Staff Report
The following trip back in time appears courtesy of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and its website, www.hoopshall.com …
Denny Brady was Mr. Basketball on a state champion, while Sylvester
Coalmon and Mike Rolf each starred on one. And Tom McKinney coached one
— the â??lastâ? state champion, some diehards say.
They’re among the 14 who were inducted into the Indiana Basketball
Hall of Fame at New Castle in ceremonies March 22 at Primo Banquet Hall
on the south side of Indianapolis.
Hall of Fame at New Castle in ceremonies March 22 at Primo Banquet Hall
on the south side of Indianapolis.
Founded in 1962 by the Downtown Lions Club of Indianapolis, the
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame seeks to enhance the role of basketball
in Indiana by recognizing players and/or coaches in Indiana high
schools as well as other individuals whose contributions are
noteworthy. The Hall of Fame Museum located in New Castle chronicles
the history of basketball in the Hoosier State.
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame seeks to enhance the role of basketball
in Indiana by recognizing players and/or coaches in Indiana high
schools as well as other individuals whose contributions are
noteworthy. The Hall of Fame Museum located in New Castle chronicles
the history of basketball in the Hoosier State.
Hall of Fame inductees must have played or coached high school
basketball in Indiana. Players must have graduated from high school at
least 26 years ago, and coaches must have been a varsity head coach for
25 years or have been retired for at least 10 years. Any individuals
who meet these criteria may be nominated.
basketball in Indiana. Players must have graduated from high school at
least 26 years ago, and coaches must have been a varsity head coach for
25 years or have been retired for at least 10 years. Any individuals
who meet these criteria may be nominated.
This yearâ??s class consists of:
- Steve Ahlfeld, Northfield 1971
- Thomas Bennett, Southport 1956
- Dennis Brady, Lafayette Jefferson 1964
- Sylvester Coalmon, South Bend Central 1959
- Harley â??Skipâ? Collins, Valparaiso 1961
- Ray Estes, Central (Cape Girardeau, MO) 1949
- Tom Hoffman, Jasper 1945
- Robert Steven Hollenbeck, Columbus 1964
- Hubbard â??Hubâ? Hougland, Scottsburg 1955
- Thomas McKinney, Columbus 1966
- Melvin Payton, Martinsville 1944 (deceased)
- Michael Rolf, Muncie Central 1963
- William â??Billâ? Slayback, Aurora 1957
- Donald Thomas , Crispus Attucks 1950
Picked primarily for outstanding coaching careers were:
Tom McKinney, whose 1997
Bloomington North team won the last of the 87 â??openâ? boys state high
school basketball tournaments, the year before class basketball began
in Indiana. A native of Columbus, where he was a sophomore reserve on
Bill Stearman’s No. 1-ranked 1964 team that was unbeaten until the
state semifinals, McKinney was a 25-year head coach with a record of
415-168. The last 17 of those coaching years were at Bloomington North,
where his teams won nine sectionals, two regionals, and two semistates.
His 1999-2000 team, which included current NBA players Jared Jeffries
and Sean May (each named Mr. Basketball), was undefeated until losing
to Marion (and NBA star Zach Randolph) in the Class 4A championship
game. McKinney coached five other Indiana All-Stars, and he retired on
2004 as coach at Bloomington North, where he still teaches.
Bloomington North team won the last of the 87 â??openâ? boys state high
school basketball tournaments, the year before class basketball began
in Indiana. A native of Columbus, where he was a sophomore reserve on
Bill Stearman’s No. 1-ranked 1964 team that was unbeaten until the
state semifinals, McKinney was a 25-year head coach with a record of
415-168. The last 17 of those coaching years were at Bloomington North,
where his teams won nine sectionals, two regionals, and two semistates.
His 1999-2000 team, which included current NBA players Jared Jeffries
and Sean May (each named Mr. Basketball), was undefeated until losing
to Marion (and NBA star Zach Randolph) in the Class 4A championship
game. McKinney coached five other Indiana All-Stars, and he retired on
2004 as coach at Bloomington North, where he still teaches.
Sylvester Coalmon and
brother John were front-court leaders on one of the greatest
championship teams in Hoosier history, Elmer McCall’s 1957 South Bend
Central team that was the second to finish the season unbeaten. A
four-year starter with scoring averages that steadily rose from 11.1 as
a freshman to 17.3 as a senior, Coalmon scored 1,169 points despite
playing only 10 games as a junior because of a knee injury. He enrolled
at Northwestern before transferring to Fordham, where his brother was a
star. Air Force duty interrupted his college career, and he finished at
Tennessee Tech, where a recurrence of the knee injury ended his playing
career. He went on to a 33-year teaching career (English for 10 of
those years, back at South Bend Central). He lives in retirement in
South Bend.
brother John were front-court leaders on one of the greatest
championship teams in Hoosier history, Elmer McCall’s 1957 South Bend
Central team that was the second to finish the season unbeaten. A
four-year starter with scoring averages that steadily rose from 11.1 as
a freshman to 17.3 as a senior, Coalmon scored 1,169 points despite
playing only 10 games as a junior because of a knee injury. He enrolled
at Northwestern before transferring to Fordham, where his brother was a
star. Air Force duty interrupted his college career, and he finished at
Tennessee Tech, where a recurrence of the knee injury ended his playing
career. He went on to a 33-year teaching career (English for 10 of
those years, back at South Bend Central). He lives in retirement in
South Bend.
Dennis Brady was the
leading scorer on the 1964 Lafayette Jefferson state champions, the
last of Marion Crawley’s four titleists. At Purdue, Brady played
basketball and baseball, a left-handed pitcher who after graduation
signed with the Cleveland Indians and played three minor-league
seasons. He coached basketball and baseball for three years at Attica
before careers in police work and sales. He lives in Lafayette.
leading scorer on the 1964 Lafayette Jefferson state champions, the
last of Marion Crawley’s four titleists. At Purdue, Brady played
basketball and baseball, a left-handed pitcher who after graduation
signed with the Cleveland Indians and played three minor-league
seasons. He coached basketball and baseball for three years at Attica
before careers in police work and sales. He lives in Lafayette.
Michael Rolf and 1963 Mr.
Basketball Rick Jones led state champion Muncie Central. Rolf had a
34-point game for the Indiana All-Stars before going to Cincinnati,
where he lettered three years after a sensational freshman season that
included three 50-point games. He is a career lawyer, living in
Muskegon, Michigan.
Basketball Rick Jones led state champion Muncie Central. Rolf had a
34-point game for the Indiana All-Stars before going to Cincinnati,
where he lettered three years after a sensational freshman season that
included three 50-point games. He is a career lawyer, living in
Muskegon, Michigan.
Mel Payton played in the
early NBA after starring at Martinsville (four letters on winning
teams, three years as starter, 18.9 average as senior) and Tulane
(first-team All-SEC as senior, second team as junior playing for
Hoosier native Cliff Wells). He played a year each for Philadelphia and
Indiana in the NBA before a 35-year teaching career, 25 of them in
coaching. Payton is the only deceased honoree.
early NBA after starring at Martinsville (four letters on winning
teams, three years as starter, 18.9 average as senior) and Tulane
(first-team All-SEC as senior, second team as junior playing for
Hoosier native Cliff Wells). He played a year each for Philadelphia and
Indiana in the NBA before a 35-year teaching career, 25 of them in
coaching. Payton is the only deceased honoree.
Bill Slayback,Skip
Collins, and Don Thomas starred as players and returned to have
successful careers as coaches at their alma maters — Aurora for
Slayback, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks for Thomas, and Valparaiso for
Collins. Slayback won 16 high school letters and graduated with school
records for points in a game (41), year (575), and career (1,288). He
played three years at Franklin College and left with the same records:
(44, 560, and 1,570). At Aurora and later North Dearborn, his 20-year
coaching record included 240 victories. He now lives in Aurora.
Collins, and Don Thomas starred as players and returned to have
successful careers as coaches at their alma maters — Aurora for
Slayback, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks for Thomas, and Valparaiso for
Collins. Slayback won 16 high school letters and graduated with school
records for points in a game (41), year (575), and career (1,288). He
played three years at Franklin College and left with the same records:
(44, 560, and 1,570). At Aurora and later North Dearborn, his 20-year
coaching record included 240 victories. He now lives in Aurora.
Donald Thomas (Attucks
â??50) played on strong teams leading up to the school’s glory years from
1951 (first Final Four trip) through ’59 (last of the Tigers’ three
state championships). Thomas, who had starred in basketball and played
a year of football at Indiana Central, was Bill Garrett’s assistant on
the ’59 champions, then succeeded Garrett at Attucks and, after the
school closed, Indianapolis Shortridge, where he had the No. 1-ranked
team in 1972-73. His career head coaching record was 185-100. Thomas
lives in Indianapolis.
â??50) played on strong teams leading up to the school’s glory years from
1951 (first Final Four trip) through ’59 (last of the Tigers’ three
state championships). Thomas, who had starred in basketball and played
a year of football at Indiana Central, was Bill Garrett’s assistant on
the ’59 champions, then succeeded Garrett at Attucks and, after the
school closed, Indianapolis Shortridge, where he had the No. 1-ranked
team in 1972-73. His career head coaching record was 185-100. Thomas
lives in Indianapolis.
Harley â??Skipâ? Collins played
on four sectional champions under Virgil Sweet at Valparaiso, then had
his own 20-year head coaching career. His last nine were back at
Valparaiso, where he went 162-64 and won eight sectionals, three
regionals, and five Duneland Conference titles. He also lettered three
years in basketball and baseball at DePauw. Collins lives in Parkland,
Florida.
on four sectional champions under Virgil Sweet at Valparaiso, then had
his own 20-year head coaching career. His last nine were back at
Valparaiso, where he went 162-64 and won eight sectionals, three
regionals, and five Duneland Conference titles. He also lettered three
years in basketball and baseball at DePauw. Collins lives in Parkland,
Florida.
Ray Estes grew up in
Missouri and played in college at Southeast Missouri. He had coached
six years in Missouri and Illinois before taking the job at Anderson,
where in 12 seasons his Indians were a consistent state power, winning
seven sectionals, six regionals, and two semistates. He had five
seasons of 22 victories and finished 213-82 at Anderson and 350-123
overall in his 18-year coaching career.
Missouri and played in college at Southeast Missouri. He had coached
six years in Missouri and Illinois before taking the job at Anderson,
where in 12 seasons his Indians were a consistent state power, winning
seven sectionals, six regionals, and two semistates. He had five
seasons of 22 victories and finished 213-82 at Anderson and 350-123
overall in his 18-year coaching career.
Picked primarily for outstanding playing careers were:
Tom Hoffman (Jasper ’45)
was a three-year starter on teams that went 64-10. He was named to the
Indiana All-Star Team. He moved on to Purdue University, where he
averaged 13.7 points as a junior and 17.1 as a senior.
was a three-year starter on teams that went 64-10. He was named to the
Indiana All-Star Team. He moved on to Purdue University, where he
averaged 13.7 points as a junior and 17.1 as a senior.
Hub Hoagland (Scottsburg
’55) scored a school-record 1,323 points. He was selected all-sectional
and all-regional in 1953-55. The schoolâ??s valedictorian was named to
the Louisville Courier Journal all-state teams during his high school
playing days. The Warriors standout moved on to Vanderbilt University,
where he set a field goal percentage record of .478 in 1958. He became
a dentist and has his practice in Muncie, where he lives.
’55) scored a school-record 1,323 points. He was selected all-sectional
and all-regional in 1953-55. The schoolâ??s valedictorian was named to
the Louisville Courier Journal all-state teams during his high school
playing days. The Warriors standout moved on to Vanderbilt University,
where he set a field goal percentage record of .478 in 1958. He became
a dentist and has his practice in Muncie, where he lives.
Tom Bennett (Southport
’56) was the Marion County Athlete of the Year after a senior season
that also included letters in cross country, track, and golf. He spent
four starring years at Wabash College, where he graduated with a school
career record of 1,444 points. He has spent a lifetime in coaching high
school and junior college in Arizona, where he won 711 games while only
dropping 269 in 33 years. Bennett came out of retirement this year to
serve as an assistant high school basketball coach to one of his former
players.
’56) was the Marion County Athlete of the Year after a senior season
that also included letters in cross country, track, and golf. He spent
four starring years at Wabash College, where he graduated with a school
career record of 1,444 points. He has spent a lifetime in coaching high
school and junior college in Arizona, where he won 711 games while only
dropping 269 in 33 years. Bennett came out of retirement this year to
serve as an assistant high school basketball coach to one of his former
players.
Steve Hollenbeck (Columbus
’64) played on two straight Columbus teams that ended the regular
season unbeaten and No. 1-ranked. He also excelled in football and
baseball before lettering on three 20-game winners at Indiana State.
Now retired, he lives in Edinburgh.
’64) played on two straight Columbus teams that ended the regular
season unbeaten and No. 1-ranked. He also excelled in football and
baseball before lettering on three 20-game winners at Indiana State.
Now retired, he lives in Edinburgh.
Steve Ahlfeld (Northfield
’71) had a 31.7 scoring average and was valedictorian as a senior
before becoming one of Bob Knight’s first recruits at Indiana, where
the Hoosiers were 76-12 in his three years as a letterman and part-time
starter. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten player, Ahlfeld now is an
orthopedic surgeon in Indianapolis.
’71) had a 31.7 scoring average and was valedictorian as a senior
before becoming one of Bob Knight’s first recruits at Indiana, where
the Hoosiers were 76-12 in his three years as a letterman and part-time
starter. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten player, Ahlfeld now is an
orthopedic surgeon in Indianapolis.
2006 Silver Anniversary Team
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame names a Silver Anniversary
Team yearly, and each individual was an outstanding basketball player
25 years earlier.
Team yearly, and each individual was an outstanding basketball player
25 years earlier.
In 1981, Vincennes Lincoln had waited 38 years to claim their second state basketball championship. The Alices won the 71st
IHSAA tourney by defeating the Anderson, 54-52, before a sellout crowd
of 17,490. Coach Orlando â??Gunnerâ? Wyman had brought teams to the Final
Four before (Tell City, 1961; Vincennes, 1968, 1969), but this was his
first championship game, and he and his team took home the trophy.
IHSAA tourney by defeating the Anderson, 54-52, before a sellout crowd
of 17,490. Coach Orlando â??Gunnerâ? Wyman had brought teams to the Final
Four before (Tell City, 1961; Vincennes, 1968, 1969), but this was his
first championship game, and he and his team took home the trophy.
Anderson coach Norm Held had had two of his teams in the final
games and hoped the third time would be a charm. Anderson advanced to
the championship game by eliminating Warsaw, 71-62, in the first
semifinal. Vincennes pulled away from Shenandoah in the second half to
post a 72-53 victory in Game 2.
games and hoped the third time would be a charm. Anderson advanced to
the championship game by eliminating Warsaw, 71-62, in the first
semifinal. Vincennes pulled away from Shenandoah in the second half to
post a 72-53 victory in Game 2.
Wyman had announced his retirement from coaching early in the
season, so this was a fitting farewell gift from his team. While the
Alices were celebrating as the 1981 state champs, it was announced that
Karl Donovan, senior forward, had been selected to receive the coveted
Trester Award. Wyman is the 50th championship coach in the 71-year history of the tournament. Vincennes finished with a 26-2 record.*
season, so this was a fitting farewell gift from his team. While the
Alices were celebrating as the 1981 state champs, it was announced that
Karl Donovan, senior forward, had been selected to receive the coveted
Trester Award. Wyman is the 50th championship coach in the 71-year history of the tournament. Vincennes finished with a 26-2 record.*
*The above contains excerpts from â??Hoosier Hysteria â??? Ninth and Final Edition,â? 1997 by Herb Schwomeyer.
Graduates from the Class of 1981:
MIKE BALLENGER, Jasper
Sectional and regional champs 1980-81
Career average 19.3 points
1431 points
Averaged 24.8 as a senior
Indiana All-Star Team
University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky
DAVE BENNETT, New Albany
Sophomore season team was 16-6
Junior year team was 27-1
State runner-up junior year
Senior year team was 20-5
Indiana All-Star
4th all-time leading scorer at New Albany
1108 points
University of Evansville 2 years
Kentucky Wesleyan University 2 years
1985 NCAA Div. II Final Four All-Tourney Team
1986 team captain
NABC Div. II All-American 2nd Team
RONALD BRANDENBURG, Warsaw
Averaged 26.1 ppg as senior
1155 career points, 8 assists per game
Junior year sectional and regional champs
Senior year sectional, regional and semistate champs
Indiana All-Star
Augusta College (GA) 1 year/Tri-State 2 years
NAIA finals as sophomore 8 ppg junior year 10 ppg senior year
PHIL CALDWELL, Jeffersonville
Junior team was 15-7 and senior team finished 20-2
Hoosier Basketball Magazine First Team
All-State / All Conference
AP All-State High Honorable Mention
Bloomington Herald All-State
Louisville Courier Journal All-State 3rd Team
Averaged 16.1 ppg, .561 FG percentage, 6.7 apg
4-year starter
Coach indicates Caldwell was the best point guard in 25 years of coaching
Team ranked in Top 10 all senior season
Austin Peay & Indiana University Southeast
MICHAEL WARREN CHESSER, Noblesville
Led the Millers to schoolâ??s first sectional championship in 17 years
Set school record by scoring 42 points in one game
Held single-season rebound record for many years
Averaged 20 ppg, 10 rpg, 66 percent FG as senior
19-4 senior season
Indiana All-Star Honorable Mention
Played four years at Ball State University
3-year starter & captain as a senior
DOUG CROOK, Vincennes Lincoln
Teamâ??s leading scorer on 1981 state championship team
State finals MVP
26-2 senior season
3-year starter scored 1,222 points
Averaged 23 ppg as senior
Scored 55 points in the two finals games
Hertz #1 athlete of the year in 1981
Indiana All-Star Team
3-year starter for Eastern Illinois University
Finished in the top 10 in scoring and assists
DAN DAKICH, Andrean
25-2 team junior year lost in state semifinals
Leading scorer in state tournament in 1980 with 31 points
22-4 lost final game of semistate
Averaged 25 ppg on Indiana All-Star Team
Played at Indiana University
Presently head basketball coach at Bowling Green State University
RICK FIELDS, Clinton Central
Sectional and regional champs in 1981
55-14 three-year varsity record
Indiana All-State Honorable Mention
Lafayette Area Player of the Year
Most career points 1296
46 points and 15 assists are game records
Indiana State University
3-year captain
Personal bests of 32 points, 12 assists in a game
Season best .949 FT percentage
Career 84 percent FT shooter
1,000 points and 500 Assist Club
School record 47 free throws in a row
ROB HARDEN, Valparaiso
23-3 junior and senior years
Duneland Conference, sectional and regional champs junior and senior years
MVP both seasons
All-conference 3 years
2nd Team All-State Jr. & First Team All-State Senior
Indiana All-Star Team
Hoosier Basketball Mr. Mini-Basketball
Scholarship to Univ. of Florida
Transferred to Univ. of Nevada for junior and senior years
SCOTT HEADY, Shenandoah
Sophomore season 17-6, junior season 18-4, senior season 25-3
AP & UPI All-State
All-State Tournament Team
Set season and career points and assists record
Final Four 1980
Played for the legendary Billy Keller at University of Indianapolis
Leading free throw shooter and co-captain final two seasons
Presently varsity boys head coach at Warren Central High School
WINSTON MORGAN, Anderson Madison Heights
26-2 senior year
Indiana All-Star Team
20.9 ppg, 15.5 rpg as senior
Played at Indiana University
1982-83 Big Ten Champs
USA Select Team 1983
1986 Sportsmanship Award
1988 MVP & Player of the Year (Portugal)
1989 Leading scorer of Finland professional team
RICHARD SCOTT MUGG, Eastern (Greentown)
Hoosier Basketball Magazine 1st Team
Leading scorer in state in 1979-80 at 27 ppg
51% career FG percentage
Single-game sectional scoring record 40 points
15 games of 30 or more points
Scored over 1,200 career points
Recruited by Big Ten, Missouri Valley, Big 8 and others
Scored 34 points against Clinton Central in 1980 as team went to semistate
DAN PALOMBIZIO, Michigan City Rogers
1981 Mr. Basketball
Purdue University then transferred to Ball State University
Nationâ??s leading scorer and No. 2 rebounder while playing for Ball State
Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers
Presently boys head coach at New Buffalo (MI) High School
JEFF ROBINSON, Indianapolis Broad Ripple
Member of 1980 state championship team
Averaged 24.8 ppg, 14 rpg, .629 FG percentage, 72.8 FT percentage as senior
Member of Indiana All-Star Team
Scored 24 points with nine rebounds in 114-102 win over Kentucky in Game 1
Scored 17 points in 109â???96 win over Kentucky in Game 2
University of Cincinnati and University of Pittsburgh
RICK ROWRAY, Muncie Central
Three-year record of 56-20
17.7 ppg senior year
Starter on 1978-79 state championship team
1st team semistate MVP as junior
33 points against Kokomo as junior
Bloomington Herald All-State 1st team Junior Team
High honorable mention All-American by Street and Smith senior year
North Central Conference scoring leader
Led team with 407 points, 148 rebounds, 35 steals, 125 assists, and 17.7 ppg
Indiana All-Star Team
1,078 career points
IU basketball scholarship, then transferred to Ball State after one year
Captain at Ball State
Cardinal Varsity Club All-Tournament Team
LARRY SCHELLENBERG, Floyd Central
Averaged 19.9 ppg, 11.2 rpg, .474 FG percentage, 75.3 percent FT shooter as senior
Four-year varsity starter with record of 75-28
Regional finalist three years
Final 8 1981
3-year captain and All-Conference
1,400+ points, 800+ rebounds, 400+ assists
Member of Indiana All-Star Team
4-year starter University of Dayton
NCAA Final 8 1984, NCAA tournament 1985
4-year record 79-28
Free agent tryout with Detroit Pistons
Taught and coached in Dayton area, returned home to Floyd Central to do the same
Presently middle school counselor in same school corporation
COURTNEY WITTE, Vincennes Lincoln
State championship team in 1981 with 26-2 record
Sectional champs 1979-1981
3-year starter
â??Mr. Insideâ? as part of dynamic duo with Doug Crook
Averaged double figures in points and rebounds senior year
Grabbed 21 rebounds in state championship game against Anderson
1981 Indiana All-Star Team
Played two years at Vincennes University
Reached NJCAA National Finals
Became Bob Knightâ??s first junior college recruit at Indiana University
Team induction: 1956 Crispus Attucks High School team
Members of the board of directors of the Indiana Basketball Hall
of Fame approved an amendment to the organizationâ??s by-laws that any
basketball team that goes through the entire season undefeated and wins
the state championship will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a
team. Such a team will be so honored at the 50th year celebration of the historic occurrence.
of Fame approved an amendment to the organizationâ??s by-laws that any
basketball team that goes through the entire season undefeated and wins
the state championship will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a
team. Such a team will be so honored at the 50th year celebration of the historic occurrence.
The Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School basketball team of
1956 became Indianaâ??s first undefeated state championships team. The
state tournament began in 1911, so it took 45 years for a team to
accomplish the difficult task of winning every game and being crowned
the stateâ??s best.
1956 became Indianaâ??s first undefeated state championships team. The
state tournament began in 1911, so it took 45 years for a team to
accomplish the difficult task of winning every game and being crowned
the stateâ??s best.
In 1955, Crispus Attucks won the state championship with a
sparkling 30-1 record, and the â??56 team came back to enable the school
to win back-to-back championships with a 31-0 record. No other high
school in Indiana was ever so dominating in Indianaâ??s game.
sparkling 30-1 record, and the â??56 team came back to enable the school
to win back-to-back championships with a 31-0 record. No other high
school in Indiana was ever so dominating in Indianaâ??s game.
In 1942, black and parochial schools were finally admitted
membership in the IHSAA, which meant such schools could participate in
the state tournaments. It was quickly learned that it was difficult for
Crispus Attucks to build a regular schedule because many schools would
not play them due to the racial environment.
membership in the IHSAA, which meant such schools could participate in
the state tournaments. It was quickly learned that it was difficult for
Crispus Attucks to build a regular schedule because many schools would
not play them due to the racial environment.
The school was built in 1927, and the schoolâ??s combination
stage/gymnasium had a seating capacity of 800 spectators. It was
necessary for the team to play all road games, and they could have
easily competed in a northern Indiana conference as the 1956 team
played Fort Wayne Central, South Bend Riley, South Bend Adams, Michigan
City, and Gary Wallace during the season.
stage/gymnasium had a seating capacity of 800 spectators. It was
necessary for the team to play all road games, and they could have
easily competed in a northern Indiana conference as the 1956 team
played Fort Wayne Central, South Bend Riley, South Bend Adams, Michigan
City, and Gary Wallace during the season.
It is thought the 1956 teamâ??s success of winning the IHSAA state
tournament undefeated was a first by an all-African American high
school team in the United States. Coupled with the schoolâ??s
accomplishments in 1955, the racial barriers within the Indianapolis
public schools and around the state continued to melt away.
tournament undefeated was a first by an all-African American high
school team in the United States. Coupled with the schoolâ??s
accomplishments in 1955, the racial barriers within the Indianapolis
public schools and around the state continued to melt away.
Legendary coach Ray Crowe became the schoolâ??s head coach in 1950,
and he proceeded to build one of the most talked-about dynasties in
high school basketball in the state. The noted disciplinarian
established high expectations for the student-athletes in the classroom
as well as on the court, and the players responded by meeting every
challenge.
and he proceeded to build one of the most talked-about dynasties in
high school basketball in the state. The noted disciplinarian
established high expectations for the student-athletes in the classroom
as well as on the court, and the players responded by meeting every
challenge.
The 1956 Crispus Attucks Tigers were definitely a unique team and
captured the imagination of hoop fans statewide and nationally! Members
of the Attucks team were:
captured the imagination of hoop fans statewide and nationally! Members
of the Attucks team were:
- Stanford Patton
- James Enoch
- Sam Milton
- Bill Brown
- Oscar Robertson
- Henry Robertson
- John Gipson
- Edgar Searcy
- Albert Maxey
- Herbert Swanigan
- Laverne Benson
- Odell Donel (Deceased)
- Coach Ray Crowe (Deceased)
- Assistant Coach Al Spurlock
2006 St.Vincent Silver Medal Award winner: Sam Simmermaker
â??Holy Cow!â? Itâ??s Sam Simmermaker!
Each year the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame inducts one person
into the Hall that has made a significant contribution to Indiana
basketball in some fashion other than as a player or coach. The 2006
St.Vincent Silver Medal Award goes to Sam Simmermaker from Columbus.
into the Hall that has made a significant contribution to Indiana
basketball in some fashion other than as a player or coach. The 2006
St.Vincent Silver Medal Award goes to Sam Simmermaker from Columbus.
Simmermaker graduated from Star City High School in Pulaski
County. Following graduation from Indiana University in 1954,
Simmermaker spent two years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He now is in
his 47th year at WCSI-WKKG radio station in Columbus.
County. Following graduation from Indiana University in 1954,
Simmermaker spent two years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He now is in
his 47th year at WCSI-WKKG radio station in Columbus.
His voice and enthusiasm for all sports is known throughout
Southern Indiana. Simmermaker was the telecaster for five years for the
Indianapolis Indians on WTTV. He has also served as a news broadcaster
for a number of years.
Southern Indiana. Simmermaker was the telecaster for five years for the
Indianapolis Indians on WTTV. He has also served as a news broadcaster
for a number of years.
The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named
Simmermaker Indiana Sportscaster of the Year in 1976 and again in 1997.
The Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association bestowed a
similar honor on him in 1971 as he was named Indiana Sportscaster of
the Year. In 1998, Simmermaker was inducted into the Indiana
Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. The Indiana Associated
Press Broadcasters Association presented him with the Hall of Fame
Award in 1991. He has served on the board of directors of the National
Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association since 1999.
Simmermaker Indiana Sportscaster of the Year in 1976 and again in 1997.
The Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association bestowed a
similar honor on him in 1971 as he was named Indiana Sportscaster of
the Year. In 1998, Simmermaker was inducted into the Indiana
Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. The Indiana Associated
Press Broadcasters Association presented him with the Hall of Fame
Award in 1991. He has served on the board of directors of the National
Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association since 1999.
In addition, Simmermaker has been presented with the IHSAA
Distinguished Service Media Award, North-South All-Star Football Game
News Media Award, and an outstanding contributions award by both the
Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association and the National
Federation Interscholastic Officials Association. Network Indiana
honored Simmermaker in 2002 and 2004 for presenting the â??Best Sports
Play-by-Playâ? in sports. The Indiana Broadcasters Association presented
the noted sportscaster with a similar award in 2005.
Distinguished Service Media Award, North-South All-Star Football Game
News Media Award, and an outstanding contributions award by both the
Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association and the National
Federation Interscholastic Officials Association. Network Indiana
honored Simmermaker in 2002 and 2004 for presenting the â??Best Sports
Play-by-Playâ? in sports. The Indiana Broadcasters Association presented
the noted sportscaster with a similar award in 2005.
Simmermaker grew up listening to Harry Carey broadcast St. Louis
Cardinal baseball games, and he, too, adopted the trademark trait of
saying â??Holy Cowâ? when something fantastic occurred during a ball game.
He claims to be the most rabid Cardinal baseball fan south of U.S. 40,
and he still participates in the Columbus Softball Association Over-50
Slow Pitch League.
Cardinal baseball games, and he, too, adopted the trademark trait of
saying â??Holy Cowâ? when something fantastic occurred during a ball game.
He claims to be the most rabid Cardinal baseball fan south of U.S. 40,
and he still participates in the Columbus Softball Association Over-50
Slow Pitch League.
Center Circle Officials Award
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame presents the Center Circle
Officials Award annually to two basketball officials in the boys
program, and a like number in the girls program. These individuals are
recognized for their superior officiating skills and positive
contributions to the sport.
Officials Award annually to two basketball officials in the boys
program, and a like number in the girls program. These individuals are
recognized for their superior officiating skills and positive
contributions to the sport.
This yearâ??s award winners for the boys program are:
WENDELL L. BAKER, Indianapolis
Baker graduated from Orleans High School, where he lettered in
basketball three years. At the time the school was so small that
basketball was the only sport offered! At Indiana Central College (now
the University of Indianapolis), he lettered in basketball, baseball,
and track.
basketball three years. At the time the school was so small that
basketball was the only sport offered! At Indiana Central College (now
the University of Indianapolis), he lettered in basketball, baseball,
and track.
The famed basketball official worked 25 sectionals, 19 regionals,
8 semistates, and two state finals. He was an active member of the
Indiana Officials Association, where he served a number of years as an
officer. In addition, Baker interpreted the rules for the IHSAA and
other officials, observed the work of other officials for the IHSAA,
and served as a clinician.
8 semistates, and two state finals. He was an active member of the
Indiana Officials Association, where he served a number of years as an
officer. In addition, Baker interpreted the rules for the IHSAA and
other officials, observed the work of other officials for the IHSAA,
and served as a clinician.
BILL J. WULLNER, Lawrenceburg
Wullner was an all-around athlete at Lawrenceburg High School,
where he lettered in basketball (three years), football (three),
baseball (four) and track (two). He set the schoolâ??s single-game
scoring record in basketball by pouring in 35 points in a sectional
game. The school record stood for seven years, and the mark stood as
the sectional record for nine years.
where he lettered in basketball (three years), football (three),
baseball (four) and track (two). He set the schoolâ??s single-game
scoring record in basketball by pouring in 35 points in a sectional
game. The school record stood for seven years, and the mark stood as
the sectional record for nine years.
The super athlete-turned-official officiated 27 basketball
sectionals, 19 regionals, 12 semistates, and two state finals. In 1987,
Wullner was selected Basketball Official of the Year by the stateâ??s
officials associations. The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association
presented Wullner with the Roy Gardner Award in 1994.
sectionals, 19 regionals, 12 semistates, and two state finals. In 1987,
Wullner was selected Basketball Official of the Year by the stateâ??s
officials associations. The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association
presented Wullner with the Roy Gardner Award in 1994.
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