Riley Baumgartner
The OH boys soccer team finished the regular season with a 11-9-3 overall record, a 6-5 conference mark and earned seventh place in the SPC Conference standings after facing significant challenges throughout the season.
After a loss in playoffs this Tuesday, their season may be done, but their camaraderie still shows.
The OH boys soccer team entered the 2026 season with high expectations and a roster featuring both experienced seniors and promising underclassmen. As the season unfolded, the team faced significant challenges with chemistry, communication, and overall on-field performance, requiring considerable effort and dedication to navigate them successfully.
“Going into the season, I felt really confident," said OH senior defensive center mid Ulises Cruz. "We have a lot of young players, many seniors, but a lot of talent; we just need to adapt to new changes."
The headliners for next summer's annual Country Music Festival, The Windy City Smokeout Show in Chicago, were just released, and OH students are showing excitement for the lineup.
For OH senior Addison Baumgartner, the lineup is already looking like an improvement from last year. “I really like it. I think they did it better than last year and I'm excited to go,” she said of the July 2027 concert series.
The show will hit its 14th anniversary of country music, food and drinks, along with a great time to enjoy with family and friends. Even with an exciting lineup, some fans still have artists they wish had been included. Others are already looking ahead to future festivals and the headliners for them.
On Sep. 21, the OH girls flag football team competed against Plainfield North at Ken Pickerill Stadium to help celebrate the Class of 2027 senior players. With three amazing touchdowns, 28 total glad pulls, two sacks, and a 18-0 score, seniors added another win to their 3-2 record, securing a #22 ranking in Illinois.
“It’s been amazing," OH senior Makayla Hill said as she reflected on her team experience. "It’s been fun.”
After becoming an official IHSA sport in 2025, this year’s seniors have watched the sport continue to grow, and served as an inspiration to all of the new players.