One of the special moments for players and coaches this week, as they prepare for the IHSA state final games, is the Thanksgiving Day practice.
Nazareth Academy head coach Tim Racki has had more than his share of Thanksgiving practices, first with Driscoll Catholic and for the past two years with the Roadrunners.
“Thanksgiving Day practice is an awesome experience," Racki said. "It's just a unique feeling. It just feels special because you know that you are one of only 15 other teams out on the field while everyone else is at home."
Racki said it’s a unique day for the players as well.
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"Practice on Thanksgiving Day just makes you feel even more grateful and thankful for still playing. It's also special when those senior can walk off the practice field for the last time knowing they are leaving on their own terms. Only a handful of seniors still playing high school football at this time of the year can say that and that makes it special."
Nazareth, 34-0 winners last week over St. Laurence in the 5A semifinal, faces Lincoln-Way West in the championship. The game can be seen live at 10:00 A.M. Saturday on CSN Chicago and via live stream at csnchicago.com and the NBC Live Extra app.
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Racki, who missed out on last season’s Thanksgiving Day practice because a massive flu outbreak at Nazareth, is hoping to bring back a tradition going back to his Driscoll Catholic days.
"We call it the Senior Spike. All of the seniors are allowed to come up with an end zone dance and spike. It's a great fun way to end the day and then go home and have dinner with the family."