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Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) High School Academy in Chicago, Illinois is the former home of superstar Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls guard. But, THIS YEAR, the 2011 Simeon Wolverines boys' basketball team created a lot of attention on their own! Based on their amazing season, they ranked nationally in the 18th position according to the MaxPreps Freeman poll, therefore earning the honorary appointment to receive the "Minuteman" trophy from the Illinois Army National Guard.
On May 4th, the 5th Annual MaxPreps Basketball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard ceremony was conducted in honor of this fantastic season and the boys teams accomplishments. Athletic Director Reginald Brock kicked off the ceremony by inviting the team onto the stage where they sat in chairs awaiting the mention of their award. Mr. Brock introduced Chris Stonebraker of Max Preps and as Chris stepped up to the microphone, he quickly engaged the crowd with excitement and interacted well with them to inform them about the award to be received. He explained the prestige of the national ranking and the select group it involves, quickly proving Simeon's election was no accident but an award well deserved. Chris then introduced Staff Sergeant James Rodgers of the Illinois Army National Guard. Staff Sergeant Rodgers related the team's hard work and dedication, loyalty and commitment, as qualities needed for success. Sergeant Rodgers then passed the well-deserved Army National Guard national ranking trophy off to Head Coach Robert Smith and the team who all wanted to touch and hold their newest award.
Coach Smith spoke of this day as being a mixed emotion. When he originally scheduled this special event, he was thrilled to have the Army National Guard award them on this particular day, May 4, in honor of his mother, being her birthday. But, two weeks previous to the day, she passed away. He was happy for the accomplishments of his team and he congratulated them, but he unfortunately had to remove himself from the celebration. Former head football coach and student dean Jesse Chick added a few words of encouragement for the team and others and then turned the microphone over to Principal Bolden who praised the team for their accomplishments both on the court and off.
Teammates Jabari Parker, a sophomore, and Jaleni Neely, a junior, each had comments to make regarding this amazing season and how the team really came together because of the qualities Sergeant Rodgers spoke of. It was another day to feel proud to be part of the Simeon Career High School Academy.
