IHSA Sets New Rules for Youth Football Practice

"These guidelines are based on the most recent scientific evidence, as well as the expertise of the coaches who will help implement them," said Dr. Preston M. Wolin, a member of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

The Illinois High School Association approved new safety rules Wednesday to limit tackling in youth football practice in an effort to reduce head injuries, reported the Daily Herald. In March, a controversial bill sponsored by State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) proposing to limit the number of days players could have full contact hitting practice (twice a week) failed in the House committee. The new IHSA policy calls for coaches to gradually increase the time players can participate in preseason practice, along with the number of protective pads they can wear. On the seventh day of practice, players can participate in five hours of full contact drills wearing full pads, according to the IHSA. However, no single practice can exceed …

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Grayslake Central Rams Cheerleaders Headed to State Competition

The Grayslake Central Rams Cheerleaders took third place at the Illinois High School Association sectionals on Sunday, Jan. 27, securing a spot at the state championships in Bloomington this weekend.

Competing in the Medium Varsity Division, the Grayslake Central Rams Varsity Cheerleaders nailed a third place finish at the Illinois High School Association sectionals competition on Sunday, giving them a trip to the state competition this weekend. "They hit a flawless routine that lead me to tears. They left it all on the mat," said Jessica Reblin, varsity cheerleading coach. "When they announced that we placed third, the team was so excited that they got their ticket punched to state. I could not have been a prouder coach at that moment." The Rams placed second on the Fox side of the recent conference competition and fourth overall in the Fox Valley Conference. Working hard all year, the Rams knew they really needed to be ready to …

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Friday's Knights VS Rams Basketball Game to be a 'Red Out'

Show your support for the American Heart Association at Friday's game by wearing red.

At 7 p.m. Friday, hundreds of spectators will gather to see the varsity boys’ basketball match-up between the Grayslake North Knights and crosstown rivals the Grayslake Central Rams. The game will be held in the GNHS Fieldhouse. However, this year will be a little different. Rather than gold and black on one side of the court facing the white and green from the other, this year will be a sea of red. A "Red Out" will take place to bring awareness to heart disease and stroke.  During the game, the schools will honor and remember loved ones while helping to fight heart disease and stroke. Teams, students and community members are encouraged to purchase and wear a “Rock The Beat” shirt to school, to work and to the game in honor of our loved …

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Grayslake Cheer Teams Take Awards at Huntley Cheerleading Invitational

GNHS and GCHS cheerleaders participated in the Huntley High School Cheerleading Invitational on Jan. 20.

Most cheerleading competitions include back to back high energy, carefully choreographed maneuvers featuring custom mixed music tracks cranked up loud. This event did not disappoint, nor did our Grayslake cheer squads. The Grayslake Central Rams and Grayslake North Knights freshman and junior varsity teams competed at the Jan. 20 event in the morning sessions and put on a fantastic show. Our Grayslake North Knights JV team placed first place in the small division, while the Grayslake Central Rams JV team placing fourth in the small division. Both North and Central's freshman teams placed for a Superior Performance. Over 60 teams converged on Huntley High School to participate in the cheerleading invitational competition. The squads …

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GCHS Mourns Loss of Former Basketball Star

Alex Scarbro, a 2011 graduate of Grayslake Central High School who was also a star basketball player, passed away Saturday, Nov. 24.

The GCHS community is mourning the loss of 2011 graduate Alex Scarbro, who died Saturday, Nov. 24. "The entire Grayslake Community High School District 127 school community extends our love, support and prayers to the Scarbro family," said Supt. Catherine Finger. "Alex was a gift to all who knew her and her loss is deeply felt. Staff members will be available throughout the week and beyond for support and grief counseling. Students are encouraged to seek out their counselor, dean or building administrator for assistance and support as school resumes tomorrow." Scarbro was a standout player on the 2010-11 GCHS girls' basketball team. She continued her basketball career while attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. On Twitter, …

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Grayslake North Knights Take Grayslake Central Rams 49 to 7

Led by the throwing arm and quick feet of quarterback AJ Fish, the Grayslake North Knights took cross-town rival Grayslake Central Rams 49 to 7 in Friday's varsity football game.

The stands were packed and the super fans for both schools were out in force for Friday's varsity football game between the Grayslake North Knights and Grayslake Central Rams. The Knights crew were dressed in red, white and blue, which was perfect for the opening ceremonies to honor local heroes who served in the Armed Forces. The visitors were dressed for a white out and banged white 5-gallon drums to cheer on their team. It was also senior night and the parents of the football team, marching band, cheerleaders and poms paraded out onto the field to the raucous adulation of the fans prior to the varsity game. The visiting Rams struck early and shocked the Knights on the third play from scrimmage when Natori Galmore galloped 74 yards down …

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Grayslake Central Football's 'Coach Whitt' Receives Military Honor

General Charles Whittington Jr., known to Grayslake Central students as "Coach Whitt," was presented with his second star at the 29th Infantry's Change of Command Ceremony.

On the weekend of Oct. 5 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, General Charles Whittington, Jr. (Coach Whitt) was presented with his second star at the 29th Infantry’s Change of Command Ceremony. For the past five seasons, Coach Whitt has served as an assistant football coach at Grayslake Central High School. This is in addition to his service to our country, to his civilian job, and to his family. Coach Ault, Coach Catanzaro and Coach Goshe were honored to take part in the ceremony. "Coach Whitt is a great man and well-deserving of such a notable position," said Nicholas Gosche, Life Fitness teacher at Grayslake Central High School. Submitted by Nicholas Gosche, Life Fitness teacher at Grayslake Central High School.

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PHOTO GALLERY: Grayslake Homecoming 2012

In case you missed it: Patch gives readers a recap of all the great Homecoming 2012 photos and highlights for Grayslake North High School and Grayslake Central High School.

Click here for our Patch Homecoming 2012 Topics Page and revisit all things Homecoming in Grayslake District 127.

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Patch Seeks D127 Sports Bloggers

Do you love Grayslake Central and North sports? Would you like to be a blogger for Patch?