Will Rewers delivered a standout performance for St. Rita, inspiring the team to reach the state championship for the first time since 2019. The senior pitcher experienced a whirlwind of feelings after his remarkable game.

“I can’t even put it into words,” Rewers expressed. “I’m surprised I’m not crying right now. I’m probably going to cry later when I get home. But not sad crying, obviously.”

Rewers, who has committed to St. Ambrose, was pivotal in defeating the strong Nazareth team. He pitched a two-hitter and struck out 10, leading St. Rita to a 2-0 victory in the Class 3A Crestwood Supersectional at Ozinga Field. This win marks the Mustangs’ fifth state trophy.

Julio Gutierrez played a supporting role with two hits, including a double and a run, while Frank Garofalo added a single and a score. St. Rita will face East Peoria, who secured an 8-1 victory over Geneva, in the state semifinal on Friday morning at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.

“This is wonderful,” Gutierrez responded. “I’m at a loss for words now. I’m just so excited.”

Rewers limited Nazareth to a single hit in the third and another in the sixth, allowing only the minimal baserunners with two walks and one hit batter. Notably, he twice managed to retire Florida State recruit Landon Thome, a prominent MLB prospect and son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome.

“When I face guys like that, I just want to make sure no one’s on base when they come up,” Rewers said. “I did a good job of that. The strikeout I had in his third at-bat definitely fired me up and fired everyone else up.”

Rewers has compiled a record of 8-1 with a 2.47 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 51 innings this season. His journey has not been without obstacles, including elbow surgery during his freshman year.

“It wasn’t full Tommy John, but it was a partial reconstruction,” he recalled. “They managed to sew it back together and put on a brace. It happened my third outing freshman year against Fenwick, and I remember the pain. I returned midway through my sophomore year.”

Rewers adapted his pitching style, learning to use his body rather than relying solely on his arm, discovering new success along the way.

“Will’s incredible,” stated Gutierrez. “I believe he’s the best in the country. He carries his team, and to pitch a shutout in a supersectional, only the best do that.”

Gutierrez provided Rewers with necessary run support by doubling in the fourth inning and scoring on a balk. Garofalo added a single and came home on a wild pitch in the seventh, securing the lead.

St. Rita coach John Nee anticipates recounting Rewers’ story to future players as a source of inspiration. “We told a bunch of stories before the game about all our past supersectional championships, and I said, ‘Hey, do something tonight where we’re going to be telling stories about you,’” he remarked. “Now, we’re going to be telling Will’s story.”

Rewers planned to celebrate by sleeping with the supersectional plaque. “This is definitely the best game of my life,” he said. “I think the only thing that could top it is if we play for a state championship on Saturday.”