Sendoff to state

PRINCETON — It was short and sweet. The next time they meet at Prouty Gym, they all hope to make it big and loud.

The state-bound Princeton Tigresses volleyball team was given a royal sendoff at the start of the school day Thursday morning at Princeton High School.

The volleyball squad was greeted by their fellow students, who filled the north bleachers of Prouty Gym in a sea of blue. Teachers and proud parents stood by, some armed with video cameras to capture the moment.

Coach Andy Puck led everyone in singing happy birthday to junior volleyballer Katlin “KP” Petersen, who turned 17 on Thursday, and for senior Tara Bonucci, who turns 18 on Sunday.

Puck told the students they should thank their teachers for unanimously voting to have no school Friday so the students could make the trip to Normal to cheer on the volleyball team.

That request received a loud applause.

Puck also asked the Booster Club for the T-shirts they have provided along the way and for the administration for its support.

He closed by saying, “We’re not done yet. We’ll be back here Saturday celebrating a state championship.”

Student spokesman Brandon Dressler, aka Troy Bolton, took back the public address duties and told the students Miss Schmidt reminds them they were to report to their first-hour class.

The PHS pep band played on as the volleyball team filed out of the gym, some getting hugs from moms and dads, and probably a little more spending money. The parents then formed a tunnel for the girls to walk through on the way to the bus.

Puck took the wheel of the little blue Princeton Tiger bus with assistant coach Eric Tinley driving the school van.

Assistant Police Chief Alan Beaber and Fire Chief Gary Hanna had the Princeton police cars and fire trucks lined up and ready to go for an official escort out of town.

When they return, those sirens very well could be tooting the horns for a state champion.

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