The Simeon Wolverines defeated the Hubbard Greyhounds 35-14 to win the 2009 Public League football title Saturday afternoon at Gately Stadium.
The Simeon Wolverines defeated the Hubbard Greyhounds 35-14 to win the 2009 Public League football title Saturday afternoon at Gately Stadium.
Simeon had been to the title game twice in the past three years, losing both times to Morgan Park. Head football coach Jesse Chick was at the helm for those losses and he and his entire team and coaching staff went into the football season determined to win a city title.
“It was a mission, and we had a clear goal,” said Chick. “Our chemistry and dedication were in synch and like I tell my players, teamwork makes the dream work.”
If anything, the champion Wolverines (10-3) displayed a lot of versatility in the title game. Scoring touchdowns on offense and defense while getting a safety from the special teams unit.
Chick explained that at Simeon, it’s a total team effort, and if the offense is having a bad day it’s only natural for the defense and special teams to step up.
“It’s a family,” said Chick. “A family knows how to pick up the slack for one another.”
And the Wolverines were faced with their share of adversity during the season. They were involved in a fight at North Chicago that resulted in player suspensions and a lot of negative press. After the incident they had to play rival Morgan Park in the next game without several starters. They lost 29-28, but the contest went to the wire and helped to give them the confidence to carry on with their mission.
“You could feel the aura of the team change after that,” said Chick. And they went on to win all of their regular season contests.
The 2009 Wolverine football team can now claim a spot in Simeon’s storied sports history, and cherish an accomplishment that will stay with them a lifetime.
“Winning the championship is a character builder and it lets you know that all things are possible,” Chick said. Even when you’re 45 or 50 years old you’ll always know in your heart what happened, that’s an everlasting feeling.”
Next for the Wolverines is the Prep Bowl where they will face Catholic League champion St. Rita (10-3) at Soldier Field, Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
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