Lake County Gazette

Granite City High School and Collinsville High School will hold the third annual Paz Cup on Thursday, October 16, at Gene Baker Field in Granite City. The event brings together the boys soccer teams from both schools to honor Alex Paz, a 1979 Granite City South graduate.

The junior varsity game is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m., with the varsity match following at 7:30 p.m.

Alex Paz underwent a liver transplant on January 10, 2024, and a second surgery on March 31, 2025. He continues to be involved in both communities by sharing his photography with Granite City and Collinsville.

"The Paz Cup brings together two storied soccer programs in Illinois—not only to compete for bragging rights but also to support a beloved community member. Alex remains actively involved in both Granite City and Collinsville, capturing countless moments through his photography for everyone to enjoy," according to organizers.

Collinsville has won both previous matches in the series by scores of 3-0.

Granite City High School is part of the Granite City Community Unit School District 9, which represents Madison County and includes several local schools such as Coolidge Junior High School and Frohardt Elementary School. More information about the district can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

The district employs about 320 teachers with an average salary of $67,898. Most teachers are women, making up over three-quarters of the staff. According to state data, no teachers have more than ten absences per year. Additional details are available at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

Demographically, the district’s student body is approximately 65 percent White, nearly 16 percent Black, almost 12 percent Hispanic, and less than one percent Asian. Spending per student was $17,739 in 2020 for a total budget of $106 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).