SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, took part in welcoming members of the Loyola basketball team after a historic finish in the Final Four Championship, including Coach Porter Moser and Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, the 98-year-old Catholic nun and chaplain.
“Countless negative stories come from the sports world,” said D’Amico. “I am so proud that a Chicago basketball team could captivate the country through great sportsmanship and teamwork.”
After three winning seasons over the past 30 years, Moser led Loyola to a 32-win season, a Missouri Valley Conference title and Loyola’s first NCAA tournament appearance since 1985. After upsetting the first three teams it played by a combined four points, Loyola won over Kansas State to qualify for its first final four in 55 years. During its championship run, Loyola, an underdog as a #11 seed, captivated the country’s admiration. Sister Jean especially became a national sensation due to her continued presence on the sideline. Currently, the bobblehead of Sister Jean is the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s best-selling item ever.