Ladd Honors Matt Hassler
News Tribune
August 16, 2008
LADD — Matt Hassler climbed a step higher than all his competitors at the IHSA State Track and Field Meet. Hassler was on the top step of the medal stand at O’Brien Stadium in Charleston. He leaned over and felt a shiny gold medal placed around his neck. “Shocked” and “excited” were two words Hassler used describing himself that May afternoon following his Class A high jump state championship. Hassler had one more experience he has anticipated since receiving that gold medal May 24.
He experienced it Wednesday night when he saw his name in
lights. Driving into Ladd, Hassler adjusted his headlights to
bright. There less than 10 yards ahead of his car was a green road
sign with his name on it. “It was pretty exciting since I’ve always
wanted one,” Hassler said. “I used to talk about it just joking
around. I finally actually have one.”
Signs were erected at both the north and south edge of Ladd along
Illinois Highway 89. The signs were put up Tuesday morning,
according to Ladd Mayor Mike Grivetti.
“I wanted a sign for his hometown,” Grivetti said. “I want
everybody to realize when they come into town that we have a state
champion. People have a tendency to forget that. With a sign up,
they will remember that for as long as the sign is up.”
