'Bear Country' welcomes champions

Last year, when fans welcomed the Lake Zurich High School football team home, they honored the team's spirit and sportsmanship.

This year, the welcome home celebration was even sweeter.

This year, the Lake Zurich Bears had a state championship title.

After a fall to St. Rita in 2006, the Bears returned to the Class 7A state championship Saturday in Champaign, defeating Wheaton Warrenville South 7-3 and ending their season with an 13-1 record.

"A year ago, the coaching staff and team vowed to do whatever it took to return to the championship and take care of some business," said Principal Mike Egan. "Last night, they finished that business. Right now, I'm the proudest principal in Illinois."

From the time the team arrived by fire truck to when they coolly made their way into the school gymnasium, more than 1,500 fans gave the football players a heroes' welcome.

The cheering only got louder as the band played the school song and the players proudly held their championship trophy in the air.

"We've been in this community for five years and I've never seen anything like this," said Mary Moss, whose son, Jonathan is a safety on the team. "This has united the community and makes me feel like I'm a part of it."

Moss said the ride downstate was as exciting as the game, which she described as a nail biter.

"All of the cars on the expressway were decorated for the Bears," she said. "It felt like a parade from Lake Zurich to Champaign. Very cool."

Various elected officials referred to Lake County as Bear Country following the win.

"As you go on from here, use this achievement as a cornerstone in building lives that will continue to make your family, friends and community proud," said Lake Zurich Mayor John Tolomei.

Athletic Director Rolly Vazquez said there was a moment on the sidelines Saturday when he knew it was an incredible day.

"I saw Dr. Knutson, our superintendent, and Dr. Egan, our principal, jump five inches into the air," Vazquez said. "And I knew this was one of the best days of my life."

Wide receiver Pat Gallagher said Saturday's game was a battle until the end.

"It was overwhelming," said the Lake Zurich senior, "and a perfect way to end my football career, this season … the entire thing."