Lemont Football Holds 100th Season Celebration On Friday

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School will host a 100th season celebration for its football program prior to its varsity home game on Friday. The school said players from seven decades are expected to be in attendance, and all Lemont football alumni are encouraged to join the event.

From 5-7 p.m., the school will host an outdoor reception with refreshments for football alumni behind the west end zone. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. against South Suburban Conference-Blue Division rival Thornton Fractional North. Prior to kickoff, Ray Rohder ‘51 - a member of the Lemont High School Athletic Hall of Fame representing the “Golden Age of Lemont Football” - will lead a commemorative coin toss, the school said.

LHS' football program began in 1921, and has enjoyed "a storied history," the school said.

In 1950, 1951 and 1952, the school went a combined 21-1-2 and won three Northeast Conference titles under coach Bill Ryan. The squads were inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame as the "Golden Age of Lemont Football" for the achievement, according to the school.

In 1980, Lemont made its IHSA playoff debut, and earned its first IHSA playoff victory in 1985 under coach Marv Gonsiorowski.

Lemont also advanced to the IHSA playoffs nine consecutive seasons from 2004-12, including Class 6A state runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2008 under now-principal Eric Michaelsen. Under current head coach Bret Kooi, Lemont has again reached the IHSA playoffs six straight seasons from 2014-2019, including a 2014 state runner-up finish, according to the school.

Since joining the South Suburban Conference in 2006, Lemont has won 100 SSC Blue titles in 15 seasons, the school said. Several former LHS players have also gone on to play professional, including current NFL players Clayton Fejedelem (Miami Dolphins) and Ethan Pocic (Seattle Seahawks).

Lemont football alumni who register in advance for the celebration will be admitted for free, both to the reception and the game. In order to register, contact Director of Activities & Athletics John Young at either jyoung@lhs210.net or (630) 243-3210.

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