The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated days of the year: the ELS basketball game,  which returns Thursday. Nine ELS athletes will take the court for a rematch against students from New Trier Township High School, who LFHS beat 44-40 last year.

In the weeks leading up to the game, students in the Integrated Wellness (IW) class have been raising funds for Camp Hope, a five-day summer camp for young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. During lunches and class periods, they’ve been selling raffle tickets. Winners of the raffle will be announced at halftime, with prizes including AirPod Maxes, Chicago Cubs tickets, Booster Store gear, a senior parking pass, and dozens of gift cards, experiences, and goods donated by local businesses.

“It’s a really long process to prepare for the game,” said senior and Integrated Wellness TA Addington Leahy. “Every block day we go to local businesses and ask for donations that we can use for our raffle. It’s awesome because this year all the proceeds go to Camp Hope!”

The class is also selling white t-shirts for $10 to match this year’s white-out theme.

While the game gets all the attention, preparing for it takes two months of work. After previously being the games announcer, Coach Joseph Busse is now leading the IW class and coordinating the event after Coach Chuck Spagnoli’s retirement.  

“Being the coach of the class is night and day from announcing the game. I think the biggest difference for me is obviously being in charge of practices, raising donations, creating a schedule, selling shirts and selling tickets,” said Coach Busse. “Everything behind the scenes is way more challenging than anyone would have any clue about. It’s a lot of work and stress on the IW students and IW teachers.”

The ELS game requires cooperation and support across nearly every department in LFHS. 

“I think a lot of people don’t realize how many moving parts there are,” said Coach Busse. “It takes athletics, fine arts, cheer, band, administration, TA’s, and many teachers working together to make the day happen.”

From the student’s side, senior TA Ethan Farrell explained the students’ preparation and excitement for the game.

“We have been practicing very hard during class and devoting a lot of our time to collecting donations and selling t-shirts,” said Farrell. “The game is always so much fun and we are all very excited to perform in front of the school. This game is so special to everybody in our class and Thursday can’t come any quicker!”

Even the school schedule is adjusted so all students have the opportunity to attend. 

“It’s really an entire community, almost like a family,” said Coach Busse. “The most rewarding part is to see how the students and the buddies all rally around it and no matter what you’ve asked of them, they’re all happy to do it. It’s unbelievable how many people want to be a part of it.”

And when the game day finally arrives, anticipation and excitement is everywhere. 

“I am most excited to see the support all the students bring to the stands,” said Leahy. “Every seat is full and hearing everyone support their fellow students is the best feeling! It’s going to be a really good game.”

Senior Maria Alzamora said after four years of playing in the ELS game, she is sad to leave, but excited to play the Trevians one last time. 

“I’m sad  it’s my last year of ELS basketball, but I’m so happy to be with the people who I love most,” said Alzamora.