They've got friends in high places, the Hartem Stags Volleyball Team visits the Illinois State Capitol

 

[May 24, 2017]  The Hartsburg-Emden State Champion Volleyball Teams visited the Illinois State Capitol on Monday and they were treated like the champions that they are. You may recall that Hartem swept the Class 7-1A and 8-1A State Volleyball Championships earlier this year.

Thanks to a certain connection, the Stags were honored for their outstanding accomplishments and even impressed Governor Bruce Rauner on the visit.

According to Hartem Volleyball Coach Jennifer Hayes, the visit came about because of two reasons. First, Representative Tim Butler visited Hartem last year and became aware of the successful program. Secondly, Butler’s secretary just happens to be a friend of the mother of Cloee O’Donoghue. O’Donoghue is a Stag Volleyball State Champion. Having friends in high places has its benefits.

So on Monday morning the team traveled to Springfield, along with coaches and some family members, and they were treated to the experience of a lifetime. Coach Hayes had this to say about the opportunity, “We had a great experience. The Governor was very personal. He congratulated the team on their accomplishments and how important it is in school and in life to work hard and be a great teammate.”

"He also said how proud he was of the girls and their representing the state in such an impressive manner. And he said "GO STAGS" a lot,” Coach Hayes said, laughing.

She continued, "He told them about the history of the Capital Building. He told them about the Governor's Mansion being renovated and moving to the Illinois State Fairgrounds. He also told a story about a family of foxes living under his porch. He has six children, all grown, he said.”

"He was a great guy to talk to. He took time with all the players and their parents/grandparents. He did not rush us or make us feel like an inconvenience. It was great!" Coach Hayes said.

Coach Hayes continued telling about the memorable day, "We were on the House Floor - that was spectacular - and we were given the grand tour by Representative Tim Butler. He showed us around and took us into chambers. Session didn't start until 3:00 p.m. so it was not very busy. He took us back to his office and they fed us pizza.”

A guided tour by Representative Butler

To make the day even more perfect, the Stags had a photo opportunity by a sculpture of a deer just outside the building as they were leaving the grounds.

"The Stag sculpture was just outside the building on our way to the bus,” said Coach Hayes. “It was meant to be,” she added with a laugh.

[Teena Lowery
Photos courtesy of Coach Jennifer Hayes]