Graduates from all years came back to their high school to watch the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 29 at McCracken Field. 

While going to the Homecoming game is a normal tradition at most schools, MCHS treats their alumni well to a special area to watch the game, food, and some are honored at the game at the homecoming football game. 

“It is surreal,” said Andrew Aiello, an ex-marine and alum, “seeing all the familiar faces, the much more gray faces. People with their families and their kids, just the amount of time between last time I saw a lot of these guys.”

This year there were two alumni that were honored. The first was Col. Robert Heatherly. He was honored because of his service in the military. He has worked his way up ranks since he joined the ROTC program at Northern Illinois University after graduating from MCHS in 1998. 

The other alum honored was Dave Lawson. He was honored because of his loyalty to the community since when he graduated in 1974. Lawson served as a member of the school boards for Districts 15 and 156, he also was a member of the McHenry City Council. 

Some of the alumni come back often and see MCHS. Others are not able to come back as much, and some do not return at all. 

“I come back as much as I possibly can,” said alumni Tom Beyer who attended the Homecoming football game.

“This is actually one of the first games I have been to since I graduated,” said Aiello. 

Alumni’s ability to return all depends on how local a person is and if they really want to come to a game.

The 1998 football team was honored as the “winningest” team in MCHS history. They passed the expectations set previously by finishing their season with an 11-1 record.  

While not all alumni go to the games after they graduate, they all usually remember how it felt to be there and to watch their team. They will remember what their team looked like with the uniforms and just general demeanor.

“We had a different demeanor,” said Aiello, “a scarier look, different size, uniforms were a lot different, and a really good coaching staff.”

Even though the MCHS varsity team lost, the alumni still enjoyed the game, seeing old friends, and watching some football. They recognize the differences and similarities from how the team is now compared to how it used to be. The alumni got another night to re-experience the good memories they made during their high school years.