Downers Grove South Volleyball Team Celebrates State Title

It was a Cinderella season for the Downers Grove South boys volleyball team—a program that started that got off to a 3-5 start and finished with a state championship.

The Mustangs (31-10) won the IHSA state title Saturday after defeating Lincoln-Way North 25-18, 25-20. It was the school's first-ever championship in boys volleyball.

The team was treated to a special celebration Sunday in the South High cafeteria, where parents, friends, students and staff gathered for the presentation of the championship trophy.

"I know the deep pleasure and smile it brings to myself every time I think of your dedication to your sport, your team and everyone here at South High School," Principal Steve Bild told the players Sunday. "Your teamwork is special, and it landed you in the record book. We could not be more proud of you as a team or as individuals."

South High was hardly a favorite going into the IHSA playoffs; they were never ranked during the regular season and they were the lowest seed heading into Friday's quarterfinal matchup.

"At summer camp last year, I asked some of the guys, 'How do you want to leave Downers Grove South?' and they said they wanted to win state. They made that dream come true," head coach Kurt Steuer said.

Steuer attributed much of the team's success to the fact that the players never took themselves too seriously.

"If you saw one of our practices, these guys are goofing around, but in between the lines they know how to take care of business," Steuer said. "If you took a look at them, you wouldn't know they were focused or ready to go, but that was sort of our team identity."

In the final, senior middle hitter Nick Timreck led the way for Downers Grove South, tallying 11 kills, two digs and three solo blocks. Junior outsider hitter Mike Schmitt added 10 kills and junior setter Jordan Pawlicki had 29 assists and six digs.

Earlier in the day, the Mustangs beat St. Charles North in the semifinal, 25-18, 25-21. They beat Deerfield in Friday's quarterfinal, 25-20, 22-25, 25-17.

Timreck and five other seniors graduated in a special ceremony Thursday—one day early—so they could join their team for Friday's match. Up until Saturday, they thought graduation would be their biggest end-of-the-year celebration.

"To win a state championship is just the greatest way to finish off high school," Timreck said. "I can't really describe the feeling. It was unbelievable."

Senior Austin Adank, also a captain, attributed the team's victory to their growth as players and friends.

"We didn't even make it out of our regional last year, so we've come a long way," Adank said. "I think the biggest change was just the overall experience and talent that we had this year, and how hard we worked to improve. And I think overall we were just closer as a team, which made a huge difference for us."