Schuckman: Eagles stick together to make state championship journey memorable and emotional

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Part of the wisdom Liberty boys basketball coach Greg Altmix has tried to impart on his players from his more than two decades on the bench is to enjoy the journey, not just the end result.

So sitting in the lobby of the team hotel Thursday afternoon, while taking time to catch his breath and relax for a moment, Altmix soaked in what the Eagles had just done.

A 75-41 victory over Scales Mound in the Class 1A state semifinals earlier in the afternoon at the University of Illinois’ State Farm Center pushed the Eagles into the state championship game for the first time in program history.

Regardless of outcome, Liberty is bringing home the biggest state trophy in school history.

That’s worth taking a moment to appreciate.

“Pretty special,” Altmix said. “Pretty special.”

His voice cracked just a little at that moment.

“There’s been one or two times it has hit me where I’ve been glad I haven’t been around anybody because …” Altmix said with his voice trailing off as he reached up to remove his glasses and dab at the corner of his eyes.

Logan Robbins, a senior forward who has spent the past four years playing for Altmix, got out of his nearby chair, spread his condor-like wingspan and embraced his head coach.

Without such vulnerability, trust and compassion for each other, this magical ride wouldn’t have been possible.

“That guy sitting right there, class act,” Altmix said, motioning in Robbins’ direction as they both sat back down.

He turned his head to the right where senior guard Cannen Wolf sat. Again, he dabbed at his eyes.

“Cannen Wolf, class act,” Altmix said.

He rattled off the names of the other seniors — there are nine total on the Eagles’ roster — and sighed.

“All that they went through and seeing that …” Altmix said before getting choked up again.

This group hasn’t been immune to struggles. Season-ending injuries, life-altering accidents and character-defining moments are a few of the aspects of this journey that make Altmix appreciate the commitment and dedication of this group.

“Seeing the hurt, the work, seeing all of that,” Altmix said. “It’s special. There’s been a lot of heartache out at Liberty. But these guys come back and not only do it, but embracing the community and seeing the community support for these guys has been very, very special.”

None of the Eagles will tell you it’s been easy.

There were 27 boys playing basketball in sixth grade. Only 15 were still engaged by the end of junior high. The nine remaining get one final game together.

“After going through all the running we did in junior high and getting it down to us nine, we grew really close,” Robbins said. “We grew close with Coach, too. You can see with this team we’re in it together.”

The journey is theirs together, too, until the very end.