Aurora Christian celebrates trip to Champaign
There was no hint of disappointment or defeat Saturday as Aurora Christian High School celebrated finishing second in the state football Class 4A championships.
Players rode in the team bus in style with an Aurora police and fire escort from Galenda Boulevard, followed by about 30 cars filled with screaming fans, to the campus on Sullivan Road. Students, parents and other fans packed the gymnasium for a rally as Christian rock played in the background. Aurora Christian lost 37-28 Friday to Bloomington Central Catholic Friday and earned second place, but the team got a champion's welcome on Saturday.
School administrators were joined at the podium by local politicians, including Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, to congratulate the team and thank the fans for their support.
Weisner noted that it was the first time an Aurora football team had made it to the state finals.
"You put Aurora on the map," he said to cheers.
No one took center stage at Saturday's rally like head football coach Don Beebe, now in his fifth year coaching the Eagles. He received a standing ovation.
"Many people have has asked me, 'Is this your greatest achievement?'" Beebe told the crowd. Beebe played for the Green Bay Packers and was on the team that won the Super Bowl in 1997. "Without hesitation, I say yes. Winning the Super Bowl is fine, but what matters more is leading people to Christ."
When asked the secret to the 2008 success, Beebe said, "Two words, Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter if you win or lose. When you give it your all, you play for Christ."
The Eagles made it to the semifinals last year and lost. Senior Braxton Warner, who played both offense and defense, said it was hard work and determination that got the team to the finals this year.
"It was an amazing feeling to play in that game," Warner said. "After we lost last year, we felt we had the responsibility to start working hard right away, and we did."
"It was really exciting to be there," said junior Albree Strieter, who made the trip to Champaign. "They worked hard all season. They really deserved to win. I have mixed emotions. It was bittersweet that they got there. And second place is a lot to take home."