Every other month we get an update on what’s been happening recently at our Immanuel Lutheran High School, College and Seminary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
For the first time in Immanuel Lutheran High School history, we have won a state championship in a team sport. On November 9, the Lancers volleyball team, coached by Professor Joe Lau and assisted by Megan Johnston, defeated the Columbus Catholic Dons to take home the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (WIAA) ultimate trophy for their sport: The Golden Ball. The Lancers also became part of history since they were the Division V champion in the first year of five divisions for volleyball.
The WIAA Championship topped off what was a dominating year for the Lancer volleyball team, who ended their regular season with 38 wins and 4 losses. The team easily won the Dairyland Conference title, sweeping through the conference season without even losing a set. They also competed in several tournaments in which they faced and defeated much larger public schools such as Altoona, Hudson, and Eau Claire Memorial; and very competitive private schools, including local rivals Regis and McDonnell as well as Columbus Catholic and Newman Catholic. Such a rigorous tournament schedule (including participating in the Kettle-Moraine Lasers Tournament for the first time) definitely helped prepare the Lancers for more difficult competition once they entered the postseason tournament.
In the postseason, the Lancers continued the domination that characterized their regular season play. In the regional round they breezed past Flambeau and Siren and won convincingly against Prairie Farm and Prentice in the sectionals. In fact, they did not lose a set in the postseason until they reached the first round of state, when they took on Sheboygan Christian. After winning that match in four sets, they went on to defeat the Dons, also in four sets.
Beyond the championship itself, a number of things made this season special. Being able to participate at state on the big stage under the bright lights of the Resch Center in Green Bay was especially exciting, since the Lancers’ last trip to state in 2020 was held at Little Chute High School instead because of COVID protocols. The larger arena at the Resch also provided the opportunity for the Lancer army of fans to show up. Generous donations from the Immanuel Athletic Boosters provided financial support for the team’s travel expenses and ensured that the student fans and the pep band had transportation to the match and also paid their admission. It was exhilarating to hear our pep band playing while seeing the stands packed with Lancer fans.
Two moments, however, especially stood out to me on the day we won state. One was when one of the people working security on the floor gave our Athletic Director, Professor Rodebaugh, a hug. She did so after expressing how much she appreciated the positive cheers and good behavior from our student section. Another moment was shortly after the team had emerged from the building and began mingling with their friends and family. Slowly and gradually, the ILC family gathered there and began singing the Alma Mater. It was quite moving to hear the words of that song, and to be reminded how we are connected not only through our school, but also through our faith in our true Immanuel.
We are thankful that the Lord provided safe travel for all who participated in the tournament as fans, band members, players, and coaches. We are also grateful for the spotlight of the state tournament being placed on our school, so that we had the opportunity to let the light of our faith shine and to be reminded that all we do is for the glory of God.
is President of Immanuel Lutheran College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.