ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WBAY) – Maybe you noticed more school buses and painted cars driving around Ashwaubenon Thursday. The WIAA girl’s state basketball tournament tipped off at the Resch Center, and things are looking a lot more like the pre-pandemic days.
The community support for the tournament has been unbelievable. And no masks or social distancing are being required.
Two years ago the tournament was canceled after games were already underway. The pandemic had reached Wisconsin. “It was hard for our kids. I felt for them because they only go through high school once and we tried to provide as many opportunities as we could, but when it was shot down that year spring sports were non-existent,” Freedom Athletic Director Linda Olson recalled.
Last year’s games were played in different venues to spread out and keep as many players, staff and fans separated as possible. Students who were able to attend this year say being able to cheer their teams in large groups will definitely make a difference.
“I really love coming to games and supporting. It’s always a good time. We’ve got the whole student section here, it’s just always amazing,” Evan Sauer, Nate Batzler, and Isaac VandeKamp, all from Waupun High School, told us.
“We’ve been growing up with them since forever, so it’s really cool seeing them compete at this level and we’re excited to cheer them on,” Lauren Scheibe, Isley Schuh, Madelyn Jadin and Rachel Koss, juniors from Freedom High School, said.
“It’s good being in a big stadium like this you can get really loud for your team,” Freedom senior Mason Senso added.
Freedom is making its return to the state tournament after being knocked out in the sectionals last year by Notre Dame Academy. For a school of about 500 students, over 1,200 Freedom Irish fans bought pre-sale tickets for the tournament. Olson said of course even more tickets are being sold the day of the game.
Olson said having so much support after the past two years is amazing.
“It builds resilience — resilience and just appreciating every moment, not taking anything for granted. They’re going to be stronger once they get out of high school because of how they’ve grown up, what they’ve been through and what they’ve overcome,” Olson said.
Fans are coming from all over Wisconsin to support their teams and enjoy the games.
“I just want them to enjoy the moment, because you can’t get this moment back and I’m glad that they’re able to experience it,” Olson said.
Freedom had a blowout win of 66-36 over St. Croix Falls, and part of that may have had to do with the incredible amount of support from the fans.
The five division championship games will be played on Saturday.
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