Will Rewers Shines in St. Rita’s Triumph

Will Rewers delivered an outstanding performance for St. Rita, leading the Mustangs back to the state championship for the first time since 2019. The senior right-hander expressed a mix of emotions after the game. ‘I can’t even put it into words,’ he said. Rewers, who is committed to St. Ambrose, shut down Nazareth with a two-hitter, striking out ten batters in the Class 3A Crestwood Supersectional at Ozinga Field, securing a 2-0 victory.

Teammates Julio Gutierrez and Frank Garofalo contributed to the win. Gutierrez went 2-for-4 with a double and a run, while Garofalo singled and scored, helping St. Rita claim the program’s fifth state trophy. The Mustangs, with a record of 28-12, will face East Peoria on Friday at Slammers Stadium in Joliet for the state semifinal.

‘This is wonderful,’ said Gutierrez. ‘I’m just so excited to do this with my boys. We’re almost done, but God’s not finished, though.’

Rewers controlled Nazareth’s offense, allowing only a single in the third inning and a hit in the sixth. He avoided any major threats by walking two and hitting a batter. One of the highlight moments was when he retired Florida State recruit Landon Thome, who is also a notable MLB prospect, twice on a flyout and strikeout.

Reflecting on facing tough opponents like Thome, Rewers said, ‘When I face guys like that, I just want to make sure no one’s on base when they come up.’ His strategy paid off, and his teammates were fueled by his performance. This victory improved his season stats to an 8-1 record with a 2.47 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched.

The senior’s journey has not been without challenges. He underwent elbow surgery as a freshman, avoiding a full Tommy John procedure. ‘It was a partial reconstruction,’ he recalled. The injury forced Rewers to adapt his pitching technique, leading him to use his body rather than just his arm.

Rewers has stepped up at the crucial moment of his career. Gutierrez praised him, saying, ‘Will’s a dog. I think he’s tops in the country.’ Gutierrez’s contribution with a double in the fourth inning provided Rewers with the necessary run support, alongside Garofalo’s run in the seventh.

St. Rita coach John Nee has already started envisioning recounting Rewers’ performance to future athletes. ‘We’re going to be telling Will’s story,’ he said, acknowledging the significant role Rewers played in the victory.

Rewers plans to commemorate the win by sleeping with the supersectional plaque. ‘This is definitely the best game of my life,’ he declared. He remains hopeful for the chance to top it with a state championship game on Saturday.