The Crown Point girls softball team hosted their 2017 season banquet on Wednesday at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point. Though the banquet is an annual tradition, this year served as a way to celebrate not only the 2017 season, but also their recent win over the Avon Orioles in the state championships.
Players and family members gathered to celebrate the team and their successful season, and to acknowledge family members who worked to make the season run smoothly.
“At the end of the season we always get together, have a nice dinner, and the coach gives out awards. This is our best year, obviously, as state champions,” Mishelle Madrigal said, a team mom who helps throughout the year.
The 2017 season was nearly perfect for the team and impressed the new coach, Pete Iussig.
“It seemed pretty much like the perfect season and I think this banquet is a nice thing to do each year, especially after winning state,” Iussig said.
There were smiles all around as the girls, including five graduating seniors, gathered with their teammates and families to celebrate their accomplishments this year. Laughter could be heard from each table as a slide show played, highlighting notable moments from the season.
“It’s been a really exciting season,” said assistant coach Gabby Raspopovich. “It’s been a really emotional season for the girls, but they worked really hard. They came in six days a week and put a lot of time and energy into this.”
The hard work and determination of the girls showed when the team won against Avon in the state championships.
“It was absolute chaos of happiness. There were smiles all around, just pure bliss,” Raspopovich said.
The season stood out to Iussig and Coach Jim Chancellor, who also came to Crown Point for the first time this year. Chancellor knew he had a good team coming in, but was impressed by the dynamics of the team.
“The best thing about this team is the group dynamics and how they bonded together as one,” Chancellor said. “It’s been electric the whole year.”
Chancellor was also impressed with how the Crown Point community rallied behind the team as they progressed through regionals, semi-state, and eventually the final game to win the state title.
“The whole town of Crown Point got behind us. They were behind us at sectionals but it’s just amazing how much they stepped up,” Chancellor said.
After an amazing season, the banquet served as a way to celebrate and recognize everyone who helped make the season successful. Awards were handed out by coach Iussig after dinner. He issued each award with a touch of humor, adding to the smiles that filled the room.
Congratulations to the 2017 Girls Crown Point softball team!