LT. GOV. QUINN SALUTES MUNDELEIN NATIONAL

CHICAGO - Today Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn saluted Mundelein National - the Mundelein Little League Association's 12-year olds' baseball team - for distinguishing itself by winning the Illinois Little League State Championship for the first time since the League's inception in 1960.

 

Mundelein National later reached the semifinals of the Great Lakes Region Tournament, advancing further than any team in Lake County history.  The team was one game away from qualifying for the Little League World Series, which is currently underway in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with the championship game scheduled this Sunday, August 29^th.

 

"This team has shown the dedication, teamwork and attitude that exemplifies true sportsmanship," said Quinn. "They have made Illinois and baseball fans everywhere proud not only through their exceptional athletic ability but also by being voted ‘most polite' at the Great Lakes Region Tournament."

 

Quinn was by joined by Head Coach George Funteas, Assistant Coaches Wilbur Kephart and Tony Skaronea as well as the Mundelein National team.  Also in attendance was State Representative Ed Sullivan Jr. (R- Mundelein) and Mundelein Main Street Program Manager Marian Rodriguez.

 

In demonstration of both sportsmanship and democracy, the members of Mundelein National were selected for the squad by their teammates.

 

"With the new school year starting on Monday, I urge students to join their school's athletic teams and clubs to benefit their health," said Quinn.  "Being active is an important element to overall mental and physical fitness."

 

The Mundelein Little League - whose motto is "Courage, Character, Loyalty" - gives young people an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of another Mundelein resident, Johnny McCarthy, who played 13 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and Boston Braves.

 

The Village of Mundelein is a member of Illinois Main Street, the innovative program administered by the Lieutenant Governor‘s Office that helps local communities throughout the state strengthen the economies of their historic business districts.