Wilson Sporting Goods, Co., in collaboration with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), announced today the first eight Illinois high school football teams inducted into its “Legion of Champions” program. This new annual program acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of high school football players and coaches who pursue performance excellence on the field. All eight teams won this past weekend in the IHSA Football State Finals in Champaign.

The inaugural Wilson Legion of Champions Class of 2014 is:
• Forreston High School, Forreston, IL
• Eastland High School, Lanark, IL
• Pearl City High School, Pearl City, IL
• Wilmington High School, Wilmington, IL
• Rochester High School, Rochester, IL
• Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, Springfield, IL
• Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park, IL
• Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, IL
• Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL

“We introduced this program to recognize the hard work and passion that high school players and their coaches have for the game and the countless hours they dedicate to honing skills, talent and overall team performance,” said Kevin Murphy, General Manager of Wilson American Football. “As a company, Wilson is laser focused on supporting athletes who pursue their personal performance goals with the best and most innovative equipment possible. Fostering personal achievement and team success is a hallmark of our more than 90 years in in the game.”

As a member of the Legion of Champions, each high school football team will receive a significant product donation from Wilson, including custom stamped official game balls, custom designed uniforms, field mementos and protective gear. Wilson will also donate team-branded celebration kits to each school’s players and Booster Club.

Additionally, every Legion team will receive a discretionary grant to award to a team or coach-designated local mentor or volunteer who has played an instrumental role early on in shaping the performance, passion, sportsmanship and integrity of the team. The goal of the grant is to help local organizations continue their support and development of youth athletes.

“The IHSA is excited to bring a program like this to athletes and coaches across the state that honors the individual and team efforts and accomplishments of our schools,” said Marty Hickman, Executive Director of the IHSA. “Wilson is a valued partner in our efforts to give students in Illinois the best interscholastic experience, training and opportunities for success possible.”

Follow Wilson Football and IHSA on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about the Legion of Champions program and the Class of 2014.