Eastside Catholic Crusaders head football coach Jeremy Thielbahr had a multitude of people to get back in touch with in the hours following Eastside Catholic’s 35-13 victory against the Bellevue Wolverines on Dec. 5 in the Class 3A state championship game.
“I had 125 texts. It was just a complete celebration of ‘mission accomplished’ and was just a great feeling of expectations met. We had beaten the giant of Bellevue and were really excited about what we had accomplished,” Thielbahr said. “It was a great step for our program to be able to accomplish the state championship and have that journey as a team.”
The journey isn’t over for the Crusaders. They were selected to play in the Burger King State Champions Bowl Series, which takes place on Dec. 27 in Boca Raton, Fla. The Crusaders accepted the bid on Dec. 11 and began practice in preparation for the game on Dec. 15.
“It’s such a great opportunity for another phenomenal experience for our seniors and this great group of players that we’ve got. That is really what high school football is all about. It’s about having team togetherness and great experiences together. I’m really excited about making this trip and traveling with this group one more time and see how it all unfolds,” Thielbahr said. “We’re excited to go compete at a high level. We’re going over there to win. We have a great group of kids and we’re going to give it our best shot. What an honor it is for us to represent the state of Washington. I think its a great opportunity you can’t pass up.”
The Crusaders will fly to Florida on Christmas Day. Thielbahr said a few of the coaches will be donning Santa Claus outfits on the flight to Florida. Thielbahr, who was a player on the Washington State University football team that played in the 2001 Sun Bowl in El Paso, said it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for his team.
“You’re prepared for it when you’re in college. When you’re in high school you don’t expect this sort of treatment. To be able to fly across the country and play in a game in Florida is just a really special moment,” he said. “I’m really excited for our seniors. They have left a legacy that is just amazing for our team and that is what we really expected from them. They deserve this great opportunity and this great experience of going to a bowl game, playing in front of a lot of people on ESPNU and having a great time.”
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
