Sports on all levels throughout our entire Northwest Indiana coverage area were on full display in 2014, offering something new and unique all the time.
Since the year is nearing an end, we are taking a look back at some of the best stories. It was tough to only pick 10 with the number of communities we serve, but here they are: the ten best sports stories in Northwest Indiana!
Hobart Jaycees' Sixth Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament a Hit
The Hobart Junior Chamber (Jaycees) kicked off its sixth annual mud volleyball tournament at the Hobart Rugby Field this weekend.
“The event has gotten bigger each year since we started it," said event coordinator Bill Petri. "It’s a good way for people to come out and have some fun for a good cause. All the proceeds go to charity, this year we’re donating to Riley Children’s Hospital, we’re sponsoring children with facial deformities to go to camp and that’s a really neat thing. We’re also donating to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital and Christmas for kids shopping spree."
Improved Defense a Necessity for Munster Hockey to Backup Hot Goalie
Starting off the season with a record of 2-4-2, the Munster High School hockey team looks to improve their defensive skills in order to start winning more games.
“Our team defense is my biggest concern,” Head Coach Rick Rubino said. “Nick Kotz (senior), our goalie, has been playing lights out. We need to get the puck out of our zone to give our guy a break.”
Lake Central Students, Staff, Alumni Bid A Fond Farewell to "The Burial Grounds"
The "Burial Grounds" is about to make its trip six feet under. Lake Central High School's historic football field made its final appearance on Friday night before it's torn down to make way for a new and improved underground field.
The field shows its age by wear and tear of the muddy grass, the outdated structure, small press box and low seated stands. It’s one of the very last of its kind. All of this was good for past Lake Central Indian teams and their fans, but it's time for the facelift.
Maniatis Looks Forward to Building Strong Women's Basketball Program at Calumet College of St. Joseph
A seasoned high school girls basketball coach who saw a good amount of success on the south side of Chicago is now leading the women’s basketball program at Calumet College of St. Joseph.
John Maniatis assumed the role of head coach of the Crimson Wave on October 29.
Andrean Wins Third Straight Sectional Championship Title
The Andrean High School 59ers football team advanced to the state title game for the second year in a row. We were on hand to cover their sectional championship victory over Calumet New Tech:
The Niners did it once again. On Friday night the Andrean High School Niners took on Calumet New Tech High School’s Warriors in the 3A ISHAA sectional championship, and the Niners dominated the game - which allowed them to gain their third straight championship title.
Andrean’s recent post-season history is an impressive one, with the school having won state last year, winning six championships within the last seven years, and they have not lost a single game in two years. All of this added up to give the school an incredible amount of confidence about Friday’s game. Andrean’s student section were positive about ending the night with a victory, but they’re taking each win one at a time.
Return of Football at Hanover Central has Students, Parents, Alumni Excited
The start of the high school football season in Northwest Indiana has taken on a special meaning atHanover Central this year. It’s the first time the school fields a varsity football team in 43 years.
And what a way to get things started. The Wildcats scored early and often in a 46-26 defeat of visiting Bowman Academy on Friday, snapping a 14-game losing streak that dated back to 1970.
Mustangs Give Fans, Clubs Reason to Celebrate Homecoming
Homecoming at “The Marsh Lands” was one to remember for Munster High School and its students in 2014. Not only did the football team put up an impressive point total in an extremely exciting 59-41 shootout win over visiting Morton, but Mustang alumni, fans and student organizations all packed the house to see the exciting action on the field and during halftime, when MHS senior Antonia DalleCarbonare was announced as the Homecoming Queen.
“This is so amazing, I really was not expecting this,”DalleCarbonare said after posing for several photos with congratulatory friends.
Soccer Landscape in NW Indiana Changes with Three Club Merger
Three Lions FC, Northwest Indiana United FC andIndiana Magic, three of the most prestigious soccer clubs in Northwest Indiana are pleased to announce a merge to form a new soccer club, Three Lions United.
The integration of the three clubs creates a foundation for a premier soccer club, unlike any ever seen in this area to gives soccer players of all skill levels a place to play, develop and grow in the game of soccer.
All three organizations have strong history with the development of youth soccer in Northwest Indiana. NWI United FC has been operating in the area for over 25 years, Indiana Magic for 8 years and more recently, Three Lions for the past six years. Together, the new club will have over 500 players and 32 teams.
Passionate Fans, Great Teams Make Fall Sports Season at Lake Central Fun
The atmosphere at a Lake Central sporting event can be described in one word: passionate. Between the close relationships of the student-athletes on each team and the fans standing in the student section cheering them on, the school has a sense of unity.
“We’re more focused on cheering and having a good time rather than arguing about who sits where and what not like last year. Me and a couple of my friends are making a big effort to involve more students and making it as fun as possible for everyone there,” senior Colin Chenoweth said.
Northwest Indiana White Sox Fans Celebrated at U.S. Cellular Field
A good contingent of Northwest Indiana fans took advantage of specially priced tickets for residents of the region at the Chicago White Sox’ May 30 home game against the San Diego Padres.
And even though the home team could not come through with a victory, dropping a 4-1 decision, fans still had plenty to be excited about on a perfect night for baseball.
So there you have it, our top ten. A little pro, some college, a good dose of high school sprinkled with some mud volleyball and club sports. Send us your good sports news to share@nwindianalife.com in 2015 and your story may be on next year’s list!