Prep Football

York football alums honored at inaugural Recognition Night

Posted October 25, 2021 11:00 pm

By Faith Behr Elmhurst Unit District 205

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including, clockwise, from upper left, 1969, 1970-79, 1980-89, 1990-90, 2000-09, and 2010-20. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

Ever wonder what it would be like to get your old high school team together?

Rob Wagner, assistant principal for athletics at Elmhurst's York High School, wondered the same thing.

Except he pondered how to get the hundreds of football alums together who continue to support York and the athletic program.

With the last varsity game of the year scheduled last Friday against Oak Park-River Forest, where their coach John Hoerster also happens to be a York football alumni, it was the perfect opportunity to recognize York High School football alums.

As a result, the inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition Program was born.

"York has an incredible football alumni fan base who support us and cheer us on at games," Wagner said. "We wanted to honor and recognize them for their commitment to York and this game was a great opportunity."

Players from each decade were honored during a rousing half-time ceremony.

The celebration was punctuated by a nail-biter of a game where the Dukes pulled out a last-minute win against Oak Park-River Forest 36-33.

The win propelled the Dukes to the state championship. The team will face Minooka in the IHSA State Playoffs-Round 1 at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 at York's Clarence D. East Field.

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including two from the 1969 team. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including two from 1970-79. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including six from 1980-89. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including 21 players from 1990-90. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including 12 from 2000-09. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

The inaugural York Football Alumni Recognition on Oct. 22 attracted alumni from across the decades, including 15 from 2010-20. Courtesy of Elmhurst Unit District 205

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