Lake County Gazette

The Granite City High School and Collinsville High School boys soccer teams will meet for the 3rd Annual Paz Cup on Thursday, October 16, at Gene Baker Field in Granite City. The event honors Alex Paz, a 1979 Granite City South graduate and former boys soccer player who is well known in both communities for his photography and involvement.

Alex Paz recently underwent a liver transplant on January 10, 2024, followed by a second surgery on March 31, 2025. During the Paz Cup, KAHOKstrong and Granite City High School students will be selling 50/50 tickets and accepting donations to help with his medical bills and other expenses. Those interested in donating can contact Toni Geisen with KAHOKstrong at tgeisen@cusd.kahoks.org.

Junior varsity play will begin at 6:15 p.m., with the varsity match following at 7:30 p.m. Collinsville has won both previous meetings in the Paz Cup series, each by a score of 3-0.

Collinsville High School is part of the Collinsville Community Unit School District 10, which serves Madison and St. Clair counties and includes several elementary and intermediate schools as well as Collinsville Middle School. More information about the district can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district employs 418 teachers with an average salary of $60,392 before pension contributions. Eighty-one percent of the teachers are women and nineteen percent are men. No teacher in the district has more than ten absences in a school year. Additional demographic data shows that the district is 56 percent White, 14.1 percent Black, 24.1 percent Hispanic, and 0.5 percent Asian. In 2020, the district spent $16,872 per student, totaling $104,085,959. Further details can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

"Alex Paz, a 1979 Granite City South graduate and former boys soccer player, is an adopted son of the Collinsville community. He is actively involved in both Granite City and Collinsville, capturing countless moments through his photography for everyone to enjoy."

"Alex underwent a liver transplant on January 10, 2024, followed by a second surgery on March 31, 2025. During the Paz Cup, KAHOKstrong and GCHS students will be selling 50/50 tickets and accepting donations to help with medical bills and other expenses. If you'd like to make a donation, contact Toni Geisen with KAHOKstrong: tgeisen@cusd.kahoks.org"

"Junior varsity action kicks off at 6:15 p.m., followed by the varsity match at 7:30 p.m.

Collinsville has won both all-time meetings in the Paz Cup series by 3-0 scores. Let's bring out the Purple Pride to cheer the Kahoks to a three-peat and show support for Paz!!!!"