Football, basketball, volleyball, golf, soccer, cross country, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, track & field, and more filled our feeds this past year, featuring all the good news about our Region athletes in their respective sports. There is so much talent to go around in our area, and we had a blast attending games, matches, meets, and more to help others see the action from a unique perspective.
Whether it was state championships, basketball invitationals, gymnastics sectionals, regional tournaments, new clubs, or anything in between, we shared it all in 2022 on behalf of the high schools and colleges that make our Region proud.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 sports articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2022!
The City of La Porte kicks off day one of the U.S. Marines NIBC La Porte Invitational
On January 6, the City of La Porte welcomed local fans and elite prep basketball teams from around the nation for day one of the U.S. Marines NIBC La Porte Invitational hosted at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.
This was the inaugural kick off for the La Porte NIBC Series that saw 22 of ESPN’s Top 100 recruits for the Class of 2022 as well as the home team – the La Lumiere Lakers – take the court.
La Lumiere takes on Oak Hill Academy for day two of NIBC 2022
On a cold winter night, the community of La Porte, Indiana gathered to celebrate one of Indiana’s most treasured pastimes: high school basketball. Day two of the U.S. Marines NIBC LaPorte Invitational took place inside the historic halls of the La Porte Civic Auditorium, and the star power of La Porte’s own La Lumiere School was on display.
The La Lumiere Lakers earned a win of 70-56 over the talented Oak Hill Academy Boys Basketball Team, but tonight was not just about basketball; it was about community and showcasing the City of La Porte.
Arnett Family’s continued success in Pop Warner develops exceptional young men
To some, football is merely a game. For the Arnett family, it is a way of life. It all started with Jack Arnett getting involved on the original Board of Directors for the La Porte Pop Warner Association when it was first established.
After serving time on the Board of Directors, Jack Arnett went into administration at the league level and served as the President of the Northern Indiana Pop Warner League for 20 years. Finishing off his strong resume in Pop Warner, Jack Arnett has been the Regional Director for Mid America Pop Warner which includes 11 states across the Midwest.
Wrestling Semi-State 2022
Crown Point Wrestling continued their dominant run for a state title on Saturday, winning the East Chicago Semi-State Tournament and sending 11 of their wrestlers to the State Championship next weekend.
The Bulldogs topped the team scoreboard with 253 points. The next highest school, Penn, posted a total of 106. Six Bulldogs also claimed individual semi-state titles, including Jesse Mendez who is seeking his fourth straight individual State Championship - though a team championship has eluded Crown Point during his tenure.
Unified Sports in NWI help students meet friends, achieve goals, and reach their dreams
“Team sports bring people together” – that is the simple idea Special Olympics cites as one of the main motives for their Unified Sports initiative, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team.
The Indiana High School Athletic Association recognizes two categories of Unified Sports – Flag Football in the fall, and Track & Field in the spring. In both of these sports, teams participate in a full season of games and meets, culminating in a state tournament. The competitors get to bond through training, competition, and build a camaraderie that is often unavailable to students with disabilities who rarely play on their school teams.
Opening Day of 2022 NSA World Series Tournament brings over 150 teams to the Region
South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) was able to host the Opening Day of the National Softball Association (NSA) Northern World Series Skills Competition 2022. Opening day consisted of teams, parents, and supporters coming together from all over the midwest to take part in, or spectate a skills competition, as well as DJ entertainment, pin trading, and vendors including World Series Apparel and Diamond Sport Gear.
“This means everything to the area. This is the largest event that we host in the summertime. There are over 156 teams. There are usually 8000 people that visit the South Shore,” Megan Goodan, South Shore Manager of Sports Development said. “It brings in over $1.5 million in economic impact for our area, and not just Lake County, but it does span over all five counties. It’s awesome.”
Briar Leaf Golf Club hosts tournament to benefit Alzheimer’s research
Today 18 teams of local golfers, plus volunteers, gathered at Briar Leaf Golf Club in La Porte to participate in Scramblin' for Alzheimer's. This gold tournament, hosted by Team Beach Bums, was an excellent way for local golfers to enjoy golf on a nice summer day while helping raise money for Alzheimer research.
Chew Cizewski, a member of Beach Bums, is a strong advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. This golf outing is one of many yearly events he and the Beach Bums put on to support the cause. Last year the Beach Bums were able to raise $15,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
Girls Swimming Sectional Finals 2022
Congratulations to Chesterton High School for winning this year’s sectional championship!
Find all the best action shots from the swim meet here!
South Shore CVA World Series Skills Competition 2022
South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) hosted the World Series Skills Competition, bringing soft ball athletes together.
Find all the photos from the get together here!
Football La Porte vs. New Prairie 2022
New Prairie wins 35-0 against La Porte High School for the first game of the season.
Find all the photos from the game here!
