Every game has a winner and a loser. It's a part of football, and it's a part of life.
While the Lincoln-Way East High School Griffins did not win the Class 7A state championship title, they can hardly be called losers. They stepped out on that Memorial Stadium field as conference champions. They stepped out on that field 13-0. They gave all they had to give and then some more. They are definitely champions.
After such a difficult loss, a parade may have been the last thing on the Griffins' minds. But the Lincoln-Way community was not going to let them hang their heads and sit at home.
Local residents lined the streets with signs and cheered, giving their team a reason to smile. The team paraded down the streets of both Mokena and Frankfort with a police escort, sirens and horns blaring. The boys waved, enjoying the support of their fans.
The parade concluded at Lincoln-Way East with a trophy presentation and medals for the seniors on the team.
"On behalf of Lincoln-Way East, I would like to congratulate and thank all of you for taking us on this ride," said Principal Scott Tingley. "You are a very special team. Seniors, I will miss watching you compete."
Coach Rob Zvonar took the podium with a roar of applause and a standing ovation.
"Nobody does Champaign better than Lincoln-Way East," he said.
Zvonar gave his heartfelt thanks to the staff and the team.
"I am forever grateful for how you've touched my life and the lives of the community," he said. "I am truly blessed to be your coach."
Congratulations to the Griffins football team for a fantastic season. We look forward to hearing about the great things the seniors of this team will go on to do. We look forward to another season of Griffins football in 2013. Go Blue!
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In This article
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Lincoln-Way East High School
201 Colorado Ave, Frankfort, IL -
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Ann C. Piasecki
Joined Patch Wednesday, November 24, 2010
DR- Mokena
10:44 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
Nice photos........better luck next year with hopefully a more balanced offensive attack instead of one player attempting to do it all himself.
Julie
2:47 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Strongly disagree
Dean
1:46 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
I was so proud to be at all the home games with the band and at the last game. The way the school got behind a special group of football players was very emotional to watch,you just don't see that anymore. Coach Z is a very special leader and his players have exceptional heart.
Julie
2:11 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
like, like, like!!!!
Joeski
1:55 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Who the hell IS Jillian Barnes? What did she ever do for school or community? What a complete and utter moron she is!
Julie
2:01 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
I'm hoping she's a kid, can't see an adult posting something so wrong...
Mom
1:59 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
That team was lead by an outstanding QB!!!! Love them ALL.
Julie
2:19 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
AMEN!!!
Joeski
2:03 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
I wish Patch.com had a "like" button :)
KathyJ
2:27 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Their quarterback has something Jillian doesn't....it's called "Class!"
Tnt
2:39 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Nice job LWE. Im glad that fuessel kid is graduating . Now we just have to find a way to beat his cousin in 2013.
Eagle's 2013
8:45 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
He has a cousin?
Anna Schier
3:01 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Jillian Barnes,
Your comment was removed after Patch received a complaint from the Lincoln-Way School District. Personal attacks are in breach of Patch's commenting policy, particularly when they are made in reference to high school students.
Thank you for reading Patch,
Anna
DR- Mokena
4:14 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Julie,
What do you strongly disagree with? Were you not watching the game or were you watching Andy Griffith re-runs? Or do you just not understand football? When a team has 45 total yards at halftime and their QB who has run all over the country the prior 13 games can't get past the line of scrimmage (not totally his fault), then either the coach (Zvonar) or his offensive coordinator must stop trying to run plays that beat LWay Central and other inferior opponents. They took 1/2 of the game to finally realize that...in the meantime Tommy Fuessel is going down like a wounded warrior trying his best to do it all himself. Sorry it didn't work...LWE played a much better 2nd half as they realized that and passed the ball downfield more and got other players involved in the game such as Corbett and Colangelo.
GE
4:46 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
DR... seems like the girl sees more into the game of football than you do!
Tnt
4:39 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
@julie. Theres always monday morning quarterbacks. One thing Dr mokena is correct on, fuessel did play like a warrior.
CS
5:30 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Why do some of you have to be negative after such a great season? I am a father of one of these players------- these kids and coaches have worked incredibly hard since June--- SINCE JUNE. How about a big Thank you for all your hard work and the memories--- I will never forget this season. 100% of the people that matter --- are proud of you-- Thank you!
FSR
2:28 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
LWE had a great season again. The players and coaches did their best to win but ran into an excellent opponent. They work hard and are fortunate to have a great coaching staff lead by Coach Z. Keep up the good work and best of luck in the future. All is good.