26 high school teams gathered Wednesday at the Red Barn in Terre Haute for the inaugural Wabash Valley Athletic Association Girls Basketball Media Day.

Every team had a chance to discuss their goals and expectations for this upcoming season.

Fifty years ago this month, No. 3-ranked Terre Haute North proved it was No. 1 in the state in high school baseball. At the perfect time, the end of the season. Coincidentally, no Vigo County boys team in any sport has won an IHSAA state title since.

The Wabash Valley Athletic Association officially launched on Saturday. It's dedicated to enhancing sports programs for all. Organizers said they want to make sports programs more impactful for our community.

It’s hard to imagine a thriving community without sport. We all know there is a tremendous source of pride that comes with sports. We want to cheer on our teams and feel a rush of emotion with each turn a game can take. Sports contribute to a sense of belonging for a community.

On December 14th, the Readers’ Forum had a letter regarding high school sports and stated that “The Front Porch of any community are their high schools. Specifically, their sports programs.” Although this applies to all sports, my specific experience has been football.

3 High Schools, 4 state championships, 52 years …

A year and a half ago, I moved back to my hometown of Terre Haute after being gone for 37 years. After raising my children in New Castle and living several years in downtown Carmel, I chose to return to home. Finishing my working years here and possibly retiring here. One of the best decisions I have ever made.