DuPage high schools turn rivalries into support for Easter Seals

Even as they prepare for rivalry games on the football field, students at four DuPage County high schools are working as a team to help Easter Seals.

On Friday, Naperville Central and Naperville North will square off in the Wes Spencer Crosstown Classic, while Willowbrook takes on Addison Trail. The schools, though, are encouraging students to wear black rather than their school colors.

With Blackout for Easter Seals, the schools are encouraging as many fans as possible to purchase Blackout for Easter Seals gear from their high school to show their support for Easter Seals and their team. Fans should wear the new gear to the games, which kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.

“High school sports is about more than winning — it is about life lessons,” said Marty Bee, Central’s athletic director.

“NNHS is honored to join with NCHS in this event for Easter Seals,” said Jennifer Baumgartner, North’s director of student activities. “The teams and fans are competitors when they meet, but always come together as one community when asked to support such a great cause as this.”

Blackout for Easter Seals originated in 2008 between two Peoria area high schools in support of the Easter Seals Peoria affiliate, an idea suggested by Naperville Central graduate Todd Hollis, a coach for one of the participating high schools.

The program has grown to include 24 schools in central Illinois and has raised $50,000 for the Peoria affiliate.

Naperville North and Central play at 7:30 p.m. at North Central College’s Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville. Meanwhile, Willowbrook and Addison Trail play at Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.

All proceeds from gear sold for both games will go to Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region, an organization dedicated to helping infants, children and adults with disabilities achieve maximum independence and provide support for their families.For information, visit www.eastersealsdfvr.org.