60 Years ago - March 18, 1961
(submitted by Judy Greeson)

The 1961 Indiana High School Men's Basketball Championship game (then, one-class basketball) was played at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, on the campus of Butler University. The teams were our Manual Redskins, vs. Kokomo Wildcats. In overtime, Manual lost to Kokomo, 66-68. The Manual twins, Tom and Dick Van Arsdale would eventually play professional ball after they played 4 years at Indiana University.

The film of our high school championship game, plus a summary is posted on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGGs0Jfz-Ws

One of the things I remember about that night was that it was pouring down rain. When we went back to Manual after the game, the bonfire that had been prepared refused to light. I have kept my game ticket from that night all this time in a shadow box. When the film "Hoosiers" was being made in 1985, and extras were needed for the final game scenes at Butler, I noted the section and seat location on the ticket I have. I went and sat in that same seat as a spectator in Hinkle during those state championship game scenes in the movie. As the city of Indianapolis will be hosting the entire NCAA Men's tournament this year, basketball memories come forward.