Will Rewers Leads St. Rita to State with Stellar Pitching Performance

Will Rewers delivered an outstanding performance for St. Rita, leading the Mustangs back to the state tournament for the first time since 2019. The senior right-hander expressed overwhelming emotions after his remarkable game. “I can’t even put it into words,” Rewers shared. “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. I’ve been dreaming about playing for a state championship since I was a freshman. It feels amazing to be here.”

Rewers, who is heading to St. Ambrose, shut down Nazareth’s potent lineup with a two-hitter and 10 strikeouts. His efforts secured a 2-0 victory for St. Rita in the Class 3A Crestwood Supersectional at Ozinga Field. Julio Gutierrez contributed with a double and a run, while Frank Garofalo added a single and a run. The Mustangs (28-12) are now celebrating their fifth state trophy.

St. Rita’s Will Rewers (35) exhibited mastery on the mound against Nazareth during the Supersectional at Ozinga Field on June 8, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

The team is set to face East Peoria (27-13) at 10 a.m. Friday in a state semifinal at Slammers Stadium in Joliet after East Peoria’s win over Geneva. “This is wonderful,” Gutierrez said enthusiastically. “I’m excited to do this with my boys. We’re almost done but God’s not finished, though.”

Rewers held Nazareth (29-10) to a single in the third inning and a base hit in the sixth, walking two and hitting a batter. These were the game’s only baserunners, with Rewers retiring Florida State recruit Landon Thome twice and walking him once.

St. Rita’s Julio Gutierrez (24) quickly returned to second base after his double as the team faced Nazareth. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

“When I face guys like that, I just want to make sure no one’s on base when they come up,” Rewers explained. “I did a good job of that. But the strikeout I had in his third at-bat definitely fired me up and fired everyone else up.” Rewers improved his record to 8-1 with a 2.47 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 51 innings.

This season has been significant for Rewers, who overcame challenges, including elbow surgery during his freshman year. “It wasn’t full Tommy John but it was a partial reconstruction,” he said. “I remember the pain. I was back about midway through my sophomore year.

St. Rita’s Frank Garofalo (15) slides into home for a 2-0 lead against Nazareth. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Previously relying on his arm, Rewers learned to pitch with his body, leading to his current success. “Will’s a dog,” Gutierrez remarked, calling him one of the best in the country.

Rewers received necessary support when Gutierrez doubled in the fourth inning and scored on a balk. Garofalo scored on a wild pitch in the seventh, providing the winning margin.

St. Rita’s Will Rewers (35) enjoyed post-game congratulations after his shutout against Nazareth. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Rewers’ performance will be remembered, with coach John Nee planning to tell future Mustangs about it. “We told a bunch of stories before the game about all our past supersectional championships,” said Nee. “Now, we’re going to be telling Will’s story.” Rewers even planned to sleep with the supersectional plaque.

“This is definitely the best game of my life,” Rewers stated, looking forward to possibly playing for a state championship on Saturday.