No. 1 Demons fan

Chad DeLillo, the most enthusiastic fan at Westlake High athletic events since 2006, was given a special send-off March 28, his last day at the school.

This time, all the cheers were for Chad DiLillo.

The Demons’ No. 1 fan, DiLillo, who has touched the hearts of the Westlake community with his unmatched spirit and enthusiasm, was given a rousing send-off this week at the high school.

On Thursday, students, faculty members, alumni, parents and civic leaders who have grown to love Chad, lined the school’s hallways for a “State Send-off,” a tradition typically reserved for any student or team who qualifies for an OHSAA championship.

No Demon ever deserved one more than Chad.

With the marching band and cheerleaders behind him, Chad, a special needs student who has Williams syndrome, led the rousing parade as only he could, slapping hands and bringing smiles and some tears to everyone in attendance.

In addition to many gifts of appreciation from various sports teams and a photo from his cherished cheerleaders, Chad was also presented with his diploma.

It was Chad’s final day at the school. The soon-to-be 22-year-old, who has been cheering for his favorite team since he came to Westlake High School in 2006, has “aged out” of the public school system. Following a family vacation to Florida, he will return home and start a new job at Bridges Rehabilitation Services in Bedford Heights.

But you can bet Chad will continue to attend athletic events and cheer on his beloved green and white Demons as a No. 1 alum. His support and enthusiasm have meant more to the student athletes, coaches and the community than he will know. Here is what some of them had to say:

Brendan Zepp, varsity baseball coach: “Chad has been our bat boy for the past six years. Winning or losing, Chad would always stay confident in the dugout and expect a rally. He could also been seen outside the dugout between innings pumping up the crowd. He is an inspiration to all of us.”

Shawn Hood, varsity basketball coach: “Chad was one of the most important people I met when I became the Head Coach. His presence made me feel like people cared about boys basketball in Westlake.”

Tony Cipollone, WHS director of athletics: “Chad is the ultimate Demon. His enthusiasm and love for any sport is unmatched."

Tim Freeman, WHS principal: “I attend a significant number of school events each year. I am hard pressed to think of a time when I arrived at an event and Chad was not there, involved, leading a cheer, and making sure that all of us knew that Demon Pride was alive and well. He has taught us a great deal about school spirit, enthusiasm, and determination. We will miss seeing him at school each day, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the next time a crowd gathers to cheer on the Demons, Chad will be there. He has to be there, he's our Number One Fan!”

Nick Wertman, boys soccer team captain: “He’s always been to every important sporting event during my four years at high school and I want him to know how much we as athletes appreciate that, he’s the ultimate supporter and a great friend.”

Shawn Turk, boys football and basketball team captain: “It gets us pumped up seeing him pumped up!”

Jamie Lackner, boys basketball and baseball team captain: “Chad is the best! He used to cheer for our travel baseball team when I was in fifth grade and has been there ever since. I have always looked forward to seeing him at our games and will miss his big smile. He is, and always will be, our biggest fan!”

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Volume 5, Issue 7, Posted 11:03 AM, 04.02.2013