DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — For generations, Friday nights at Eisenhower High School meant one thing: Panther football. But this fall, the stands won't look the same.
"Honestly ... I shed a tear," said Eisenhower alumnus Ray D'Alesio.
The decision came just days before the Panthers were scheduled to take the field, ending a tradition that goes back generations. D'Alesio is a member of the Class of 1987.
"We spent a lot of blood, sweat and tears on that field. You know, it's a little heartbreaking, coming from somebody who wore that Panther jersey with pride," D'Alesio said.Â
For D'Alesio, football was about more than scoring points. He said he learned character-building traits through the sport.
Now, he considers how the current varsity team may feel.
"I'm sure they're going through a lot of emotions right now because, you know, think about all the sacrifices they made in the offseason and all the hours in the weight room this summer getting ready for the season," D'Alesio said.
The junior varsity team will continue playing. D'Alesio hopes the varsity team will make a comeback to the field.
"Don't give up. Don't give up. Life is full of obstacles. Life is full of roadblocks. Don't just stop because something is standing in your way. Go around it," D'Alesio said.
The season may be canceled, but for those who have worn the blue and white, being a Panther doesn't end when the clock runs out.
Decatur Public Schools said the season was terminated due to low participation and concerns over student safety.
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