The BHS basketball team photograph shown at right is from the 1924-1925 school year. (Photo provided)
Elkhart County has participated in organized basketball for over 100 years, and the tradition continues today as Sectionals are concluded throughout Indiana. The Elkhart County Historical Museum will celebrate this history during a series of talks on Thursday, March 11, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Museum Director Nick Hoffman will first discuss Elkhart County’s earliest recorded basketball history. Among the first organized teams was Goshen High School whose original squad dated back to the 1908-1909 season — one year prior to Elkhart High School. By 1930 most schools in the county had competitive teams and each school played each other regardless of enrollment. Hoffman’s program will focus on local basketball history to 1941, changing rules of the game, and the first sectionals held in 1916.
Following Hoffman’s presentation, former Elkhart Truth sportswriter Stanley Lewallen will discuss his experiences covering Elkhart County basketball from the 1950s to 1971. Among Lewallen’s highlights includes his final trip in 1970-1971 following Elkhart to the State Championship game. Elkhart was defeated by East Chicago Washington. Through stories about celebrated teams, players and games, Lewallen will shed light on local basketball history during his career covering county sports.
“Basketball is probably one of the first things people associate with Indiana,” says Hoffman. “After our current sectionals, we hope to celebrate and reflect on Elkhart County’s fascinating legacy in basketball on the local and state scene.”
The Museum will display its collection of high school sports materials, such as letter jackets and early gym shoes. Photographs will be shown throughout the program, including a recent donation by John Clark of the 1954 reception parade for Elkhart High School. Elkhart had just returned from the state tournament after a disappointing semi-final loss to Muncie Central. Muncie Central was then defeated 32-30 by Milan in perhaps the most famous state title game in Indiana’s history.
Visitors coming to the program are encouraged to bring photographs, share memories, and wear their letter jackets from High School.
Pre-registration is preferred by contacting Museum Director Nick Hoffman at 848-4322 or nick@elkhartcountyparks.org.
