Serious question on the Stevenson program, as it's something we're seeing in Palatine with Fremd. Are there demographic or sociographic changes that are simply causing the change.
Fremd has had three 1-8 seasons in the last 5 years and is 1-4 so far this season. The undercurrent is that they just don't get the horses they used to due to changes in their area. How to say this.. alot of dynamic, type A parents raising type A kids are getting old and moving, and the places are being bought by the "geeker" types or families that don't emphasis sport's. Fremd does have a good sophomore class, due to the PAFA feeder program, but it seems to turning into "a good class" here and there than a solid ongoing program. I've worked in Lincolnshire for 20+ years and sensed similar changes and wondered if it was a structural change.
In 2022, the demographics were: White: 49%, Asian: 37.6%, Hispanic: 8.2%, Black: 2%, Two or More Races: 2.8%, and American Indian: 0.2%.
Would suspect Fremd's demo is very similar, and the perennial PUBLIC- not Private, powerhouses demo's don't resemble this.
Is indeed a great question, observation and undoubtedly plays a role. Lived in the district for 20 years before recently moving, splitting time in and out of State, and have seen a pretty substantial shift- exactly as you are referencing.
Academics, and the ancillary scholastic related clubs and Teams are through the roof; and Stevie is still super competitive in most other sports.
2022 or 2023 Sports/Clubs State Championships: (maybe more?)
- Girls Water Polo
- Boys Club Ice Hockey
- Science Olympiad
- Chess Team -
multiple
- Math Team
- Badminton -
multiple
- Fencing
- Girls Basketball (2022)
- Debate - (2022)
- Esports
- Girls Tennis individual champ -
multiple
- Boys & Girls swimming individual event champs
- Journalism
As Newt said, has certainly benefitted other areas/sports; but the demographic shift has not been a net football specific positive.
All the more reason why quality coaching and rebuilding, strengthening the football culture at the youth level is so vitally important...