What does Veteran’s Day and Red Devils Gym have in common? History. The LaPorte County YMCA brought them together to celebrate community, rivalry, and good old-fashioned basketball.
Thursday night's game took advantage of a decades-old battle between the LaPorte Slicers and the Michigan City Elstons. Both teams were comprised of alumni from their respective high schools, determined to beat a cherished nemesis. Some had even played each other before.
“I love it,” said retired coach Earl Cunningham. He recalled bringing his team to Red Devils Gym for away games. “It’s a great deal. These guys were rivals and it’s cool that they get along and play together now. You see them helping each other up. They’re just happy to be out playing.”
Cunningham was an Elston until he graduated in 1965. Joe Otis coached Cunningham’s son, a La Porte Slicer, in 1993.Otis coached for this year’s Veteran’s Game to represent his team, his family, and the YMCA. His brother in law started the youth basketball programs that have brought a lot of success to the La Porte County YMCA.
“I’ve always been very supportive of the Y and it’s programs,” said Otis. “This is one of the most historic gymnasiums in Northwest Indiana. It’s a trip down memory lane. It’s a nice way to bring everyone into honor those who have served.”
Half of the men on his team played for Otis when they were in high school. Others were from older generations. They all remember going up against the Michigan City Elstons, which made their 67-62 point victory all the more sweeter.
“The Elston facility is new to the YMCA,” said Nick Otis, Joe’s son and one of the alumni players. “[Playing here] is a recognition of the community and letting them know we are here. I think it’s great. It’s fun to do this again.”
He and his father are return participants from last year, the first Veteran’s Basketball Game.
“When we first opened,” said Cindy Bercham, La Porte County YMCA’s CEO, “I thought this gym meant so much to so many people, it’d be great to get them together here again.”
So Bercham collaborated with everyone she could to organize an alumni game. They brought coaches, teammates, and even cheerleaders.
They invited local veterans to come watch the rivalry culminate. The game started with an American flag ceremony to honor the veterans, and they were given free popcorn and drinks.
“We had the opportunity to bring in a large crowd. Anytime we can honor military veterans, we should. Here we have a captive audience. We had an opportunity to unite everyone for one exciting night.”
