Mayor Gary Manier declared Dec. 21 the official Panther football appreciation day.
Manier presented a plaque to Washington Community High School head coach Darrell Crouch and the team. The plaque listed the team’s accomplishments this season, including winning the Mid-Illini Conference championship, having an undefeated regular season, defeating the Metamora Redbirds after a 35-game losing streak and their second-place ranking in the final Associated Press 5A state bowl.
The plaque also commended the team for having distinguished itself by its play on the field and sportsmanship on and off the field and for bringing recognition to the players and coaching staff at WCHS and the city of Washington at large.
Alderman Dave Dingledine called the team’s season a “heck of an accomplishment.”
“I know all you guys will be successful in life because the lessons you learn playing sports take you to the next step and you’ll take that with you,” Dingledine said after the plaque presentation.
Also there to talk about life lessons with the football team was Washington native and Silver Star recipient, U.S. Army Capt. Matt Chaney.
According to a military report, Chaney received the Silver Star for his actions Sept. 10, 2007, in Iraq that resulted in the death of at least 11 enemy personnel. Chaney was seriously injured during the operation.
Addressing the football team, Manier said it was amazing “to think that 14 years ago, he (Chaney) was wearing that same uniform, kicking for the Panthers.”
Senior Austin Nichols said he and the team found Chaney’s story “pretty moving and inspirational.”
“It was very interesting to hear this guy who’s a war hero and hear about everything he’s been through,” Nichols said.
Nichols added that it was especially relevant for a few seniors on the team already signed up for the Army after graduation and those looking to attend West Point U.S. Military Academy.
