This is where you can read about current-day athletes and coaches and former greats, Hamilton County sports legends, and special award winners:

Posted: Jan. 17, 2012

Carmel Girls Soccer Coach Dixon Is Selected NHSCA Coach Of The Year For A 2nd Time

By Mark Morrow

Hamilton County Sports Daily

 

Carmel High School girls soccer coach Frank Dixon was honored over the weekend as the National High School Soccer Coach of the Year for 2011. It was the second national coach-of-the-year award for the nine-time state-championship coach. He also received the honor in 2002.

 

NAME	SCHOOL	YEARS	RECORD	PCT.
Carlos Giron	St. Thomas Aquinas, Fl.	1984-2009	628-61-14	.906
Paul Heenehan	Franklin Lakes, Ramapo, NJ	1967- 2009	621-67-34	.884
Barry Jacobson	Downers Grove South, IL	1984-2010	451-135-54	.744
Helen Sandford	Oneonta, NY	1973-2002	440-121-25	.773
Frank Dixon	Carmel, IN	1990-	409-24-28	.945

Source: National HS Record Book

The award is presented by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.  They present awards to coaches from every level of soccer, youth to NCAA D1.

Dixon was named the Girls High School D1 COY (D1 is large school).

“In my opinion this is a tremendous honor, but it’s not all about my coaching . . . such a tremendous honor for all of our success is the fact I’ve had so much talent and so many good athletes play for me,’’ Dixon said.

The organization holds a convention every year in January and hosts a banquet to announce the award winners.  The presentation was made on Jan. 13 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Each class of high school, large, small and private/parochial, is represented by eight regional COY.  The national winner is selected from that group.

Dixon is the regional COY for Region 4 or the Central Region.  This region is made up of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana.

The award follows the recent honor bestowed on Dixon’s unbeaten Lady Greyhounds, who were recently named the top high school soccer team in the nation by ESPNHS/PowerAde.

Dixon won a record ninth Indiana girls state championship as his team closed the season with a 22-0-1 record and a share of the No. 1 ranking in the final NSCAA poll. Dixon won eight of the first 11 girls state titles, including five in a row. His 2011 state title was the first for the school in seven years.

Dixon’s 2011 title was the first under the new two-class format. Carmel defeated Hamilton Southeastern 1-0.

Dixon also was named Indiana’s high school Soccer Coach of the Year in 2011. He’s a seven-time recipient of the Indiana award.

Six of Dixon’s state championship teams were unbeaten. His 2002 team was 25-0, the best record compiled among state championship teams since the Indiana High School Athletic Association tournament was unveiled in 1994.

Dixon ranks fifth in career coaching victories (409-24-28 record in 21 seasons) among high school girls soccer coaches, but his .945 winning percentage ranks No. 1. He’s also the winningest active coach in the country.

 

 

Posted: Sept. 2, 2011

NATIONAL HS CHAMPIONS:

Carmel Honored In girls Swimming

By Mark Morrow

Hamilton County Sports Daily

 

Last February, Carmel High School celebrated the school’s 25^th straight girls swimming and diving championship.

On Thursday, the Lady Greyhounds and coach Chris Plumb celebrated being named National Champions for 2010-11.

Wow, talk about a major accomplishment.

“A great moment for Carmel High School and the girls swimming team,’’ said an elated Plumb. “It’s certainly been a goal, and to finally do it is simply fantastic.’’

2010-11 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Plumb said when you think of all of the great teams Carmel has produced, it might seem easy to wonder why it has taken so long to accomplish such a feat.

“Obviously, it’s hard to do . . . to be the best,’’ he said. “Being a public school sort of puts us at a disadvantage compared to a private schools. Public schools really get only one shot at something like this.’’

Carmel also claimed its 26th title overall since 1981 and its fifth under coach Plumb, a six-time All-American at Indiana.

The school’s 25 consecutive state championship tied for the nation’s fourth-longest streak . . . not just in swimming . . . but in any sport, and it continues to be the longest active streak in the country.

The Lady Greyhounds set three state records in their Silver Anniversary masterpiece.

“Our times were very good, so we thought maybe we had a chance after winning the 25^th title,’’ Plumb said. “It comes down to having the top times in the country. I knew after last year’s state meet that it was our best chance, a real opportunity to finally be the national champion.

“This is a special occasion, really special. It validates the hard work these girls put it in.’’

“Now that you’ve won 25, are you thinking about maybe 25 more?’’ he was asked.

Plumb just chuckled . . . “Well, actually we’re only thinking about trying to get No. 26.’’

Plumb returns some very talented swimmers once again, including Lacey Locke, a sophomore last year, and the most decorated individual swimmer at state. She was on two winning relays – the record-setting 200-yard medley and on the 200 free. Locke also won the 200 individual medley and successfully defended her championship in the 100 backstroke. She earned three blue ribbon medals as a freshman.

Arianna Bullard, also a sophomore last year, was the other under underclassman on the record-setting relay, while junior Lucy Kramer was on the 200 free relay. And Alexis Bullard and Margaret Ramsey were members of the champion 400 freestyle as juniors.

State Championship Record Streaks

Longest streaks of consecutive state championships: all sports, all states

29 – Honolulu Punahou, Hawaii, boys swimming, 1958-86.
27 – Pickford, Mich., boys track and field, 1952-78.
26 – Woonsocket Mt. St. Charles Academy, R.I., boys hockey, 1978-2003.

25 – Carmel, Ind., girls swimming, 1986-2010.*

25 – Paulsboro, NJ, wrestling, 1983-2007.
24 – Tacoma Wilson, Wash., boys swimming, 1960-84.
22 – Honolulu Punahou, Hawaii, girls swimming, 1974-95.
21 – Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, Fla., girls swimming, 1956-76.
*Active streak.
(Source: National Federation of State High School Associations)

 

Posted: June 25, 2011

2011 MISS SOFTBALL:

Millers’ Katie Harrison

Posted: June 25, 2011

 

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

Noblesville coach Mike Ramsey greeted Katie Harrison with a big smile, a bigger hug . . . and told her he was proud of her.

The 2011 Indiana Miss Softball said she was shaking before and after the announcement was made on Saturday and that she was in shock.

“So much talent, so many good players this season . . . I really wasn’t thinking I’d win it. I can’t believe it,’’ the senior said with a smile that was many times bigger than a softball.  “The season didn’t end the way we intended, so this award takes away some of the bad taste.’’

The award was presented by the Indiana Coaches of Girls Association between a doubleheader of the North-South All-Stars at Carmel’s Cherry Tree Softball Complex. Harrison becomes the third Miss Softball from Hamilton County. The first was Carmel’s Jenny Schoen in 1994, followed by Hamilton Southeastern’s Morgan Melloh in 2007.

It has been a roller coaster ride of emotions for Harrison, since May 8, 2011, the day her father died.

“I miss him, and I think he’ be proud of me,’’ said the fourth-year catcher. “The rest of my softball career will be dedicated to him. Dad was so much a part of all of this. He started throwing a ball to me when I was 4 years old. He coached me as long as I can remember, and he was always there for me.’’

Harrison said she doesn’t want to look back, that she wants to move on to the next chapter of her life. That begins in early August when she reports to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Harrison, who said she was “hanging in there’’ when asked about her emotions, was able to keep her composure, though her eyes were a little watery as she talked about the traumatic situation while clinging to the Miss Softball plaque.

“I definitely have my moments . . . it’s hard,’’ she said. “I’ve heard things can get worse before they get better. So I know it can get harder.’’

Ramsey, who led Noblesville to the Hoosier Crossroads Conference softball championship in his sixth season with the Millers, called Harrison an inspiration to all of the Millers.

“We were all devastated by what happened,’’ he said. “Katie missed a couple of games because of father’s death, but she had great numbers before that, and she came back and continued to put up big numbers.’’

Ramsey said that Harrison always put the team concept first.

“It was as if she had to prove to the girls that she’d be Ok,’’ he said, referring to her play when she rejoined the team. “She’s a great athlete, a great person . . . and very deserving of being named Miss Softball.’’

Harris batted a remarkable .649 this season, with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs.

“We’ve had some very good softball players at Noblesville through the years, but her numbers over four years are simply unbelievable  . . .  she’s the most prolific player I’ve seen,’’ Ramsey said.

____

Posted: June 10, 2011

Carmel Senior Kelsi Jones Is Selected

Gatorade Indiana Softball Player of the Year

 The honors just keep coming in for senior centerfielder Kelsi Jones.

The two-time National High School Softball All-American was selected this week as Gatorade’s Indiana Softball Player of the Year.

She’s the  first Carmel High School athlete to receive the prestigious honor.

Jones now becomes a finalist for the National Gatorade Softball Player of the Year award.

The Gatorade award honors athletic excellence, academic achievement and character.

Jones, who has committed to the University of Missouri at Columbia, leads Carmel in several statistical categories.

Jones, a leadoff hitter with exceptional speed and uncanny base running skills,  is currently batting .484.

She has 22 extra-base hits, including seven home runs, and she has driven in a team-best 33 runs.

__

Posted: April 1, 2011

Roary Is The Purr-Fect Fit at Hamilton SE

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

Most high schools have a mascot.

But how many sports mascots also have a sport of their own?

Meet Roary . . . Hamilton Southeastern’s warm and fuzzy and fun-loving Lion mascot.

This mascot knows ROYALS and ROYAL-ty.

This mascot helps lead cheers on the football field, and parades in front of the stadium’s field on the running track. Helps stir the crowd, helps cheerleaders, and even slaps high-fives to spectators and media members.

And Roary also stars at pep rallies.

And Roary also has visited elementary schools and to talk about being a student-athlete.

So do you know who’s inside the Roary costume? Who really is Roary?

A hint: Roary is not a HE, but a SHE . . . and she is one of the most experienced softball players in Hamilton County, not to mention the state.

She’s Caitlin Laughlin, the starting shortstop and a three-year starter for the defending Class 4A state champion Lady Royals.

Caitlin Laughlin, on Roary:

How long have you been Roary?

Since last season.

How did you get the part?

 

 

I did most football games, and I’ve gone to the elementary and intermediate schools to be Roary for the kids. I’ve also done the pep rallies at (the high) school.  

 What’s the one best thing about being Roary?

 My favorite thing is crowd-surfing at the football games.  

What are your college plans?

I’m going to Indiana State to get my undergraduate degree in psychology, and then pursue my masters and Ph.D in psychology.

Now you know about Roary, any other information anyone can share about other Hamilton County mascots? Let us know.

But first things first . . . Let’s hear it for Roary: Hip, hip, hooray.

How about a nice big Lion’s roar for Caitlin, who obviously has the heart of a lion.

Nice job, Caitlin!

Posted: March 10, 2011

This Gary Harris Moment One Of The Most Special

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

Gary Harris is a star in Indiana high school basketball, and pretty  much perceived as a Rock Star

by the youth in the Hamilton Southeastern community.

He usually gives everyone something to cheer about.

The 6-foot-4 junior is tall, strong, oh so quick, and possesses an exceptional pair of hands that are soft and sturdy, skillful and dependable. Too bad he couldn’t bottle those hands that also are quite prevalent on the football field. He could make a lot of money someday.

Everybody knows about Gary Harris, the athlete. He’s not a magician, he just has the ability to provide some magical moments. He ranks among the top 10-15 players in the state right now, and maybe much higher in terms of athleticism, no matter what grade level.

Harris, recently selected to play on the North team in the inaugural All-American Championships on April 3, draws “oohs” and “aaahs’’ when he touches the ball, moves in for a jumper, or shoots and streaks to the basket.

In just about every game this season, most fans will tell you they recall a Gary Harris Moment.

He has excellent foot work; his first step can be electrifying. He runs the floor like a Gazelle. He plays big under and above the rim. His long arms and those big hands are so disruptive on defense.

The Hoosier Crossroads Conference scoring champion averages 18.5 points on a team with a lot of good scorers. He gets 5.2 rebounds per game, along with 3.3 assists, 2 blocks and 2.9 steals. He’s a slasher to the basket. He soars high and on occasion delivers thunderous dunks.

His shooting arguably still could use some work, but 54 percent isn’t bad, you know. He has a knack for hitting the big shot from the floor or the free throw line when it’s needed. And more important, perhaps, is he’s a winner.

Little wonder he’s on the radar of every major college and university coach. It’s almost common place to see IU’s Tom Crean and Louisville’s Rick Pitino and Michigan’s John Beilein, to name a few, seated in the stands and most of the time wear a WOW look.

Crean even attended many Hamilton Southeastern football games, watching Harris catch passes, return kicks and bat away passes from his free safety position.

Harris has said he doesn’t know where he’s going to school, shrugging his shoulders as if it’s no big deal at the moment, or at least not in this moment in time.

“When it finally hits me, then I’ll say where I’m going. No timetable,’’ though,’’ he said with a slight grin earlier this season.

Right now, the only thing he says he knows for sure is that he wants to win, and he’s said all along that the Royals have the talent to do just that.

So far, so good.

The No. 5 ranked Royals are 19-3 going into Saturday’s game against No. 6 Center Grove at Hinkle Fieldhouse at noon. No. 2 North Central meets No. 7 Pike in the opener. The winners collide at 8 o‘clock.

But as important as the upcoming Hinkle Regional is to Harris and his teammates, the way he mingles with the youth – young basketball hopefuls and youngsters alike – one almost gets the feeling he’s as comfortable away from the floor as he seems to be on it.

Though he may come across as Rock Star when it comes to the youth at Hamilton Southeastern and probably in many other parts of the Fishers community, you’d never know it talking to him. He’s laid back, very humble, very appreciative of the attention he gets and the situation he’s in on and off the basketball court.

Harris, swarmed by youngsters, spent a good 30-40 minutes signing autographs and shoes and shirts and even some arms after the Royals beat Carmel 57-53 to capture the Noblesville Sectional at The Mill.

One youngster even asked him if he could have his shoes. Harris just looked down and smiled.

Harris was asked by a media member how many autographs he had signed. “Oh, I don’t know, a few, I guess,’’ he said, smiling while coming across as being a little bashful.

You’ve been out here signing autographs for quite a while now, don’t you get tired? “Nah,’’ he said. “. . .  It’s fun. I like talking to the kids . . . I really do. We’re having a good time.’’

Harris probably also picked up a couple of additional adult fans by his actions. On one play, he went for a block, came down, and stumbled into the stands and into a youngster. The force of the contact jarred the youngster. He was more scared than hurt. Harris touched his arm and asked him if he was OK. The youngster, with tears streaming down his face, nodded as if saying he was fine or that he would be OK.

After the game and during the celebration, Harris went over to check on the youngster. He posed for a picture with the youngster, and Harris gave him the ball cupped under his arm.

That’s a side of a star, or Rock Star, if you will, that you seldom see. The way Gary Harris was able and willing to interact with the youth left more of an impression than a fast-break slam dunk, or a 75-foot buzzer-beater.

And you know, as good as he can be with a basketball in his hands, that just may be the best Gary Harris Moment we’ll ever see. If so, golly . . . it was priceless.

Mark Morrow can be reached via email: mark@hcsportsdaily.com - or by phone: 317.460.8018.

Jan. 1, 2011

Life’s Challenges ‘Blessing’ For Hannah Roth

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

Guerin Catholic High School’s Hannah Roth knows a little something about adversity.
She knows even more about life. Probably because she escaped what was thought to be certain death.
The senior basketball team member not only was diagnosed with cancer on Oct. 3, 2007, but doctors thought it was incurable, so the 16-year-old was given only a few weeks to live.

“I don’t remember much about it because I was heavily sedated. I just remember hearing my mom cry. I mean, I was her only daughter. She was devastated,’’ said Hannah, who has three brothers. “I vaguely remember mom leaning over me and yelling that I had to fight, that I had to fight and get well . . . that I couldn’t give up.
Her mother’s words proved to be like a ray of comforting sunshine, and it turned out that Hannah’s form of cancer was misdiagnosed.

Hannah had a large tumor on her liver. She could undergo surgery, but there was no guarantee
that doctors could get all of the cancer. A liver transplant would get 100 percent of the cancer cells involved.
“We took some time to get away and talk about what we would do,’’ said her dad,
Dave, the freshman girls basketball coach at the Noblesville school.

“She went with her mom (Lisa) and I, so she certainly had a lot input in the decision we made. After weighing everything, Hannah said ‘let’s do it.’ ’’
Hannah said she was very lucky that she only had to wait 11 days for a donor.

Hannah underwent chemo for the tumor on her liver and then had a liver transplant on Feb. 10, 2008. She’s had rejection from her new liver twice. She was put on a high dosage of steroids and couldn’t practice for nearly two months.
“It’s very unlikely the cancer would ever return. If  it would come back, it would be in the lymph node,’’ she said. “They test me every so often to make sure,’’ Hannah said.
Her life has been a series of highs and lows, ups and downs, and it continues to be a roller coaster ride of sorts.

Last summer when she began practicing basketball, her back muscles gave out. She had been cut across the length of her stomach for the transplant, and soon discovered she had lost muscle memory.

This past summer, she popped a knee out of place and must wear a brace to play basketball. On Dec. 20, she suffered a severe ankle injury. She’s in a support cast and on crutches. She won’t even be able to start practicing again for at least four weeks. She hopes to be back in time for sectionals.
Not once, though, did she ever ask, “Why me, Lord?’’ said her brother David, 21, who assists his dad as freshman coach.
Hannah said she honestly believes it happened for a reason. She even called her situation “a blessing.’’
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl,’ she said. “This has helped push me even more in that direction.

“What I went through certainly wasn’t something you enjoy and I wouldn’t want anyone else to have to go through it, but I have a different outlook on life. I have even more of a passion for people who’ve been ill and might face similar circumstances.’’
She said she would be willing to visit other people in the hospital who have gone through a transplant or might be waiting for a donor. She said she wants to help any way she can.
Hannah was invited to be part of the Hoby Foundation Youth Leadership group, and she’s spoken to the group each of the past two years.
“I volunteer to help whenever I can. It’s a great feeling to be able to help support others,’’ she said.
Hannah knows first-hand the importance of support. She said she wouldn’t be where she is today without her school, her friends, her family, and of course her religion.
“The support of the Guerin Catholic community, our church community and the Christian group (People of Praise) that we’re part of have been so supportive,’’
her dad said. “All of their prayers have been so essential for us.’’

Guerin varsity coach Scott Miller said what Hannah has undergone has even turned some negatives into positives for the basketball team.
“Hannah may not be the greatest athlete and she can’t be because her body is still trying to get back into basketball condition,’’ he said. “She’s had so many setbacks. But she’s so positive, and that rubs off on the other girls. She’s very intelligent. She knows the game, and the other girls feel a sense of comfort when she’s on the court. They know she’ll make the right decisions and will help them do the same.’’
Hannah said her teammates never talk about what she’s gone through, that they are all just good friends and teammates and playing basketball is something they love to do. “I just know they are there for me and that they want me to be able to do my best,’’ she said.
Dave Roth said his daughter has no regrets about what she has been through.
“She’s excited to get back to what she considers a normal life. I think basketball is a positive outlet for her,’’ he said. “It makes her feel involved, and she loves to be with people and develop friendships.’’
Hannah said she thinks of her parents and brothers as friends, not just her family.
“Certainly, we’re a close-knit family, but what has happened has had an impact on everyone, not just me,’’ she said,  matter of  factly. “We’ve all grown because of  this. We’ve always been close . . . but now we’re even closer. We
met many challenges together, and now we enjoy each day much more that we have together.’’
David, her oldest brother, was a senior at Guerin when Hannah was diagnosed.  He had to live with the worries and concerns surrounding his sister while trying to enjoy a normal life in high school.
“He lived with it at school and at home. It had to be a difficult time for him,’’ David’s dad said. “But he was always there for her. I know that David and I have both grown a great deal because of Hannah  and I think the relationship I
have with David is even stronger working together in coaching, because of the situation.’’
When asked what she would say to people who may experience the setbacks she’s gone through, Hannah said that staying positive was the biggest thing.
“The more positive you are, the more you’ll enjoy yourself in life,’’ she said. “Cherish your family and each day you have together.’’
Then she paused, and let out a slight chuckle.
“Dad still is able to find some humor. He’ll joke about what we’ve been through, in a light attitude about me of course. He’ll say, ‘If it can happen, then it’ll probably happen to Hannah’ ’’
Hopefully only good things from now on.

Jan. 12, 2011

For Carmel, it’s 25 And Counting; Sophomore

Locke Double winner In State Swimming

 

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

This one might as well been served up on a silver platter

The outcome was never in doubt. Nor was it really close . . .  but the final result could not have been more special.

Twenty-five Indiana high school girls swimming championships. Wow . . . what a silver anniversary present for the Lady Greyhounds, the Carmel community, coach Chris Plumb and all of the former athletes and coaches who’ve helped to make this another moment for the archives.

Chris Plumb, an All-American swimmer at Indiana University, added his fifth straight state title at Carmel, joining Ray Lawrence with five. Tony Young, now affiliated with Indiana Swimming, is the all-time leader with nine in a row.

The Lady Greyhounds qualified 23 swims in the preliminaries, and they hit the water at the IU Natatorium on Saturday with hydroplane speed, leaving the rest of the field in their wake. They scored a decisive 382 points.

They won the state meet’s first four events, two ending in records, the first a nional public school standard.

Carmel sophomore Lacey Locke won two events and swam a leg on two relays, including the opening leg on the 200 medley relay as Carmel won in a natonal record time 1:41.42, bettering the 1:41.68 set by Carmel in 2009. She was joined by Samantha Shaheen, Ariana Bullard and Carly Marshall.

The Purdue-bound Marshall, who also won the 50 free, was named the Mental Attitude Award recipient.

Plumb was quick to laud the team’s hard work and the senior leadership that Marshall has provided

When the waters finally calmed, it was Carmel’s individuals and overall depth that told the story of continued dominance. The Lady Greyhounds won all three relays and five individual events.

Carmel’s Rhiannon Sheets set a 1:47.09 record in the 200 freestyle, with Lauren Jordan and Margaret Ramsey finishing second and fourth, respectively.  Jordan also won the 500 free, using great leg drive and closing speed to post a 4:47.69 to out-leg McCutcheon’s Megan Gallagher (4:49.50).

Small in stature but big in heart, the always smiling Locke defended her championship in the 100-yard backstroke and in the process beat teammate Alexis Bullard, who finished second but entered the state meet as the No. 1 seed.

Locke won the 200 Individual medley in 2:0071, bettering her 2:01.82 in the preliminaries. It marked the first season she’s swam that event. That in itself could be viewed as a remarkable accomplishment.

Locke swam a strong and fast anchor leg (20.36) on the winning 200 free relay, which she was a member of a year ago. Then she moved right into the 100 backstroke.

Her speed, endurance and energy level were unreal. And she appeared to have a lot left in her tank.

Interviewed after the 100 back, she said the state meet was something she’d been looking forward to all year. She also said winning the 25^th straight state championship was great, a goal, but that there were even bigger goals and challenges ahead than just winning state.

One of those goals presumably would be the national championship. The national mark is 29 straight championships by Honolulu Punahou boys swimming team (1958-86). The Lady Greyhounds’ consecutive championship mark ranks No. 1 among all girls teams.

And with 26 overall swimming titles, Carmel High School now ranks tied for fourth overall in the nation in team championships.

State Championship Record Streaks
Longest streaks of consecutive state championships: all sports, all states

29 – Honolulu Punahou, Hawaii, boys swimming, 1958-86
27 – Pickford, Mich., boys track and field, 1952-78
26 – Woonsocket Mt. St. Charles Academy, R.I., boys hockey, 1978-2003
25 – Paulsboro, NJ, wrestling, 1983-2007
25 – Carmel, Ind., girls swimming, 1986-2011*
24–Tacoma Wilson, Wash., boys swimming, 1960-84
23–Bolles, Jacksonville, Fla., boys swimming, 1988-2010

23–Brophy Prep, Phoenix, boys swimming, 1988-2010* 

22–Mt. Anthony, Bennington, Vt., wrestling, 1989-2010*

22–Honolulu Punahou, Hawaii, girls swimming, 1974-95

22-Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier, boys swimming, 1989-2010
21 – Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, Fla., girls swimming, 1956-76.
*Active streak.

Jan. 16, 2011

Lacey Locke: Racer Entertainer

Lacey Locke started swimming competitively when she was 6 years old. She joined the Carmel Swim Club when she was 9 or 10, as she recalls.

The rest is history, but the final chapter is a long way from being written.

 

“It was intense even at that age. I found out what real competition was all about,’’ said the Carmel sophomore who made quite a splash on the big state as a freshman, and is still leaving the competition in her waves.

After winning the 100-meter backstroke as a freshman and finishing 11^th in the 50-freestyle, she said she’s come to at least two conclusions: She wants to keep on winning and setting  records, and she knows what events she wants to excel in.

The 50 free isn’t one of them,’’ she said with a smile.

And even though she won state and set a school record in the 100-backstroke as a freshman, she’s been concentrating on the individual medley, though she said she wishes she could compete in both events.

“I just want to win and be in events where I can help by team most,’’ said Locke, pictured (left) on the cover next to teammates Margaret Ramsey and Elizabeth Flaherty during a cool down period at the Metropolitan Interscholastic meet in early January. “Things have been going pretty well for me IM.’’

After winning the 200 IM in MIC meet, Loche was asked if her time was a school or conference record while walking away with her blue ribbon. She replied with a confident smile, “No, not yet.’’

That says a lot about her mindset.

Sophomore Lacey Locke wants to win championships and set records/HC Sports Daily photo: Mark Morrow.

  In helping lead the Lady Greyhounds to the school’s 24^th straight Indiana high school swimming and diving championship last year, Locke was of more help than maybe most people might have expected. She also joined Lucy Kremer, Carly Marshall and Rhiannon Sheets in winning the 200 free relay, and was a member of the 200 medley relay with Marshall.

Coach Chris Plumb isn’t most people. He has high expectations her, so what she accomplished did not come as a surprise.

“I’ve been watching Lacey swim for quite a while in the Carmel Swim Club,’’ said Plumb, in his fifth season coaching both the girls and boys and running the Carmel Swim Club. “She has a tremendous work ethic. Though we have some good freshmen again this season, we don’t have any the caliber of Lacey.’’

Going into the state tournament, which begins Feb. 3 and 5 with sectionals, Plumb said he isn’t sure yet who’ll be swimming the relays, though Lacey likely will be in the mix.

At this time, the girls have an idea of what they are swimming but do not
know for sure.  As far as relays, it looks good for Lacey, but relays are
determined at the meet. (8 are eligible but only 4 can swim).

“I can say this,’’ he continued, “I am very pleased with Lacey’s and the team’s progress to this point; we are poised to have a terrific Championship Season and I know
Lacey and all the girls have big goals and plan on achieving them.

“Lacey has competed well in the 200 IM and has shown she has the ability to compete for a state championship in that event, but we will have to wait and see.’’

The road to a highly anticipated Silver Anniversary championship for the Lady Greyhounds ends with the state final Feb. 11-12 at the IU Natatorium on the IUPUI campus.

Locke, who also won a leg on the winning relays at the MIC meet, has come a long way for someone so young. And she’s worked hard. Very hard.

Locke said she practices two times daily and on Saturdays, getting one day off. That practice times does not include meets.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Sometimes you get a little tired. When that happens, your motivation takes over. You have to keep going, keep working hard,’’ she said.

Locke said what she gets most out of swimming is the competition, plus the friends she’s made, and that it teaches discipline and time management.

She said her goals are to always strive to be her best, win another individual and state championship and to help her teammates keep winning.

And of course this season even carries more significance in terms of winning, with Carmel’s  bid for that 25^th straight swimming and diving championship that would give the Hamilton County school the national record for consecutive championships among girls teams.

“We’re like family. We all get along so well. The chemistry is great,’’ Locke said. “I really like being a part of the total picture here. We all do, and our motivation is always at a high level to do our best in every meet.’’

When asked what she thinks her winning has done for younger swimmers, she replied, “I think my winning will motivate a lot of the other young girls to strive to be champions.

When you are swimming, she was asked, what goes through your mind?

“Well, other than being focused to win, I consider myself a Entertainer Racer.

Entertainer Racer?

“Oh yeah, when I’m in the water I’m having a great time . . . and I always try to put on a show,’’ she said, flashing a pool-size smile.

Mark Morrow can be reached via email: mark@hcsportsdaily.com – or by calling 460-8018.

Posted: Dec. 14, 2010

  Fishers Coach Rick Wimmer Wins

 Inaugural IFCA Coach of Year Award

    

The year of firstscontinued for Fishers High School and football coach Rick Wimmer.

A first sectional, regional, semistate and Class 5A state championship in only the school’s fifth season of varsity football was followed by the first Indiana Football Coaches’ Association Coach of the Year award being presented to Wimmer.

Wimmer, who previously won a Class 3A state championship at Zionsville in the 1987-88 season, led the Tigers to a 14-1 season record this season and a 38-19 victory over Lawrence Central in the state championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Wimmer, who was 1-10 in his first season at Fishers in 2006, is 37-21 at the Hamilton County school and 201-104 in 29 years as a head coach. He’s 23-3 the past two seasons while sharing the Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship with in-town rival Hamilton Southeastern in back-to-back years.

 

 

Posted: Nov. 22, 2010

 

Carmel Coach Frank Dixon Honored By Soccer Hall of Fame

Veteran Carmel girls School girls soccer coach Frank Dixon has been inducted into the Indiana High School Soccer Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Indiana Soccer Coaches’  Hall of Fame banquet.

  “It is really a great honor and I’m still having a hard time believing it is true.  Most of my coaching staff was able to attend the banquet along with three of my players that were also receiving awards,” said Dixon, the state’s most successful girls soccer coach with eight state championships.

Dixon has coached for 20 years and has collected 387 victories.

Brooke Backes was named first-team All-State and Allie Auscherman was named to the second team.  Kelsie Strout received the “top team player” award for Carmel High School.

Phil Slavens, Brownsburg’s girls coach, did the induction speech.  “He has been a great friend of mine for a long time.’’

 Posted: Nov. 14, 2010

Koby the Competitor Could Be Mr. Football

 

 Hamilton County has had only one Mr. Football since the award’s inception in 1992.  That honor was bestowed on Carmel’s Morgan Newton in 2007.

     Fishers coach Rick Wimmer hopes the county’s second Indiana Mr. Football recipient will be wearing a red jersey this week . . . and next week.

He’s not alone.

        You are on center stage, Koby Orris.

So far from what I’ve seen, not even those Super Heroes in masks and capes have a thing on you.

Unlike those other Super Heroes, everyone knows who’s  piercing eyes are looking across the line through that battle-tested red helmet – yet, no one has been able stop or even contain him.

      I’m not saying Orris has put the entire team on his shoulders, because the Tigers are a talented bunch in some areas, especially the skilled positions, but there’s no question he’s shouldered the bulk of the burden.

While most of the Mr. Football recipients have been one-dimensional, Orris can wreak havoc from both sides of the ball. The last recipient of the coveted award – presented to Indiana’s best football player – who was a two-way standout was Roncalli’s Jason Werner in 2004. He played wide receiver and safety.

        Orris’ main presence on defense has come mostly in the so-called big games or when the circumstances called for him to be on the field. He’s been a mainstay throughout the postseason. He’s accounted for 11 tackles and one interception in the past three games alone, and most teams usually throw away from him.

For the season, he has 21 solos, 5 assists, 3 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions: playing 15-25 plays per game in the first half of the season and playing about 20-30 defensive plays a game during the playoffs.

“Koby personifies what Mr. Football is all about,’’ Wimmer said of his first-year senior quarterback. “He’s more than just our quarterback. He’s the leader on offense, and he’s rock solid on defense (safety). He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more.’’

In order words, the measuring stick is long and impressive when you talk about what he brings to the table for the Tigers. That includes his competitiveness.

Orris is about more than just statistics, though his numbers certainly are worth mentioning. He’s passed for 1,850 yards and 24 touchdowns; he’s rushed for 10 TDs and 836 yards, a 6.2 yards-per-carry average; and his team production per game on offense is 206-plus yards.

      Orris, who refers to himself as an athlete no matter where he’s needed to play, has produced three of the best performances one could hope to see – at times when the great ones always emerge, because they know they must emerge in order to play on.

He ran for three touchdowns each in emotional sectional victories over Carmel and Hamilton Southeastern, the latter a rematch that produced Fishers’ first sectional football title, and last week at Fort Wayne, the elusive performer passed for four touchdowns and 140 yards and ran for 168 yards on 14 carries and intercepted a pass to help the Tigers add the regional championship to the school’s trophy case.

With the injures Fishers has endured at running back, Orris has pretty much been the Next Man Up every week, answering the call each time. Sometimes you watch him play, and it’s as if he’s handing off to himself. He’s a tough and humble and talented athlete who loves to compete and who certainly has a good feel for what he does, and command of the various situations he faces on the football field.

“I like hitting people and I like taking hits as long as I can help my team win,’’ said Orris, who doesn’t mind sacrificing his body to hit ball carriers and receivers with the swiftness of a dagger.

He doesn’t seek praise. But here’s a fitting accolade from the coach of a well-respected and highly successful program that engineered an early-season victory over Fishers: Hamilton Southeastern’s Scott May said that Orris was the “best competitor we’ve faced’’ this season.

       I’m guessing May is not alone in such an assessment.

“If ever you were being considered for an all-star team,’’ I asked him a week or so ago, “for what position are you best suited?  “Anywhere . . . I’d be happy to be listed anywhere . . . and, really . . . I’d be comfortable wherever anywhere might be,’’ he said with an oh-my-gosh chuckle.

As far as college goes, he said at 6 feet and 180 pounds that he’s probably too small to play quarterback.

But don’t bet on it.

When you measure his heart and the amount of determination down deep inside, well, he has what it takes – certainly in my opinion the tools necessary to achieve success somewhere at the next level.

Right now, though, the gutsy performer – long on humility and character – likely is more concerned about beating yet-to-lose Valparaiso, which comes to Fishers this week. Both teams are vying for a trip to the Class 5A state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium.

So, Vikings, welcome to the Tigers Den, The Jungle. You are entering Koby’s prime hunting  ground, where the Tigers have won 15 of their past 16 games over the past three seasons, including seven in a row since the 2009 sectional loss to Carmel.

If Fishers (12-1) goes on to bring home the school’s first state championship, it will be quite a tribute to coach Wimmer and his staff and to all of the great athletes he says have helped set the foundation for what has been a remarkable season in a mere five seasons of varsity football.

Think about Fishers’ remarkable journey . . . win or lose this week or next. Wimmer has installed a program, a first-class program, where his athletes work hard, play with a controlled confidence, and do things the right way. That includes their communication skills. They answer “yes sir’’ and “no sir’’ when confronted by the media.

Koby Orris follows suit and also handles himself in a pleasant, professional manner. He’s also so humble, so nonchalant about his personal accomplishments. He’s the conductor of a finely tuned orchestra that still may not realize just how sweet their music is to those in Tiger land.

So strike up the band!  These Tigers are for real. And so is their quarterback. Two more victories. Two more celebrations . . .  or possibly three. Indiana’s Mr. Football Award just may have Koby Orris inscribed on the 2010 plaque.

At least, it could . . . and it should. I certainly know of no one more valuable to his team, more competitive, more deserving. No matter what cape or uniform he may wear.

Mark Morrow can be reached via e-mail: mark@hcsportsdaily.com – or by calling 317.460.8018.

   

Posted: Nov. 10, 2010

Huskies’ Stis Hopes To follow in Dad’s Footsteps

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

Like father like son?
Tanner Stis, flashing a big, infectious smile, said he hopes so.

Stis, the highly celebrated Hamilton Heights senior quarterback, is two wins away from playing for a state championship in Class 3A.  His dad, Doug, helped lead Hamilton Southeastern to the Class A football title in 1981.
“I’ve had a football in my hand as long as I remember being able to pick it up,’’ said the leader of the unbeaten Huskies (12-0). They meet perennial state powerhouse Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis Manual’s stadium this week in the regional round of the 38th Indiana high school football playoffs.
Hamilton Heights, looking for the school’s first regional championship since 2003, is one of three Hamilton County schools still in the hunt. Fishers (11-1) goes to Fort Wayne Snider (9-2) in a Class 5A regional, and Guerin Catholic (7-5) will play in its first regional when Milan (8-4) visits.

“Dad has always been there for me. He’s had such an impact on my career and on me as a person. I started throwing the football when I was very young, and dad has always been there for me. He’s run routes for me, and helping make me better.’’
Doug Stis still holds the all-time record of 22 touchdown catches in a single season, while his son has thrown for 36 TDs. Tanner is in a three-way, three behind Sam O’Shea, whose Wheeler team was eliminated in 2A last week.
“Tanner’s not what you would call flashy, but boy is he good . . . he’s very good,’’ said his coach, Jason Simmons.

Consider:
>Tanner ranks fourth in the state in completions with 180; Westfield junior Wade Burtron, who’s season has ended, ranks third with 186.
>Tanner has gone to the air 269 times, has passed for 2,585 yards.
>Tanner owns a 67 percent completion rate. That’s second in the state to
Evansville Bosse’s Jalen Pendleton (70.0), whose team plays at Indian Creek this
week.
>Tanner has been intercepted only six times, which puts him four behind the
leader in that category.
>Tanner averages 215.42 passing yards per game on a team that boasts a
balanced, solid running game.

Tanner said his biggest improvement over last season stems from making better reads.
“My line has done a good job of protecting me for the most part, and of course I have very good receivers,’’ he said. “Team chemistry is very good. All of the guys get along very well. We never get down. When our backs are up against a wall, we’ve been able to stick together and overcome any adversity that’s come our way.’’
The team even meets first thing each Saturday morning (after game night) for breakfast, which paints an even better picture of the closeness the kids and coaches share. And probably the football managers, too. One of whom is Tanner’s sophomore sister, Madison.
As far as bringing a state championship to Husky land, there’s that infectious smile and a twinkle in his eye as he replied, “The next game is our most important game. We just always say next game and then go out and try to take care of business.’’

 Posted: Nov. 8, 2010

County Coaches  Begin  Preparation

for  2010-11 Boys Basketball Season

Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

 While the girls basketball season gets the green light this week, the boys are just beginning to hit Hamilton County hardwoods as practice is under way for the 2010-11 season.

The first IHSAA contest date is Nov. 22, though most schools don’t come out firing until a day or two later. Sectionals are March 1, 4 and 5; regionals are March 12; Semistates are March 19; and the State Finals in four classes is March 26 at Conseco Fieldhouse.

It’s safe to assume that we’re headed for another highly competitive season, and Sectional 9 – that includes defending champion Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, Hamilton Southeastern and Westfield – promises to be as demanding as ever.

Noblesville only returns two players with a great deal of experience in its attempt to successfully defend its sectional championship, arguably the best in Class 4A, while Hamilton County’s other defending sectional champion is Guerin Catholic in Class 2A.

Noblesville coach Dave McCollough lost several seniors, including four full-time starters, from a 20-5 team that pushed eventual state champion North Central to the brink before succumbing 54-53 in overtime in the Hinkle Regional.

But the dean of Hamilton County coaches won’t lack for talent. The centerpiece in the attack figures to be Daniel Purvlicis. The 6-foot-7  junior started midway through the 2009 season and averaged four to five points and as many rebounds among the veteran group of statistical leaders. He’ll be joined by 6-5 Brendon Elmore, and sophomore Sam Philpott (6-6) was on the tournament roster. Senior guard Reid Baker should be a key contributor.

“We have a lot of competition for positions, and we have some good young kids up from a JV team that was 17-3,’’ said McCollough, who has posted a 255-105 won-loss record in 17 seasons leading the Millers, and is 412-200 overall in 28 seasons.

One newcomer hoping to earn a spot on the Millers roster is Phil Miller, a lightning-quick senior guard who left the Fishers program last season after starting for two seasons.

Speaking of Fishers, coach Joe Leonard returns six of his top seven players. Brian Sutton,  R.C. Hauser and three-year regular Dakota Slaughter are still with the football team that plays Fort Wayne Snider this week in the regional.

Once all the Tigers come together, Leonard can field a tall front line in 6-9 junior Tyler Alderman, Ryan Rebolz and Slaughter, a pair of 6-7 bookends. Junior JP Penn (6-1) should be one of the area’s top guards.

Hamilton Southeastern returns 6-4 Gary Harris, heavily courted by IU basketball coach Tom Crean, who attended many of the Royals’ football games to watch Harris this fall. Randy Gregory (6-5), another football player, speedy guard Jacobby Bledsoe, and 6-4 freshman shooting prospect Zak Irvin should provide plenty of excitement. Coach Brian Satterfield’s Royals posted a 17-4 won-loss mark in 2009.

Top scorer Maurice Fuller (6-3) and Jake Norris (6-2) are returning starters for second-year coach Eric Rauch. Wade Burtron (6-3), who quarterbacked the football team, returns for his second season, and sophomore Ajay Lawton (5-10) should be in the mix.

Scott Heady, in his first season as Carmel’s head coach, didn’t find the cupboard bare, even though 6-11. A.J. Hammons left to attend a prep academy. There’s size in 6-10 Alec Peterson, muscle in 6-5 Shawn Heffern and Matt Howard, and good outside shooting in Josh Baldridge, Ben Gardner and Sam Curts.

IU-bound Austin Etherington (6-8) will be the key man at Hamilton Heights; Pete Smith lost only one player from the Guerin Catholic team that reached the Tipton Regional championship game, and strong inside player Danny Town and two-year junior starting guard Riley Rapp are back to key the attack; Sheridan and University will try to improve on losing records. The Trailblazers have a new coach in Paul Gianakos. Sheridan and University were 8-13 and 7-15 respectively. 

 

 

Posted: Oct. 25, 2010

Girls Begin 2010-11 Basketball Practices

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County  Sports Daily

They’re bouncing basketballs in the nine Hamilton County gymnasiums this week as Indiana high school girls basketball practice is officially under way for the 2010-11 season.
The first IHSAA contest date is set for Nov. 8. Sectionals are Feb. 8, 11 and 2; regionals are Feb. 1; semistates are Feb. 26; and the State Finals tips off  March 5 at Fort Wayne’s Allen County Memorial Coliseum.

Veterans Jessica Carr, Maddie Herr and Libby Ogden provide coach Kurt Ogden a lot of talent and court savvy at Hamilton Heights this season/HC Sports Daily photo: Mark Morrow.

 

Hamilton County basketball could be in for one of its best seasons. There’s plenty of strength, balance and talent.
Class 3A Hamilton Heights returns standout seniors Jessica Carr and Libby Ogden and a strong inside player in Maddie Herr from a 20-2 team that graduated only two seniors. All three will play Division I basketball next year. Both Carr and Ogden are among the top echelon of backcourt players in Hoosier land this season. Carr has committed to Valparaiso while Ogden, coach Kurt Ogden’s daughter, is headed for IPFW. Herr recently committed to University of South Carolina Upstate.

  “There are high expectations on us this season, and we have high expectations on ourselves,’’ said Ogden, like Carr in her fourth year as a starter.

The Lady Huskies will not lack for motivation. They’ve lost to Rushville in the sectional the past three years, and the Mid-Indiana Conference member school has not won a sectional since 2002-03 season.

The Huskies strengthened their schedule this season by adding Carmel and Seymour.

Class 4A Westfield, the reigning Sectional 9 champion with a 21-3 record, should again be quite competitive, led by 6-foot-2 sophomore Jenn Anderson and crafty guard Allison Gray. Amy Shedd, an excellent 3-point shooter, is back, but athletic sophomore Carissa Brown moved to Kentucky. Another talented sophomore, 6-2 Taya Reimer, is back at Hamilton
Southeastern on a still-young team that lost only one starter to graduation. The Royals, who knocked off Carmel in the sectional a year ago, could make some noise this season.

Carmel should be very good with a veteran team back in the fold, led by 6-1, Purdue-bound Torrie Thornton. Like Thornton, a 13.7 scorer who does a little bit of everything, guards Blaire Langlois (13.9 ppg), a junior, and Lucy DeFruscio (10.0 ppg) are three-year starters. The Lady Greyhounds also will play in the Hall of Fame Basketball Classic at New Castle in late December.
Fishers returns 5-10 Shannon Gillespie from a 17-6 sectional runner-up squad, but Brooke Russell is the top scorer back with a 9.9-points-per-game average. Colleen Frost, a 6-1 junior, saw a lot of action with the Guerin Catholic varsity a year ago and averaged 10.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17 games. At Noblesville, all-Hoosier Crossroads Conference Faith Reece, a six-foot senior, is the top senior back. She averaged 9.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 2009.
New coaches this season are Scott Miller (Guerin Catholic) and Stacey Summit (University).
 

Posted: Oct. 11, 2010

‘Doc’ Loves Being Part Of  The Game

 

 

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton  County  Sports Daily
Probably not too many people know as much about Fishers and Hamilton
Southeastern sports  as Jeff “Doc’’ Franciosi.

He works 10 hours a week for both Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern. He’s Mr.
Hamilton County when it comes to athletic training. He’s been overseeing the well-being of athletes while being an advocate of promoting athlete training for 25 years. He works for the Methodist/Clarian network.
There’s an interesting  twist to this story, too: Franciosi teaches at Noblesville High School. “I guess you could say that I’m sort of spread out through Hamilton County,’’
he said, laughing, while working the Fishers-Noblesville football game, where he wore a
Fishers red logo shirt.
On Aug. 27, Franciosi worked the Fishers-Hamilton SE football game. Since that was an HSE
home game, he was wearing the Royals’ blue logo shirt.
“When they play I’m on the sideline wearing home team school colors.’’

Doc says he has a wide range of gear/clothing working at three County schools now.  He joked, “Some days I feel like I am in superman mode changing on the fly to get out  to my other schools,   and I  must be certain I am wearing the right colors.’’

Doc, who is entering his 26^th year of teaching at NHS and also as a certified athletic trainer, was named the Indiana High School Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1992.

At Noblesville , he teaches health, sports medicine and assists in athletic weights.

“This is my second year working at Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern,’’ he said. “After running my  own program for 24 years at Noblesville,  it’s nice assisting two excellent athletic trainers like Bruce  Willard and Steve Zook .’’

He has a passion for both education and sports medicine. “I played and loved sports growing up and athletic training lets you be a part of athletics every day,’’ he said.  “It  gives  me a great sense of accomplishment teaching a new concept  to a student and actually seeing them ‘GET IT’ OR ‘CATCH ON’  . . .  It is nice to see ex-grads going on to be successful physicians, nurses and physical therapists and know you guided them in that direction.’’

Doc said it’s also a challenge to work with an injured athlete and get them back on the field or court for a big game. “I love being on the sidelines,’’ he said with a smile.

Despite his love of sports and just being involved, Doc is very disciplined. He recalled one of his most embarrassing moments: The time he called a penalty on himself.

“I do get into the games and like to win. I did receive a technical foul in a basketball game a few years ago, but I was protecting our kid. The official and I did not see eye to eye on the call.  I suspended myself for one game.  The next night, well,  I sat in the stands, not on the bench.

He said he loves the quote, “First to arrive last to leave.”

“That is our role. The hours are long but it’s still rewarding.  We tape, do injury prevention and rehab on a daily basis. It’s all worth it especially when  you are acknowledged for your work, for just being there. I   got my second state ring last fall when HSE  won the softball championship. They remembered the athletic trainers as being   part of the team.’’

I’m sure a lot of folks will remember  Doc  for many years to come. That’s what happens when you are a nice, easy-going guy who really loves his work and has passion as long as a role of adhesive tape.

 

Posted: Oct. 21, 2010: Oct. 21, 2010 

 

Purdue-Bound Kierra Jones Is The Straw That Stirs Drink For HSE’s Highly

Regarded Volleyball Team

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

When it comes to volleyball, Hamilton Southeastern’s Kierra Jones is all about power and finesse and athleticism and exuberance . . .  and TEAM.

Ask the 6-foot-1 senior what is the best part of her game, and she quickly replies, “My enthusiasm for the game. That’s my main attribute,’’ she said with a smile.

Jones is the straw that stirs the drink for the No. 9-ranked Lady Royals. She has a presence about her, and she makes others around her that much better. When times are tough like they were in the opening round of the Fishers Sectional, the Purdue-bound Jones took things into her own hands. Literally.

“It’s almost like she’s telling her teammates to get on her shoulders and she’ll carry them until they find their way,’’ said HSE coach Kathy Slyder, moments after Jones helped rally the Lady Royals past Zionsville in five sets 25-15, 18-25, 24-26, 25-11 and 19-17.

Jones had three blocks, three assists and five kills in the final set, and there’s no question that her aggressiveness was an intimidating game changer. She went to the net and simply took it to the Lady Eagles when her teammates needed her the most.

“We let them come back and I think they thought they had us,’’ said Jones. “We sort of got into their heads a little the way we came back and beat them the way we did in that fourth game. We were focused, and I knew in my gut we would win that match.’’

Jones also said the closeness of “the team’’ really showed when their backs were up against the wall and that she really had no doubt about the outcome after her brief talk with teammate Katelyn St. Martin. She said that the junior told her that ‘this game is for you’ . . .  that she didn’t want it to be the last time they ever played together.

“I didn’t really need a pep talk or need to be fired up because I’m always fired up and ready, but what Katelyn told me was special and it made me feel really special and maybe even a little more determined,’’ said Jones.

Jones said she used to be very quiet around other players on her team. But that this season she’s taken more of leadership role and is much more vocal. She also wears her feelings on her sleeve. She encourages her teammates

. . .  she gives them high fives . . . she gives them hugs . . . she pumps her fist and raises her arms and jumps up and down when something good happens . . . and then there’s that enthusiasm.

“I think my enthusiasm helps take some of the pressure off the others, and that’s important,’’ she said. “I think the fact they see how I feel and how I play the game and how I believe in what we’re doing really rubs off on the others. It’s all about team, and we all contribute the best we can . . . and in our own way.’’

Posted: Oct. 12, 2010                 

HSE’s Beegle, Carmel’s Midkiff

Earn All-State Honors In Golf

Hamilton County juniors Brooke Beegle, of state girls golf champion Hamilton Southeastern, and Carmel’s Briana Midkiff were named to the 2010 All-State golf team.

Beegle also led the Lady Royals to the state championship in 2008, her freshman season. Midkiff has helped the Lady Greyhounds finish second in the state tournament two straight years.

Beegle, who led the Hoosier Crossroads Conference for 18-hole (74.5) and 9-hole (35.4) scoring averages this past season, also has played on three consecutive HCC championship golf teams.

Midkiff, the Metropolitan Interscholasic Conference medalist with a 70, helped the Lady Greyhounds set a conference scoring record with a 306 total this season. Her low round this season was a 68 in the HSE Invitational.

Posted: Oct. 4, 210

Soccer: Guerin Catholic Girls On Mission

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County  Sports Daily

There’s something special going on in the Guerin Catholic High School girls soccer program.

It runs deeper than winning. Though the Golden Eagles are enjoying their share of success, and they expect more to come.

More success this season? Possibly. Next season? Probably very likely when the Indiana High School Athletic Association switches the state tournament format from one to two classes.

“We have a lot of heart and the family aspects are real,’’ said junior Kristen Broadbent, the team’s top scorer. “We’re the best of friends and we do a lot of things together off the field. Our togetherness is real, and it’s important.’’

The Guerin Catholic girls are only in their fifth season of fielding a varsity soccer program. Already, they’ve won back-to-back sectionals and regionals in 2008 and 2009. The Golden Eagles’ current No. 10 ranking in the Coaches’ Association poll also is the highest ranking for the program.

“The growth of our program has been phenomenal,’’ said coach Jonathan McClure, a young, energetic coach who is in his second coaching position. He took over a small rural program at North Miami High School right out of college.  He had that program for one year before moving to Indianapolis.  He served as a junior varsity assistant with Westfield HS for a year, and then started coaching at Westfield Select SC, where he remains active on that staff.

McClure said he had 24 players come out for the team in 2008, his first year at Guerin Catholic. The number is now 42 strong. “We can now field three teams,’’ McClure said with a smile and a lot of pride in his voice. “And our coaching staff has grown to five. Such support really helps us as we look to the future.’’

The future appears to be especially bright. There are only four seniors on the team, and McClure said he’s been able to rotate seven freshmen, which is indicative of just how young the team is.

“What we have accomplished as a team is no small step, but we hope to take bigger steps,’’ said McClure. “The kids want to play the best and be tested and they want to win and they want to beat the best.’’

Broadbent said they are looking forward to next year because of being in a lower class, though she said they all like the fact they’ve been able to play the bigger schools.

“Had there been a two-class system I think there’s a very good chance we could have two state titles,’’ said Broadbent. “We lost to a big school, 4A Fort Wayne Snider two straight years in the semistate.’’

Can you win next season in a lower class? “Absolutely,’’ she said. “But right now our goal is to win state . . . win it this year . . . win it against the bigger schools.’’

Guerin Catholic enjoys the luxury of having eight players on the roster that were part of those two sectional and regional-championship wins.

Back to join Broadbent in search of obtaining the ultimate championship goal are Vanetta Poppas, Katie Virgin, Meaghan Schneider, Allison Trusler, Kelly Sexton, Hannah Barker and Ericka Lindley.

(Cover photo: Virgin, Poppas, Broadbent, Schneider and Trusler pictured from left of coach McClure.)

Poppas, a talented senior who has committed to Campbell, an NCAA Division I school in North Carolina, agreed that the move to two classes will be somewhat bittersweet for her teammates next year.

“We defeated big-school Center Grove this season and we played defending state champion Cathedral to a tie,’’ so we know we can compete with the bigger schools,’’ the midfielder said. “I personally like the way it is, the one-class system. It gives us a chance to prove we can compete with the best. All of the girls like the opportunity we now have.’’

Said Broadbent: “We feel like we have something to prove, and we have the talent and experience to win. We’d love to make our mark on high school soccer while it’s still a tournament that crowns one champion. It would be a great statement to make for all of the smaller schools.’’

Especially for Guerin Catholic, a school of about  400 students.

Posted: Sept. 2, 2010

 

‘Next Man Up’ Philosophy Works

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

For Carmel High School’s football program, the “next man up” philosophy has become something of a rite of passage. It’s a stage from one level to the next for a football player. It also can be a golden opportunity for those waiting in line to play quarterback for the tradition-rich Greyhounds.

Senior Scott Stilson, the starting at quarterback for the unbeaten Class 5A No. 1 Greyhounds, knows all about sitting and waiting. He was the “next man up’’ in 2009. He sat and waited his turn behind Adam Shaffer.

“It’s not a given . . .  You still have to compete and earn the job, but it’s a feeling you have going into the next season that you’ve paid your dues and it’s your turn,’’ Stilson said.

Stilson admits that going into the offseason with a new coach (Kevin Wright) made it a little foggy about what the future would hold.  “After team camps and summer throwing sessions, I was working with the ones (No. 1 group) pretty consistently.  So I had a pretty good idea I would be starting but I still felt like I competed for the job which is how I think it should be.’’

The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder said being behind Shaffer helped him a great deal. “Adam’s biggest attribute was his intelligence, and watching him read defenses and making good decisions certainly helped me in the long run.  The same thing goes with being behind Morgan Newton (Mr. Football in the 2007-08 season) for two years.  Anytime you get a chance to be behind players of their caliber it’s more of a blessing than anything else,’’ Stilson said.

Stilson also said that junior quarterback Brandon Denning (6-1, 175) has been playing great and that it “definitely gives us an advantage.’’ In practice, Stilson said coach Wright also is always saying “next man up’’ in reference to the team’s depth.

“The team has really bought into that philosophy. Our strength is in our numbers, and anytime a team has multiple players who can play a position well, then it definitely gives the team an edge,’’ Stilson said.

Denning, like Stilson a strong runner, has contributed six touchdowns – five rushing and one passing.

Stilson, who has been playing in the offense for three years going into this season, said he was fairly comfortable from an x’s and o’s standpoint.  “After having been in it for my whole high school career, I feel like I know what we are trying to do and how to do it.’’

He’s done it pretty well, too.

Going into the Sept. 24 game against visiting North Central, Stilson’s completion rate was .737 (45-of-61). He’s collected 574 yards via the air route and thrown for three TDs. He’s also averaged 6.0 yards per carry, and his 235 yards rushing are second only to tailback Devin Brinson, who has rushed for 542.

“I love running the football.  I’ve never been very fast so in middle school and early in high school my throwing ability improved much faster than my ground game,’’ he said. “But I love to hit, and being a quarterback you don’t get much of an opportunity to do that except when you run.’’

He said he’d like to improve with everything. Specifically, he says, his footwork needs work and his decision making is always crucial. “Coach Wright has been great all year with helping me get better and I have no doubt he can help me in those areas.’’

Stilson said one of the team’s goals is winning the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference for the second year in a row. As far as winning state goes, he called it the ultimate goal, but cautioned,  “We’re taking the season one game at a time . . . but in the end our goal is to have that blue ring when it’s all said and done,’’ he said.

Carmel has made it to the state championship game the past four seasons, and Stilson said to get back to Lucas Oil Stadium would be amazing. “That takes a lot of hard work to get there, though; and it won’t be easy,’’ he said. “Right now we just have to focus on playing hard, together, and smart and the rest will fall into place.’’

The Warren Central game, set for Oct. 1 at “The Luke,’’ will be a big game as far as the MIC goes, and it could be a measuring stick as to what the postseason might hold. The Greyhounds beat the Warriors in the regular season last year, only to lose them in two overtimes in the state championship game.

Warren Central is ranked No. 2 in the state. Its only loss came on a last-second play against national powerhouse Cleveland Glendale of Ohio.

“The Warren game is big,’’ Stilson said of the conference rematch won by Carmel last year . . . “But it always is.  Right now, we’re not thinking too much about it. Again, we’re just taking the season one game at a time and not overlooking any opponent.’’

  Posted: Aug. 31, 2010

 

 

Soccer: It’s In His Blood

By Mark Morrow

Hamilton County Sports Daily

International soccer was a good learning experience for Eriq Zavaleta, and the Westfield High School senior hopes that what he brings to the table can help his teammates.

“I think I bring a lot of experience from playing in different countries and playing in bigger games, such as representing the United States on the 17-and-under world Cup in Nigeria,’’ he said. “I learned many details to help me become a better player to help my team.’’

Zavaleta, as polite and humble and as easy-going as he is smooth gliding across a soccer field, nonchalantly said he believes that the international competition was tougher than anything he’ll see this season.

That’s not a knock on soccer here in the States, let alone the Indiana high school tournament. He was simply stating what he believes is a fact.

“I was able to travel to many different countries and play the best competition in those countries,’’ said Zavaleta, who’s USA team lost to Italy in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. “There’s nothing like that experience and competition.’’

After spending the past two high school soccer seasons with U.S. national teams, Zavaleta returned to Westfield with hopes of helping the Shamrocks do what they did his freshmen year. That was to win the school’s first boys soccer sectional.

“It would be neat to get it done again this year,’’ he said. “It can happen. We have the potential to go far in the tournament if the guys believe and set their minds to doing it. I hope I can help them achieve such a goal.

“I don’t set individual goals; I set team goals. I want our team to win the sectional and the regional, and anything after that would be a  merely dream come true. I want this team to be, well, I want us to be a historical team. And I want to be the leader.’’

Westfield has never won a regional in boys soccer.

As a freshman in 2007, the talented forward had 25 goals and nine assists. He was named the north area’s Player of the Year by The Indianapolis Star. He’s also a two-time Parade All-American.

Zavaleta, who also excels in the classroom and will play collegiately at Indiana University,  said that academics are very important to him. He wants to get an education no matter where soccer might take him after high school.

He said his goal after high school would be to compete on the 20-and-under USA team and play in the World Cup in Columbia.

“Soccer is very physical. A lot of people underestimate how tough it really is. Scores are low because of great defense. It’s a very demanding sport, but I love it,’’ Eriq said. “I can’t get enough of it.’’

Don’t be fooled by his low-key demeanor off the field. He’s quite competitive for someone so soft spoken, someone who knows the importance of a firm handshake and looking you in the eye when he speaks.

He’s very humble, which he says he learned from his father, Carlos Zavaleta. Eriq was born in Arizona; his dad, a small business man who owns The Indiana Soccer Academy, in the Westfield Business Park near the intersection of Hwy 31 and Hwy 32, is from El Salvador.

Zavaleta gets his fire for the game and his confidence naturally. He comes from a soccer family.  His father and uncle, Greg Vanney, both played professional soccer.

Carlos Zavaleta started playing professionally at the age of 14. He played in the States until he was maybe 30 years old, Eriq said. His dad played collegiately at UCLA and then with pro teams in Los Angeles and Arizona. His uncle played for the LA Galaxy and also was a member of the USA national team.

Is pro soccer in Eriq Zavaleta’s future?

He said it’s his ultimate goal is to play on the USA national team and play in the World Cup.

“If it’s meant to be and I reach my goal, then it would be a great honor.  “I’m just lucky to be able to say I have a chance,’’ he said, proudly . . . and in a very humble manner.

  Posted: Aug. 31, 2010 

Champion Kent Garrett Helps Guerin Catholic

 Make Statement in  Cross Country 

Hamilton County Sports Daily

Guerin Catholic High School’s open-air pole tent was one of the last three in the row of team tents at White River Elementary in Noblesville. It could have easily gone unnoticed unless you happened to wander from the main area where some of the bigger schools were located.

But it certainly was the loudest after the annual Hamilton County cross country championships. Pass that cold water . . . there was much cause for celebration. Guerin Catholic, in its sixth year as a high school and fielding a varsity cross country team for only the third season, went toe to toe with the big boys and brought home the school’s first individual Hamilton County championship.

Take a bow Kent Garrett.

The bubbly junior who talks about as fast as he runs, was both happy and drained. He even collapsed several yards after crossing the finish line. He was drenched with a couple of cups of water. Then while laying flat on his back he looked up and smiled. No other words were necessary.

Not only did he run a personal-best 15:41.91 to win a close race against Westfield’s Connor Martin (15:43.22), the 2009 Hamilton County individual winner, but he was well ahead of Carmel’s Chris Walden, the reigning state runner-up, who placed third in 15:54.21 over 5,000 meters. Garrett placed 24^th individually in last year’s state meet.

Garrett, whose previous-best time was 15:57 last year, called it the most single significant individual success story for Guerin Catholic High School.

“I can remember when I was in the eighth grade and we didn’t even have a cross country team. We’ve come a long way,’’ said Garrett. “We’ve taken some big steps since last year . . . and in the past four days, for sure.’’

Guerin Catholic, which won the small-school division in the Rushville Invitational on Aug. 28, also placed second overall among a 50-team field. The winner? Defending state champion Columbus North.

Garrett said he felt like he made a statement for himself, his teammates and his school in 2009 when he placed fourth among the Hamilton County field, and he thinks his Golden Eagles teammates will continue to get better because of the success.

“It was something for us to build on. Now we can build on this,’’ he said, smiling. “We wanted to prove we weren’t afraid or intimidated by the bigger schools such as Carmel and Southeastern and Fishers and Noblesville. Now we know, and they know what we can do.’’

Garrett said his team’s mindset has been to get better and do well in competition against bigger schools and better athletes.

“Carmel, for example, has more athletes on its cross country team than I have in my class at school,’’ he said. “We don’t have the size maybe, but we got what it takes. We’re a team, and we don’t back down. No matter who we face. I think we can finish among the top 25 or so teams this years, and that would be something, since we’re a Class A school and there’s only one class in cross country.’’

Guerin Catholic wasn’t the only school celebrating. Carmel won the team competition in both varsity and junior varsity events but needed a tiebeaker to edge Hamilton Southeastern  for the boys varsity title.

Hamilton Southeastern had a good event, thanks to junior Brooke Morgan, who like Garrett, has not lost a race this season. Morgan took individual honors going away, winning in 18:49.97. Third-ranked Carmel captured seven of the top 10 places and Greyhound Sarah Bennett, who placed fifth in the 2009 state cross country meet, finished fourth in 18:57.45. Noblesville also had two top-10 finishes with Helen Willman and Rachel Kacer crossing in fifth and 10^th, resperctively.

“You come into a meet like this knowing Carmel is always going to be tough competition,’’ she said. “The key for me was that I made a subtle move with about 1K to go and my strategy worked. It was a good, strong finish for me.’’

 

Posted: Aug. 28, 2010

Posted: Aug. 23, 2010

Woldmoes: Tennis Way Of Life

By Mark Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

The term ‘it’s in their blood’’ never fit a family better. Meet the Woldmoes. They live and breathe tennis.

Three generations of tennis players, to be exact. A grandfather, Harry. Dad Mark, and Jennifer, the mom of Hamilton Southeastern tennis players Austin and Alex Woldmoe. And also Jennifer’s mom, Susie. They all know their way around a tennis court.

“Tennis blood runs deep in our family,’’ said senior Austin Woldmoe, prior to a recent match.

“We’re pretty much continuing a tradition, a way of life,’’ said Alex, a sophomore.

Mark Woldmoe’s father, Harry, managed the Muncie tennis center for years and also strung rackets for Ball State University team players for a number of years.

Mark Woldmoe, head tennis professional at the Carmel Racquet Club for 25 years, has kept the family tree rooted, so to speak.

Now, he’s helping his sons grow and hopefully excel in the world of tennis.

“I never thought I’d be coaching high school tennis,’’ said Mark, in his second year at HSE. “When an opening occurred for the head coaching position, my sons encouraged me to go for it. It’s really been special. How many dads get to say they were able to coach both their sons in high school . . . especially at the same time?’’

Mark Woldmoe, who helped Ball State win its first Mid-American Conference tennis championship in 1984 and later earned an ATP ranking in 1987-88, has a special relationship with his sons.

Mark took up the sport when he as 13 years old; Austin started when he was 12; Alex took up the game at the age of 10.

They’ve certainly had good coaching while forming a solid bond.

“It’s been a great experience to be able to play for dad,’’ said Austin, a strong left-hander who is also ambidextrous and plays other sports right-handed. “We’re best of friends . . . dad, Alex and me.

“Dad draws back on his experiences when he played and that has really helped us and the team in general, too.’’

Said Alex, a first-team all-state selection in doubles last year, “We talk and think tennis all of the time . . . even while watching television. We just love the sport.’’

The Woldmoes also love winning. Hamilton Southeastern ended Carmel’s 18-year sectional reign in 2009. It was the Royals’ first sectional championship since 1984.

The Royals entered the season ranked No. 5 in the coaches’ association poll while Carmel held the top spot.

“There’s no question we have the talent to win it all this season,’’ said Austin, who was a first-team all-state selection in singles. “This team is capable of anything it puts its mind to doing.’’

Austin, whose serve has been clocked at 125 miles per hour, said his main goal is a Hoosier Crossroads Conference and state championship. He also has lofty goals of his own.

“I’d love to win the individual singles state championship,’’ he said, “and I’d like to win conference singles. I cramped up and could not finish my match last year in the conference. That was a big disappointment. Hopefully I can get it (win) done this time.’’

Austin may have sent a message earlier this month in the high school season opener against Westfield and reigning HCC singles champion Scott Ramey. Austin won the match 6-2, 6-0.

Alex won conference last year in doubles. But right now he’s more concerned with just getting better, drawing off the experience of his brother and dad.

“Alex is a very strong player,’’ said his dad. “Both boys are very strong. Austin’s serve is comparable to some of the pros right now. I really like the growth Alex has shown as a tennis player, and it’s nice to know we’ve got two more years together in tennis.’’

As coach and player on the court, and as dad and son off of it.

Posted: Aug. 21

 Goal: Hounds Want Wright Stuff

 When It Counts The Most

Kevin Wright went into his first season as the Carmel High School football coach not nearly as concerned about the season opener against Cathedral as about how the season would end.

Last year, Cathedral upset Carmel in the opener. The Greyhounds regrouped, delivered the school’s first unbeaten season in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference and reached the state championship game before losing to Warren Central, the Marion County school Wright led to three straight Class 5A titles in 2003-05.

Based on Carmel’s 28-21 victory over Cathedral on Friday night, the good news is that the Greyhounds are off to a much better start. It was the sixth  – and last – meeting in the series between the 5A No. 2 Hounds and the 4A No. 1 Irish. The series ended at three wins apiece. Carmel, which visits Huntington North on Aug. 27, will play back-to-back games against Columbus North and Valparaiso to open the 2011 season.

Still, as nice as opening victories are, it remains a long season. There’s still much to be done, and Wright said he doesn’t feel any added pressure because Carmel has reached the state finals championship game four straight years, winning in 2007.

   “I have high expectations of myself and this program, which is to win a state championship. That goal will always remain the same,’’ Wright said. “Who improves the most from Game 1, well, that’s what will count on down the road. I’ve never put much emphasis on the first game.”

  Wright said he likes his team a lot.

“It will be tough in our conference once again, but we’ll get better each week. After you battle through the MIC, no matter what happens, it’s nice to know there’s a second season. We’re excited. If we stay the course and show continual improvement, then we’ll have an opportunity to make some noise.’’

Maybe even in November.

Wright, 46, said he’s grown used to playing in late November. Wright played for his dad, Bud Wright, at Sheridan, graduating in 1983. They have won 12 state championships between them. Bud, still coaching and the state’s winningest active football coach (353 wins), has nine Class A titles, the most by any Indiana coach at one school. He also helped dad win a state title his sophomore year while playing cornerback.

“I’ve grown used to playing deep into the postseason and especially around Thanksgiving,’’ said Wright, who paused and then chuckled. “I can tell you this, Thanksgiving dinner at our house was not a happy time of the year if the high school season was over.’’

When told about what his son said, Bud Wright could only smile. “We like to win and we know what it takes to win. Kevin certainly does . . . he is a really good coach, very passionate about football.’’

Some folks may have forgotten that had Wright (172 wins as a head coach in Hoosier land) stayed at Warren Central, he may have well been the one to wear another championship ring. His assistant, Steve Tutsie, took over the reins in 2006 – when Wright left the state for another coaching job – and led the Warriors to a 15-0 record and the state championship that year.

Kevin Wright, who worked his way up to NCAA Div. I football, coached at Western Kentucky University. He returned home in 2008 after undergoing back surgery that kept him from scouting and coaching, and finished his administrator’s degree and coached quarterbacks at Heritage Christian last year. He spent much of the time in the press box. Since he hadn’t fully recovered from surgery, he couldn’t be on his feet for very long.

“A coach deals with youth while an administrator basically deals with adults,’’ he said. “I really missed the inner action you get with kids as a coach.’’

Wright said he’s happy to be back living and coaching in Hamilton County.

“Football receives such great support in Hamilton County,’’ he said, proudly. “Marion County just doesn’t compare in terms of athletic support and excitement and attendance. I missed this atmosphere. I’m happy the Carmel job worked out for me. It’s the place you want to coach.’’

Posted: Aug. 5, 2010

Jaycie Phelps:

Gold Medal Gymnast A True Champion’s Champion

 

Hard work has been a trademark of highly celebrated gymnast Jaycie Phelps.

Her success did not come easily. She took small steps before accelerating to the ultimate goal of being an Olympic gold medalist. She even had to make sacrifices, such as leaving her hometown of Greenfield, Ind., in 1991 for better training opportunities in Cincinnati.

Now, she’s preparing to take what could be an even bigger step into the world of business.

The Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center, located across from Mount Comfort Airport in McCordsville off Olio Road and Stoner Drive, is just about ready to make its debut. An open house is scheduled for Aug. 15. Jaycie’s the owner and team director along with her father, Jack Phelps, and David Marus.

Jaycie and her dad, Jack, are partners in business/HC Sports Daily photos: Becky Theis

          You won’t have any trouble finding your way. There’s a huge “Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center’’ sign  posted on the southwest corner of Stoner Drive. And, of course, a petite, world-class athlete with a heart the size of a balance beam ready to greet you.

The 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist at the Atlanta Games can only hope her business proves to be as golden as her medal.

“Yes,’’ Jaycie said, when asked if she thought starting such a business would be more difficult than winning a gold medal. “In a different way, though, but it’s a lot like an Olympic challenge.’’

She said she’ll be involved in the Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center every day, not just in name only.

“I’ve moved back to the area. I want to reach out to the youth of the community and I’ll be a big part of everything they do here. We’ll be very structured. I’ll provide hands-on training, and we want to make all of this a fun experience for youth.’’

Many gymnasts have come before Jaycie Phelps and many have followed, including current Indiana world-class gymnasts Samantha Peszek, of McCordsville, and Bridget Sloan, of Pittsboro, the 2009 World and U.S. all-around champion.

But there’s no mistaking who’s the Queen of Women’s Gymnastics and the trailblazer for Indiana gymnasts.

“People still associate me with elite gymnastics, and I’ll see that our youth get the best possible training,’’ she said.

“We will have a multi-sport facility, but it stands to reason much of the emphasis will be on gymnastics. There’s a lot of competition out there . . . and we will be competitive. We’ll also offer recreational gymnastics as well as our competitive teams.’’

Jaycie said they’ll also provide athletic development. “Athletic development is so important and we want to make sure that it gets done the right way,’’ she said.

Jaycie, who last competed in 2000, has taught gymnastics in Arizona and Texas. She  worked with Marus in Dallas.

“Building such a complex is something my dad and I have talked about doing for quite some time,’’ said Phelps. “I’m happy I was able to talk David into moving to Indiana and being a big part of this.’’

In 2008, Jaycie was named Coach of the Year for Region 3, a region that includes top gymnastics instructors from Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

Some of Jaycie’s other more notable accomplishments:

• The 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist at the Atlanta Games.
• In 1996, before wining gold at the age of 16, she was an Individual Event World Championship Finalist.
• In 1994, she helped the U.S. win a silver medal at the Team World Championships.
• In 1995, she was a World Championship Bronze Medalist.

And now she hopes to blaze a trail in the business world, something she said she eagerly embraces.

“My dad once told me to make sure I enjoy what I do because it won’t be worth the effort if it’s not fun,’’ she said. “I had fun competing in gymnasts and now I plan to have fun training youngsters back home in Indiana. I’m excited about bringing a different excitement to Indiana.

“One of my goals is to work with youngsters from an early age all the way up through high school and help them excel in gymnasts and earn recognition that will help them earn college scholarships.’’

Some other goals in the near future include purchasing more land and building softball and baseball diamonds, and to target developmental skills for kids. Softball and baseball instruction, along with batting cages and an artificial turf, will be available to kids. Video analysis and sports medicine will be part of the program that will be offered. They also hope to make their facility a destination for Travel Baseball Teams.

Jaycie’s dad, a former baseball player at Indiana University, who spent eight years working with former Major League Baseball manger and player and renown hitting instructor Jim Lefebvre, is vice president of  the Krush Hitting Company. He plans to make Indiana the Midwest spot for Krush-run camps.

Michigan’s Renee Matijega, a three-time National USA Team softball player, will be a full-time instructor, and Doug Gillis, a tremendous fast-pitch softball pitcher in his own right as well as the National coach for the USA softball team, will pay periodic visits to the Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center to give clinics.

The Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center is housed in a 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art building. Included will be Cheer Tumble, gymnastics/baseball/softball camps, in-ground trampolines and rubber mats for soft landings for kids, a pro shop with logo apparel and lockers, a huge lounge and even a party room to host birthday parties for kids participating in the various programs.

Also offered will be an academic preschool, which Jaycie takes a great deal of pride in talking about and introducing to the public.

As far as what advice she would give to kids aspiring to be gymnasts, Jaycie said, “I would just tell them that anything is possible. Work hard, set goals and try to excel.’’

That’s what Jaycie Phelps did. She exceled and lived the dream . . .  and she has a gold medal to prove it.

Posted: July 30, 2010

Tremain:

A Man Of Many Hats Is Both Loud . . . And Proud

By Mark  Morrow
Hamilton County Sports Daily

A familiar face and a booming voice will be missing when students roam the halls and stroll into classrooms at Noblesville High School this fall.Bob Tremain, a former educator, coach and athletic director and an all-around good guy, took early retirement after the 2009-10 school year.But his many friendships, acquaintances and memories remain. So does that deep, booming voice. All you have to do is hear it. Even with your eyes closed or if you are looking the other way or possibly involved in heated conversation, well, you know Bob Tremain has entered the building.

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