They Won Multiple State Titles in That Gym?!

I love Mother McAuley.

The Mighty Macs are one of my favorite local schools to photograph and it has as much to do with how seriously they take their sports, but also how much fun their student section has at games.

Even non-rivalry matchups can attract a good size group. And in all the years I’ve covered them their cheers and chants have almost always remained positive or upbeat and directed towards their own players. While I’m sure they’re not complete angels, I think “you can’t do that” is about as anti the other team of a chant you’ll hear from them.

Having some of the larger and more boisterous crowds at high school games. I almost can’t fathom what it must have been like during a game there when it was the only gym the school had.

The school won its first basketball state title in 1991. And while I don’t have the exact year their new gym was built, it was not there in ’91. I’m sure there were some standing-room-only crowds that season. But also, the school had already established itself as a volleyball powerhouse. Making it to the final 4 ten of the first 13 seasons of the IHSA playoffs.

Still worthy of making a trip to.

Sadly, as much as my heart wanted to add one of the few all-girls schools left in Illinois to the book, what really makes this place great will be in the stands regardless of which gym they play in. Including their opponents!

So, if you have a chance to catch a rivalry or playoff game at McAuley or when they’re on the road. You should take that opportunity.

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