By Aaron Boyer, Writer, LCMS Northern Illinois District

Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

The 29th annual Lutheran Sports Association Illinois state track and field meet began on Saturday, morning May 18, 2019, with the traditional Parade of Schools. Representatives from 56 Lutheran schools traveled from across Illinois to compete with each other and glorify God with their athletic gifts.

Athletes and coaches marched from one end of the track to the other in the traditional Parade of Schools, carrying their schools’ banners for all to see. After all 407 athletes and their coaches were assembled on the football field, David Risch, my former cross country coach at Concordia, gave words of welcome and opened the meet with a prayer of thanksgiving and praise, asking for safety and courage for all competitors. Then, the national anthem was played, and the competition commenced.

It was a special pleasure for me attending the meet this year. Having competed in the meet in eighth grade, practiced year after year on Concordia’s track in college, and coached  or taught athletes from several different schools, it was an experience that brought together many different people and eras of my life.

Here is my view of the 2019 LSA Track and Field Meet.

 

Coaches sporting their Hawaiian shirts.
The Tigers from Trinity, Springfield smile as they parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A unique double-banner from the Zion Bensenville Eagles.

 

Spotted by my sixth grade teacher, Diane Hinck, and the other Zion, Marengo coaches! I attended Zion from 3rd to 8th grade.
Jon Poppe was on the track team with me at Concordia. He attended the LSA meet in support of Rockford Lutheran, where he teaches and coaches the high school team. Paige Craig is Director of Alumni Relations at Concordia–and she loves CUC!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am an instructional assistant at Saint Paul in Mount Prospect–and my students think I’m funny, it seems. They are right, of course.

 

Of note this year was the fact that Concordia’s baseball team was simultaneously competing in the NCAA Division III regional not 200 feet from the track. This meant that long and triple jumpers had to watch out for foul balls flying from the baseball field. Thankfully, no one was  hit.

The meet was filled with triumphs, challenges, sunburns, and smiles.

A close finish for the 4×100.
I coached Reagan Henkel in volleyball while student teaching at Trinity Roselle. She was the discus champion, with a throw of 85 feet, 2 inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ian McLauchlan of Morton Bethel won the triple jump with a jump of 38 feet, 7 inches.

 

 

 

 

Susan Kloess makes sure volunteers are hydrated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final rounds of the competition took place on Sunday, May 19, 201 with the Morton Bethel Flames taking first place for  the boys’ competition, and the Grace River Forest Vikings taking first place for the girls’ competition. Praise the Lord for the gifts given to these athletes and the opportunity to use and enjoy them!

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 

About the Author

Aaron Boyer has joined the LCMS Northern Illinois District staff as writer. In this position, Aaron is responsible for developing, editing and publishing stories on the electronic news site as well as in print media.

Aaron is a 2016 graduate of Concordia University Chicago with majors in Education and Spanish. He is currently a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect.

Please welcome Aaron to the staff!

This is Our Northern Illinois District! #OurNID

A Personal “View” of LSA Track