For some area teams the show must go on - down south

Was it something we said?

Something we did, or didn't do?

Whatever the reason, more and more high school baseball teams are abandoning us during Spring Break week and heading to southern climates.

The urge to seek better weather is powerful. Around here it's not uncommon to see several Spring Break days wiped out due to cold, rain, snow and all combinations in between. Losing that kind of field time leading up to conference play hurts immensely, especially with weather issues not allowing teams much outdoor time when practice begins in early March.

While most teams roll the dice and stay home for Spring Break - loading up their schedules and hoping they'll play in halfway decent conditions - others jump at the chance to compete elsewhere.

The prospect of better weather is only one source of motivation.

"With this senior group I wanted us to be able to do something special," said Willowbrook coach Steve Gilliam, whose team traveled to Florence, Ala. "I knew some guys down there and I thought it'd be a good experience for our team."

Gilliam, an alum of the University of North Alabama, arranged to play a few games in his old stomping grounds. The team flew to Nashville and took a bus to Alabama.

While Willowbrook didn't have much time for sightseeing other than fishing on the Tennessee River, Wheaton North managed to mix business and pleasure during its trip to Louisville.

Not only did the Falcons win all three of their games, they enjoyed tours of the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center. They also took in a practice by the nationally ranked University of Louisville baseball team.

Wheaton North coach Dan Schoessling has been anxious to bring his team back to Louisville since last making the trip in 2007. After a few calls he scheduled games to match up with the school's Spring Break.

"I'm glad it worked out. It certainly helps that we played well down there," Schoessling said. "It was a great trip. It gave the kids a chance to get away and have a nice highlight from the season."

Downers South also traveled to Louisville but didn't sightsee in between games. The Mustangs saw something even better while watching Downers South graduate Phil Wunderlich, a second-team All-America last year as a sophomore, play for Louisville.

Glenbard South, meanwhile, drove to Memphis for the second straight year to participate in the USA Classic Tournament. The Raiders faced by far the most diverse competition of any area team by playing five teams from five states.

The Raiders had the added bonus of playing at Christian Brothers High School's top-notch baseball facility, a setting with a field house featuring three batting cages, locker rooms, coaches' offices and a weight room.

"The place is incredible," said Raiders coach Mike Riley. "All of their athletic facilities were incredible. It was a great place to play."

Addison Trail, Hinsdale South and Montini left town but stayed in state. Montini didn't find many sightseeing opportunities in southern Illinois, but the Broncos did "enjoy" one unique experience in Benton - the site of the state's last public hanging in 1928, a fact they stumbled upon through a historical marker in town.

"Charlie Birger ... it's a real interesting story," said Montini coach Bill Leeberg.

You learn something new every day, even on Spring Break.