 (SUBMITTED PHOTO) The Albertsons, from left, Julie, Rusty and Grace, pause during their first few days in Myanmar. They made many friends exploring the Burmese culture.  Worshipers at Mass inside St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Kalaymyo.  Rusty Albertson, middle of front row, is with pupils in front of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kalaymyo with St.Mark Catholic Church parishioner Ambrose Kap Chin, far left, in Chin’s first return trip to his homeland in 10 years.   | By Al Stilley Editor “Mission of Grace 2019” from the Southside to Myanmar was so successful last month that St. Mark Catholic School Principal Rusty Albertson plans on a second mission next summer. Albertson also announced that steps are under way to bring two Catholic sisters from Myanmar in January to assist teachers at St. Mark school – the foundation of a proposed exchange program. Albertson, his wife Julie and daughter Grace, a San Damiano scholarship junior at Marian University, made the trip June 12-26 to Myanmar (formerly Burma). “This is the type of program that could grow,” said Albertson who pointed out there are 170 pupils at St. Mark from Myanmar. “In order for us to provide for the needs of 40 percent of our students, we need to be in partnership with them.” Albertson also explained the goal of the inaugural mission: “We went there not to teach them; we were there to learn from them.” Appropriately, Grace said, “The goal was to build sustainable relationships.” By the way, the mission was not named for Albertson’s daughter, but it was suggested by Myanmar native and St. Mark parishioner Ambrose Kap Chin who accompanied them on the mission trip. Here’s what they learned: the people are friendly and selfless regardless of economic status, welcoming, hard-working, and passionate about their faith. Albertson repeated that he wanted to go to Myanmar and experience the varied Burmese culture firsthand so he can relate better to them at St. Mark. “We met proud people; they would give you something out of kindness,” Albertson said. “Honestly, the trip for me personally makes me want to go back and learn more. It lit a spark. After we came home, I realize that I need to be a truthful ambassador to others about what we saw over there.” The Albertsons and Chin departed from Chicago on June 12 to Seoul, Korea and then to Yangon in southern Myanmar before returning to the U.S. on June 26. They stayed in Yangon for a day and then went to rural Kalaymyo, a “vibrant Catholic community,” where they headquartered for most of their journeys. Shortly after their arrival, Chin’s family and friends honored him with a dinner of thanksgiving. Only one member of his family, a sister, Angela Dim, is on the Southside as a teaching assistant at St. Mark. She is hopeful of joining them for Mission of Grace 2020. They also became reacquainted with Bishop Felix Lian who visited St. Mark school last year and invited the Albertsons to Myanmar. “When we arrived, my wife asked him if he believed that we would take him up on his offer this soon,” Albertson recalled. Albertson said their journey by car on a narrow pathway to Tidem as “precarious,” and the mountains at Tonzang as “beautiful” and bringing him closer to God. Albertson also ate beef tongue which he said tasted like a pork loin. “The children in schools there are like our children here,” Albertson said. “They are happy, they are learning about the faith. Being an educator and a parent, we saw the most unabashed and pure children. I texted our teachers that their pre-k’s are just like ours, except they take longer naps.” Albertson added, “We felt their friendliness and experienced their hospitality consistently.” However, the Albertsons emphasized that meeting the Burmese overseas will enable them to relate to parishioners at St. Mark. “By going over there, the biggest thing I learned is that there is so much we don’t know about them,” Grace said. “We will always be in a learning process here. It is interesting to see the differences and similarities, and it should spark a conversation. Being there with them was eye-opening because we could begin to understand our own ignorance. We gained knowledge and perspective.” Their trip was somewhat “guarded” because they did not experience all of Myanmar. “We didn’t experience any hardship; we didn’t see it,” Grace said. “While we are saying these positive things about their lives, people do experience awful things in the country that we are not really qualified to speak about.” Albertson is awaiting two teacher aides from Myanmar to arrive here in January with hopes of sending a teacher from St. Mark to Myanmar. And the family is eager to return to Myanmar for “Mission of Grace 2020.” |
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Teacher exchange looms due to ‘Mission of Grace 2019’
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New Hall of Fame Local Basketball Players
Ties to the courts of old Edgewood
SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY BRETT HICKMAN Among the attendees at the inaugural Edgewood-Epler-Kautsky Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Perry Township Education Center are alumni from Edgewood Grade School that was torn down in 1979. The school was remembered on July 23 with its outdoor basketball courts where many future college and professional basketball players competed as youngsters and teens.
 Louie Dampier, left, accepts trophy from Ted Lobdell, administrator of ‘Friends of Edgewood’.  Emcee Fred Shonk, left, with inductee Pat Williams, accepting his trophy from Lobdell.  Marian University A.D. Steve Downing humors the crowd as he accepts his award, and also for George McGinnis’, who was ill.  Donise White, granddaughter of Frank Kautsky, accepts the trophy.  Bari Shirk, above, stepdaughter of Paul Bailey, accepts the trophy and then hands over to the only living relatives, Artie Buescher and his Mom, Dana, who is the niece of Bailey (below).  | By Nathan Pace, Online Editor and Al Stilley, Editor A new hall of fame for local basketball players honored its first inductees July 23, including Southport alumni Louie Dampier and Pat Williams and Indiana University standouts George McGinnis and Steve Downing. The inaugural Edgewood-Epler-Kautsky Basketball Hall of Fame, was presented by the Southport/Perry Township Historical Society. The three categories for the inductees are: (1.) those who attended Edgewood Grade School; (2.) those who traveled to play games or scrimmages regularly on basketball courts outside the school; and (3.) those who were on the professional team promoted and owned by Southside grocery store owner Frank Kautsky in the 1930s and 1940s. For all categories, each inductee also would have played collegiate and professional basketball. "A lot of the people who went to Edgewood are gone; you’re never going to have that chance again,” said inductee Pat Williams. “To understand the rich tradition that Edgewood was all about, is (to know) the people that came through. A lot of great people came out of that school, and generally the Southside too.” Southside historian and The Southsider Voice columnist Fred Shonk served as master of ceremonies for the induction ceremony at the Perry Township Education Center.“ History, I love it,” Shonk said. “We began working on this many years ago. To see it become real is an honor for everyone who played on the courts.” The Edgewood courts covered a small one block area near Epler and Madison avenues and attracted the best players from area high schools with many players continuing in college and the pros. In their remarks July 23, Louie Dampier and Williams mentioned the high level of competition on the courts made them better basketball players. “The reason we are here tonight is because they had seven or eight basketball goals,” Dampier recalled. “They had one full court, and then the others were just one basket. Some of the best players and that’s where the competition was. That’s how players got better as you heard Pat Williams say.” Dampier concluded, “It just happened to be the area where the best players came whether they went to Southport or wherever.” Dampier told the story of how he ended up playing basketball for the University of Kentucky instead of I.U. However, George McGinnis and Steve Downing played on the Edgewood courts and later for the Hoosiers. Names of the inaugural inductees will be on a plaque that will be displayed at different businesses in the Edgewood area. The Southport/Perry Township Historical Society plans to induct more Edgewood players who went on to play collegiate and professional basketball. For inductees like Williams, the night was a great reminder of the impact Edgewood Grade School made in athletics. “You think about it, basketball, wrestling, swimming, cross-country, track, for a while Southport dominated the state and a lot of them came out of Edgewood,” Williams said. The “Friends of Edgewood” and grade school alumni, spear-headed by Todd Lobdell and Barry Hix, have kept the school and its history alive along with newspaper columns written by Shonk. They are close to placing another plaque with a basketball goal where the courts once stood to commemorate all the players who utilized the courts. It is to be placed near the building that is headquarters for the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. More inductees will be announced in 2020. |
Indianapolis Times , February 3, 1952 edition, had Edgewood on the front page winning county grade school title.
The Inductees
Paul Bailey, (deceased) Edgewood Grade School principal for three decades; mentored student Frank Kautsky in basketball skills; later played on the Kautskys pro team.
Louie Dampier , Southport High School standout and Indiana All-Star; starred for University of Kentucky’s “Rupp’s Runts,” 1966 NCAA runner-up team; played for ABA Kentucky Colonels and NBA San Antonio Spurs, Southport Wall of Fame inductee.
Steve Downing, led Washington High School to 31-0 record and 1969 state title; starred at Indiana University; played for Boston Celtics 1974 NBA championship team.
Oral Hildebrand (deceased), Southport native; Edgewood court player and played for the Kautksys; led Butler University to 1929 national basketball title; began pro baseball career in 1930 with Indianapolis Indians; played in majors with Indians, 1939 World Series champion Browns, and Yankees.
Frank Kautsky, (deceased) owned Kautsky’s grocery in Edgewood for 40 years; co-founded the India-napolis Kautskys of the Midwest Conference that became the National Basketball League in 1937; Kautskys players included Branch McCracken (1932-1938) and John Wooden (1933-1939).
George McGinnis, Mr. Basketball Indiana and star of Washington Continentals 1969 state championship team; high school and college teammate of Downing; I.U. standout who became first sophomore to lead Big 10 in scoring and rebounding; led Indiana Pacers to two ABA titles; three-time NBA All-Star; played in NBA with 76ers, Nuggets and Pacers.
Pat Williams, Southport High School standout basketball player; Hanover College all-conference basketball player; founder of Pistol Pat basketball camps; Southport Wall of Fame inductee
Paul Bailey, (deceased) Edgewood Grade School principal for three decades; mentored student Frank Kautsky in basketball skills; later played on the Kautskys pro team.
Louie Dampier , Southport High School standout and Indiana All-Star; starred for University of Kentucky’s “Rupp’s Runts,” 1966 NCAA runner-up team; played for ABA Kentucky Colonels and NBA San Antonio Spurs, Southport Wall of Fame inductee.
Steve Downing, led Washington High School to 31-0 record and 1969 state title; starred at Indiana University; played for Boston Celtics 1974 NBA championship team.
Oral Hildebrand (deceased), Southport native; Edgewood court player and played for the Kautksys; led Butler University to 1929 national basketball title; began pro baseball career in 1930 with Indianapolis Indians; played in majors with Indians, 1939 World Series champion Browns, and Yankees.
Frank Kautsky, (deceased) owned Kautsky’s grocery in Edgewood for 40 years; co-founded the India-napolis Kautskys of the Midwest Conference that became the National Basketball League in 1937; Kautskys players included Branch McCracken (1932-1938) and John Wooden (1933-1939).
George McGinnis, Mr. Basketball Indiana and star of Washington Continentals 1969 state championship team; high school and college teammate of Downing; I.U. standout who became first sophomore to lead Big 10 in scoring and rebounding; led Indiana Pacers to two ABA titles; three-time NBA All-Star; played in NBA with 76ers, Nuggets and Pacers.
Pat Williams, Southport High School standout basketball player; Hanover College all-conference basketball player; founder of Pistol Pat basketball camps; Southport Wall of Fame inductee
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Back to School, Not the Doctor’s Office
By Dr. Sarah Stelzner Pediatrician at Eskenazi Health
August is a wonderful time in central Indiana. Kids are holding onto the fleeting moments of summer by making nightly attempts to extend their bedtime and plugging their ears before the dreaded school bell tolls once again. Parents, on the other hand, are yearning for a little peace and quiet while dragging their kids to the local department store to make sure their children are fully equipped with all the materials needed for the new school year.
Even though their kids may be fully prepared to return to school, parents may be forgetting to provide them with their most important tool; immunizations. The best laid plans to achieve the smooth transition to the new year can go awry if a child is out sick.
August is National Immunization Month and that’s just what immunizations do, keep your child healthy and ensure he or she isn’t falling behind. Immunizations are the gatekeeper to a community’s health. In an immunized community, that gatekeeper isn’t letting any serious illness pass through its gates. When parents immunize their children not only are they protecting their own child, they’re helping prevent the spread of disease throughout the daycare or school their child attends.
That duty to protect the community doesn’t end when the child enters high school since incoming freshmen are required to have boosters and new vaccines as well. Measles especially has been one of the bigger diseases to re-surface, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 1,109 cases as of July 3 in this calendar year alone. The number, which is the highest figure since 1994, tells a different story than the announcement at the turn of the century of the disease’s eradication.
The CDC recommends that people get an MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. All of us lead busy lives carrying too much responsibility to risk get-ting sick or having to stay home with sick children. Vaccines can help everyone stay healthy and avoid missing school or work, and also help prevent illnesses that can lead to hospitalization or even death. If you can avoid getting sick, you will have more time for your family, friends and hobbies.
If you are in need of a pediatrician for your child or a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
August is a wonderful time in central Indiana. Kids are holding onto the fleeting moments of summer by making nightly attempts to extend their bedtime and plugging their ears before the dreaded school bell tolls once again. Parents, on the other hand, are yearning for a little peace and quiet while dragging their kids to the local department store to make sure their children are fully equipped with all the materials needed for the new school year.
Even though their kids may be fully prepared to return to school, parents may be forgetting to provide them with their most important tool; immunizations. The best laid plans to achieve the smooth transition to the new year can go awry if a child is out sick.
August is National Immunization Month and that’s just what immunizations do, keep your child healthy and ensure he or she isn’t falling behind. Immunizations are the gatekeeper to a community’s health. In an immunized community, that gatekeeper isn’t letting any serious illness pass through its gates. When parents immunize their children not only are they protecting their own child, they’re helping prevent the spread of disease throughout the daycare or school their child attends.
That duty to protect the community doesn’t end when the child enters high school since incoming freshmen are required to have boosters and new vaccines as well. Measles especially has been one of the bigger diseases to re-surface, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 1,109 cases as of July 3 in this calendar year alone. The number, which is the highest figure since 1994, tells a different story than the announcement at the turn of the century of the disease’s eradication.
The CDC recommends that people get an MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. All of us lead busy lives carrying too much responsibility to risk get-ting sick or having to stay home with sick children. Vaccines can help everyone stay healthy and avoid missing school or work, and also help prevent illnesses that can lead to hospitalization or even death. If you can avoid getting sick, you will have more time for your family, friends and hobbies.
If you are in need of a pediatrician for your child or a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
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All aboard! Riding the Train to Heaven
Train Ride to French Lick 2017
Dad reading his favorite paper By Kelly Sawyers
Publisher
I can hear the whistle blowing and visualize that massive train coming around the tracks with my dad, railroader Bobby Collins, as he is standing on the caboose, smiling, waving and taking it all in with dignity. On Saturday morning at 5:05 he was set free ... free of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, doctors, hospitals, medications and weakness. He is strong again.
The journey has been tough, but as a family – with the help of caretakers, extended family and friends – we got through it. There was a beautiful place in heaven waiting for this great man. I lost my husband, Brett, on April 7 this year, who was an awesome man. Losing the two most important men in my life within four months is heartbreaking, but they say God only gives you what you can handle.
My faith – truly – is my only saving grace, with some added humor. When my husband passed I told everyone my emotions were changing every three minutes, so I started naming them. It became fun amongst friends and family, and the list kept growing. I later started drawing characters to go with them. I hope one day to put it all together as a grieving process through a prayer and humor book.
My dad was my mentor and hero. He showed me how to listen to music loud, dance and have fun, how to love unconditionally and that material things don’t buy love or happiness. He told me to take what comes my way in stride, take care of the things you have, be a leader and always try to help others.
He was one of The Southsider Voice’s biggest fans. I received calls every week from him: “Great paper, Sis,” he would say, and daily calls about our TV show, “The Young and the Restless.” That stopped about 16 months ago, and that’s when my grieving started. His advice through the years has helped me be the person I am today.
I’m already missing him, but by closing the newspaper’s storefront last year I was able to work from home or at Mom and Dad’s home and be with him more, and that is priceless. My heart goes out to those who have experienced these horrible diseases and their families. I pray that a cure is found. What are the chances of a mother and daughter becoming widows within four months of each other? As the grief counseling begins, Mom and I are looking for the two-for-one special. Dad, thanks for providing all of us with such a great life.
Publisher
I can hear the whistle blowing and visualize that massive train coming around the tracks with my dad, railroader Bobby Collins, as he is standing on the caboose, smiling, waving and taking it all in with dignity. On Saturday morning at 5:05 he was set free ... free of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, doctors, hospitals, medications and weakness. He is strong again.
The journey has been tough, but as a family – with the help of caretakers, extended family and friends – we got through it. There was a beautiful place in heaven waiting for this great man. I lost my husband, Brett, on April 7 this year, who was an awesome man. Losing the two most important men in my life within four months is heartbreaking, but they say God only gives you what you can handle.
My faith – truly – is my only saving grace, with some added humor. When my husband passed I told everyone my emotions were changing every three minutes, so I started naming them. It became fun amongst friends and family, and the list kept growing. I later started drawing characters to go with them. I hope one day to put it all together as a grieving process through a prayer and humor book.
My dad was my mentor and hero. He showed me how to listen to music loud, dance and have fun, how to love unconditionally and that material things don’t buy love or happiness. He told me to take what comes my way in stride, take care of the things you have, be a leader and always try to help others.
He was one of The Southsider Voice’s biggest fans. I received calls every week from him: “Great paper, Sis,” he would say, and daily calls about our TV show, “The Young and the Restless.” That stopped about 16 months ago, and that’s when my grieving started. His advice through the years has helped me be the person I am today.
I’m already missing him, but by closing the newspaper’s storefront last year I was able to work from home or at Mom and Dad’s home and be with him more, and that is priceless. My heart goes out to those who have experienced these horrible diseases and their families. I pray that a cure is found. What are the chances of a mother and daughter becoming widows within four months of each other? As the grief counseling begins, Mom and I are looking for the two-for-one special. Dad, thanks for providing all of us with such a great life.
Railroader Robert “Bob” Collins
79, passed away peacefully Aug. 3, 2019, from complications of dementia and Parkinson’s diseases. He was born to Cicero and Mary Ellen Collins on July 25, 1940, in Beech Grove, Ind. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn (Kelley) Collins; daughter Kelly Collins Sawyers; son Sean Collins (Tammy); grandchildren, Austin (Kayla and Andie) and Alex (Maria) Smith, Nathan and Brenna Collins; great-grandson, AJ Smith; three stepgrandchildren, Morgan, Alli and Ryan; two step great-grandchildren; siblings Glen (Nancy) Collins, Loretta (Mick) Wampler, Betty Stricker, Don (Janet) Collins and Robin (Brad) Lane; former daughter-in-law, Lisa Collins (mother of Nathan and Brenna); special nephew and family Keith (Gail) Collins and Bre; special brother-in-law and family Steve, Melissa, Jasmine, Jared and Jacob Miller; many nieces and nephews; cousins in Dayton, Ohio, and Berea, Ky.; and his “adopted” family, longtime neighbors Perry, Linda and Kyle Knezevich.
“Bobby,” as he was known by many, was a huge IU and Bobby Knight fan, loved white Russian drinks and dancing (back in the day), and enjoyed train shows and trips with brothers, Glen and Don. He had a heart of gold and was the best husband, Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, friend and boss that anyone could wish for. He loved listening (loudly) to the music of Janis Joplin, Bob Seger and Carrie Underwood – just to name a few – with his daughter, Kelly, watching IU games at home or at pubs and attending Hoosier Hysteria with his son, Sean, and a yearly Monster Truck event with grandsons, Austin, Alex and Nathan.
He and Carolyn were always in the stands for their grandchildren’s games and events and even made it to some of their great-grandson’s games. He always had individual bags of candy for his grandkids and others at every gathering. When picking up grandkids, he would have it sitting on their seat(s). Bob and Carolyn have a huge group of friends, many from high school. They have traveled with family and friends, taken train trips, cruises, vacations and were truly blessed to enjoy retirement.
Bob, a 1959 graduate of Beech Grove High School, also loved watching Colts and Pacer games, classic movies, crime shows and his daily favorites ... “The Young and the Restless” and “Wheel of Fortune.” He enjoyed golfing, gambling and playing the lotto ... OK, OK, OK, and scratch-offs (his favorite Christmas and birthday gifts).
His favorite newspaper was The Southsider Voice, owned and published by his daughter, and he loved attending the paper’s monthly Car Nutz cruise-ins. He was organized and kept an immaculate home, lawn and vehicles. Those qualities helped him advance during his 42-year career for the railroad. He retired in 2000 from Amtrak as the assistant superintendent.
A trim shop was dedicated after him. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Eva, Cicero Jr., Jeanette and Ruby; and son-in-law, Brett Sawyers. The family’s faith is comforting them through this difficult time by knowing his son-in-law, Brett, was waiting in heaven, saying, “Come on, Bobby,” as he always said while traveling with and caring for him. Brett passed away unexpectedly April 7, 2019.
A special thank you to his main caretaker Dennis Huntington, of Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, Connie Jones who helped with support and transitioning, and all of the other caretakers from different agencies, Franciscan Hospice House staff, and family and friends who have supported the family during this difficult journey.
Visitation will be at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, from 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, with a celebration of life starting at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Franciscan Hospice House, 8414 Franciscan Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46237.
79, passed away peacefully Aug. 3, 2019, from complications of dementia and Parkinson’s diseases. He was born to Cicero and Mary Ellen Collins on July 25, 1940, in Beech Grove, Ind. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn (Kelley) Collins; daughter Kelly Collins Sawyers; son Sean Collins (Tammy); grandchildren, Austin (Kayla and Andie) and Alex (Maria) Smith, Nathan and Brenna Collins; great-grandson, AJ Smith; three stepgrandchildren, Morgan, Alli and Ryan; two step great-grandchildren; siblings Glen (Nancy) Collins, Loretta (Mick) Wampler, Betty Stricker, Don (Janet) Collins and Robin (Brad) Lane; former daughter-in-law, Lisa Collins (mother of Nathan and Brenna); special nephew and family Keith (Gail) Collins and Bre; special brother-in-law and family Steve, Melissa, Jasmine, Jared and Jacob Miller; many nieces and nephews; cousins in Dayton, Ohio, and Berea, Ky.; and his “adopted” family, longtime neighbors Perry, Linda and Kyle Knezevich.
“Bobby,” as he was known by many, was a huge IU and Bobby Knight fan, loved white Russian drinks and dancing (back in the day), and enjoyed train shows and trips with brothers, Glen and Don. He had a heart of gold and was the best husband, Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, friend and boss that anyone could wish for. He loved listening (loudly) to the music of Janis Joplin, Bob Seger and Carrie Underwood – just to name a few – with his daughter, Kelly, watching IU games at home or at pubs and attending Hoosier Hysteria with his son, Sean, and a yearly Monster Truck event with grandsons, Austin, Alex and Nathan.
He and Carolyn were always in the stands for their grandchildren’s games and events and even made it to some of their great-grandson’s games. He always had individual bags of candy for his grandkids and others at every gathering. When picking up grandkids, he would have it sitting on their seat(s). Bob and Carolyn have a huge group of friends, many from high school. They have traveled with family and friends, taken train trips, cruises, vacations and were truly blessed to enjoy retirement.
Bob, a 1959 graduate of Beech Grove High School, also loved watching Colts and Pacer games, classic movies, crime shows and his daily favorites ... “The Young and the Restless” and “Wheel of Fortune.” He enjoyed golfing, gambling and playing the lotto ... OK, OK, OK, and scratch-offs (his favorite Christmas and birthday gifts).
His favorite newspaper was The Southsider Voice, owned and published by his daughter, and he loved attending the paper’s monthly Car Nutz cruise-ins. He was organized and kept an immaculate home, lawn and vehicles. Those qualities helped him advance during his 42-year career for the railroad. He retired in 2000 from Amtrak as the assistant superintendent.
A trim shop was dedicated after him. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Eva, Cicero Jr., Jeanette and Ruby; and son-in-law, Brett Sawyers. The family’s faith is comforting them through this difficult time by knowing his son-in-law, Brett, was waiting in heaven, saying, “Come on, Bobby,” as he always said while traveling with and caring for him. Brett passed away unexpectedly April 7, 2019.
A special thank you to his main caretaker Dennis Huntington, of Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, Connie Jones who helped with support and transitioning, and all of the other caretakers from different agencies, Franciscan Hospice House staff, and family and friends who have supported the family during this difficult journey.
Visitation will be at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, from 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, with a celebration of life starting at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Franciscan Hospice House, 8414 Franciscan Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46237.
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Naming football field in honor of coach Stephens
By Al Stilley
Editor
Franklin Central High School’s football field will be named in honor of legendary Flashes’ coach Charles (Chuck) N. Stephens during pre-game ceremonies Friday, Aug. 23. Stephens coached the Flashes to Indiana state championships in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1990. He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and was among the inaugural inductees of the Franklin Central High School Wall of Fame, April 27. Stephens’ latest honored night begins at 6 p.m. when alumni, past players and fans can greet him for 30 minutes.
On the field ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. will officially name the Flashes’ football field in his honor. A facility nominating committee recommended naming of the field for Stephens to the Franklin Township school board that approved the honor. The Flashes will play county rival Decatur Central at 7 p.m. in the 2019 season opener. FCHS reached the state title game seven times under Stephens, falling short only in 1986, 1988 and 1989. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1998 with a 145-46 record at Franklin Central and 165-70-1 overall as a head coach.
His IHSAA football playoff record was a remarkable 35-6. He returned briefly to the gridiron as defensive coordinator for the Flashes in 2011. Under Stephens’ mentorship, the Flashes were semi state champions seven times, regional champions seven times, sectional champions eight times and Central Suburban Conference champions five times.
Since retiring, he continuously has served the Flashes Football Foundation that provides scholarships for senior players and supports all levels of Flashes football. He is a 1958 graduate of Raytown (Mo.) High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Valley College, a Masters in Physical Education from Indiana University, and a specialist degree in Physical Education from Central Missouri State University.
His coaching experience includes a four-year stint as an assistant coach at Southport High school before returning to his native Missouri to become head coach at Higginsville High School and later Oak Grove High School. He was an assistant coach at Central Missouri State University for four years before coming to FCHS in 1974.
Stephens has received a multitude of honors: Missouri Valley Athletic Hall of Fame, Raytown High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductee in 2008; two-time Indiana High School Coaches Association, five time Indianapolis Downtown Kiwanis, and six time Central Suburban Athletic Conference coach of the year; 1981 South All-Star coach; and 1992 Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh. On Aug. 23, the Flashes coaching legend will receive the lasting honor of having the Flashes football field named in his honor.
Editor
Franklin Central High School’s football field will be named in honor of legendary Flashes’ coach Charles (Chuck) N. Stephens during pre-game ceremonies Friday, Aug. 23. Stephens coached the Flashes to Indiana state championships in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1990. He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and was among the inaugural inductees of the Franklin Central High School Wall of Fame, April 27. Stephens’ latest honored night begins at 6 p.m. when alumni, past players and fans can greet him for 30 minutes.
On the field ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. will officially name the Flashes’ football field in his honor. A facility nominating committee recommended naming of the field for Stephens to the Franklin Township school board that approved the honor. The Flashes will play county rival Decatur Central at 7 p.m. in the 2019 season opener. FCHS reached the state title game seven times under Stephens, falling short only in 1986, 1988 and 1989. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1998 with a 145-46 record at Franklin Central and 165-70-1 overall as a head coach.
His IHSAA football playoff record was a remarkable 35-6. He returned briefly to the gridiron as defensive coordinator for the Flashes in 2011. Under Stephens’ mentorship, the Flashes were semi state champions seven times, regional champions seven times, sectional champions eight times and Central Suburban Conference champions five times.
Since retiring, he continuously has served the Flashes Football Foundation that provides scholarships for senior players and supports all levels of Flashes football. He is a 1958 graduate of Raytown (Mo.) High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Valley College, a Masters in Physical Education from Indiana University, and a specialist degree in Physical Education from Central Missouri State University.
His coaching experience includes a four-year stint as an assistant coach at Southport High school before returning to his native Missouri to become head coach at Higginsville High School and later Oak Grove High School. He was an assistant coach at Central Missouri State University for four years before coming to FCHS in 1974.
Stephens has received a multitude of honors: Missouri Valley Athletic Hall of Fame, Raytown High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductee in 2008; two-time Indiana High School Coaches Association, five time Indianapolis Downtown Kiwanis, and six time Central Suburban Athletic Conference coach of the year; 1981 South All-Star coach; and 1992 Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh. On Aug. 23, the Flashes coaching legend will receive the lasting honor of having the Flashes football field named in his honor.
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Football field to be renamed in honor of Tully
(SUBMITTED PHOTO) Roncalli head football coach, Bob Tully, left, is with the 1970 team’s assistant coaches.
Bob Tully By Al Stilley
Editor
Roncalli High School’s football field officially will be renamed Bob Tully Field during homecoming game against Brebeuf.
Tully, a long-time educator, is in his 58th year at Roncalli. His tenure predates the school itself. He began at Chartrand high School which occupied the current Roncalli building in the fall of 1962.
During his career at Roncalli, Tully has served in a variety of positions. He has served as the school’s head coach in football and track, athletic director, superintendent of finance, campus minister, religion teacher, bus driver and currently as the vice president for mission and ministry.
For the past 50 years, he has also worked as a representative and tournament official for the Catholic Youth Organization.
Roncalli president Dr. Joe Hollowell noted, “This year we are celebrating 50 years of excellence in Catholic education at Roncalli. Over the past 50 years, there is no one who has done more for our school and community than Bob. He is a never-ending source of energy, optimism and love for young people. His passion for the students of Roncalli is unmatched.”
Tully has had a multi-decade involvement with the Roncalli football program, including serving as an assistant coach on the inaugural team at Roncalli in 1969 and spending four years as the program’s head coach from 1970 through 1973.
The 1971 and 1972 teams combined for a 15-5 record and were the first two winning teams in program history.
Tully’s 1972 team went 8-2, a record that was topped only once in the first 12 years of the program. He later served as an assistant coach for nearly 30 years during the tenures of Bill Kuntz and Bruce Scifres.
Tully, along with former Roncalli football coach Bruce Scifres, was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, on Aug. 30, 2018.
Tully is a native of Louisville, Ky., and graduated from Providence in 1960 and from Indiana University in 1964. He earned eight varsity letters in high school, including four in football.
He served as an assistant football coach on Roncalli’s eight state championship teams and three runner-up teams.
Tully also has served as a presenter at numerous Indiana Football Coaches Association clinics.
He and wife Mary Pat have two grown children, Leigh and Michael and five granddaughters Ashleigh, Emileigh, Nataleigh, Alleigh, and Kaleigh.
(Note: Roncalli Sports Information Director Rob Brown contributed to this article.)
Editor
Roncalli High School’s football field officially will be renamed Bob Tully Field during homecoming game against Brebeuf.
Tully, a long-time educator, is in his 58th year at Roncalli. His tenure predates the school itself. He began at Chartrand high School which occupied the current Roncalli building in the fall of 1962.
During his career at Roncalli, Tully has served in a variety of positions. He has served as the school’s head coach in football and track, athletic director, superintendent of finance, campus minister, religion teacher, bus driver and currently as the vice president for mission and ministry.
For the past 50 years, he has also worked as a representative and tournament official for the Catholic Youth Organization.
Roncalli president Dr. Joe Hollowell noted, “This year we are celebrating 50 years of excellence in Catholic education at Roncalli. Over the past 50 years, there is no one who has done more for our school and community than Bob. He is a never-ending source of energy, optimism and love for young people. His passion for the students of Roncalli is unmatched.”
Tully has had a multi-decade involvement with the Roncalli football program, including serving as an assistant coach on the inaugural team at Roncalli in 1969 and spending four years as the program’s head coach from 1970 through 1973.
The 1971 and 1972 teams combined for a 15-5 record and were the first two winning teams in program history.
Tully’s 1972 team went 8-2, a record that was topped only once in the first 12 years of the program. He later served as an assistant coach for nearly 30 years during the tenures of Bill Kuntz and Bruce Scifres.
Tully, along with former Roncalli football coach Bruce Scifres, was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, on Aug. 30, 2018.
Tully is a native of Louisville, Ky., and graduated from Providence in 1960 and from Indiana University in 1964. He earned eight varsity letters in high school, including four in football.
He served as an assistant football coach on Roncalli’s eight state championship teams and three runner-up teams.
Tully also has served as a presenter at numerous Indiana Football Coaches Association clinics.
He and wife Mary Pat have two grown children, Leigh and Michael and five granddaughters Ashleigh, Emileigh, Nataleigh, Alleigh, and Kaleigh.
(Note: Roncalli Sports Information Director Rob Brown contributed to this article.)
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The ‘jungle’ transformed into a beautiful garden
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY) Perry Meridian High School Enviro Club co-presidents Bailey Riddle, left, and Dom Heyob tend to the vegetable garden in an area that includes a pergola and senior patio.
Perry Meridian seniors, from left, Charles Stoner, Tandrew Nguyen, Dom Heyob, Bailey Riddle and Zach Bunnell pause in front of the food garden. The grounds were overgrown with weeds until a project was completed during the summer with improvements to benefit the community and students. By Al Stilley
Editor
When the last school year ended at Perry Meridian High School, an eyesore existed just outside the cafeteria with a view that was appalling.
The area, except for a small concrete area with tables, was completely overgrown with weeds and a wooden pagoda built by the Class of 1998 that was in disrepair.
What was known as a “jungle” has been transformed into a garden with vegetables and plants, a pergola and senior patio where the pagoda once stood.
It is a place of beauty where vegetables are grown by the high school’s Enviro Club students and where seniors can gather in comfort.
The food garden was the brainchild of Jordan Robbins, Class of 2019, who went to PMHS teacher and Enviro Club sponsor Jessica Hunter with the idea for “die tafeln,” a German word that means “the table.” He envisioned a place with a food garden that would benefit the school and community and a place where seniors could gather.
During his senior year, Robbins wrote a grant application to Whole Foods that was approved and the project began to take shape in early June.
The food garden has several raised beds for growing sweet potatoes, cucumbers, four different varieties of tomatoes, three different bell peppers and lettuce, plus carrots, beets, watermelon, squash and green onions. Herbs are being grown in hanging baskets.
“The premise is that everybody gathers at a table and you share,” club sponsor Hunter said. “Certainly this is a place to grow and share food with others and also a place of beauty.
The crops grown in the garden can go to needy students, food pantries and others in the Perry community. It complements a program, The Sharing Table that provides food items not eaten by PMHS students to pantries. The leftover food items go to needy persons in Johnson County.
Now studying in college in Germany, Robbins contends, “This food garden seeks to grow people as much as it does the food that lies inside its dirt. At every table, people sit, study, eat and share stories with each other. This food garden thrives off the involvement of students and community members, intertwining the lives of people like the roots of the plants. And, come harvest time, we hope the impact can be seen.”
After the school received the grant, then-junior Charles Stoner, who is hopeful of a military academy appointment, began looking for a senior project. He asked Hunter what he could do.
Although the only construction experience he had was building shelves in his bedroom, Stoner decided to build a pergola, an open structure with parallel colonnades supporting an open roof with girders and cross rafters, adjacent to the garden.
“I didn’t realize the dimensions and how big it would be compared to a normal size pergola,” Stoner said of the 325-square foot pergola. “Digging the holes, we ran into a lot of concrete under the ground, so that delayed us from starting. This showed me how meticulous construction must be – everything has to be perfect. I have a lot of respect for people who do construction work for a living.”
Many students, Enviro Club members, wrestling team members, parents and retired teachers worked on the garden and the pergola.
Stoner rounded up help from students Zach Bunnell, Tandrew Nguyen, Ridge Cavallero, Kyle McKee, Kevin Waggoner, Luke Nye, Karsor Dennis and Ben Owen.
Seniors Nguyen and Bunnell and junior club president Bailey Riddle are among Enviro Club members who care for the garden. Riddle wants to major in environmental science in college. They also assisted in building the garden and pergola.
They recalled their experiences.
Nguyen: “The garden is a means to help the community; we will be donating the fruits and veggies to people in need. For the seniors, this gives them a place to go. This project took a lot of time along with a summer reading project and getting ready for the new school year. I learned how to focus and become productive.”
Bunnell: “Fortunately, I knew how to use a lot of the tools, but this project shows that anybody can make something look as awesome as this (pergola). This shows that we care about doing something for the community. We wanted to set a precedent for seniors in the future to tackle big projects. It also showed me that you can’t give up. I’m really proud of how it turned out. This is really cool.”
Bailey: “This club is the perfect place for me. When I heard about the project, I was interested to see how it would turn out. It feels like it was done quickly with a random bunch of teenagers coming together as a team. I had a summer job, so this pushed me to see how much I could do and to manage my time.”
Stoner looked back on the total experience and concluded, “This couldn’t be built without the friendships of the Perry community.”
Robbins’ “die tafeln” is about food, friendships and helping the school and community.
Editor
When the last school year ended at Perry Meridian High School, an eyesore existed just outside the cafeteria with a view that was appalling.
The area, except for a small concrete area with tables, was completely overgrown with weeds and a wooden pagoda built by the Class of 1998 that was in disrepair.
What was known as a “jungle” has been transformed into a garden with vegetables and plants, a pergola and senior patio where the pagoda once stood.
It is a place of beauty where vegetables are grown by the high school’s Enviro Club students and where seniors can gather in comfort.
The food garden was the brainchild of Jordan Robbins, Class of 2019, who went to PMHS teacher and Enviro Club sponsor Jessica Hunter with the idea for “die tafeln,” a German word that means “the table.” He envisioned a place with a food garden that would benefit the school and community and a place where seniors could gather.
During his senior year, Robbins wrote a grant application to Whole Foods that was approved and the project began to take shape in early June.
The food garden has several raised beds for growing sweet potatoes, cucumbers, four different varieties of tomatoes, three different bell peppers and lettuce, plus carrots, beets, watermelon, squash and green onions. Herbs are being grown in hanging baskets.
“The premise is that everybody gathers at a table and you share,” club sponsor Hunter said. “Certainly this is a place to grow and share food with others and also a place of beauty.
The crops grown in the garden can go to needy students, food pantries and others in the Perry community. It complements a program, The Sharing Table that provides food items not eaten by PMHS students to pantries. The leftover food items go to needy persons in Johnson County.
Now studying in college in Germany, Robbins contends, “This food garden seeks to grow people as much as it does the food that lies inside its dirt. At every table, people sit, study, eat and share stories with each other. This food garden thrives off the involvement of students and community members, intertwining the lives of people like the roots of the plants. And, come harvest time, we hope the impact can be seen.”
After the school received the grant, then-junior Charles Stoner, who is hopeful of a military academy appointment, began looking for a senior project. He asked Hunter what he could do.
Although the only construction experience he had was building shelves in his bedroom, Stoner decided to build a pergola, an open structure with parallel colonnades supporting an open roof with girders and cross rafters, adjacent to the garden.
“I didn’t realize the dimensions and how big it would be compared to a normal size pergola,” Stoner said of the 325-square foot pergola. “Digging the holes, we ran into a lot of concrete under the ground, so that delayed us from starting. This showed me how meticulous construction must be – everything has to be perfect. I have a lot of respect for people who do construction work for a living.”
Many students, Enviro Club members, wrestling team members, parents and retired teachers worked on the garden and the pergola.
Stoner rounded up help from students Zach Bunnell, Tandrew Nguyen, Ridge Cavallero, Kyle McKee, Kevin Waggoner, Luke Nye, Karsor Dennis and Ben Owen.
Seniors Nguyen and Bunnell and junior club president Bailey Riddle are among Enviro Club members who care for the garden. Riddle wants to major in environmental science in college. They also assisted in building the garden and pergola.
They recalled their experiences.
Nguyen: “The garden is a means to help the community; we will be donating the fruits and veggies to people in need. For the seniors, this gives them a place to go. This project took a lot of time along with a summer reading project and getting ready for the new school year. I learned how to focus and become productive.”
Bunnell: “Fortunately, I knew how to use a lot of the tools, but this project shows that anybody can make something look as awesome as this (pergola). This shows that we care about doing something for the community. We wanted to set a precedent for seniors in the future to tackle big projects. It also showed me that you can’t give up. I’m really proud of how it turned out. This is really cool.”
Bailey: “This club is the perfect place for me. When I heard about the project, I was interested to see how it would turn out. It feels like it was done quickly with a random bunch of teenagers coming together as a team. I had a summer job, so this pushed me to see how much I could do and to manage my time.”
Stoner looked back on the total experience and concluded, “This couldn’t be built without the friendships of the Perry community.”
Robbins’ “die tafeln” is about food, friendships and helping the school and community.
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IndyPL readers select favorite kids book
 (SUBMITTED PHOTO) Brett Gastineau and daughter Erin celebrate their participation in the Indianapolis Public Library’s 2019 summer reading program at the Garfield Park branch.  (SUBMITTED PHOTO) Booker, the Indianapolis Public Library’s mascot, gets a high-five from a young fan during the recent library night for an Indianapolis Indians baseball game at Victory Field. The game and celebration was the culminating event of the summer reading program. | To commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Indianapolis Public Library’s summer reading program, program participants have selected the internationally-bestselling Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey as their favorite kids’ book from the past 100 years. Dog Man received the most votes as “Indy’s Favorite Book” from a list of 20 books or series that were nominated community-wide as part of this year’s theme, “Keepin’ it 100.” Dog Man, a comedic series about a part-dog part-man police officer published in the last four years, was followed in the voting by the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and We Are in a Book by Mo Willems. Nearly 10,000 total votes were cast. Preliminary totals show more than 46,000 children read 860,171 books during the eight-week program. Readers were rewarded with points exchanged for books, prizes and activity passes from community partners. Participants also received points for sharing summer reading memories or a keepsake from a past program. Readership increased compared to 2018 at the Southport branch, up 10 percent, and the Beech Grove branch, up seven percent. Youth and teen workshops and films related to the summer reading theme attracted more than 20,000 attendees. Registered readers were eligible for a drawing to win two college savings accounts. Participants from each IndyPL location will be chosen to receive tickets to a Colts home game. The 100th annual summer reading program was presented by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. The presenting sponsor was OneAmerica with several major and supporting sponsors plus special book donors. |
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Thank you, Andrew!
(SUBMITTED PHOTO) Andrew Luck visited Burkhart Elementary School third-grade students on May 3 and encouraged them to “pump it up” and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. His Southside appearance was part of the Riley Children’s Health “Change the Play” spring challenge.
By Al Stilley
Editor
Although the Southside is stunned by your retirement from pro football, we fully respect your decision to step away from the game that you have loved since a kid.
We are totally understanding of your emotional decision to live a healthy life with your growing family. We admired your tenacity on the field, although it seemed that you shouldered the blame for several defeats that were obviously not entirely on your shoulders. And we certainly understand the respect from all your teammates.
Statistically, your short pro career is filled with greatness: 171 touchdown passes, 23,671 passing yards, 60.8 percent completions (2,000 of 3,290 passes). For 86 regular season games and eight playoff games, you provided football fans with many thrills.
However, it is the way that you touched Indianapolis off the field that we will remember, too. Your kindness to children, to fans and to the Colts organization.
Thank you Andrew for being an Indianapolis Colt.
Editor
Although the Southside is stunned by your retirement from pro football, we fully respect your decision to step away from the game that you have loved since a kid.
We are totally understanding of your emotional decision to live a healthy life with your growing family. We admired your tenacity on the field, although it seemed that you shouldered the blame for several defeats that were obviously not entirely on your shoulders. And we certainly understand the respect from all your teammates.
Statistically, your short pro career is filled with greatness: 171 touchdown passes, 23,671 passing yards, 60.8 percent completions (2,000 of 3,290 passes). For 86 regular season games and eight playoff games, you provided football fans with many thrills.
However, it is the way that you touched Indianapolis off the field that we will remember, too. Your kindness to children, to fans and to the Colts organization.
Thank you Andrew for being an Indianapolis Colt.
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Hollowell to step down as Roncalli president
Dr. Joseph D. Hollowell Dr. Joseph D. Hollowell, president of Roncalli High School, will retire at the end of the school year, capping a 41-tenure at the Southside high school.
Hollowell has held many positions during his education career that stretches into five decades. He has been a chemistry teacher, football and baseball coach, dean of students, principal and president. He has served as the first and only president of the school for the past 25 years.
Roncalli is celebrating its 50th birthday this school year.
“The steadfast leadership of Dr. Hollowell has positively impacted tens of thousands of lives,” said Gina Kuntz Fleming, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. “His deep desire to serve God and His people is evident in all he does. We are most grateful for Dr. Hollowell’s service and leadership and thank him for growing Roncalli High School into such a wonderful home where students are educated and formed in the Catholic faith.”
Under Hollowell’s leadership, the campus has expanded from 14 to 45 acres to meet the growing enrollment at the school, which is now the largest private school in Indiana.
During his time as principal, Roncalli established in 1993 the nationally recognized STARS program (Students That Are Ready for Success) to address the needs of students with learning and physical challenges.
As president, Hollowell has led the charge to raise over $35 million, primarily for capital improvement additions to the school and campus, including a chapel, administrative wing, Fine Arts Center, auxiliary gym and the addition of 30 classrooms. Renovations to the Media Center, classrooms, stadium, all athletic fields and courts, blockhouse, wrestling room and weight room have also been a hallmark during Hollowell’s leadership. Additionally, a new 25,000-square-foot gymnasium will be opening soon.
nts, families and the greater Catholic community. Last summer, Hollowell participated in summer field studies with dozens of students and staff, and he has served as a consultant for Catholic School Management (now Christian Brothers Services).
“Dr. Hollowell’s dedication and commitment towards the growth, success and long-term viability
of Roncalli is unparalleled,” said Roncalli Board Chair Dr. Jeff Amodeo. “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hollowell for his lifetime commitment, not only to Roncalli, but also to furthering Catholic education. We offer prayers and best wishes as he prepares for the next phase in his life.”
Hollowell and his wife, Diane, have 11 children and 13 grandchildren and are parishioners at Nativity Catholic Church.
He is a graduate of Scecina Memorial High School and Butler University, and he earned his Doctor of Education from Creighton University in 2016.
Roncalli High School and the Office of Catholic Schools have launched the search for a new president of Roncalli High School next week.
Hollowell has held many positions during his education career that stretches into five decades. He has been a chemistry teacher, football and baseball coach, dean of students, principal and president. He has served as the first and only president of the school for the past 25 years.
Roncalli is celebrating its 50th birthday this school year.
“The steadfast leadership of Dr. Hollowell has positively impacted tens of thousands of lives,” said Gina Kuntz Fleming, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. “His deep desire to serve God and His people is evident in all he does. We are most grateful for Dr. Hollowell’s service and leadership and thank him for growing Roncalli High School into such a wonderful home where students are educated and formed in the Catholic faith.”
Under Hollowell’s leadership, the campus has expanded from 14 to 45 acres to meet the growing enrollment at the school, which is now the largest private school in Indiana.
During his time as principal, Roncalli established in 1993 the nationally recognized STARS program (Students That Are Ready for Success) to address the needs of students with learning and physical challenges.
As president, Hollowell has led the charge to raise over $35 million, primarily for capital improvement additions to the school and campus, including a chapel, administrative wing, Fine Arts Center, auxiliary gym and the addition of 30 classrooms. Renovations to the Media Center, classrooms, stadium, all athletic fields and courts, blockhouse, wrestling room and weight room have also been a hallmark during Hollowell’s leadership. Additionally, a new 25,000-square-foot gymnasium will be opening soon.
nts, families and the greater Catholic community. Last summer, Hollowell participated in summer field studies with dozens of students and staff, and he has served as a consultant for Catholic School Management (now Christian Brothers Services).
“Dr. Hollowell’s dedication and commitment towards the growth, success and long-term viability
of Roncalli is unparalleled,” said Roncalli Board Chair Dr. Jeff Amodeo. “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hollowell for his lifetime commitment, not only to Roncalli, but also to furthering Catholic education. We offer prayers and best wishes as he prepares for the next phase in his life.”
Hollowell and his wife, Diane, have 11 children and 13 grandchildren and are parishioners at Nativity Catholic Church.
He is a graduate of Scecina Memorial High School and Butler University, and he earned his Doctor of Education from Creighton University in 2016.
Roncalli High School and the Office of Catholic Schools have launched the search for a new president of Roncalli High School next week.
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Kiss the bricks
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY NATHAN PACE) Kevin Harvick and his family, wife DeLana, and son Keegan, 7, and daughter Piper, 21 months, kiss the bricks Monday after the Stewart-Haas team driver won his second 400-mile race at the Brickyard.
Team owner Tony Stewart and his driver Kevin Harvick are all smiles after winning the race Sunday. Kevin Harvick dominated the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup 400-mile race at the Brickyard Sunday but had to out-race runner-up Joey Logano in the waning laps.
In the post-race media conference, Harvick said that 21-month-old daughter Piper wanted a trophy Sunday (she calls trophy, “ropy”) so dad made sure his girl got a “ropy.”
Harvick, who drives for Stewart-Haas Racing, has won three races this season and is among 16 drivers, including Indiana’s own Ryan Newman, in the 16-driver Chase that begins Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Harvick won at the Brickyard in 2003 and is the 2014 NASCAR Cup champion.
Seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson did not qualify for The Chase, ending a string of 15 consecutive playoff runs.
In the post-race media conference, Harvick said that 21-month-old daughter Piper wanted a trophy Sunday (she calls trophy, “ropy”) so dad made sure his girl got a “ropy.”
Harvick, who drives for Stewart-Haas Racing, has won three races this season and is among 16 drivers, including Indiana’s own Ryan Newman, in the 16-driver Chase that begins Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Harvick won at the Brickyard in 2003 and is the 2014 NASCAR Cup champion.
Seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson did not qualify for The Chase, ending a string of 15 consecutive playoff runs.
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Constitution Week being observed through Monday
By Al Stilley
Editor
Constitution Week, a celebration originated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), continues through Monday throughout the U.S.
The Constitution is America’s most important document because it stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. It is truly the one document that guides us in our daily lives and protects our many freedoms.
This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. is a performing arts center that opened in 1929 as a tribute to the U.S. Constitution.
The DAR’s aim of Constitution Week emphasizes citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution; informs people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and encourages the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
Local DAR Chapters – Mary Bryan Chapter of Greenwood, Samuel Bryan Chapter of Beech Grove and New Bethel Chapter of Franklin Township – actively utilize genealogy and historical research to educate residents to preserve the unique history of their hometowns.
Their common bond is their lineal descent from patriots of the American Revolution – any woman, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove this lineage is eligible to join.
Membership information is at: dar.org. Each local chapter has a Facebook site. For more information, contact JoAn Nichols, honorary state regent at joanichols@juno.comdar.
Editor
Constitution Week, a celebration originated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), continues through Monday throughout the U.S.
The Constitution is America’s most important document because it stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. It is truly the one document that guides us in our daily lives and protects our many freedoms.
This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. is a performing arts center that opened in 1929 as a tribute to the U.S. Constitution.
The DAR’s aim of Constitution Week emphasizes citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution; informs people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and encourages the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
Local DAR Chapters – Mary Bryan Chapter of Greenwood, Samuel Bryan Chapter of Beech Grove and New Bethel Chapter of Franklin Township – actively utilize genealogy and historical research to educate residents to preserve the unique history of their hometowns.
Their common bond is their lineal descent from patriots of the American Revolution – any woman, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove this lineage is eligible to join.
Membership information is at: dar.org. Each local chapter has a Facebook site. For more information, contact JoAn Nichols, honorary state regent at joanichols@juno.comdar.
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Touched by Topper
 (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY BRETT HICKMAN) Lisa Clements Guckelberg, feeding Topper and friends on the farm.  (SUBMITTED PHOTOS) Special needs duck, Topper, when he first arrived at the farm.  Here he is wearing his tiny cervical collar made from a sock. | By Brett Hickman Southsider Voice columnist Chances are, you’ve never heard about a special-needs duckling – until now. Meet Topper the duck along with his care-provider Lisa Clements Guckelberg, a Southport graduate, who began caring for him shortly after hatching. Topper is a White Pekin duck who hatched on July 24 and was later shipped to Tractor Supply Company with a peculiar curl of his head and neck. “The cause of his condition is unknown, whether it was neurological, a malformation or an injury. The curling of his neck as if he were still in the egg caused him to lose his balance and fall. In the pen, other ducklings walked on him and he was unable to feed himself.” said Guckelberg. At this point Topper’s life was in peril, but TSC didn’t have the resources to deal with a special-needs duck. The manager contacted Guckelberg, who has a farm in Johnson County. In steps, Topper’s life-saver nurtured him at her farm where she has her own normal hens, roosters, turkeys, ducks and even guineas. She helps rescue special-needs small bird-animals, such as chickens and ducks. She hand-fed Topper with vitamins, electrolytes and niacin. She would gently uncurl and massage his neck which gave brief moments of relief. Shortly after treatments, Topper would curl up again. Guckelberg, then created a tiny cervical collar from a sock. Topper was able to walk normally and eat and drink on his own. However, Topper would often remove the collar and revert to curling his neck, perhaps out of habit, she observed. Topper began to show improvement, even acting curious and being loveable. Still, he flipped over backwards helplessly and could not move until Guckelberg would flip him over. As there’s no manual or guide for caring for a duck with this condition, it’s totally trial and error by assesing his needs while trying to rehabilitate him. She then prepared a special protective space with a hay-covered floor that acted as a cushion when he fell. The hay was replaced with straw after Topper became entangled, causing a great restriction in circulation, leaving his foot swollen and discolored. Fortunately there was no damage and he quickly healed. He also was unable to swim in the duck-pool. If he flipped over on his back, he would take in water and could drown. Topper continued to be helpless without Guckelberg’s attention and care that created some stress for her. At one point, Topper went back to not drinking or eating and had to be hand fed. She originally obtained the ranch for her two horses and added some roosters and hens. She is not in the habit of taking on rescue projects. However, as Topper grew, he began to walk normally and eat and drink on his own. He could swim in his pool and began behaving like a normal duckie, of course with a loveable, assertive and humorous personality. Two months after being brought to the farm, Topper’s incidents of flipping over had decreased significantly. Guckelberg said that Topper seemed to know when a curling attack was coming. He could also right himself afterward. Now, he may not be totally cured, but Topper seems to be closer to normal. He quacks, plays, swims and eats on his own. His progress is due to the care and love provided by the reserved Guckelberg. Topper even seems to be appreciative, she contends. However, this isn’t totally a story about a care-giver helping an afflicted duck. Instead it is simply about an unselfish person assisting a special-needs recipient. It matters not the recipient was Topper the duck; it could have been any animal or person in need. |
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Homecoming at Franklin Central
Jonathan Baker and Alexia Bowen represented the juniors on the Homecoming court.
 The Franklin Township Education Foundation had a special contributor in Darth Vader (Preston Stokell).  (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY NATHAN PACE) Franklin Central cheerleaders Sara Roosa and Alexis Jacob are all smiles for the crowd. |  Dixie, a therapy dog from Big Game Recovery walks the parade. By Nathan Pace Online editor Franklin Central had its annual homecoming parade in Wanamaker Thursday under perfect weather conditions Student Council sponsor Ashley Thompson was pleased to have participants from every school in the township. “This is definitely a community event; we have support from every corner of the township,” Thompson said. “It’s definitely a point of pride in the community.” The parade route is compact enough that the first floats finish the route while the last in line disembark. Student council representatives worked to arrange cars from Ray Skillman and candy donations for the parade. Senior Rebecca Grossman is on the student council and networks with the Indiana Association of Student Councils. “We are able to share our ideas of how to run a student council and are able to network with different high schools in the area,” Grossman said. “So that’s really helped allow to make our homecoming parade so successful is by networking with other schools, figuring out what works well what doesn’t and how to bring more school spirit.”  Nolan Richardson and Jacob Hoffman, Franklin Central’s drum line entertains the crowd. |
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Erica Shepherd mixes golf and studies at Duke
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY) Indiana’s own Erica Shepherd pauses with a young admirer after a 2-under-par round Saturday at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course. Shepherd competed in the LPGA’s Indy Women in Tech championship and placed in a tie for 39th.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY) Erica Shepherd of Greenwood looks over the ninth fairway before her tee shot Thursday. By Al Stilley
Editor
Just like many college freshmen, Center Grove High School graduate Erica Shepherd is a bit homesick after a few months at Duke University.
She misses her home and family, home cooked meals, sleeping in her own bed at home, familiar friends, and the routine that she had for many years while attending classes at Center Grove schools. Her daily routine as a teenager always has been different than most girls and is that way today.
You see, this 18-year-old is among the best young female golfers in the U.S. and is among the young players who represent the future of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
During an exclusive interview last week at the Brickyard Crossing, Shepherd reflected on the transition from her home life to Duke University.
“It’s definitely crazy, a lot different that living at home,” Shepherd said. “The past 18 years, I’ve lived in one house on my golf course (Dye). I’ve had everything work in my favor; I have been blessed to have that situation. Then moving away, I’m trying to find something akin to that.
Then she bluntly said, “I can say I’ve definitely been homesick. I’ve already learned some good life lessons in one month.”
Her daily routine at Duke University when she’s not competing in a collegiate meet consists of early practice, workouts, classes, more practice and homework.
“Honestly, last week, I felt like I got into a routine there,” she said. “I hope when I get back, I can get in the flow of things. It’s definitely a grind.”
Shepherd was among the highly recruited schoolgirl golfers in the U.S. She verbally committed to Duke early in her high school career. The Southside golfer was a two-time Indiana Junior champion, USGA U.S. girls junior champion, USGA women’s 4-ball champion and was on the winning junior Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup teams.
The secret to her young success?
“I just try to stay in the moment,” the 18-year-old Hoosier said.
At home last week, her mom, Jerlyn, fixed her favorite meal of scrambled eggs, bacon and strawberries. Dad Matt and brother Ethan, an Indiana University golfer, are her biggest fans.
Although an amateur, she qualified for the Indy Women in Tech tournament for the third time at the Brickyard Crossing and finished in a tie for 39th place with scores of 70-74-70-70 – 284 (2-under par).
“I’ve played this course so much that I’ve learned you can make a birdie on every hole,” Shepherd said. “Being so comfortable out here with the greens, I think that’s how that (under par) happens.”
Her home course is the Dye’s Walk Country Club Course in Greenwood. Her longtime coach is Brent Nicoson, head coach at the University of Indianapolis.
“I keep in communication with him (Nicoson) and he’s pretty good friends with the Duke coaches,” Shepherd said. “It’s basically all-me down there. They (Duke) recruit the best players and let them play.”
And she continues to gain fans by representing Greenwood, Indiana and the U.S.
“A lot of people from home have been here for the past three years,” Shepherd. “And all the kids who come up to me is really special. It’s an honor for sure to be able to play for my country in the Ryder Cup, but I’ll always be from Indiana – I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else.”
As much as she enjoyed her home and family for a few days, Shepherd left the area Sunday to join her Duke teammates for a college golf tournament Monday in Chicago.
Editor
Just like many college freshmen, Center Grove High School graduate Erica Shepherd is a bit homesick after a few months at Duke University.
She misses her home and family, home cooked meals, sleeping in her own bed at home, familiar friends, and the routine that she had for many years while attending classes at Center Grove schools. Her daily routine as a teenager always has been different than most girls and is that way today.
You see, this 18-year-old is among the best young female golfers in the U.S. and is among the young players who represent the future of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
During an exclusive interview last week at the Brickyard Crossing, Shepherd reflected on the transition from her home life to Duke University.
“It’s definitely crazy, a lot different that living at home,” Shepherd said. “The past 18 years, I’ve lived in one house on my golf course (Dye). I’ve had everything work in my favor; I have been blessed to have that situation. Then moving away, I’m trying to find something akin to that.
Then she bluntly said, “I can say I’ve definitely been homesick. I’ve already learned some good life lessons in one month.”
Her daily routine at Duke University when she’s not competing in a collegiate meet consists of early practice, workouts, classes, more practice and homework.
“Honestly, last week, I felt like I got into a routine there,” she said. “I hope when I get back, I can get in the flow of things. It’s definitely a grind.”
Shepherd was among the highly recruited schoolgirl golfers in the U.S. She verbally committed to Duke early in her high school career. The Southside golfer was a two-time Indiana Junior champion, USGA U.S. girls junior champion, USGA women’s 4-ball champion and was on the winning junior Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup teams.
The secret to her young success?
“I just try to stay in the moment,” the 18-year-old Hoosier said.
At home last week, her mom, Jerlyn, fixed her favorite meal of scrambled eggs, bacon and strawberries. Dad Matt and brother Ethan, an Indiana University golfer, are her biggest fans.
Although an amateur, she qualified for the Indy Women in Tech tournament for the third time at the Brickyard Crossing and finished in a tie for 39th place with scores of 70-74-70-70 – 284 (2-under par).
“I’ve played this course so much that I’ve learned you can make a birdie on every hole,” Shepherd said. “Being so comfortable out here with the greens, I think that’s how that (under par) happens.”
Her home course is the Dye’s Walk Country Club Course in Greenwood. Her longtime coach is Brent Nicoson, head coach at the University of Indianapolis.
“I keep in communication with him (Nicoson) and he’s pretty good friends with the Duke coaches,” Shepherd said. “It’s basically all-me down there. They (Duke) recruit the best players and let them play.”
And she continues to gain fans by representing Greenwood, Indiana and the U.S.
“A lot of people from home have been here for the past three years,” Shepherd. “And all the kids who come up to me is really special. It’s an honor for sure to be able to play for my country in the Ryder Cup, but I’ll always be from Indiana – I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else.”
As much as she enjoyed her home and family for a few days, Shepherd left the area Sunday to join her Duke teammates for a college golf tournament Monday in Chicago.
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Perry Twp. Schools receive big share of $47 million
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY) A variety of students from three Perry Township schools display “$47,000,000” - the amount to be shared by three school districts, including Perry Township - from a federal grant. The students are, from left, John Halfaker, Anna LaBay, Kaleb Silvers and Kasper Terrell, each Jeremiah Gray Elementary; I’bari Beck, Winchester Village Elementary; Keaton Perez and Bella Hufnagel, Homecroft Elementary; Garbriel Diaz, Winchester Village Elementary; and Nathan Henderson, Jeremiah Gray Elementary.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY) Candice McQueen of NIET, far right, announced a $47 million grant to three Indiana school districts Tuesday, represented by, from left, Perry Twp. schools Supt. Pat Mapes, Goshen schools Supt. Diane Woodworth, and Brown County Schools Supt. Laura Hammack. By Al Stilley
Editor
The Metropolitan School District of Perry Township is the recipient of a five-year, $22 million grant from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), it was announced Tuesday.
The amount that Perry Twp. Schools receives is part of a $47 million grant also shared by Brown County Schools and Goshen Community Schools.
The grant allows the three school districts to expand and sustain the support of teachers and improve students’ academic success through the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP).
“Our teachers (Perry Twp.) are doing amazing things to support our students,” Perry Twp. Schools Supt. Patrick Mapes said. “This unique opportunity to invest in teachers will allow us to show they are appreciated. When teachers see that we value them and that we are willing to invest in them, there is a greater chance we can retain and recruit high-quality candidates.”
The boisterous announcement was made Tuesday morning at Jeremiah Gray Elementary School in front of several state dignitaries and Perry Township educators and patrons. The official grant is through the federal Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program.
“We focus on building teachers’ understanding of what high-quality instruction should look like and we provide structures of support that allows teachers to grow,” NIET CEO Dr. Candice McQueen said. “They make sure that teachers grow by becoming teachers to their peers. We continue to do this because the most important element to student success is the teacher in front of them.”
She praised the three school districts for their ongoing relationship with NIET that includes 10 years with Perry Twp. Schools and as one of the top school districts in the state.
“Perry schools are a testament to what can happen when there’s an investment year after year that is sustained around teacher leadership,” McQueen said. “It assures that they are invested in professional learning for teachers.”
The grant supports the TAP system for teacher and student advancement throughout the combined district’s 32 schools (K-12) that serves 25,000 students, 1,500 teachers and 80 school leaders.
TAP has been in effect for several years, but the backing from NIET allows teachers and students to grow, but also targets each teacher’s career path, professional growth, accountability and compensation through bonuses and stipends.
“Effective teachers are crucial to student performance and academic success,” Mapes stated. “We are thankful for this grant which will give us the opportunity to recruit, retain, and reward highly effective teachers who are responsible for driving positive student outcomes.”
Currently, Perry Township implements the NIET blueprint for TAP across the district and uses NIET’s instructional plan for more than 6,700 students. The TSL grant will help Perry Township, recipient of NIET’s 2018 District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness, give stipends for the first time to the teachers who effectively help facilitate the TAP framework.
Perry Township Schools is the state’s second fastest-growing district.
The growth has been spurred by diversity, including refugees from Burma. At 31 percent, the school district has the highest percentage of English Language Learners (ELL) for a district of its size.
Mapes also pointed out that a recent assessment showed that reading was the largest area in grown with 39 percent of ELL readers scoring at the highest proficiency level. As a district, reading proficiency is an average of 4.0 – up from 3.7.
Laura Hammack, a former Beech Grove City Schools administrator, represented Brown County Schools at the announcement.
Editor
The Metropolitan School District of Perry Township is the recipient of a five-year, $22 million grant from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), it was announced Tuesday.
The amount that Perry Twp. Schools receives is part of a $47 million grant also shared by Brown County Schools and Goshen Community Schools.
The grant allows the three school districts to expand and sustain the support of teachers and improve students’ academic success through the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP).
“Our teachers (Perry Twp.) are doing amazing things to support our students,” Perry Twp. Schools Supt. Patrick Mapes said. “This unique opportunity to invest in teachers will allow us to show they are appreciated. When teachers see that we value them and that we are willing to invest in them, there is a greater chance we can retain and recruit high-quality candidates.”
The boisterous announcement was made Tuesday morning at Jeremiah Gray Elementary School in front of several state dignitaries and Perry Township educators and patrons. The official grant is through the federal Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program.
“We focus on building teachers’ understanding of what high-quality instruction should look like and we provide structures of support that allows teachers to grow,” NIET CEO Dr. Candice McQueen said. “They make sure that teachers grow by becoming teachers to their peers. We continue to do this because the most important element to student success is the teacher in front of them.”
She praised the three school districts for their ongoing relationship with NIET that includes 10 years with Perry Twp. Schools and as one of the top school districts in the state.
“Perry schools are a testament to what can happen when there’s an investment year after year that is sustained around teacher leadership,” McQueen said. “It assures that they are invested in professional learning for teachers.”
The grant supports the TAP system for teacher and student advancement throughout the combined district’s 32 schools (K-12) that serves 25,000 students, 1,500 teachers and 80 school leaders.
TAP has been in effect for several years, but the backing from NIET allows teachers and students to grow, but also targets each teacher’s career path, professional growth, accountability and compensation through bonuses and stipends.
“Effective teachers are crucial to student performance and academic success,” Mapes stated. “We are thankful for this grant which will give us the opportunity to recruit, retain, and reward highly effective teachers who are responsible for driving positive student outcomes.”
Currently, Perry Township implements the NIET blueprint for TAP across the district and uses NIET’s instructional plan for more than 6,700 students. The TSL grant will help Perry Township, recipient of NIET’s 2018 District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness, give stipends for the first time to the teachers who effectively help facilitate the TAP framework.
Perry Township Schools is the state’s second fastest-growing district.
The growth has been spurred by diversity, including refugees from Burma. At 31 percent, the school district has the highest percentage of English Language Learners (ELL) for a district of its size.
Mapes also pointed out that a recent assessment showed that reading was the largest area in grown with 39 percent of ELL readers scoring at the highest proficiency level. As a district, reading proficiency is an average of 4.0 – up from 3.7.
Laura Hammack, a former Beech Grove City Schools administrator, represented Brown County Schools at the announcement.
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Harvest Fest at at Adrian Orchard
Many residents from central Indiana gathered at Adrian Orchard, 500 W. Epler, to celebrate Harvest Fest Saturday and Sunday. Many picked out pumpkins, decor and items from the store.
Apple cider, caramel apples are customer favorites. The U-pick pumpkin patch is open through the end of the month for fall decor or carving.
Apple cider, caramel apples are customer favorites. The U-pick pumpkin patch is open through the end of the month for fall decor or carving.
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Lutheran advances to Seymour Semistate
(SUBMITTED PHOTO) Lutheran’s boys soccer team defeated rival Greenwood Christian 2-0 Saturday night on goals by Trey Lawrence and Sean Moore to win the Knightstown Regional and advance to the 1A Seymour Semistate at 3 p.m. Saturday. Goalkeeper Michael Mattes earned the shut out, his ninth of the season. Team members are, from left, front, Sean Moore, Jackson Williams, Fred Hamer, Nic Anderson, Jadon Brutcher, Ethan Tran, Trey Lawrence, Elliott Cook, asst. coach Jared Dotts, middle row, coach Ryan Baglow, Eli Boyd, Tommy Erdmann, Sean Graham, Thomas Leslie, Luke Hughes, back row, Malachi Mackay, Noah Brandt, Alec Hedges, Alden Asher, Micah Mattes, Kyle Stewart, Ian Hedges, and Luke Montgomery. Coach Baglow. The Saints defeated Knightstown, 3-1, earlier Saturday on goals by Lawrence with an assist from Erdmann who also scored on a 35-foot shot. Hamer scored on a deflection.Coach Baglow said, “The championship is a direct result of the fruits of labor of the kids.”
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Southport Grad, Brunk - All Business
Joey Brunk By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Matthew McConaughey look is gone. The mustache and beard have given way to a hint of a 5 o’clock shadow. The flowing locks which once generated best-hair-in-basketball buzz are now clean-cut professional.
Joey Brunk has the look of a man on a Cream ‘n Crimson basketball mission. A three-year run at Butler steeled him for this. The fact that he’s 6-11 with a battle-in-the paint mentality is a graduate-transfer plus for an Indiana team that will need that and more in its drive to return to NCAA tourney relevance.
Brunk can deliver more, starting with leadership.
“It was something we talked about when I was being recruited,” he says. “It’s a little bit of my personality. I don’t have any problem speaking up.”
Coach Archie Miller doesn’t have any problem with Brunk not having a problem. Finding players who lead by word and deed is hard in this high-tech era when so many young athletes communicate by text or social media.
Brunk can handle that burden, as well as on-court production.
“Joey is a college player who has competed at a high level,” Miller says. “He knows what it’s like in terms of effort.”
The players have noticed.
“He is a leader on and off the court,” center De’Ron Davis says. “He brings a lot of energy. He won the summer award for being a warrior. He can be the loud voice for us.”
It’s a voice that comes from Cream ‘n Crimson history. Brunk says he grew up watching the Hoosiers.
“I remember watching the Cody Zeller teams with Jordy Hulls and Victor Oladipo. Those teams really stick out for me. I played AAU ball with J.C. Hulls (Jordan’s father) coaching.
“I had a lot of ties to Indiana.”
And if those ties improve Hoosier shooting – Brunk shot 61.7 percent from the field last season – all the better.
Miller has called Brunk “an experienced frontcourt player who has the size and heart to compete effectively in the Big Ten. He’s a strong high-percentage shooter who is an outstanding passer. He’s someone we can play through down low.”
Brunk brings an “old soul” attitude to the locker room, from his choice of music (“I grew up listening to a lot of old music with my parents. I have a soft spot for that”) to his top-5 NBA player list (Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon)
“I did catch a little bit of grief for not including Michael Jordan,” Brunk says with a smile.
One possible reason for the oversight – lots of watching YouTube clips of Bird and Kevin McHale from their Boston Celtics days.
Brunk’s old-school approach has deep family roots. His father, Joe, was an NAIA All-American at Hanover University in southern Indiana. They spent countless hours honing his game.
The result -- an all-state career at Southport High School on the south side of Marion County that culminated in sectional and regional titles in 2016, something the Cardinals hadn’t achieved since 1990. Brunk averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds as a senior and was a finalist for Indiana’s Mr. Basketball.
But perhaps Brunk’s biggest contribution was in the won-loss record. Southport went 1-19 in Brunk’s first season. It won 60 games in his last three.
The result -- national recruiting acclaim as a four-star prospect and a scholarship to Butler.
Then came tragedy.
Joe Brunk’s death from brain cancer in April of 2017 was a devastating blow. The NCAA granted the younger Brunk a hardship waiver in his Butler freshman season as he and his family dealt with the tragedy.
Brunk returned to action the next year, and averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 60 games at Butler, including 13 starts. Last season he averaged 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds. That included an eight-point, five-rebound off-the-bench effort against IU in the Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis.
He doesn’t want to talk much about that, or life as a Bulldog.
“I had a great three years there, but that chapter of my life is over. This is a new chapter.”
One that will last two seasons rather than the typical graduate transfer of one. He will have time to savor what being a Hoosier means.
“It’s a great chance to have two years here,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be forced. There can be a natural progression. I really get to be part of Indiana.”
That includes getting fully immersed in strength coach Clif Marshall’s program.
“I had a great offseason with Coach Clif in the weight room,” Brunk says. “We laid out some goals. I was able to work on them every day. I changed my diet a little bit. That really helped.
“On the court, I’m running better, moving better.”
That bodes well for the Hoosiers. Brunk will provide inside muscle along with the 6-10, 255-pound Davis; 6-9, 245-pound Trayce Jackson-Davis; 6-8, 235-pound Race Thompson and 6-7, 230-pound Justin Smith.
It’s an inside foundation that could generate plenty of outside offensive opportunities. That’s crucial to IU prospects.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity,” Brunk says. “We’ve put in a lot of time and effort. I’m comfortable letting the chips fall where they may.”
Those chips will get public visibility on Oct. 29, when IU hosts Gannon in its only exhibition game.
“I knew this was a great group of guys,” Brunk says. “They were very talented. It’s a great opportunity to be part of that.”
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Matthew McConaughey look is gone. The mustache and beard have given way to a hint of a 5 o’clock shadow. The flowing locks which once generated best-hair-in-basketball buzz are now clean-cut professional.
Joey Brunk has the look of a man on a Cream ‘n Crimson basketball mission. A three-year run at Butler steeled him for this. The fact that he’s 6-11 with a battle-in-the paint mentality is a graduate-transfer plus for an Indiana team that will need that and more in its drive to return to NCAA tourney relevance.
Brunk can deliver more, starting with leadership.
“It was something we talked about when I was being recruited,” he says. “It’s a little bit of my personality. I don’t have any problem speaking up.”
Coach Archie Miller doesn’t have any problem with Brunk not having a problem. Finding players who lead by word and deed is hard in this high-tech era when so many young athletes communicate by text or social media.
Brunk can handle that burden, as well as on-court production.
“Joey is a college player who has competed at a high level,” Miller says. “He knows what it’s like in terms of effort.”
The players have noticed.
“He is a leader on and off the court,” center De’Ron Davis says. “He brings a lot of energy. He won the summer award for being a warrior. He can be the loud voice for us.”
It’s a voice that comes from Cream ‘n Crimson history. Brunk says he grew up watching the Hoosiers.
“I remember watching the Cody Zeller teams with Jordy Hulls and Victor Oladipo. Those teams really stick out for me. I played AAU ball with J.C. Hulls (Jordan’s father) coaching.
“I had a lot of ties to Indiana.”
And if those ties improve Hoosier shooting – Brunk shot 61.7 percent from the field last season – all the better.
Miller has called Brunk “an experienced frontcourt player who has the size and heart to compete effectively in the Big Ten. He’s a strong high-percentage shooter who is an outstanding passer. He’s someone we can play through down low.”
Brunk brings an “old soul” attitude to the locker room, from his choice of music (“I grew up listening to a lot of old music with my parents. I have a soft spot for that”) to his top-5 NBA player list (Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon)
“I did catch a little bit of grief for not including Michael Jordan,” Brunk says with a smile.
One possible reason for the oversight – lots of watching YouTube clips of Bird and Kevin McHale from their Boston Celtics days.
Brunk’s old-school approach has deep family roots. His father, Joe, was an NAIA All-American at Hanover University in southern Indiana. They spent countless hours honing his game.
The result -- an all-state career at Southport High School on the south side of Marion County that culminated in sectional and regional titles in 2016, something the Cardinals hadn’t achieved since 1990. Brunk averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds as a senior and was a finalist for Indiana’s Mr. Basketball.
But perhaps Brunk’s biggest contribution was in the won-loss record. Southport went 1-19 in Brunk’s first season. It won 60 games in his last three.
The result -- national recruiting acclaim as a four-star prospect and a scholarship to Butler.
Then came tragedy.
Joe Brunk’s death from brain cancer in April of 2017 was a devastating blow. The NCAA granted the younger Brunk a hardship waiver in his Butler freshman season as he and his family dealt with the tragedy.
Brunk returned to action the next year, and averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 60 games at Butler, including 13 starts. Last season he averaged 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds. That included an eight-point, five-rebound off-the-bench effort against IU in the Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis.
He doesn’t want to talk much about that, or life as a Bulldog.
“I had a great three years there, but that chapter of my life is over. This is a new chapter.”
One that will last two seasons rather than the typical graduate transfer of one. He will have time to savor what being a Hoosier means.
“It’s a great chance to have two years here,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be forced. There can be a natural progression. I really get to be part of Indiana.”
That includes getting fully immersed in strength coach Clif Marshall’s program.
“I had a great offseason with Coach Clif in the weight room,” Brunk says. “We laid out some goals. I was able to work on them every day. I changed my diet a little bit. That really helped.
“On the court, I’m running better, moving better.”
That bodes well for the Hoosiers. Brunk will provide inside muscle along with the 6-10, 255-pound Davis; 6-9, 245-pound Trayce Jackson-Davis; 6-8, 235-pound Race Thompson and 6-7, 230-pound Justin Smith.
It’s an inside foundation that could generate plenty of outside offensive opportunities. That’s crucial to IU prospects.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity,” Brunk says. “We’ve put in a lot of time and effort. I’m comfortable letting the chips fall where they may.”
Those chips will get public visibility on Oct. 29, when IU hosts Gannon in its only exhibition game.
“I knew this was a great group of guys,” Brunk says. “They were very talented. It’s a great opportunity to be part of that.”
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Toy Drop's Halloween Bash
(SUMITTED PHOTOS) The Toy Drop, 6025 Madison Ave., Suite D, held their annual Halloween Bash on Friday. Enjoying a great time in their costumes, are store owner, Kim Gratz and husband Ivan, Melissa Peterson and Doug Davis, (The Scobby Doo family), Chris Smith (Patrick) and Karen Pavey (Sponge Bob). Below, is a few of their guests.
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