The 7‑on‑7 Classic, held at Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto, Illinois, drew teams from across southern Illinois despite a deluge that turned the field into a watery arena. Organizers, led by longtime coach Rick Reinhart, had to shift match times and compress the schedule to keep the tournament moving.
A Test of Adaptability
The event’s signature passing‑only format — no linemen, no quarterback rushes — remained unchanged, but the weather forced coaches to tweak strategies on the fly. Teams from Alton, Marquette Catholic, Southwestern and other local schools battled through intermittent showers, with some squads, like Carbondale, unable to attend because of flooding further south.
After a series of rain‑delayed contests, Highland High School emerged undefeated in pool play and secured the championship trophy. Their performance drew commendations from opposing coaches, who highlighted the tournament’s value as a player‑evaluation platform and praised the seamless coordination among volunteers, staff and the broader community.
Beyond the on‑field action, the tournament underscored the power of grassroots sports initiatives. From the early morning setup to the final whistle, countless individuals — including coaches, school personnel and dedicated volunteers — ensured the event’s success, echoing the legacy of Rick Reinhart, who founded the competition in 1992 and now serves as head coach at Alton High School.