One week ago today tragedy struck the city of Washington, Illinois. An EF-4 tornado ripped through the city, leaving many with nothing. The destruction is amazing and sad for the close-knit community of just over 15,000 residents.What is not amazing is the way community residents have come together during this difficult time to help their family, friends and neighbors.
One night earlier, the Washington community was celebrating the town’s high school football team victory advancing them to the state semifinals for the first time since 1985. They won the state championship that year.
As preparations were being made for their Saturday game against Sacred Heart-Griffin, the team had different ideas - put football aside for a day and lend a helping hand. On Monday, that’s exactly what they did. It might just be the best lesson in life they will ever get. The remainder of the week was also far less than normal.
Tuesday & Wednesday: The team made the 30 mile trip to practice at Illinois State University. The team the Panthers beat in the Quarterfinals, University High School in Normal, provided the team with lunch. Central Catholic High School in Bloomington provided dinners.
Thursday: Players and mother’s of Joliet Catholic Academy provided dinner and dined with the team.
Friday: Normal team dinner.
Saturday: Stark County provided breakfast and their opponent that day (Sacred Heart-Griffin) provided transportation for the team to Springfield.
Washington Panthers coach, Darrell Crouch, said “It makes you think a lot about you say the Midwestern values and people taking care of each other and reaching out to you, it’s just unbelievable.”
The game itself was a chilly one. Temperatures were in the mid 20′s with gusty winds. By my guess, there were more fans who made the trip from Washington than home-team fans. The support was unprecedented, emotions were high and it was a day to put the devastation aside and cheer on their football team. See for yourself as the team took the field. The final outcome was not favorable for Washington. They were defeated by Sacred Heart-Griffin by a final of 44-14.
The football stadium had a different feeling on Saturday. It was more than a game. Sacred Heart-Griffin honored the Washington team and community members, Washington reciprocated. Washington fans did not leave when the game was clearly over. Their opponent could have scored with just under six minutes left, they decided to take a knee. When the game ended, coaches spoke with both teams at the center of the field as Washington fans came on the field to be with their home-town team.
Following the game, Coach Crouch met with the media along with players Casey Danley, Chris Friend and Mason Chockley. Complete audio can be heard by clicking here.
If you would like to donate to their Tornado Relief Fund, you can find all the information you need here. You can also get more information from the Facebook page.
The Good in Sports salutes the entire Washington community, the football team and the communities who have offered support. You are all Game Changers in our book. We wish you a safe and quick recovery.
Good article Sam.