomed with a buffet dinner and a chance to catch up with former classmates.

Finally, but not least, the Irving Crown Class of '72 will present Dundee-Crown High School with a $1,000 check that will go toward a memorial picnic table which will be located on the school campus. The check will be presented during the homecoming game halftime activities.

Of the event and gift, reunion chair Monica DeBartolo-Green said "Our 50th reunion is such an important milestone. Our years at ICH were filled with many arranged activities, but it was the un-choreographed events and seemingly ordinary moments that really shaped our school experience and helped to formulate our futures. The intent of the class gift is to say thank you - to rally the school - and to offer something for current and future students and staff to enjoy through their days at Dundee-Crown High.

Main sponsors of the event are: Al Drewke of Roudin-Smith Winery, Saratoga, California; Jerry Majewski of Jerome C. Majewski Law Offices; and Rich Nelson of Nelson's Jewelry, both of Crystal Lake.

For more information on the reunion events, visit www.classcreator.com/Carpentersville-Illinois-Irving-Crown-1972/ or email: crownreunion72@gmail.com.