Last week, ABC7 Chicago’s Karen Jordan paid a visit to her former high school in Evanston. Now, it’s Rob Elgas and Mark Rivera’s turn to head back to school.

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CLC was Mark’s home away from home, especially the track and cross country teams.

For the first time in years, Mark was able to go back and really take a run down memory lane and found a surprise he never expected.

Back in 1988, popular songs included George Michael’s “Faith,” Billy Ocean’s call for you to join him in his car, and Def Leppard’s sugar anthem, while Rob was just 14, starting his freshman year at Crystal Lake Central High School.

Rob revisited a place so dear to his heart and took on a familiar ABC7 friend and foe on the running track surrounding the football field.

Returning to the halls 30 years later, it was also striking to Rob that not much has changed.

“It’s such a wonderful place,” remarked Crystal Lake Central senior student Jackson Lisle. “I could definitely imagine my children going here; I truly love it.”

Junior student Isabella Hernandez and her family moved to Crystal Lake for a chance at a better education.

“Things were a bit different when I arrived—the landscape, the community—but there were also countless opportunities here that I didn’t find elsewhere,” mentioned Hernandez.

Generations of families have attended school in Crystal Lake. Junior student Skylar Ferrero is an example.

“I notice many people returning,” Ferrero observed. “This reflects the strong sense of community here, because if it’s compelling enough for you to come back as an adult, it clearly left a significant mark.”

In an incredible coincidence as they talked that Rob realized her grandma, Lois Ferrero, is Rob’s mom’s best friend! The Ferrero family was a huge part of Rob’s childhood.

When Rob attended Crystal Lake Central from 1988-1992, they called it Tiger Pride! There was something special about being a Tiger. And now, returning with coworker and friend, ABC7’s Mark Rivera, they realized Tiger Pride is still a thing.

Mark and Rob revisited the fieldhouse where Rob played basketball and so many memories were seared in his my mind.

“It looks exactly the same,” Mark said.

Mark was wearing his old track uniform. Low key, Rob think it’s because he wants to show off his biceps.

Most of Rob’s fondest memories were outside, on the football fields. He was a tight end and cornerback, and he said he was probably better at defense than catching passes.

“I’ve lived and breathed this building since the day I walked in,” Crystal Lake Central varsity football coach Matt MacCrindle said. “And we’re even doing stuff so that our kids can come here too because I know what a special place it is. And everyone of these kids are near and dear to my heart and I want to make sure that they have the same experience that I had here.”

MacCrindle understands what this place means to so many students.

“This is probably the most connected we’ve been,” Crystal Lake Central senor student Luke Hartman said. “I feel like everyone is a part of it. We all want the same goals.”

“We’re all connected we have great chemistry and we’re all just working well together,” Crystal Lake Central senor student Abraham Quinn said.

Mark Rivera will share more of his back-to-school experience during the Friday evening newscasts on ABC7.