Team Illinois 2001

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The day began with wake up 'knocks' at 6:30 am. Soon after that, I learned that we had one suitcase in the group (nameless player) that could not be opened because the so-called combination wouldn't open the lock!  No worries. We took the suitcase with us, planning a stop at Ace Hardware. Two blocks from the dorm we passed the Bowling Green Fire Department, and they were just then putting a truck away. We stopped and they kindly brought out a Gigantic Pair Of Bolt Cutters and clipped the lock. It was our first adventure of the day.

We headed to breakfast at the "Waffle House" and enjoyed everything but the grits. Stephen asked if they could give us all free hats; they declined but gave us all free buttons (pins) instead. We wore these for good luck.

Our opening match was against Governor's School of Virginia. It was 140-80 after the first round and we thought it would be easy. Apparantly we woke them up, rather than vice-versa, because they led 195-185 after two rounds. In the final round, they nailed 6 power toss-ups, worth 20 points each instead of 10, to our 3, and with bonus points ended up defeating us 435-345. Ouch.

After a lopsided win over Solon, Ohio (a local school) 380-180, we faced State College Pennsylvania, the four-time winners of this tournament. State College led 130-90 after the first period, but we came alive and led 215-180 after the second period. Grabbing three power toss-ups to start the third period, we were ahead 355-225 when State College began their comeback. Going into the last question, it was Team Illinois 405, State College 375. Unfortunately, they hit on the last toss-up, and swept the bonus, to win 425-405. The only consolation for us is that the combined score of 830 points (out of a possible 1000 for the match) is the highest total score for any match in four years, and our losing score of 405 points was the highest losing score for any match in four years. For now, at least, Team Illinois has made it to the PACE record book.

Lunch was at Big Boy because the line at Wendy's was too long. Stephen asked if they could give us all free T-Shirts; they declined but gave us all free frisbees instead. We carried these around for good luck.

Our next three matches were again, lopsided wins: 430-290 over Plymouth Salem from Ohio; 395-110 over Bowling Green Ohio; and 300-165 over Welsh Jesuit Academy from Ohio.

In our final match of the day we faced Woodward Academy from Atlanta Georgia. A tough team, they had taken State College to double-overtime in the match just prior, and then lost. They were tired (as were we) and coming off that defeat they were not "on" their game. We led 110-70 after one period, 170-125 after two periods, and 420-215 by the end of the game.

With our exhibition status, were not allowed not qualify (but would have qualified, given our 5-2 record) for the playoffs on Sunday. State College with an undefeated record, Governors School with one loss, Plymouth Salem, and Woodward Academy will represent our "pool" in the 12-team playoff field.

Adlai Stevenson HS from Lincolnshire, who, having decided to come at the last minute, could only manage to get three players; they got permission to, and invited, Nick Poulos from New Trier to join them. They finished third in their "pool" behind Detroit Central Catholic and Georgetown Day School, and will thus represent their "pool" (and Illlnois!) in the Sunday playoffs.

We've set up a short practice with Stevenson tonight to spur them on.

Team Illinois will compete in the "consolation round" that occurs Sunday, made up of matches among the teams that did not qualify for the playoffs. We will play five matches, then hopefully play in the Consolation Championship Match. If we win that, we take home, in the words of the Tournament Host, some "cool prizes that include the Bowling Green Logo."

We're off to dinner soon, then a relaxing evening with "no pressure". Like me, you may be wondering what free stuff Stephen will ask for!

Coach Grierson