Sports and Outdoors

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Wanted: All High School Boys Basketball State Champs

IHSAA to recognize state championship teams during Parade, Reception March 27

Indianapolis, Ind. (Feb. 18, 2010)—The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) is calling on players and coaches from all former state championship boys bas ketball teams to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime 100th Anniversary Celebration Pa rade. On Saturday, March 27, at 3 p.m., the stars of Hoosier Hysteria will step off in downtown Indianapolis to culminate the “100 Years IN 100 Days” Celebration, a state wide campaign commemorating the 100th anniversary of the boys basketball state tour nament, a milestone moment in history.



For the first time, fans will have the chance to see basketball legends from a century of championships as they ride by on floats, firetrucks and vintage cars through the streets of Indianapolis. Bands, cheerleading squads and mascots from winning schools will de light thousands of spectators as they march alongside representatives from over seventy championship teams, including the “Big-O” Oscar Robertson.



The 100th Anniversary Celebration Parade will begin at Pennsylvania and Vermont and travel down Pennsylvania past the Birch Bayh Federal Building and US Courthouse, where it will turn right onto Ohio. After one block the procession will turn left at Meridian and head south to Monument Circle. There the parade will turn right and make its way around the Soldiers’ and Sailers’ Monument before continuing south down Meridian. The route will then make a left on Georgia, where it will end its mile-long march on Pennsyl vania in front of Conseco Fieldhouse.



At Conseco Fieldhouse, viewers will salute and cheer on celebrity players and coaches as they exit the parade and walk the 100 Year Celebration Red Carpet to an honorary Indi ana Legends Reception. Following the conclusion of the parade, the IHSAA evening ses sion state finals will begin at 6 p.m. Ticket quantities are limited and may be purchased in advance at www.ihsaa.org or at any school participating in the finals.



“For former players and fans alike, the 100th Anniversary Celebration Parade will bring back memories of parading the championship trophy proudly around Monument Circle or their community after winning the state title,” said IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress. “We believe this will be an exciting conclusion to our 100-day celebration of Hoosier Hys­teria and encourage everyone to come out and show support for their championship teams.”



Players and coaches of state championship teams who would like to participate in the parade may contact the Celebration Parade Committee by calling 317-863-2575 or emailing info@100n100.net. Additional information about the parade and the “100 Years IN 100 Days” Celebration can be found at www.100YearsIN100Days.net.

(Submitted)

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