Oak Forest High School proudly unveiled two new athletic banners during the Bremen High School District 228 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, honoring the outstanding accomplishments of the Bengals football and girls wrestling teams.
The ceremony brought together members of the Board of Education, district and school administration, coaches, student-athletes, families, and supporters in the Oak Forest High School gymnasium to celebrate two historic seasons that added to the school’s rich athletic tradition.
Athletic Director Matt Manzke addressed attendees during the ceremony, reflecting on the significance of the banners hanging in the gym rafters and the legacy they represent for Oak Forest High School student-athletes.
“These banners represent thousands of athletes who have come through the school in various sports,” said Manzke. “They represent hard work, discipline, dedication and, most importantly, excellence. Today, we’re here to add two more banners to that tradition.”
The Oak Forest football team, led by first-year head coach Zac Sadek, completed one of the most successful seasons in school history. The Bengals captured the SSC Blue Conference Championship, finished the season with an 11-2 record, and advanced to the IHSA State Semifinals for the first time since 2008.
Manzke praised the team’s resilience and impact on the school community throughout the season.
“They competed for each other, they competed for the school, and most importantly, they brought the community together,” Manzke said. “Hosting three home playoff games created an electric atmosphere that our school community will remember for years to come.”
The girls wrestling team also earned statewide recognition after another dominant season under the leadership of Coach Jamie Hubbard. Despite girls wrestling only being officially sponsored by the IHSA for five years, Oak Forest has quickly established itself as one of the premier programs in Illinois.
The Bengals won the conference championship and earned a third-place finish at the IHSA State Tournament this season.
“Their success is a result of hours of work, countless time in the wrestling room, dedication to each other and to the school itself,” Manzke said. “They’ve set the standard for all the girls wrestling teams that will come after them.”
Following the remarks, coaches and student-athletes revealed the commemorative banners before gathering with families and supporters for photos and celebration on the gym floor.
“These banners are more than accomplishments,” Manzke said. “They represent discipline, commitment, toughness, togetherness and community. Everyone who walks into this gym will see the impact these athletes had on Oak Forest High School.”
The newly unveiled banners now hang permanently in the Oak Forest High School gymnasium, commemorating two remarkable seasons and the student-athletes who made school history.
About Bremen High School District 228
Bremen High School District 228 is located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and serves the communities of Midlothian, Posen, Tinley Park, Markham, Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills and Oak Forest. District 228 serves over 5,000 students and employs 800 full and part-time staff members. Bremen High School, in Midlothian, opened its doors to students in September of 1953. Since then, District 228 opened three additional schools. Tinley Park High School opened in 1961; Hillcrest High School, in Country Club Hills, opened in 1967; and Oak Forest High School opened in 1970. For more information, please visit bhsd228.com/
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