T-town Baseball Earns Statewide Recognition for Sportsmanship

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Published on June 1 2016 11:35 am
Last Updated on June 1 2016 11:44 am
Written by Dustin White

What began as a friendly note between school administrators has quickly grown into a statewide appreciation of the sportsmanship shown by Teutopolis High School and Murphysboro High School following the latter's victory in Monday's super-sectional baseball game between the two.

Not long after the game, longtime Murphysboro's athletic director, Len Novara, promptly typed an email to Teutopolis superintendent Bill Fritcher, lauding the Wooden Shoes' conduct during -- and in the moments directly following -- a spirited back-and-forth battle for inclusion in this year's IHSA Class 2A state tournament. Given the nature and magnitude of the contest (not to mention the wild ending) Novara was moved and impressed by the grace T-town displayed in defeat.

Understandably proud of its players, coaches, and fans, Teutopolis Unit 50 opted to share the contents of that email yesterday afternoon via its Facebook page; fewer than 24 hours later, it has been shared well over 4000 times by Facebook users. The Illinois High School Association picked up on the story this morning, sharing the letter on its own social media platforms and on its website.

On a statewide scale, at least, it's safe to say this story has "gone viral".