Sports Forum

Dear Editor:

Everyone who knew Roger Decker was sorry to hear about his death from cancer. He passed away on February 23, 2008.

He was involved with so many youth sports activities in Blue Island, as a past 2- term Park Commissioner who, when feasible, always made sure that youth organizations here used our parks freely and always took into account the best interests of all.

He was a past president of the Blue Island Untouchables, and also of the Blue Island Pony-Colt League. He, and his sons, Gary and Richard (Dickie) also helped out Blue Island's West Side Little League.

Roger Decker held the State of Illinois Untouchable Jr.Football League Charter. It was in his name for more than 32 years-it was his “baby.” He just didn't want anyone to screw it up.

A couple of years ago, I got a call from him, “Fiske, come over to my house-I need to talk to you.” He asked if I would take over the charter and put it in my name. I felt honored then and I still do, until this day.

Mr. Decker always cared about young people and sports here in Blue Island. If any youth organization needed anything, if he could help, he always would. That was just how he was.

“0-75 was too fast” but not too fast to think about his family, friends and youth sports.

Rick Fiske

In Loving Memory Of Roger Decker

Born April 22, 1932 ~ At rest February 23, 2008

A beautiful life came to an end

He died as he lived

Everyone's Friend

Once an Untouchable, always an Untouchable

Registration

Any child can play for FREE by selling candy for baseball or raffle tickets for football and cheerleading

Little League ages 5 through 12

Pony, Colt Palomino ages 13 through 18

Untouchables 5 through 15; however, no high school students

Saturday March 22 from 9:00 a.m. until Noon

At Blue Island Recreation Center 2805 West 141st Street 597-8607 or 597-8561

For more information: for Little League baseball, call 597-8561 or 489-9572; for Pony Baseball 597-8561, for Untouchables 389-1511

Remember: Your child can play all sports for FREE

Eisenhower High School News

by Bob McParland, District 218

Coaches face a wide spectrum of challenges. They must develop character, discipline, team identity, sportsmanship and, perhaps most of all, motivation in their players. For a team that has won two straight state titles, what's left?

That's the question that Kerri Moses, the coach of the Eisenhower High School dance team, answer this year.

Photo L - R: (front row) Ashley Flores, Stefanie McGreal, Ariel Aguilera, Lindsay Shandro, (back row) Assistant Coach Elaine Giron, Alyn Ward, Daniel Ibarra, Maryah Mumford, Gabriela Padilla, Victor Rodriguez, Head Coach Kerri Moses, and Mariela Oliva.

“This year's team had very little experience. From day one, they set their goals high and settled for nothing less than the best. They worked harder than any team I have ever coached, and they truly earned the title of 'state champions.' They are definitely my champions. It has been a joy coaching them. I am so proud of them,” said Moses, whose team won the Universal Dance Association state title on February 23.

The Cardinal Dance Team, formerly called 'Cardettes,' captured the title in the Hip-Hop Division, generally regarded as the most competitive due to its popularity. The team also received the award for Best Crowd Appeal. Eisenhower graduate Elaine Giron and former team captain served as assistant coach this season. “This program has grown so much over the past five years. I am so lucky because I coach some of the best kids in the school. The reputation of our program has grown and athletes coming into it know the expectations and stakes are high.

Untouchable News

by Rick Fiske

On Saturday, 2/23/08, the Untouchable Football Clinic at Eisenhower High School had more than 200 of our kids attending.

Head football coach Travis Moore and his coaches and football players helped out at the clinic as well as their Mother's Club who cooked up food to meet expenses.

Thanks to Pam L'Argent, Raeann Zylman and Cathy Spizzirri who, as always, helped out. There were 29 football players registered and two cheerleaders for the 2008 season.

All-Conference honors

by Bob McParland, Community Dist 218

Students in three different sports from Eisenhower High School earned All- South Suburban Conference honors this winter. The Student-athletes recognized as All-SSC (bowling) are pictured.

Photo L - R (front) Sharnita Lloyd, Kaylee Chase, Marcy Czarnecki, (back row) Ashley Phillips, Nikko Tucker and Cara Mailey.