Coach Chris Rood amassed a record of 411-211-1 as head coach of the Wabash Apaches baseball team. Photo provided

By Kyle Kelshimer
Special to The Paper

From Bob Knight and IU Basketball, to Notre Dame Football and 11 national championships, to the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500, Indiana sports scream tradition. But not any kind of tradition; it is a tradition that reflects the men and women of the state who call themselves Hoosiers.

It is an Indiana tradition.

Gritty, blue-collared, players often fused with unrelenting, outspoken, disciplined coaches who would mold their team, often unmatched and less talented, into believing that through concentration and execution they, as a team, could do anything.

Think Bob Knight.

Think Knute Rockne.

Think Thomas “Chris” Rood.

Chris Rood, to many in the state, has become more than just an old baseball coach. He has become a legend to those who knew him and knew of him.

Tahnee Fuentes and Ben Green

By The Paper staff

NORTH MANCHESTER — Two members of the Manchester High School swim team, Tahnee Fuentes and Ben Green, have been selected for the All America Team through the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America, Inc. (NISCA).

To be selected for this honor, athletes must meet the criteria for selection according to the NISCA guidelines. The requirements include, having a minimum GPA of 3.75 on a 4.00 scale, being a graduating senior, and lettering in your high school program during your senior year.

A Liking for Biking is a new monthly riding series. Photo provided

By The Paper staff

The Dam to Dam Ride (D2D) committee and Breakaway Bike and Fitness Shop have collaborated on a new health and wellness initiative that centers itself around the grassroots movement that started the annual Dam to Dam ride. 

Beginning the first Saturday in May, the Liking for Biking riding series will kick off as a family friendly fun ride, connecting people who simply enjoy riding their bicycle.

Jaycee Parrett signs a letter of intent to play basketball at Trine University. Looking on are her mother and father, Stacie Parrett (left) and Jason Parrett, Wabash Lady Apaches coach Matt Stone and WHS principal Kyle Wieland. Photo by Joseph Slacian

By Joseph Slacian

Wabash High School senior Jaycee Parrett will continue her basketball career at Trine University.

Parrett, surrounded by school officials and family members signed a letter of intent on Thursday, April 20.

“They do have a good program with what I am going for, which is business technology,” she said. “It has a good placement program for like jobs and everything.”

Matt Jones prepares to sign to play football at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Mich. He is joined at the signing by (front, from left) his parents Michael and Rebecca Jones, (back row, from left) athletic director Matt Stone, family friend Dale Winger, coach Ryan Carmichael, coach Floyd Winger and principal Kyle Wieland. Photo by Joseph Slacian

By Joseph Slacian

Wabash High School senior Matt Jones signed a letter of intent Friday to continue his football career at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Jones was a tackle, defensive end and nose tackle for the Apache football team, and also played basketball at WHS.

“I chose Concordia because I thought it would help me become a man,” he told The Paper of Wabash County. “It also will help my walk with God get better. It’s a good environment and a nice city.”

Braxtin Wilson (front, center) will attend Manchester University and will be part of the wrestling team. With him are (front, from left) his mother Brenda Stensland, sister Brielle Wilson, (back row, from left) MHS wrestling coach Jerimiah Maggart and athletic director Jeremy Markham. Photo by Eric Christiansen

By Eric Christiansen

NORTH MANCHESTER -- A year ago, wrestling in college wasn't even a thought in Braxtin Wilson's mind. Now it is a reality as he will attend Manchester University to study criminal justice, and coaching, and continue his wrestling career.

The Manchester High School senior played basketball growing up and was a member of the Squire team for three years. He decided to switch to wrestling for his senior season and had no idea what would be in store for him.