Memorable moments? Plenty in '07-08

And so, it's done. The 2007-08 high school sports season is history. It wasn't the Southland's greatest year in terms of producing team state champions, but we did have four - the boys basketball team from Richards, the softball team from Lincoln-Way Central, the "medium" cheerleading squad from Tinley Park and the "large" cheerleading squad from Lockport.

There were a number of individuals who reached for the stars and experienced the ultimate reward. Kristin Sutherland of Sandburg did it twice, winning state titles in cross country and track and field.

For yours truly, it's always a reward to see the young people of the Southland giving their all on the field of competition and growing into people who will make the world all that much better.

It's amazing how when one set of memorable athletes graduate, another takes right up in their footsteps.

Like, just as an example, Stagg senior volleyball player Andrea Janus. I'm not going to say she came out of nowhere, because she was pretty good as a junior. And I also knew of her from basketball.

But this one afternoon I was watching the Chargers play Sandburg and I noticed this kid diving all over the place to make one great defensive play after another.

To me, the most exciting action in girls volleyball is produced by the back row players. They are the grittiest, hardest-working people on the court. And that day, Janus was as gritty - and as fun to watch - as it gets.

When I went down after the match to get some stats from Stagg coach Shannan Sisk, I was particularly interested in finding out how many digs Janus had. It turned out she tied the school record of 26, which had been set by Rachel Gensch in 1997.

Janus overcame back problems during the season, and was still diving and digging at the finish. She leaves as one of the great ones in Stagg volleyball history. Her name will certainly be a worthy addition to the record board in the gym this fall.

There were many other wonderful athletes that made doing my job an absolute joy in 2007-08. To the seniors, let me say thanks and good luck in college and beyond. I can't wait to see some of the juniors who were "pretty good" players become the next Andrea Janus in 2008-09.

Good luck and bon voyage also to Richards football coach Gary Korhonen, who on Sept. 28 earned his 301st coaching victory at an Illinois school, a state record. On Feb. 1, Korhonen retired at age 67 after a 36-year career. I can't imagine covering a Richards football game without seeing Korhonen pace the sidelines with his rosary beads.

Now, on to one final item of business - choosing what for me was the most memorable high school sports moment of 2007-08.

It actually wasn't one moment. It was the final six minutes of the Class 6A semifinal game between Lemont and host Oak Forest. That may have been the ca-raziest six minutes of football I've ever witnessed.

Let's begin with Lemont in charge at 20-14 and appearing headed for a game-clinching touchdown. But wait, there's a fumble! Oh, my goodness, what a runback for Oak Forest by Chori Bryant. And what a catch for the game-tying touchdown by Casey Brent! And now the extra point for the lead ... no good!

Here comes Lemont, all the way down the field. The Indians are gonna score. But wait. Another fumble! Lemont blows it. But wait! Oak Forest fumbles the ball back! It's Bobby Earnest from the 2 for Lemont. Touchdown! The Indians win 27-20.

Whew. You can catch a fever from stuff like that.

Tony Baranek can be reached at tbaranek@southtownstar.com or (708) 633-5947.