104th Crosstown Classic: Batavia, Geneva High Schools To Face Off For A Cause

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia and Geneva high schools are gearing up to face off at the Crosstown Classic for the 104th annual year.

The two football teams will continue their "Competing for a Cause" tradition Oct. 7 at Batavia's Bulldog Stadium, 1201 Main St.

To raise money, the teams are selling limited edition t-shirts — which they'll wear in the game — for $15. Geneva's sales will support TriCity Family Services while Batavia's will support Freedom Fighter Outdoors, the Batavia Public Library Foundation, and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence.

"We are fortunate to live in two communities that are very supportive — not only of our athletes but of our local charities as well," Geneva Athletic Director Matthew Hahn said in a statement. "Competing for a Cause is about more than a passionate competition; it’s about acting as leaders to help others in need."

Batavia High School varsity football coach Dennis Piron echoed Hahn's sentiments and said the team is "thrilled" to once again partner with Geneva High School.

"There is a special feeling in the air whenever our schools meet in competition," Piron said in a statement. "The players, coaches, and fans feel it. We capitalize on that feeling during the 'Competition for a Cause', and our local charities benefit from it."

T-shirts, which range in size from adult small to adult XXL, will be available for purchase for a few days before the game. Sales for Batavia shirts, which will be black, will take place from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 5-6 in Batavia High School's foyer off the Main Street entrance. Students will have the chance to purchase shirts during lunch periods Oct. 4-6.

Geneva shirts, which will be blue, will be for sale in the Geneva High School contest gym foyer from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 5-6. Students can purchase shirts during their lunch period Oct. 6-7.

Some shirts may also be for sale on game day, organizers said.

"It's amazing how the two communities come together to support such great causes while having lots of fun competing at the same time," John Masen, a Batavia High School student who's managing Batavia shirt sales, said in a statement.