Back to school: ABC7 Chicago's Rob Elgas, Mark Rivera return to Crystal Lake Central High School amid back-to-school season
Share and Follow

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (WLS) — Last week, ABC7 Chicago’s Karen Jordan revisited her old high school in Evanston. Now, Rob Elgas and Mark Rivera are going back to school.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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.

ABC7 Chicago anchor Rob Elgas returned to Crystal Lake Central High School for back-to-school season this year, alongside I-Team reporter Mark Rivera.

George Michael had Faith, Billy Ocean wanted you to get into his car, Def Leppard was pouring some sugar, and Rob was just 14 years old. It was 1988, Rob’s 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 great community” Crystal Lake Central senior student Jackson Lisle said. “I think I could definitely see my kids going here and stuff, I love it here.”

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

“When I came here it was a little bit different the scenery was different, the community was different but there was also just so many opportunities here that I just didn’t have,” Hernandez said.

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

“I see a lot of people coming back,” Ferrero said. “And I think that just shows how good of a community it is here because if it’s good enough for you to return when you’re older, obviously it made an impact on you.”

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.

SEE ALSO | Quick Tip: Back-to-school savings

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.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jesse Eisenberg, 'Today' host Craig Melvin have awkward exchange over Mark Zuckerberg role

Jesse Eisenberg and Craig Melvin’s Awkward On-Air Moment: Revisiting the Mark Zuckerberg Role

It seems Jesse Eisenberg is steering clear of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s…
Halloween 2025: Why candy is getting more expensive and less chocolate-y

Halloween 2025: Unwrapping the Rising Costs and Diminishing Chocolate in Your Candy Bag

This Halloween, the cost of indulging your sweet tooth is set to…
New Jersey Homeland Security raid captures 46 undocumented workers at Avenel warehouse

New Jersey Homeland Security Raid Uncovers 46 Undocumented Workers at Avenel Warehouse

On Thursday, federal officials announced the arrest of at least 46 undocumented…
Voters to decide whether Texans pay taxes on border barrier structures

Texans to Vote on Future Tax Implications for Border Wall Construction

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — Texas voters are being asked to weigh…
Actor Jesse Eisenberg to donate kidney to stranger in December

Actor Jesse Eisenberg set to donate kidney to stranger in December

During a segment on NBC’s “Today” show, acclaimed actor Jesse Eisenberg revealed…
400 days of striking later, Florida Teamsters secure union contract with Breakthru Beverage

Florida Teamsters Triumph: Securing Breakthru Beverage Union Contract After 400-Day Strike

After a persistent fight that lasted 400 days, Teamsters union members in…
Dem candidate storms out of interview after being shown clip of arrest

Democratic Candidate Walks Out of Interview After Confronted with Arrest Footage

A progressive Democrat abruptly exited an interview when confronted with questions about…
'We don’t have time': Parents of 4-year-old with rare disorder urge FDA to reconsider drug denial

Desperate Plea: Parents of Child with Rare Disorder Urge FDA to Reevaluate Drug Rejection

The FDA has recently declined to approve dichloroacetate (DCA) as a treatment…