November 28, 2022- St. Teresa High School held a trophy presentation for the St. Teresa Bulldogs football team that won the IHSA Class 2A State Finals, on Friday.
The Bulldogs defeated Downs Tri-Valley, 29-22 at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday afternoon. St. Teresa finished the 2022 season with a record of 14-0.
The following Monday, the players and coaches were finally able to take it all in and celebrate with the St. Teresa community.
In attendance, was Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, who was not just there to observe, but she had a message for the St. Teresa Bulldogs and the entire Decatur community. She declared the day as St. Teresa Bulldogs Day and signed an official proclamation in front of all in attendance.
“St. Teresa has a history of success in preparing leaders for the future, through educational excellence, faith based learning, extracurricular activities, and outstanding athletics,” Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said. “And whereas the St. Teresa Bulldogs have been a distinct champion football team in 1974, 1975, and 1979, and whereas now, 43 years later, are once again winners of the Illinois High School State Championship title in Division 2A, defeating Downs Tri Valley High School in a 29-22 score victory under the leadership of state champion coach, Mark Ramsey. Whereas more than 6,000 St. Teresa alumni, the parents, the students, the fans, and the Decatur community congratulate the Bulldogs on their championship title. Now, therefore, I, Julie Moore-Wolfe, mayor of the City of Decatur, do hereby declare today November 28th, 2022, St. Teresa Bulldogs Day in Decatur.”
Mark Ramsey, head football coach, reflected on the season, and the fight his players showed all year long.
“I want to thank these guys behind me because they were fantastic all year,” Ramsey said. “It’s a grind all the way from January, in the weigh room, all summer, and then this fourteen game season, that they just weren’t gonna be denied. They showed a lot of character. They were very coachable, and I’ve got some great leaders in this group. I couldn’t ask anymore. I am so proud of these guys for the time and effort they put into this season, and they got what they deserved. A state championship.”
As the event concluded, those in attendance walked past a table with the state championship trophy. Draped on the table, next to the trophy, was the White Bulldogs jersey with the number 52. The same jersey that the team captains have carried out before each game or football event. For those following this Bulldogs team, they probably know the significance of this. The jersey is for Brody Heinz, an Our Lady of Lourdes student who passed away from cancer before entering his freshman year at St. Teresa.
Heinz was a Decatur Catholic Jr Dawgs player, and had a dream of playing football for St. Teresa High School. A dream of playing with two of his best friends, Joe Brummer & Matt Brummer, who are seniors on the team.
“We had a dream together, making it to the state championship, but sadly he couldn’t be here with us,” Matt Brummer said. “So we really made it our purpose to get to there and win it for him, in his honor. It was really important to all of us.”
Following the state championship game, the brothers, along with their fellow senior teammates celebrated with the family of Brody Heinz, and gifted them with a championship medal in Heinz’ honor.
“We have been best friends with him, ever since growing up,” Joe Brummer said. “He has always dreamt of being a Bulldog, and playing football as a St. Teresa Bulldog. His time got cut short, and he wasn’t able to do that, so to do this in his honor was the best feeling in the world. Celebrating with his parents after was amazing.”
