Despite being down 2-0 in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers, students and faculty are excited to possibly witness another October playoff run for the Cubs after they were able to advance past the Washington Nationals in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

Last year, the Cubs won more than 100 games in the regular season and defeated the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, and the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. After the World Series win, hundreds of Central students and faculty attended the Cubs World Series parade in downtown Chicago. This year, the Cubs repeated as National League Central Division Champions and have returned to the postseason for the third year in a row.

Many teachers at school are known for being dedicated Cubs fans, such as Mrs. Lynn Hatzikostantis of the Physical Education Department, Dr. Jo Ann Lopykinski of the Math Department, and Ms. Christina Brodell of the World Languages Department.

“We teach our students to never quit. Shoutout to your teachers and coaches who did the same,” said Ms. Brodell in an Instagram post the day the Cubs defeated the Nationals in the NLDS.

Students also are passionate about their love of the Cubs.

“I love watching the Cubs in October, especially because of how bad they were for so long when I was younger,” said Drew Harris, senior. “I watch all of their playoff games, even if they are during the week.”

The Cubs defeated the Nationals in five games, with the Cubs winning games one, three, and five, and the Nationals winning games two and four. The Cubs won game five 9-8. Key players for the Cubs included Wade Davis, who pitched the final two-and-a-third innings; Addison Russell, who had four RBIs; and Wilson Contreras, who picked off a runner at first base to end a key Nationals rally.

In addition to rooting for the Cubs to win the World Series again, fans are also hoping that the Cubs can have another World Series parade, similar to last year.

“I want the Cubs to win because they are my favorite team. But one of the best parts of [winning the World Series] is celebrating the win at the parade in Chicago,” said Camey Calzolano, senior.

The Cubs have since struggled in their series against the Dodgers, only scoring three total runs in the first two games. Star players Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have failed to produce, combining for just one hit in the first two games.

“Even though the Cubs lost, I still think they have a good chance to win,” said Brennan Walsh, sophomore. “They have been down before and came back to win, like in the World Series, so I’m still confident.”

The Cubs’ next game is on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. on Wrigley Field.