Simeon Wins CPS City Championship

I photographed the Simeon v. Orr CPS championship game today (Feb. 18, 2018) at Chicago State's Convocation Center. Great game. Great venue. Great light. 

The Sun-Times' Michael O'Brien wrote a very good account of the game which I won't try to best here. I have seen Orr many times over the past three years and, of course, I read Rick Telander's wonderful series last year about the team. So I was kind of hoping they could continue the Cinderella story by knocking off powerhouse Simeon. Ya, that didn't happen. Simeon is good. Really good. Workmanlike. Never-in-doubt kind of really good. Great even. 

Here are my photos. Of two state championship teams.

Rest in Peace Commander Bauer

Commander Bauer’s senseless murder hit me hard. Middle of the work day at the State of Illinois Building, a place I go often. I didn’t know Comm. Bauer but, by all accounts, he was a fine man and a dedicated public servant. When I learned Commander Bauer was from Nativity, I wanted to go to the wake and funeral. But I couldn’t because I had to go out of town with my wife.

When I was a kid, my uncle was pastor at Nativity of Our Lord Parish at 37th and Union in the 11th Ward, Bridgeport. The Mayor lived a block and half away. We would visit my uncle often. We had family parties in the basement of the church. My brother and I and my cousin Mike explored the church and the rectory. I have many fond memories of that place.

In December 1976 while my Uncle Father Jack was still at Navity, Mayor Daley passed away and was buried from there. My uncle left Nativity a little while later and he passed away in 1983.

So this evening, after today’s funeral, I stopped over at Nativity and took some photos. And paid my respects.

May God rest Comm. Bauer’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed. Including Mayor Daley and my Uncle, Rev. John J. Lydon.

Whitney Young Edges Morgan Park 69-66

At Whitney Young this evening, the Dolphins battled Morgan Park battled to the last shot, Whitney Young's Jake Kosakowski's last second three pointer, giving Whitney Young the lead and the game, 69-66. Whitney Young advances to the Chicago Public League Playoff semi-finals at Chicago State. 

Here are some of my photos. The light at Whitney Young is challenging so be kind.