No, I didn’t go to Batavia High School, but I lived in the small suburban town of Batavia nearly my entire life. I felt an incredible connection to the school and community the very first moment I stepped onto the football field as a sideline reporter for BATV. And I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity they gave me and love they showed me.
You see, in the early morning hours of October 9, 2017, my family’s home of more than 20 years was destroyed by a fire. I thank God every day that my parents and I escaped without physical harm. Eleven days later, I stepped onto the football field, and I was overcome with a feeling of peace (which is odd considering a major part of the game of football is tackling) and a brief escape from the hell my family had been living for nearly the previous two weeks. The BATV crew was patient and understood if I wasn’t ready to return to the field, but I couldn’t wait to get back on the turf, hold the microphone, and talk about Batavia football. The Bulldogs lost that game to St. Charles North, 35-28, but they didn’t lose the season.
One week later, I returned to the home of the Battling Bulldogs for the first time since the fire, and I felt that I was doing this broadcast for more than me. The fire station on the west side of Batavia is across the street from the high school, and it was often in my line of sight as I watched each tackle and touchdown. On this night, the view – and the fire station – had a whole new significance for me, and I had a whole new appreciation for first responders.
During the absolute worst month of my life, I felt more love than I knew was possible…and the Batavia Bulldogs kept winning football games. Each week, through the mountains of decisions my parents and I had to make, three moves, and emotional breakdowns, the Bulldogs earned another W. I was pulling for them to win as if I was a coach or player, and I wanted it just as badly.
November rolled around, and once again my Thanksgiving plans depended on high school football. If Batavia advanced to the state championship, they’d play the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I didn’t mind; in fact, I hoped Batavia football was going to fill my schedule that day.
Each week I breathed a sigh of relief and let out a yell of victory – almost simultaneously – because the Bulldogs kept winning. Fast forward to November 25, 2017: the 7A State Championship game kick-off was minutes away, and Batavia was preparing to take the field against Lake Zurich. In one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking games I’ve ever covered, Batavia beat Lake Zurich 21-14 for the 7A State Championship.
Seeing the joy on the faces of the players, coaches and parents was priceless, and I’m thankful to have covered it and been a part of that historic moment. In that moment, it didn’t matter that I wasn’t a Batavia grad, it didn’t matter that I didn’t know where I’d be living in six months, and it didn’t matter that my toes were numb from the weather. All that mattered was the W.
So thank you, BATV, for the opportunity to cover the Bulldogs and live my dream. And thank you, Batavia Football. Thank you for the distraction, the fun, the laughs, the memories, and for welcoming me into your community. Your 2017 season – and state championship – mean more to me than you’ll ever know.
Pre-game on the sidelines at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, I could hardly contain my excitement for the 7A State Championship game.
The Batavia Bulldogs' fan base at the 7A State Championship.
Comments