The 2015 Class 3A state champion Eastside Catholic Crusaders football garnered another accolade for their superb season on the gridiron this past fall.
The Crusaders, who captured a comeback 48-42 win against the Bellevue Wolverines in the Class 3A state championship game this past December, were honored at the 11th annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions trophy reception, which was presented by the Army National Guard on Jan. 28 at the Eastside Catholic High School gymnasium. Crusaders’ head coach Jeremy Thielbahr said the award represents everything his team stands for on and off the field.
“This award stands for excellence, commitment, dedication and family. That is really what we are all about and what we’re trying to build here,” Thielbahr said. “We are humbled by this award. It is an unbelievable trophy and just an unbelievable honor. It was a great way to honor these seniors and honor the team that had an undefeated season.”
Crusaders senior running back/linebacker Brandon Wellington, who will play for the University of Washington Huskies football program this fall, echoed Thielbahr’s sentiment.
“It was special. To get recognized in front of the whole school and have somebody on a national level recognize our team and our play was memorable,” Wellington said. “There is nothing like going out and winning a state championship as a high school team because most likely you will never play with any of those guys again. It was special to go out there and play with my brothers every week. That is what I will remember the most.”
Thielbahr estimates that eight players from the 2015 championship team will play college football in various different levels of play this fall. The Crusaders have earned back-to-back state titles and will strive for the three-peat this December.
“It was just a magical season and we’re already working hard for next season,” he said.
Just three days after capturing their second consecutive state crown, the Crusaders showed their commitment to the program.
“All of the guys were in the weight room on that following Monday,” Thielbahr said. “Our kids understand what it takes, how much work it takes to be successful. I think we are going to have a great next year too. The cupboard isn’t bare and we got some great leaders coming up.”
Wellington said Thielbahr has transformed the Crusaders’ football program since his arrival in 2011.
“He knows what he is talking about. His formula works and it shows,” Wellington said of Thielbahr. “When he got here he just turned the whole program around. He is a great coach.”
