L-W East Alumni Football Families Share Success Stories

Team dinners for the varsity football team at Lincoln-Way East have been a time-honored tradition for a decade.

Football families believed it was an important part of team building, especially after Lincoln-Way split into (then) two schools, Lincoln-Way Central and Lincoln-Way East. Parents would collect money from football families and donations from dinner sponsors and host a dinner for the team, coaches and the coaches families the night before a game.

There would be a time of reflection, thanks for the volunteers and their donations, and then the team would be off to the buffet line to fill their plates with a meal and homemade desserts brought by football families.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, alumni football families came together to financially sponsor the team dinner. Many of the families came to share their stories from football at East as well as share what their graduates are doing now.

Some are playing football and rugby, some have Ivy League diplomas, some are married and many are enjoying great success in their lives after LWE football.

"Being a part of Lincoln-Way East football family was something that played a large part of our boys high school experience and their development into the men they are today," alumni mom Sandy Wing said. "We all truly enjoyed being a part of the team dinner experience and wanted to help support Coach 'Z' (Rob Zvonar) and the team in any way we could.

"One heartbeat goes on … even after graduation."

Zvonar was visibly moved as he thanked the families for their generosity and kindness.

'Z' thanked the following families for their donations: Patty Olofesson and Jim Elkow (Gus 2006, Jon, 2007, Steve, 2007), Jim and Sandy Bookhou (Kyle 2005, Alex 2006)t, Tom and MIchelle Mau (Alex 2006, Joe, 2006, Andy 2007), Margaret Daily-Gutrichenter (Ryan, 2005, Miles, 2005), Fred and Lisa Pammer (Dave 2003, Dan 2007), Mike and Julie Matras Brian, 2003), George and Theresa Pecho (Tony, 2005, Nick 2008), Denny and Crickett Ohimanseik (Tyler, 2005), Alan and Laura Lognion (Max, 2007), Greg and Mary Pokorney(Andrew 2004, Marty 2006), David and Colleen Zenere (Austin, 2008), Mark and Tracy Lucas (Brandon, 2005, Blake 2007), Doug and Cindy Gerritsen (Greg 2003, Andy 2007), Mike and Sandy Wing (Mike, 2004, Phil, 2007),  Charles and Tamie Cebula (Dan, 2008), and Kyle and Kattie Boohout (player,  2005).

Lincoln-Way East was ousted from the Class 7A playoffs in a 7-0 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South in a marquee matchup that played out Friday night in Frankfort.