Grayslake Central Athletic Director Steve Gertz got right to the point.
"This spring could not have ended on a better note," he told the players, coaches and family members gathered in the school auditorium Monday evening to celebrate the third place GCHS baseball team. "It has been an amazing journey."
Monday's gathering allowed coaches and school leaders to congratulate the team on the big win at state. The Rams beat Mt. Vernon High School 1-0 June 8 to win third place. It was the first time since 2009 that the GCHS baseball team has competed at state.
"Please know that I could not be more proud of you," said Gertz. "Third place is awesome."
Associate Principal Tom Kim took a moment to talk about the team's place in history.
"Baseball has always been our national time capsule," said Kim, adding that the sport is "an American iconic sport."
"Because of what you guys have accomplished, you are now part of that history in our community and the state of Illinois forever," said Kim. He added that anytime the players return to GCHS, they will remember that they helped continue the school's winning tradition.
Coach Troy Whalen said at the end of each post-season game, "when we'd talk to the kids, the first words generally said were 'thank you'" because it was all about the players. He also talked about how hard the team worked at state.
"The amount of physical and mental energy these kids put on on the field on Friday (in the state semifinals)—there wasn't really anything left in the tank," said Whalen.
Both Kim and Gertz talked about the level of support for the team from the members' family and the Grayslake community.
"We want to make sure we said thank you for your support," said Kim.
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