Council rolls out red carpet for Kabba

BATAVIA -- Bai Kabba doesn't hear the crowds in the stands when he's in the starting blocks.

"I generally don't hear the cheering until after the race. It was amazing how people were cheering for everyone competing at the state meet," Kabba said. "You clear all thoughts out of your head and let the gun pull you out."

The Batavia City Council this week honored the Batavia track and field standout for winning the state championship in the 400 meters at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Mayor Jeff Schielke presented Kabba with a City Council proclamation acknowledging his success on the track and encouraging him in his future athletic and academic endeavors.

The mayor also presented the 2009 graduate with a copy of a city limits sign proclaiming Batavia home of a 2009 IHSA Class 3A state champion.

Kabba's coach, Dennis Piron, told council members that Kabba thought he had his educational future planned out, but after a single weekend that all changed.

"There was a feeding frenzy among coaches interested on where he would attend college," Piron said.

This week, Kabba accepted a track and field scholarship to the University of Illinois. He said he hopes to pursue a double major in international business and Spanish.

Kabba also placed eighth in the 100 and anchored the 1,600 relay to a second-place finish.

He also made an impression by walking the length of the track to shake the hands of every competitor in the state final.

"It shows tremendous sportsmanship and it caught the interest of college coaches at the state meet," Piron said. "Bai is one of the finest track and field athletes in the history of Batavia."

Speaking to the council, Kabba praised the support he received from his mother, Bridgette.

"The other athletes know my mom because she is the only parent who runs on the sidelines of a football game," he said.

Kabba also recognized the support from his coach.

"If I needed help, he made sure I got whatever I needed, whether it was academic help or on the field," he said.

Lastly, Kabba praised the Batavia community.

"The connection you have between families and attendance at our athletic and musical events is wonderful," he said. "All the kids from the class of 2009 appreciated it."