Brother Rice High School – This year, the Crusaders once again proved to have some of the best student athletes, coaches, and fans in the entire state of Illinois. Our athletic programs won multiple Catholic League Championships, IHSA Sectional and Regional Championships, individual state and conference awards, and even a state title! That state title came in November when the 13-1 Crusader football team defeated rival St. Rita 16-0 to win their first IHSA State Championship since 1981. The cross country team also had a terrific fall, sending Andrew Straley to State, who also won the Tony Lawless Award. The soccer and golf teams also had great seasons, and will be led into the future by Patryk Kibler as the new head soccer coach, and Brady Kreiter as the new head golf coach. The winter season was also a success, as senior Oliver Davis of the wrestling team finished 3rd at state, junior Daniel Costello finished 5th, and freshman Otis Davis qualified. The bowling and basketball teams had great seasons too making state runs with the bowling team winning a sectional title, and basketball team winning 23-games and a regional title. Hockey and track & field wrapped up the winter season, with the JV hockey team finishing 2nd in the state tournament and 2 varsity Crusaders, James Esposito and Jonathan Esposito making the all state team. The track & field team won the Catholic League Title, and had two Lawless award winners with Andrew Straley and head coach Tom Wazio. Spring sports finished up the school year strong with the tennis squad sending Nathan Miller ’26 to state for singles, along with Ben Miller ’26 and Jonathan Kaminski ’27 for doubles. Water Polo, Volleyball and baseball all had state runs with baseball winning regionals and advancing the sectional final, volleyball winning a regional title, and Water Polo advancing to the state title game! Darrion Phelps and head coach Frank Mulcrone also won the Tony Lawless award for the water polo team. Lacrosse and Rugby had successful seasons as well. Thanks for all your support Crusader fans, and we look forward to next year!