Last Friday, a dreary winter-weather week finally broke, giving way to a sunny brisk afternoon. It almost felt like spring, and so it was no surprise that Wrigley Field was bustling with activity. More than 200 soccer players from seven different schools spread across the outfield grass at the Friendly Confines for an afternoon of soccer and Halloween crafting.
Players from Prieto and Claremont scrimmaged in the shade of right field, while Coach Dan and Coach Cris ran relay races in shallow center with Goethe, Jahn, and Jenner. In sunny left center, Sherman and Otis traded goals after mixing players on both sides. Meanwhile, half of these kids were taking their skills to the craft table, decorating pumpkins and making scary popcorn hands to take home.
When the last whistle blew, players were treated to a pizza dinner provided by the Cubs and served by a Rubix Cube, a bear, and an alligator. The Cubs staff definitely brought out their Halloween spirit! We all had an even bigger treat when Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, whose support made this event happen, came to visit. Mr. Ricketts even spent a long time mingling with the kids, taking time to sign pumpkins and souvenirs.
From the Cubs staff to Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts and all of the coaches and parents that came out, UI and all of the schools: THANK YOU for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at one of the world’s greatest stadiums.
