October 26th 2024.
In any season, whether it's fall or spring, Eaton High School's softball team continues to dominate the diamond with their incredible talent and determination. This past weekend, they secured their third consecutive Class 3A state championship and their fourth title in the last five years with a thrilling 8-6 victory over their rival, University High School, at the Aurora Sports Park.
This accomplishment solidifies Eaton's softball program as one of the best in the state, on par with their renowned baseball team that holds a record-breaking 15 CHSAA titles, including four consecutive wins. According to first-year head coach Chad Shaw, the support and passion from the community for both sports is similar, and it's a tradition that has been passed down through the years.
Shaw explains that the success of Eaton's softball team is a relatively recent development, compared to their long-standing baseball dynasty. The team made their first appearance in the state championship game in 2015 and has now been on the big stage six times in the past decade. This year's three-peat is the result of a slow and deliberate process, as Shaw and former head coach Dale Hughes set goals for the team every season, starting with simply making it to the state tournament.
Shaw reflects on their humble beginnings, saying, "Around 15 years ago, when Coach Hughes and I were in the program together, we were lucky to have a .500 record. But we set goals for the team each year, and gradually, we worked our way up. First, it was getting to the state tournament, then making it to the second game on Friday, then to Saturday. I remember one summer, I sent all the players a letter with just one word: 'Saturday.' It was one step at a time."
Their hard work and determination paid off, and now the back of their shirts proudly display the acronym EAT DRT, which stands for "Effort, Attitude, Toughness, and Do Our Thing." This season, the team's focus was on staying true to their game and playing with all their heart, which ultimately led to their success.
On Saturday afternoon, Eaton played a solid game against University, relying on a strong first inning and a stellar performance by sophomore pitcher Johanna Galvan to secure the win. The Bulldogs took an early lead in the top of the first, but Eaton quickly responded with five runs in the bottom of the inning. Sophomores Emma Anderson and Bria Foster hit back-to-back home runs, giving the Reds a 5-1 lead before University could even record an out.
The game remained close throughout, with Eaton adding insurance runs in the second, fourth, and sixth innings, while University fought back with a two-run homer by junior Natalie Galindo in the third. In the final inning, the Bulldogs managed to get runners on second and third, but Galvan stayed calm under pressure and closed out the game, securing the win for Eaton.
Reflecting on the intense matchup, Shaw praised University's talent and acknowledged that it was a tough battle until the very end. He said, "They're a great team, and they hit the ball really well, so we knew it was going to be a snowball fight, shootout type of game. But we stayed the course and continued to get outs, even when they were putting up a fight."
With a final record of 26-3, the Reds can proudly call themselves three-peat champions, while University finished their season with a commendable 21-8 record. As for Eaton's softball program, they have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the state, and their legacy of hard work, determination, and tradition will continue to inspire young players for years to come.
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