The Northern Lights 2019-2020 Digital Issue #2

NORTHERN LIGHTS THE

APRIL 2020 DIGITAL #2 VOLUME #64 NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL INDIANAPOLIS, IN

#PAULSTRONG HONORING OUR OWN LEGEND PAUL LOGGAN April 5, 1963 — April 12, 2020

NORTHERN LIGHTS THE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sean Behringer Jack Branigan Charlie Peterson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tyler Diercks STAFF Anna Geller Sophia Grueninger Sawyer Husain Jerry Little Garrett Mahaffey Delaney Moore Owen Reno Avi Sarkar Max Simmel Richie Smikle Connor Thompson Lawrence Trowbridge Camron Tyler-Brown Zayd Vestal

FAMILY MAN 4

ATHLETE 8

FRIEND 12

COACH 16

ADVISER: Tom Gayda, MJE Complete staff policies and procedures can be found at: ncstudentmedia.net THE NORTHERN LIGHTS 1801 East 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.259.5301 (phone) 317.259.5369 (fax) The Northern Lights is the studentproduced newspaper of North Central High School. Content is determined and assigned by student editors.

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COLLEAGUE 26

On the cover: Clockwise from top left: Loggan’s senior photo from Rushville High School; Loggan at a home football game; at Lucas Oil Stadium with former athletic director Chuck Jones and athletic department secretary Anita Walther; with former varsity boys basketball coach Doug Mitchell; with the entire Loggan family; in a photo from his high school yearbook; with Assistant Athletic Director Andy Elkins at 2018’s Notre Dame/Ball State football game and hugging Megan Sizemore after her engagement to Paul’s son Michael.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue of The Northern Lights.

2 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Loggan with Corey Morgan and former head football coach Al Harants.

Loggan drives Kole Kreinhagen, son of fomer head football coach Kevin Kreinhagen, around on his golf cart.

While vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, Loggan visited the tribute to John Belushi left at the cemetary where Belushi is buried.

The Loggan family gathers during Will’s senior night for boys basketball.

Loggan takes his usual stance while watching a game.

North Central athletic director Paul Loggan dies after battle with coronavirus The following article appeared on indystar.com and in The Indianapolis Star. It is being reprinted here with permission.

Beloved North Central athletic director Paul Loggan died Sunday afternoon.

Loggan, 57, was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at St. Vincent on April 1 after showing symptoms consistent with coronavirus. He was put on a ventilator and tested positive for coronavirus two days later.

Loggan leaves behind a legacy at North Central that goes well beyond athletics. In the nearly two weeks since his health condition was made public, the Loggan family received an outpouring of support from not only the North Central community, but many other communities through Central Indiana and the rest of the state.

His oldest son, Michael Loggan, posted an update on Sunday morning with picture of a “Paul Strong” sign outside of North Central. “Happy Easter to all!”

Loggan wrote. “Blessed to be a part of such an amazing community. Praying for that Easter Miracle! #Paulstrong”

Michael later posted that his father had passed away at 1:32 p.m. on Sunday.

“He gave us everything he had and that’s all we can ask for,” Michael wrote.

Loggan leaves behind his wife, Kathy, along with three children Michael, Will and Sami. Though he became North Central’s athletic director after Chuck Jones’ retirement in 2014, Loggan had been at the school since 1988 as a teacher, coach, department chair and assistant athletic director.

Loggan was a graduate of Rushville High School and was an All-American linebacker at the University of Indianapolis. He was also heavily involved with the Indiana Football Coaches Association and the annual North/South All-Star game, which was hosted by North Central.

Michael Loggan said his father originally fell ill in late March. He was quarantined in his bedroom from March 27 until he was hospitalized. — Kyle Neddenriep, The Indianapolis Star THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 3

FAMILY MAN

Main photo: Loggan poses with his oldest son Michael at Michael’s commencement in 2014. Inset: Loggan fist bumps youngest son Will prior to Will crossing the commencement stage in 2017. As AD, Loggan assisted with commencement by letting graduates know when they should cross the stage.

From left to right: Loggan with sons Will and Michael, and friend Mickey Mouse. Loggan was a big Disney fan; with Will and Sami and with Kathy and Sami.

Family shares memories of Dad

Oldest son Michael shares his thoughts about his father.

Q: One of the best memories of Paul as a father?

A: Probably when I committed to St. Francis. We were on a visit there and it was on his birthday. It was a team meeting, and I looked at my dad across the room and just nodded as if I was going to commit and just being able to commit on his birthday was something I’ll never forget.

Q: Any dad/son traditions you guys had that you valued?

A: Yeah one thing I always enjoyed I always did with my dad was consistently golfing all the time, we would always go play nine or 18 after work or whenever we could. One Father’s Day we played 18 and I was about to beat him and I didn’t let him get the gimme putt and he missed once.

Q: When you’re a father, how alike or different do you want to be from the kind of father your dad was?

A: Honesty I probably wouldn’t change anything from the way he raised us. He gave me and my family every possible chance to succeed and that’s all I want when I have kids. And one thing I loved is he always gave his input about something but always left an important decision for me to decide, like my choice to move from football to basketball at college. Being a man enough to make your own decisions. Believe in yourself.

A lot of people don’t know this, but the Lakers practiced at North Central when they played the Pacers in the NBA finals and Kobe (Bryant) was playing with an ankle injury, and we were able to meet Shaq (O’Neal) and Kobe.

Daughter Sami recalls the love her father had for her.

Q: What is the best thing about having Paul Loggan as a dad?

A: I would definitely feel like his love and support no matter what I did or tried he was always there for me.

He also gave me such a great passion about sports and specifically about North Central and really led me to believe in myself and become a better person. And bear hugs.

Paul’s wife Kathy discusses what made him great.

Q: What made Paul such a great father?

A: The very first time I met him was at a bar downtown and I was kind of forced to hang out with him, and I was not interested in him at all. Six months later I broke up with my current boyfriend and met up with Paul again, and he asked me out then. And then in 1989 he asked me to come watch him coach wrestling at NC. We had not dated that long and watching him interacting with his wrestlers and the passion just completely sold me really. We dated for a year and got married in 1991.

He genuinely loved and loved deeply and was bluntly honest even when you didn’t want an honest answer.

Appreciate where you come from and where you’re going because in the end it will always go noticed.

And he was such a competitor but was so nice after the games and he really enstilled that in the kids. And just always reminded them to always make a good impression, and somebody is always going to know you and always make a good impression because you always represent more than just yourself. He was just so proud of everyone and really considered all of his athletes as his own kids, as well, and it’s just a reflection of who Paul is.

Middle child Will is following in his father’s footsteps, playing footbal at the University of Indianapolis.

Q: Is there a specific Father son moment for you that you will forever remember?

A: After my first college game he told me he was so proud of me to see me in a UIndy jersey, that’ll stay with me for the rest of my life. — by Charlie Peterson

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6 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Family and sports were the biggest parts of Paul Loggan’s life. He was lucky that the two intertwined so much, as his family was a fixture at North Central events just as much as he was.

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ATHLETE

In addition to playing football at Rushville, Loggan was also a successful wrestler. He was a sectional champ in 1980 and 1981, regional champ in 1981 eventually placing fourth at state. As a senior his record was 24-6.

College coach remembers Loggan Bob Tremain was Paul Loggan’s linebackers coach at Indiana Central University, now called the University of Indianapolis, from 1981-1984. Loggan was a starter and an all-Heartland Collegiate Conference selection all four years. Loggan was an NCAA Division II All-American his senior year.

Q: When did you first meet Paul Loggan?

What were your first impressions of him as a player and as a person?

A: We met when he reported to [training] camp in the fall of 1981. He was hardworking, self-disciplined, had a great attitude, had great character and the team always came first. He had a great passion about everything and anything he did.

Q: What is your fondest memory of Loggan while he played for you?

A: We would play a Saturday football game and on Sunday, the coaches would have a meeting where we would exchange film with our next opponent. On Monday morning, Paul, in between classes, would come over to my office and watch film of our next opponent with me. And he did that every week, all four years. Nobody did that as a player, obviously other than when we would have our own player meetings. Paul understood everything and when we would have our first practice at night, he’s a coach on the field. And that’s the way he lived his life, with that kind of passion. That was Paul Loggan.

Q: What type of a football player was Q: How will you remember Paul Loggan?

Loggan?

A: Anything and everything he did was with Bob Tremain A: He was an all-around player. He wasn’t the same passion that he did as a player. He an assassin-type player like Dick Butkus never forgot you and would always take that or Ray Lewis. That wasn’t his style. He was just so extra moment, regardless of what he had to do, to let knowledgeable of the game. His jersey number was you know that you were important and how much he 66. He wore that jersey no matter what level he played, cared about you and how much he loved you. Any time whether it was at Rushville High School or when he came we’d see each other we’d always give each other a big to UIndy. He made that number stand for something hug and our parting words were then: “Love you coach,” during his time as a high school player and as a “Love you Paul. Take care of you. Take care of your collegiate athlete. He couldn’t get enough of trying to family. Everything else will take care of itself. We’re all understand anything and everything he needed to know going to miss him, but we’re never going to forget him. to be successful.

— by Jack Branigan

Loggan dances at his wedding with former University of Indianapolis teammates Mike Heymann and Mark Bless. “Paul was a year younger than me, but as soon as Paul arrived on campus he quickly fit right in with the upper classmen. He was a very good football player who played the game with much passion and a ton of heart. We grew closer as friends his sophomore and junior years as we lived across the hall from each other in the dorm. On the field, Paul was a fierce

competitor, but off of the field, Paul was very kindhearted and could sit and talk with anyone. After graduation, Paul and myself both got into education and coaching football close to the same time. We would often spend time together at coaching clinics sharing coaching stories, as well as, reliving our college glory days. Paul was a dear friend of mine and will missed by many. Paul made a huge impact on many of us,” Bless, now Avon High School head football coach, said.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 9

Current students honor their AD Mr. Loggan has always celebrated every athletic acheivment of the xc and track team always giving support to me and my teammates. — Jon Petersen, 11, cross country My favorite memory of Coach Loggan is during lunchtime and he was saying my tackling for football was wrong and attempted to tackle me. Loggan you mean a lot to everybody at NC. We all love you very much!! R.I.P. — Kaden Edwards, 9, football He actually cared about me and made sure I was straight at all times. After my injury last year he made sure I was OK and everything was all right before I got back out there on that field. After games he would tell me “good stuff” or “you run hard out there, keep working.” You could tell he wanted the best from me. — David Smith, 11, football Mr. Loggan impacted my high school experience by setting up the athletic teams that I am on for success. — Aaron Broderick, 11, cross country

who made North Central feel like a second home and I will truly miss him. — Quinton Boyd, 11, boys basketball Mr. Loggan made a huge impact of what North Central sports were about. He impacted my high school experience by always wishing the best for and pushing me to be greatest on and off the court. Mr. Loggan was a part of the NC culture.

— Mike Elliott, 11, boys basketball Paul Loggan made my athletic career at North Central one I will never forget, Mr. Loggan truly cared about the safety of me and all of my teammates, and did everything he could to help us be successful. #PaulStrong — Harry Abell, 12, football He was a person that was always looking out for me and was one of the first people to come talk to me after a good or bad performance. Mr. Loggan gave me hope after the regional track meet that we still had a chance to do better and get a state title. — Howard Hendricks, 12, track He was always so nice and kind when I saw him. He drove me and my grandparents to one of my sister’s volleyball games and let us sit on the floor because my granfather couldn’t walk anymore. — Lucy Wynne, 10

Mr. Loggan has impacted my high school experience in multiple ways by his good leadership as our athletic director. For the last few years I have been a member of the cross Loggan crashes the student section at a soccer match. He could country and track teams often be found interacting with the student section at events. for NC and Mr. Loggan Well for starters Paul attended multiple Loggan wasn’t just events per year, always showing support for our coaches and someone who had a small impact on students’ everyday lives. athletes. In addition, I have always seen him as an important He had a huge impact because he not only wanted to get to leadership figure in our school, and whenever I attended a know his students and athletes, but he looked out for all of football or basketball game he was always on the sidelines us. He was caring, funny and was someone you could easily supporting our athletes and teams. — Woodrow Murray, 11, talk to. He was overall a great guy, teacher and leader in the cross country community. — Justin Deem, 10, cross country Mr. Loggan has done nothing but make my experience great at North Central. I really got to know Mr. Loggan when working with him to help put on the Teddy Bear Toss fundraiser and he was nothing but kind to me while doing so. Mr. Loggan was the person who gave me the idea to put the event on and whenever I needed help or had a question he was always there with an answer. The night of the event I remember him telling me how proud and thankful he was with the amount of stuffed animals we were able to collect for the elementary schools.

He made me want to do more for the Washington Township community and find ways reach out to other schools to come together for great causes. Mr. Loggan always made sure to speak to me whenever we saw each other afterwords even if it meant just waving to me or smiling as I passed him in the hallway. I will always remember him as one of the many people 10 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

He was always supportive and encouraging. — Dillon Glass, 10, cross country He always brought a smile to me and those around me. He was a very solid and supportive individual who attended many of my meets. Before I knew him personally he still attended many meets and it showed he really cared. Furthermore, he was a very happy person who could quickly bring a smile to my face. His support was beyond what I had expected of him and it always made me smile knowing he cared. — Alex Fry, 12, cross country I student helped for him last year and he was always so kind to me and everyone that came into the office. He was very welcoming and was so proud of being a Panther and showed

it through coming to all kinds of sporting events, even to the early morning XC races that people don’t want to wake up for.

— Klaine Friend, 11, cross country

Coach Ramey was running late, Mr. Loggan would always greet us with a smile and would open the door for us. He would tell my teammates and I to “enjoy lunch ladies!”

In the entire state of Indiana, there is only one school that has counted its rugby players as part of its athletic family. There is only one school that opens its weight room to us, opens its trainers to us, and allows us to practice inside during the colder months. Having played all over the country I can tell you that even nationally, there are very very few high schools that support the athletes of this emerging sport in the way that North Central has. For every blessing that the North Central rugby teams have, we have Paul Loggan and the amazing athletic department staff to thank for them.

As being part of North Central women’s basketball program we greatly appreciated his support at our games, and he was always ready to cheer on any Panther. He will definitely always have a place in our hearts. #Paulstrong #11 — Toree Jackson, 12, girls basketball

If I had to choose one word to describe Mr. Loggan, it would be “extraordinary” because he always went above and beyond to help his kids be successful. From my freshman year to my senior year, Mr. Loggan was always there to motivate me and help me The two rugby succeed. Coming teams, men’s and from a private women’s, have school to a public some combined school was a scary 12+ state experience, but championships from the beginning, between us. Our Mr. Loggan took ability to have a me in and helped preseason, have me become the access to weight best student, training, study athlete and person tables and athletic I could be. Student trainers paved helping for Mr. the way for the Loggan was always championship an experience titles that we have with all the jokes The wind ensemble came together via Zoom to perform the school fight accumulated. Paul and fun tasks he song as encouragement while Loggan was hospitalized.

Loggan made that would send me possible for us. on, and I would His love for his job not trade this and athletics was unparalleled. He truly saw every athlete, no time with Mr. Loggan for the world. Mr. Loggan was always matter what sport they played, as equal. He will be deeply there to support the swim team, and he made it seem like he missed and always remembered for his love of sport and his was my biggest fan. He was there for all my ups and downs contribution to our lives as athletes, students, and people. and always motivated me to want to work harder. Mr. Loggan was not just an athletic director, but instead he developed a I could never thank him or Mr. (Andy) Elkins enough for all of personal, strong and loving relationship with all his athletes. the support they have given to me and my teammates. I am He made me feel accepted and made me want to succeed for forever proud to be a panther. — Taylor Driver, 12, girls rugby him. This past swim season, when I finally achieved the goals I had been working on since my freshman year, Mr. Loggan was I just want to say that Mr. Loggan was the best AD anyone there to be the first one to congratulate me and to be proud could ask for. He was always there to support not just me but of me. I will never forget my time with Mr. Loggan, and he will every sport that was a part of North Central. He was a great forever have a lasting impact on the person I am in this world. supporter and overall a great person to be around.

Thank you Mr. Loggan for pushing me to be the best person I can be, and thank you for all the time you spent helping me P.S. I will always remember the fist bumps in the hallway with succeed. I will always be grateful for everything you have done his rings on. — Ramiah Elliott, 10, girls basketball for me, and I will always race my hardest in the pool to make you proud because I know you will be looking over all of us. — Before arriving to high school, at my older brother’s football Meggie McPherson, 12, girls swimming games I loved seeing Mr. Loggan in the golf cart driving around ready to help out where ever it was needed. You Mr. Loggan impacted me as an athlete by supporting wrestling wouldn’t only see him, you would see his whole family just as a whole. He came to almost every meet and the road to having fun and enjoying the Friday Night Lights. state at sectionals, regionals and semi state. Me personally as I was going through the end of my junior year season he told My freshman year is when I really began to experience the me if I needed anything before state all I had to do was ask. — family love that everyone was talking about; both Mrs. and Mr. Logan Galbraith, 12, wrestling Loggan would support me on and off the court, I knew I could go to either one whenever and just chat.

During 6th period lunch some of my teammates who had lunch then, would eat and share many laughs with Coach Ramey. If THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 11

FRIEND

Lennon and Loggan pose outside the Great American Ball Park.

ADs had 30+ year friendship

Q: What will you miss most about him?

A: First and foremost I’ll miss his friendship. Every Sunday we would play golf together and throughout June while school was out we would go on little road trips on the weekends to different courses around just Q: When did you first meet Mr. Loggan? to play golf and hang out. But what I’ll miss most is A: I met Paul back in 1988 when he started at North that there are friends and true friends, the thing that Central. He was coaching football and I was coaching transcended his relationship with me was that I saw Paul basketball, so I first as a genuine met him through friend, I saw him work and being next as an athletic able to see him director. What often because was so special we were both about him was athletic directors. that I spent so We had a mutual much time talking relation through to him about athletics and our families and coaching that being fathers. made us work He always took together very interest in you easily and have the individual first fun. then in your job or profession. We Q: What story also would have about Mr. weekly talks at Loggan sticks least two to three out to you the times a week on most? the phone or Brad Lennon appeared with Loggan at a sports media panel at Ball State A: In 2007 I had in person. Just University in June 2015. Former varsity football coach Keith Shelton, a heart attack a really really director of student media Tom Gayda and girls varsity basketball coach and was in the good friend that DeeAnn Ramey also appeared at the event.

ICU and I heard I always admired these big clumpy because of how footsteps and see him walk into my room. He came in much he loved his job. Whenever I would ask “how and said “What are you doing?” and hands me a bottle much longer are you going?” and he would always tell of red wine because it’s good for you if you’re a cardiac me about how much he loved going to work every day patient. And there was Paul thinking of somebody other and being able to work with his athletes and all the kids. than himself being the first one to come to visit. He was He loved everything about his job and North Central and just the guy that would do anything and everything for would say, “I am the luckiest guy in the world.” — by you, he always thought outside of himself and of other Tyler Diercks people first.

One of Paul Loggan’s best friends is retired Park Tutor Athletic Director Brad Lennon, who has known Loggan for more than 30 years. Here he explains their friendship and much more about Loggan.

College teammate recalls Loggan’s purpose My recollection aside from Paul’s talent, which you need to be an All-American was his passion and his purpose. Paul approached practice and off-season the same as did games and the regular season.

His passion elevated his teammates to be better and work harder. That passion drove his worth ethic and his leadership skills. Paul would encourage as needed, goad when required, and laugh to break the tension.

As can happen over time, people drift away, yet I

was always tried to keep track of Paul, his family and career. Few have the luxury of finding a career at one institution. Paul found is purpose at North Central and influenced countless students, teachers and coaches. His purpose, through selfless service and passion to make his students and North Central better is a fitting summary, unfortunately does capture what he meant to so many. Paul blessed those he came in contact with. Let’s remember all the good he has done and all he has given. — Mike Heymann, college teammate

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 13

LIGHT CENTER GROVE

CARMEL

BEN DAVIS

LAWRENCE CENTRAL

RUSHVILLE

PIKE

WARREN CENTRAL

UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS

MCCUTCHEON

FRANKLIN COLLEGE

JAY COUNTY

F

RONCALLI

MOORESVILLE

DECATUR CENTRAL

M

LAWRENCE NORTH

14 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

I

T IT UP! BREBEUF

WESTERN BOONE

On Monday night, April 13, stadiums across Indiana turned their lights on to honor Athletic Director Paul Loggan. Here are just a handful of the more than 130 stadiums that turned their lights on.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

WAWASEE

BROWNSBURG

PARK TUDOR

CATHEDRAL

LAKE CENTRAL

FISHERS

MUNCIE CENTRAL

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN

MOUNT VERNON

GOSHEN

COLUMBUS NORTH

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l15

COACH

Loggan listens in on his headset during a varsity football game.

Super Bowl champ considered Loggan a big brother One of two Panthers to go on to win a Super Bowl championship, Derrick Mayes excelled at Notre Dame and the NFL. He Q1: How would you describe your relationship with Mr. Logan as a coach and as a friend?

A: Well you know coach was relatively young, this was one of his first jobs out of college. So to be there with him when he is just getting his professional start, coach was more like a big brother to me and a lot of our classmates in addition to being our coach but definitely like a big brother. All the way through my high school career, coach Loggan was there every step of the way, all the way to my signing day to Notre Dame, all the way through the recruiting process. I could not have had a better person in my life looking over my shoulder. If Frodo were a big brother then he would be my Frodo. It was really important just to have someone there that I could talk to on a daily basis while I went through my high school career.

able to talk openly about anything. Just a few months ago I called Coach to let him know that I had just been inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame, and I told him that I wanted to send my plaque over there to North Central and loan it to them for the rest of the school year, and more than anything it was a tribute to Coach versus anything that it had to do with me. It was more just him being a proud supporter of me and that was my thanks to him. I have felt like I was with him more than I had ever been just by us having this last year of being able to celebrate all of our successes. When I think of all of the different points of my life, he has been there every step of the way, he has been a part of my family and the fabric of my football success.

Q4: How did Mr. Loggan influence your experience as an athlete going into Notre Dame and going into the NFL A: He was there every step of the way for me, during the recruiting process he helped me with all of the calls and all of the coaches across the country who wanted to recruit me, he set up all of the visits when the coaches would come into town and come watch my games. He was the conduit to me and my family.

Q3: What would you say is your favorite memory with Mr. Loggan, or one that you are very fond of?

A: I don’t really know where to begin when it comes to favorite memories, I just have so many Q5: How would you describe and I’m still processing a lot Mr. Loggan as a person after of this right now. But we had everything you have been decided that we were going to through with him. do an annual golf outing, just he A: I would describe coach as and I last year over the summer, a loveable, huggable enforcer I went and played with him and of accountability if I could sum we decided from then on that it up, that was exactly what he it was going to be annual. That was to me. He was the most Top: Derrick Mayes (left of Loggan) with his is my most recent memory, and unconditional loving, caring high school coach. Bottom: With the golden that’s what makes this really enforcer of accountability, he football he presented NC in celebration of really tough as we come into the made sure that individuals like the NFL’s 50th anniversary. Many Super Bowl summer and that was something me were accountable. And he champions returned to their high school to that I was looking forward to. Us present the special gold ball. would hold me accountable for going out to go play golf last things that I said that I wanted summer was really the first time to do, if I told him that I wanted it was just me and him, and that was just really important to go pro he said “great, you know what it will take to me, knowing where we are now in our lives with my and I’m going to hold you accountable” whether it was career and being able to have that perspective and talk academics, out there on the field or just as an individual. about life in that way, I think that that was one of the Loveable, huggable enforcer of accountability and most valuable moments of my life, Just he and I being shaper of men, truly. — by Sean Behringer

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 17

Humor at the heart of many Loggan stories I played at NCHS from 1989-1993 — Coach Loggan was our defensive coordinator and was absolutely loved by all of us.

One soggy day at practice we were all complaining during stretch about the grass being wet — Coach decides to show us how to suck it up and overcome by saying you have to “Love the wet grass” and reaching down...snatching a handful of grass and throwing it in his mouth...chewing it while we all were mesmerized — Forever, he was my favorite! — Mike Adams, NCHS ‘93 My senior year at NC, I had the privilege to work in the athletic office during free period each morning. Mr. Loggan was the assistant athletic director at the time; so his office was the first window I passed walking through the door. I was fortunate to begin each day of my senior year greeted by his smile and wave.

At the same time, my teammates and I were making a run to the girls basketball state finals. We could always count on Mr. Loggan and Mr. Jones to be on the sidelines cheering us on and giving us a fist bump after each game — win or lose. When we finally hoisted the state championship trophy, he was celebrating right there with us.

I am the NC women’s head cross country coach. Paul was not only a mentor and friend to me, but he felt like a second Dad. He always took the time to pause what he was doing to get updates on my personal life and make sure that everything was going well in my world. I do believe there was a reason that are paths crossed and it was not by accident. I will always admire and respect the leader/Dad that Mr. Loggan was to me. He is an NC legend that will never be forgotten! — Emily Wikle, girls cross country coach

Loggan, right, competed against Principal Evans Branigan III and administrators from Pike as part of the Stackled Pickle hamburger eating contest at halftime of a basketball game in 2018.

Perhaps what I appreciate the most was how Mr. Loggan still kept up with my athletic career after I left NC. Every time I returned home, he would always congratulate me and offer words of encouragement. He let every athlete know how proud he was of them. It is because of people like Mr. Loggan that I am so proud to have put on a North Central jersey for four years.

He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace. — Rachael Gregory ‘12 I coach girls rugby at NC, starting in 2001, initially under Mr. Jones. When Mr. Loggan took over as head athletic director I wondered what it would be like. I remember the very first spring coaches meeting he held, he said “we are a family” and he meant it! He always treated all of NC athletics – staff, coaches, volunteers and athletes all as part of his family! He always had our backs. I would feel so honored when he called me the “John Wooden of rugby” because he was so incredibly proud of our rugby team even though it was a club sport.

Most all other athletic directors in the state don’t even let their students hang recruiting flyers in the school let alone have their own field! Mr. Loggan supported us because he wanted as many students as possible to have a home at North Central and be a part of a Panther team. When our team won state last year we were recognized by the school board and I felt such pride when he put his arm about my shoulders and beamed at our girls. He loved winning, he loved seeing our athletes grow, 18 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

and he absolutely made this world a better place for thousands of people. He will live on forever in us. Forever #PaulStrong in us all! — Suzi Dillon, girls rugby coach

On Sept, 21, 2019, NC hosted a football game against Center Grove. During the pre-game festivities, a spectator in the NC stands suffered a medical emergency, and became unconscious. Within minutes, before the EMTs had arrived on scene, Mr. Loggan was in the stands, and began performing CPR on the spectator. He worked very diligently, trying to save the life of a complete stranger.

After the EMTs took over, and transported the spectator to the hospital, Mr. Loggan resumed his AD duties, and consulted with Principal (Evans) Branigan about playing the game. Even though Mr. Loggan had just been through a traumatic incident, he persevered, and the game was played as scheduled.

Unfortunately, the fan did not survive. Three days later, both Mr. and Mrs. Loggan attended the visitation services, waiting in line for more than 90 minutes to pay respects to the widow and family, and to represent NC. Mr. Loggan was a great ambassador for NC and Panther Nation. — Tony Ceglio First off I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Loggan Family – Kathy, Michael, Will and Sami (no coincidence all his kids are named after linebacker positions).

Coach Loggan is a special man and will always hold a fondness in my heart.

My first encounter with Coach was during the summer between my 8th and 9th grade years in 1992. I was encouraged by my family to go to a morning summer conditioning workout at NCHS in preparation for freshman year two-a-days. I had spent most of the summer being lazy and not thinking about football.

The summer was at least 3/4th of the way over and most of the athletes were in incredible shape. I was suddenly conditioning with one of the best teams NCHS has ever fielded. A last ditched effort by myself to get in shape. I was younger than

most of the attendees. As the conditioning started with plyometrics I realized quickly I was out of my league. As the conditioning moved into wind sprints, I could barely keep up. My legs quit. I was coming in a distant last to everyone.

I remember being on the verge of tears. I remember Coach Loggan coming over to me after, as I lay on the track unable to move, and giving me words of encouragement. He said that “I needed to remember that everyone at the conditioning program had been training all summer.” He encouraged me to “stick with it,” and taught me that if I wanted to succeed at football that “I now realize what it takes.” From that point forward, I don’t think I missed a summer conditioning program for the next four years. This included me going to NCHS in the summer before my freshman year of college. I reported to twoa-days in the best shape of anyone at Miami University… due to Coach Loggan and NCHS.

Paul was fairly new to his position as defensive coordinator in the early ‘90s when I played for both he and Coach Al Harants. They were like the yin and yang of coaches. Coach Harants (on my offensive side of the line) was the stoic and composed coach who instilled perfection and creativity as we launched this new thing called the “Run and Shoot” offense (30 years ahead of its time because this RPO is all they run in college). Then on the defensive side of the lines was the FIERY and HIGHLY MOTIVATIONAL, Paul Loggan. I remember as a sophomore running the scout team, that Loggan would emphasize to these large juniors and seniors (to the likes of Cory Gilliard, Brian Williams, Kevin Carter, Tom Hadley, Woody Paik, etc) to take the heads off those damn offensive players! He emphasized what I could call “Organized Chaos and Mayhem” on the defensive side of the line that would intimidate almost anyone on the offensive side of the line.

Paul called this methodology GATA (Get After That Ass) and if you didn’t buy into it then of course he yelled, “Chop Em” (which meant start doing up-downs until you bought in).

Then of course, one of his go to strategies to continue to fire up his defensive crazies was to emulate the well-known pro wrestlers The Bushwackers by doing their crazy dance in the middle of practice and eating grass while doing it.

It’s now the summer of 1996 and two-a-days has started as I head into my senior year as the NCHS quarterback and captain. I was cocky and secure in my position as the QB. The new field just north of the stadium had not been completed. We were utilizing the field just west of stadium between the Northview ball fields. The field was extremely hard. I had shin splints. It was a rainy and cold day. As we He earned those defensive went through practice I had a players trust and commitment bad attitude. I didn’t want to from day one of practice and be out in the cold and rain. A they would run through a brick fumble here, a fumble there wall for him. This is also where/ with a wet football. I was why he was such a role model complaining when getting hit for many of our players at that by a defender. As an offensive Dozens of current and former coaches and athletic time, too. He believed in them department workers came to remember Paul Loggan player, I didn’t receive much where maybe others in school the Thursday after he passed away on Zoom. of instruction from Coach might not have. He held them Loggan as he focused on accountable to each other as the defense. After practice a team member both on and concluded, I remember him pulling me to the side…grabbing off the field. This meant that when one’s grades was lacking, my face mask. He said in a stern and loud tone that “if I ever Paul made sure other team members would help them out pull that s--- again, he would tackle me himself.” He told me or also make sure they were taking their classes seriously so “I was supposed to be a leader…and lead by example.” That that they could play on Friday’s. I saw first-hand how this kind interaction still rings true for me today, and I think about it of leadership and bonding of team members literally helped often when the going gets tough. get young men into college where they wouldn’t have even considered this as part of their future before football with As a proud member of the NCHS family, I take my current Loggan. kids to at least one NCHS football or basketball game a year.

Without fail, Coach Loggan (now AD) was at every single Coach Loggan was all about having fun while working, too, game. I never needed to re-introduce myself…he never though! One other fun memory that he created for the NC needed a moment to remember who I was. I was always proud football program was a weightlifting program. He was sick to introduce him to my kids. of losing to Ben Davis and Carmel so much in his first few years and with the blessing of new head coach Al Harants, he Coach Loggan – thanks for playing an integral role in my life launched what was probably one of the most pivotal pieces and upbringing. You taught me lessons which I will always to football success in the early 90s. Along with the stringent cherish and value. #PaulStrong — Matt Gonso, NCHS ‘97 on and off-season lifting program were some fun games to measure strength. There was the 200, 300, 600, and 1,000

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 19

lb. clubs, but the one everyone wanted to win was the car push. This was a 100 yard car push (I think it started by using Bob Vogel’s huge Cadillac) which was timed. Of course all of the lineman would win and the skinny WR, QB, DBs would all be falling over at the end because of how hard it was but we didn’t want to be last.

All of this leadership/mentorship continued to build as we moved into my junior/senior seasons at NC. You could tell that both Coach Loggan/Harants had built something special those years that laid the groundwork for many years after. We had some great players in those days, but I truly believe that the reason for our successes were because our coaches instilled confidence, passion for our team, and an utmost PANTHER PRIDE amongst us and the community. The ultimate AHA moment for everyone on our team was when we beat the former no. 1 team in the nation, Ben Davis, in 1992 during the regular season. We all realized that this whole team and pride thing was what we thought it was! PANTHER PRIDE, meant something a little bit different after that win which catapulted us to some great successes in the years to come.

Moral of the story here is that Paul Loggan helped build something great here from the onset of his career at NC back in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. He made individuals believe in themselves by holding them accountable to standards that they may not have felt achievable before they met him. This allowed us as football players to open our minds and aim for higher goals in our athletic and personal lives too. Many young men over the years might have gone very astray had they not met or played for Coach Loggan. This has obviously carried over as he’s transitioned into his AD position at NC over the past decade. You can see from all of the stories how much he’s continued to inspire and lead the PANTHER PRIDE, that he built up back on that football field.

best and favorite memories are centered around Coach. I always looked forward to his class and seeing him every day.

I remember him being like a big teddy bear. He could be soft and gentle and he could really be tough too. I remember feeling like Coach always cared about each and every student.

He instilled in us a hard work ethic and a passion for doing the best we can in our respective sports. Coach Loggan had always been such a cornerstone to NC athletics. He will be so dearly missed. — Betsy Williford (formerly Carter), Girls NC Soccer, #16 Paul Loggan was one of the first people I met when I started at North Central in November of 2016. He always had a smile, and was kind, gentle, caring, funny and loving. One of the only people at NC to call me by my first name instead of my last, my final conversation with him was that I was thinking about moving somewhere warm because I was getting old. He told me I couldn’t leave for three years, because he didn’t want to train anyone else. Then he laughed. After every sporting event I worked, he would make it a point to tell me thank you and that he appreciated me. My heart aches for his family. I’m honored to have worked with him and to have worked with his sons at track meets. Michael and Will, you are so much like your dad! I will forever be grateful to him for making me feel welcome. Prayers to Mrs. Loggan and the children.

We share in your loss of one of the most AMAZING human beings to ever grace this earth. #PAULSTRONG FOREVER — Angelina Joyner

I was looking at my text threads to see what Paul and I had been discussing through the years. As you can guess for someone that I have known for 25 years, through coaching with, working with, and having lunch with almost every school day for the last three years, there were the usual jabs back and forth most commonly about a sports wager we may or may have not made. But the very last text P-Log (that is his name in Loggan poses with Superintendent Nikki Woodson my contacts) sent me was what and Director of Secondary Education Rick Doss during I do hope that there is a personifies Paul as a person Homecoming 2017. chance that the football field and a friend, “I’ll be there.” It is changed to his name in the was March 18, and it was the very near future, too. day of the first district food distribution for Washington Township families. Two people who #JCLIP10 #GATA #PAULSTRONG — Jon Clippinger were going to help me that day were ill and I needed some extra hands. So I texted P-Log and asked if he could help and I spent four years with Coach Loggan in his athletic weight he without hesitation said “I’ll be there.” Many people believe training class for the girls. I played JV and varsity soccer from that the three most important words in the English language 1994-1997. One of my favorite and crazy memories I have of are “I love you,” I disagree. Those words can be empty Coach Loggan was the famous car push competition he would because depending on who or what you are saying them to, have us do every year! Three to four of us girls would line up will distinguish the value of them. But by saying “I’ll be there” behind the bumper of a big old hoopty and try to push it a shows the love and respect you have for a friend, a school determined distance (I can’t remember what that distance and a community. If you think about Paul he was always there, was). My freshman year when he explained what we would be whether it be football, basketball, track, or any of the plethora doing I thought no way! It was amazing to see looking back on of NC sporting or social events. He wasn’t there because it my senior year car push just what we could accomplish even was his job, he was there because he loved this school, this when we weren’t sure we could. Coach always pushed us and community, and most importantly, all the kids participating. believed in us with his whole heart. You could easily tell!

On March 18 it would have been easy for Paul to say he had something to do or he just couldn’t, but he didn’t. He was High school was a long time ago for me and the memories there. are certainly dusty... but when bits and pieces of high school memories come back it is without question that all of my It was a typical cold and rainy Indiana March day. We all had 20 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

stood out in the weather passing out the food and supplies to our community. At the end of the day, when we were closing it down, Paul could tell that we were tired, cold and frustrated.

Paul called out in his coaching voice that only the few of us who have coached with or have been coached by him knows, “Hey give yourself a big hand. You fed a lot of people today and you should be proud.” Those are the last words that I heard my friend speak. That moment doesn’t happen if P-Log doesn’t respond to his text with “I’ll be there.” Because Paul was always there for his school, his community, and most importantly, his friend. — Matt Rund, assistant principal

their phones in a stack in the center of the table. Kathy and I were laughing about it until Paul looked at us and said, “What are you two laughing about? I said I want every phone on the table.” You know we put our phones on the stack. You didn’t argue with Big Daddy!

I will miss him until I get to see him again. — Janet Eichenberger, ENL teacher

When I was at North Central Coach Loggan was the weights and conditioning coach. I still remember him getting in my face an yelling until his face was red “Lower Wallace” while doing squats.

But my favorite memory was more recent.

Coach Loggan was standing next to me at the 2019 state track and field meet when the final scores were being given. When they caledl out “North Central Panthers are state champs!’, he turned and gave me a bear hug so big it lifted me off the ground while he was shouting “We did it, we did it!”— Chad Wallace, science teacher

Loggan with former quarterback Liam Thompson and varsity coach Kevin O’Shea in 2018 at the Kiwanis Club of Indiana Marion County High School Football Awards Program.

Paul Loggan always took time out of his busy schedule to say hello to me and share the latest news of the athletics accomplishments as he walked down our hallway each day before school started.

He had “my back” on several occasions and I will miss him because he was ALWAYS positive, friendly and helpful.

He was an outstanding educator because he focused on encouraging students to find their “shining moment” rather than put himself in the spotlight. — Joyce Click, Performing Arts teacher Hello my name’s Jerald McFadden, the newly named 2nd shift night leader custodian here at NC and I’m really surprised and sorry to hear of Paul Loggan’s passing, and my condolences and prayers go out to the Logan family. I’ve been working at NC as a custodian for about 20 years and often worked with Mr. Loggan on many games and events and other set-ups. Over the years I got to know him on a professional level pretty well and It was always a grate pleasure working with him. I will miss working with him and seeing him work around the school. May the Lord bring the Loggan family through there heartache and pain of losing a good man. — Jerald McFadden, custodian

I’ll remember a lot of things about Paul, but I will especially remember the way he always treated me as an equal in athletics. Women have often struggled over the years, but Paul was an advocate for women in sports. It may seem trivial, but hearing him say “Good morning, Coach!” to me every day he walked down Loggan helps organize fall picture day earlier this lower L hall reminded me that school year. He was a visible presence at any activity he believed in me, trusted me associated with the athletic department. and rooted for me as a female coach in a male sport. On top of that, he adamantly insisted we have an all-female chain Coach Loggan was the consummate father figure. Goes gang for football games. He knew we were passionate about without saying that his wife Kathy, sons Michael and Will, and our students and believed in us to do the job well. Paul always daughter Sammy always were and always will be his greatest saw in me what I sometimes couldn’t see in myself and having love. However, the thing about Coach Loggan is that he loved him “on my team” helped me pursue my dreams in athletics.

ALL of his Panther students, athletes and colleagues with the — Katie Cluver, math teacher, former baseball coach same way he loved his own family. He was NC, NC was Coach Loggan, and he brought a passion to life and to his profession My favorite Paul Loggan memory came during basketball that was truly inspiring for everyone who was blessed with his season of Michael Loggan’s senior year. We were all at Rusty presence.

Bucket after the game and there were a BUNCH of NC students with us. All the students had their phones out and I played football for Coach Loggan as a defensive back from they were even texting each other instead of talking to each 93-95. You’d be hard pressed to find a man as intense and other. Paul finally had enough and he said, “OK! I want EVERY as passionate about football and “Getting After Their (the phone in the center of the table NOW!” The kids kind of Opponent’s) Ass,” or “GATA,” as he was. One of his favorite mumbled but they could tell he was serious so everybody put and most prized possessions while running his defense at NC

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was “The Big Hit Stick.” Coach Loggan brought in a sledge hammer one year, and then a baseball bat the next, and if you made a big hit in a game, you would get your number affixed to the Big Hit Stick. Coach would carry that stick around the locker room to motivate his players and get us all fired up for battle the coming week. He made you want to get better, to get your number on that stick, to be the best you could possibly be. Many of us shared the experience of having Loggan up in your face... often times while getting showered with a few choice words and “moisture”... but it was ALL out of love for his players and for his desire for you... for US... to be the best.

always treasure them. He made me, and countless others better people. He was pure heart, pure NC through and through. And Coach... one day I know we’ll meet again... and I promise I’ll bring my helmet back to you!

GATA Coach Loggan….we LOVE you! — Craig Hittle, NC Class of ‘95 The best part of Paul’s spirit was his ability to see in others more than they saw in themselves. He believed so thoroughly in the vision he had for each person he encountered that each of us began to think what he believed was possible in us and for us, might, in fact, just be possible. Passion makes miracles happen, and although Paul had passion for North Central and for every NC sport, it was his passion for people that drove him, and in turn, drove all of us. I am so fortunate to have had 32 years to learn from him what service to others means and to have seen him be passionate about so many amazing North Central Panthers! His legacy is for us to love as deeply as he loved his family, to find the passion in life he fund in North Central Athletics and to find joy in every moment we are afforded. — Lynda McQuiston, English teacher

But it wasn’t just about football for Coach. He was always up to speed on what his student athletes were doing in other arenas as well. Other sports, academics, family life and college hopes and dreams.

He supported all of the other sports teams with the same vigor and passion that he did for football. I also played baseball at NC, and in the summer of 93 we had just won the regional championship, moving on to semi-state.

Naturally, Coach Loggan was there in person to witness the victory. There was a picture of me in the Indy Star from the regional game, and of course Coach Loggan saw it. The next Loggan with football head coach Kevin O’Shea and his I forget how long ago it was, daughter Sami, also a team manager, celebrating the Monday morning, a bunch but we used to teach summer of us dragged our butts to PE together. Paul absolutely Panther’s 2018 Sectional Championship. another brutal (but necessary) loved teaching the kids, and summer conditioning workout was totally in his element. He led by Coach Loggan, and he loved to lead the morning was walking up and down the stretches. He looked at it like track while we were stretching, this was the biggest weights clearly in a jovial good mood. class he ever had, and he was Most people know that when going to make every student Coach was happy, he talked stronger in the few weeks of excitedly, with passion, and summer PE. Every day, he occasionally created a few came in with the biggest smile new words! He was so excited on his face, you just knew, about the baseball team’s he loved what he was doing. win, and seeing my picture in He made us better because the paper, that he announced of it as well. Paul and I took to everyone that he got up turns leading the kids with the that morning, picked up the warm-ups, and this one day, I paper, and saw….”Crrrrittle!” remember that he wanted the (a combination of my first and kids to do jumping knee tucks, last names). We all started and they were NOT up to his Loggan with athletic boosters president John Peterson dying laughing, but personally standard. He was so mad, and (far right) are with with Eric Gordon, Sr. and Carolyn I didn’t think much of it, as he says to the kids, “This is Gordon at last year’s booster club fundraiser as the it was just a simple, spur of how it should look,” and he moment expression of joy and Gordon’s present the athletic department a jersey of of proceeded to do 10 perfect Eric, Jr., the current NBA player and former Panther. praise for his players that was jumping tucks. The kids were so typical of Coach Loggan. dead silent as he did. When To this day, however, almost every one of my NC buddies, and he was finished he turned to me, and says “Burch, you got this, even a lot of my college and other friends still call me Crittle! It I need to take a break, I haven’t done those in years.” He still is a nickname I always have, and always will carry with pride, as had it, and couldn’t wait to show the kids that he would never it was bestowed upon me by a legend! In that way, I’m thankful make them do something that he himself wasn’t able to do. that I’ll always have a little piece of Coach Loggan with me He gained so much respect from everyone that day. — Jasmin forever.

Burch, Northview Middle School There are countless other stories and memories of Coach Loggan that many of us have shared over the years, and I’ll 22 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

On behalf of the MSDWT Police, I would like to say Mr. Loggan will always be in our spirit and memories. He would

always say to me “Rose, is there anything the officers need?” soon followed by going in to get you all shirts! A couple of weeks later he would call me to his office and just as promised a box of shirts. Thanks for always being selfless. #andeverythingandeverything — Lt. Roosevelt Lindsey I’m a basketball official and have known Paul for over 20 years of my 30 years of officiating he was a great AD and a great friend. I will truly miss him. — Lawrence J Guynn, basketball official My heart is truly broken today after hearing about the passing of our dear friend Paul Loggan. Please continue to pray for and support his amazing family (Kathy, Michael, Will, Sami, etc.) in any way possible. The Segal family loves all these people very much.

So, where do I ever begin on Coach Loggan? On the personal side, Paul was an amazing family man. He loved his wife, children and relatives like no other.

On top of working an insane number of hours at his very demanding job, he always found ways to be present in their lives.

From a professional standpoint, Paul WAS North Central High School and a true Panther to his core. A fixture on that campus since 1988, he was a teacher, coach, administrator, mentor, colleague and friend to thousands. I’ve always said “there is strong work ethic and then there is Paul Loggan work ethic.” I learned so much from being around him and his staff from 1995-99.

life, Coach. I love you very much and will always appreciate everything you did for my family and me! — Matt Segal, Class of 1999 As the new Colonel and Senior Army Instructor at North Central in 2011, I was surprised to meet my new boss Mr. Paul Loggan when he was the assistant AD. He was passionate about his job and provided wonderful guidance as a new instructor. Paul was a great boss, coworker and friend over the next eight years. He was a strong supporter of the JROTC program at the school, he loved seeing the Color Guard at games, watched us march at the Veterans Day parade and participated in our promotion ceremony and Formal Inspections. I was lucky to work for both Paul Loggan and Andy Elkins while at North Central. — Colonel (Ret) Meredith S. Reed Jr., Senior Army Instructor, North Central High School (2011—2019) Twenty-six years ago Paul Loggan approached me in the student center and asked me if I’d be interested in coaching golf at North Central. Shortly thereafter he recruited me to run the scoreboard for our varsity home basketball games.

I’ve had the best seat in the house. Both of these activities for which I have never left have brought me immeasurable joy, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging to my career that I will be forever grateful for.

He has been a great mentor and friend throughout.

Loggan presents the game ball to former boys varsity basketball coach Doug Mitchell after winning the I have also had the privilege of knowing Sectional Championship.

Kathy, Michael, Will and Sami and all of

their positivity and strength through this ordeal has been an inspiration to me.

The entire Panther Nation is so blessed to have your incredible family in our lives.

Paul, I will always love you dear friend. — Leo Hodes, girls and boys golf coach

Paul burned the candle at both ends literally every day of the week. Whether it was early in the morning, late at night or any hour in between, he was a loyal person you could count on. He was a generous, thoughtful and unselfish giver who worked tirelessly in the background.

Never wanting the spotlight himself, it was always about his students, studentathletes, colleagues, coaches and many others he served. Paul was a true leader and unbelievable representative for NCHS, Washington Township Schools and his profession throughout the entire state.

Soon after I graduated from high school, Paul hired my dad as an event supervisor for the NC athletic department. They worked together in that role for nearly 20 years. My Dad LOVED working for Paul -- quite honestly, it was almost an obsession. It was very rare when Dad and I got through a conversation without hearing something about Paul and/or Panther athletics.

Loggan prepares to throw out the first pitch prior to a varsity baseball game.

I can guarantee you that thousands of current Panthers and former Panthers will do everything they can to make sure Paul’s legacy lives on for many decades to come. Thanks for being such an important part of my

Before coaching basketball, when I was a site supervisor, I was blessed to be able to enjoy long conversations with Paul while sitting on a golf cart watching NC soccer games. Knowing that schools receive very little money for hosting events, I remember asking him, “So why does NC host so many events?” His reply, “I do it for our athletes and their families.

Our athletes get more support from their peers and tend to perform better when they play at home and then our families don’t have to travel. It is also an opportunity for our workers to earn extra money.” His selfless reply embodies what Paul Loggan stood for. Although it would require many more hours of his personal and family time, he was always thinking of what best would benefit his athletes, parents and NC.

Just this year during the women’s basketball sectional championship game that will forever be known as “powdergate,” everyone at the game witnessed Paul get down on his hands and knees attempting to wipe up THE NORTHERN LIGHTS l 23

the powder on the floor that interrupted the game. No job was ever too small for Paul to ensure the success of our student athletes. His passion to try to make everything right for NC was demonstrated.

About four years ago, I remember walking in on the middle of a conversation located in the NC faculty dining room where the open space is very limited. Paul had stated that he could still do a cartwheel. Several teachers questioned his agility and said that there was no way. With that wry smile we have all seen, Paul told everyone to back up, he hiked up his pants, and performed a perfect cartwheel in the NC faculty dining room. — DeeAnn Ramey, girls varsity basketball coach One of my favorite things to do with Paul was to take road trips, most often to an athletic event somewhere. Not only was it a nice time to talk to Paul about all sorts of things and strain to hear him talk as he turned the radio louder every time a song he liked came on, but because I was always impressed with how well he knew his way around Indiana backroads.

I joined him and Michael and Jeff Harris on a college visit to Grand Valley State where we took I-69 north to get there, yet returned south on I-65. It was on that trip Paul got to see my ability to fall asleep when in the passenger seat. My snoring, at times, can be “healthy,” and as we neared home he asked, “You OK there, big guy?”

Another favorite car trip was returning with Paul and Andy Elkins from the Ball State vs. Notre Dame football game last year. We had great seats, got to go on the field before the game and tailgate beforehand. On the way home we were looking for a spot to get some dinner for the road, and to Andy and my surprise, Paul picked KFC. Nothing against the place, but Andy and watched in amazement as Paul handled the wheel and his chicken.

I will miss the time riding with Paul to tennis in Fort Wayne, basketball in Connersville and girls soccer in Greenwood to mention a few. The trips were always a treat and a great time to spend with someone who was special to so many. — Tom Gayda, journalism teacher

Loggan was known to be a fixture at as many athletic contests he could. Top: he is with former and current cross country coaches Byron Simpson, Taylor Marshall, Rick Stover and Emily Wikle. Bottom he is with varsity boys and girls golf coach Leo Hodes.

High school coach remembers Loggan’s hard work

Rick Wimmer is the recently retired Fishers High School varsity football coach. He got his start, though, at Rushville High School where he coached Paul Loggan.

Paul Loggan went to Rushville High School and was a multi-sport athlete playing football, wrestling and track. Loggan left a huge legacy behind both at NC and Rushville High School. Rick Wimmer, Loggan’s football coach all four years, explains the impact he had both on the community and school.

“I was coach of the freshman team and Paul was on my team. I also coached him while he was playing track, he did shotput and discus. The next year we both moved up to JV/varsity. We spent all four years together and I grew very close to him as a student and a player,” Wimmer said.

“Paul was always a good player and athlete, he was a starter on whatever team he was on playing football,” Wimmer said. Loggan went on to play at the University of Indianapolis and was an AllAmerican linebacker.

“He had a very impressive career, but he always loved to compete, he loved the game. He was a liked and respected player and person. He was captain of the football team his senior year and one of the best in our offensive line and one of the best fullbacks. He was just one of our best athletes, you always knew he wanted to be there and that he was going to give 100%. He was a very hard worker and showed so much dedication and determination,” WImmer said. Although Loggan was a great athlete he also was a superior student.

“I taught him and he even worked hard in school.

School was important to him, he wanted to go to

24 l THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

college. He was always asking questions and trying to improve. He was always hungry to do better and be the best he could be,” Wimmer said. He also was a friend to all and always did his best to make sure everyone was included and that they felt important.

“He treated everyone the same, just like they were his family. He always made time for everyone, he was that kind of guy who celebrated everyone’s successes,” Wimmer said. Loggan’s legacy will always stand strong with NC’s athletic program.

“Now Paul was not overly talented, however it was his work ethic and his desire to achieve that set him apart and brought him respect. It made people want to be like him and look up to him. He had high admiration for all people. He was very influential and worked hard on everything he did. Definitely one of the best athletic directors in the state. You could tell he supported all sports and was happy to see success in any sport big or small. It was never about him, it was always about the kids,” Wimmer said.

“Paul will leave a legacy of caring about young athletes and people. Serving young people as an athletic director, coach, teacher and friend. He affected people outside of NC and always seemed to want to be helping people,” Wimmer said.

Loggan’s unconditional care for not only his athletes, but all athletes and students is what sets him apart from others. As well as his pride in North Central. —

by Sophia Grueninger

Principal reflects on 25 years of friendship Though most now know Paul Loggan as athletic director and Evans Branigan III as principal, for several years they were coaches for the football team.

Branigan spoke with The Northern Lights following the loss of Loggan.

Q: How long have you known Mr. Loggan?

A: 25 years.

Q: What were your first impressions of Mr. Loggan?

A: I met Mr. Loggan the day of my interview at NC. He took me and another teacher/coach applicant out for dinner before we hit the highway back to our homes. I lived in Fort Wayne at the time. We had a rousing time talking football, life and love. He was a standup guy and made me feel at ease and made my decision to quit my job in Fort Wayne a bit easier.

Q: There has been countless support toward Mr. Loggan and his family while he has been fighting this illness. In what way did Mr. Loggan impact the NC community and how does all this support reflect his impact?

A: Whether it was through athletics, administration, or any other NC activity. Mr. Loggan was old school in that he took pride in his community and expected everyone in the community to share in his enthusiasm.

He knew that hard work yields desired results so he pushed students, studentathletes, coaches and parents to be better.

To realize that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.

We are part of this community. His enthusiasm was contagious and long lasting thus the support from folks who haven’t been directly connected with NC or WT for years. Those lessons learned about self-respect, self-

determination, family and belief have been expressed by those impacted over the decades by Mr. Loggan.

Q: How will Mr. Loggan’s legacy be remembered?

A: The foundation of his legacy has been in motion for years. Although folks would like to talk athletics, Paul’s legacy is reflective in Mike, Willy and Sami. His greatest concern, pride, celebratory moments took place when his kids put forth their best efforts in the classroom, athletic competition and in life. We interacted with each other almost every day and not a day went by without conversations about kids. Most of these were funny moments but behind the laughter was pride. I remember when his oldest was born and how he beamed with pride in the locker room. Watching him hold the hand of one of his children after a competition was inspiring. He was a proud poppa. His legacy is in giving great guidance and direction to three strong and compassionate children.

Based upon my relationship and observations, Paul and Kathy Loggan’s legacy lives on through three fantastic kids.

Q: What would you like to tell those in the NC community who are grieving over this tragic event?

A: I shared my thoughts with the community via my email last Sunday.

What gets me through this loss, something Paul shared with me when my sister passed away first semester.

“B, she’s lucky to have had you in her life and you’re lucky to have had her.”

He reminded me that that’s what I shared with him at his father’s funeral some years ago. We were lucky to have had him in our community. I’m lucky to have gone to dinner with him 25 years ago. The start of friendship that will be missed. — by Owen Reno

Top: Loggan, kneeling, is pictured with former coaches Rob Patchett, Al Harants and current principal Evans Branigan III. Bottom: Loggan and Branigan earlier this year.

On Sunday, April 19 Michael Loggan announced the creation of the Paul Loggan Foundation, a way to honor the legacy of his father. Michael says the purpose of the foundation is to help support athletes who might have trouble raising funds to compete in a sport. The family plans to have an annual spring fundraiser to help support the foundation.

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COLLEAGUE

Elkins and Loggan pose on the field prior to kick-off of the Ball State/ Notre Dame football game in 2018.

Loggan led by example

Q: Why do you think he had such a wide impact on so many people?

A: Mr. Loggan was so sincere: he never one time asked you to do anything for him. He would ask what you need Q: What was Mr. Loggan’s best characteristic as a to be done so he could do it for you. He was a part colleague? of the Indiana Football Coaches Association, a group A: There’s so many. His kindness would definitely be called the IIAAA (an athletic directors association for the top one, Indiana ADs), and but there’s people called Mr. many. Honesty, Loggan to get professionalism, answers to tough caring. You name questions that it and Mr. Loggan they were dealing did it. with. Questions from Northern, Q: What legacy Southern, Eastern did he leave and Western behind?

Indiana. Mr. A: There are Loggan was so many things a huge go-to that have his person for not stamp all over it only football in Washington coaches, but Township. With athletic directors, Mr. Loggan basketball being there coaches and over 30 years, soccer coaches he has 24 state because he had championships such a grasp of The Northern Lights featured an article on Elkins and Loggan when Elkins and 15 runner the rules and started in fall 2014. up state what was the championships. right thing to do He’d spend 70 for kids. to 75 hours a week at North Central, and was always the first to answer the call when somebody needed Q: What’s your favorite memory with him? something. His legacy is going to be success. Even if the A: The sectional championship game in football in Panthers lost a game he still had success because he was 2018. The football team really jumped out on Fishers there supporting the team, supporting his kids and his early, and it was obvious we were going to win. Just coaches. seeing the exuberance and the excitement that he had.

What’s funny is that he had a huge part in deciding the Q: What did you value most about your friendship? coaching staff and the team, but all he talked about was A: The life lessons he taught me, not only about how happy he was for the seniors, for the kids, for the work, but Mr. Loggan and I talked about our children, fan base. He was just ecstatic. He was hugging his sons, we talked about family, tough times, loving times, and his family was all there. He was just so excited about retirement; things we wanted to do together, things that team and to get ready to play in a regional the next he wanted to do with his children when he got the week. The best thing was just seeing the happiness on opportunity. He and I talked about so many different his face that his beloved football team had come from a things, and I valued his friendship. Not just the fact that certain position and now they were in that position. — he was my boss, but I just greatly valued his friendship

by Connor Thompson every single day.

Assistant Athletic Director Andy Elkins joined NC in fall 2014. Here he reflects on his time working with Athletic Director Paul Loggan.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES Throughout his career, Paul Loggan was honored with several awards and honors, perhaps the most important being inducted into the University of Indianapolis Hall Of Fame. In addition, he was received the Ken Leffler Award Contribution to the Indiana Football Coaches Association in 1990, the President’s Award winner for the IFCA in 1992 and was a member of the UIndy Board of Directors for the Greyhound Club from 2005-2010.

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Conference colleagues share thoughts Paul was a good leader, an outstanding athletic director, and a great friend.

Anytime anyone asked a question I could not answer I said 4 words, let me call Paul. He always had an answer. A lot of us will miss Paul Loggan, a great man.

entered the field of play. The streaker danced around at mid-field and before he could be escorted off, he headed in Paul’s direction looking for an escape on the visitor’s side. I turned to Bill Long, Assistant Superintendent, and said, “Watch this. Let’ s see how this kid fares against a former All-American linebacker.” Paul broke down into hitting position, prepared to level the streaker, when the streaker gave him a “less than Bantam league head fake” and Paul whiffed. The kid leaped over the fence and disappeared into the night. Paul was left with a red face and more fuel for future reminiscing.

I miss Paul and will for a long time. I feel for Kathy (his wife) and the three children. It’s tough when lives are cut short, especially lives of those who make others smile and feel good.

John Clark Ben Davis AD

Jim Inskeep Carmel AD

Jon Zwitt Center Grove AD

Paul was always the person you looked for when you came to North Central for an event. Knowing him since he first arrived at North Central in the late 80’s, he was always in a good mood and rarely not on the golf cart at outdoor events.

We would meet often for breakfast to catch up, talk about the MIC, and anything else that had to do with high school sports. He loved North Central and his family! The kids literally grew up season to season as we would visit at contests and they were always by his side. Last year, Sami asked for a Carmel jersey for something she had planned for Junior Spec. I delivered it to her with the specific request that it better be something really funny for everyone to enjoy. Paul was a one of a kind and I am a better person for having him as a friend.

Whenever Paul Loggan’s name was mentioned, it typically painted a smile on my face. I’ve known Paul since 1988 when he, Kevin Wright (former Carmel, Warren Central and most recently IMG head football coach), and Brady Barr began coaching together at North Central. It was two of the most memorable years for me. The fun, the hard work, the camaraderie, all made the time there etched in my mind. And Paul’s billowing voice and unmistakable laugh was a key for that memory.

We continued to share our friendship for the next few years, but when the MIC started in 1996, Paul and I resumed a much closer relationship. We were only two of three administrators that were remaining from that original group. I enjoyed our interactions, our exchange of ideas and the laughs that continued through the years.

One of my favorite memories of Paul was during a football game played at CG vs. North Central. Paul was on the NC sideline when a CG streaker

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Ryan Banas Lawrence Central AD

Paul Loggan and Mr. Chuck Jones gave me my first varsity coaching job roughly 20 years ago as a young guy fresh out of college. Even after I left North Central, Mr. Loggan always remained in touch and was a caring friend to the very end.

He was always interested to hear how my career was progressing and wanted me to know he was only a phone call away if I ever needed anything. He was quick to reach out to me after both of my children were born. I’m sure I am speaking for all of us when I say that he would never end a conversation with you without checking in on your family.

On March 5, the evening before the Sectional semifinals, I drove to Paul’s house to drop off additional Sectional passes for his students. We then got to talking football and about our head coaching vacancy at LC. He talked about potential candidates that he felt were strong and worth looking into, and he was passionate about it. Those that know Paul know exactly what I mean by that. Even as your opponent, he always wanted to be there to help you get better, to help you find success in your job. He didn’t want to see any of us fail... (well, only temporarily when any of your teams competed against his!)

We can all better ourselves by simply following Paul’s lead as a professional, but most of all as a 100% real genuine person who always put others first and looked for the good in everyone. I know I certainly will.

Mike Penrose Lawrence North AD

In the fall of 2018, NC was hosting the girls soccer sectional. The week was very wet, rainy, and cold. The games were moved from the soccer fields to the stadium so we could use the turf. Well, after a lot of rain all day long, the turf was starting to bubble up. I mean all over the place, you had these massive air bubbles everywhere. Mr. Loggan and Mr.Elkins were trying to stomp them down and it wasn’t working well. They got the other ADs and officials to help, and we were jumping all over the field.

Mr.Loggan finally got a pocket knife and started stabbing these things to let the air out, and then was running them over with his golf cart. After about 45 minutes of this we finally got the bubbles down enough to play the game. NC wasn’t even playing that night, it was LN vs PM. That was the thing about Mr. Loggan, he was very hospitable every time NC hosted anything. He wanted to put on a good show and wanted to take care of his guests. He was the first one to come over and shake your hand, win or lose.

When not talking high school sports, we would always ask about each other’s kids.

He was very giving with his time, always doing whatever needed to be done for the IHSAA, IIAAA, IFCA and many other organizations.

I am proud to have known Paul and considered him not only a colleague, but a friend. I will miss him. I will miss his laugh. I’ll miss seeing him at high school athletic events, especially on the sidelines at football games.

On the surface, one would think that ADs at rival high schools would have an adversarial relationship, but that is far from the case with the MIC ADs. We have to work together to make sure events we put on are safe for the players, coaches, workers and fans. We must collaborate to put on a big event or big ideas, like the MIC network or the relationship our conference has with the ISC. It was a pleasure working with Mr. Loggan. He cared deeply for North Central, the MIC conference, and high school athletics across the state. He was passionate about education-based athletes and what it could do for young people.

Your school has lost a great man. So did the MIC conference and the state of Indiana.

I wish you all the best as we all try to get through this.

Jim Zeller Lawrence North Assistant AD

I knew Mr. Loggan for almost 30 years as an athletic director. In all those years, I never heard anyone speak a negative word about him. If fact, it was just the opposite. He was always caring and passionate about North Central, the athletes and colleagues. The athletic events he managed were always performed in a first class manner. In my 17 years at Lawrence North, we’ve had many battles with North Central. I enjoyed sitting with him in the stands or on a golf cart during many of those events. Mr. Loggan was always humble in victory and was very intentional to shake my hand and wish congratulations in defeat.

I feel blessed that all three of my kids had Mr. Loggan as an athletic director during their careers at North Central.

They had great respect for him and they experienced a first-class athletic program. As a parent, I found him very approachable and it was a priority for him to develop positive relationships. My wife served as the football booster president for two years and she was so appreciative of Mr. Loggan’s support. He was always willing to help in any way he could.

My best memory of Mr. Loggan is the support of his family. It was a common sight to see his family members at most games, home and away. I consider the Loggans as the “First Family of NC Athletics.” I will miss his sense of humor. He knew how to take a stressful profession and make it fun. North Central lost a warrior with a heart of gold.

Marques Clayton Warren Central AD

Honestly, I do not have one individual memory that stands out. What makes Paul such an impactful figure in my life was what he represented. Paul represented family, friendship, integrity and sportsmanship. Regardless of the competitive circumstances these values never waiver or changed with Paul Loggan. As I told our MIC AD’s at or monthly meeting, last Tuesday, Paul Loggan is what we all aspired to be when we became school administrators.

A tireless worker, family first, a great husband or wife, a great father or mother, and successful professionally.

Unfortunately, many of us hopelessly come up short of achieving this standard. However, Paul Loggan was the embodiment of this standard and served as the ultimate role model.

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#PAULSTRO Just hours after Paul Loggan’s death was announced, students and community members came to campus to leave rememberances for Loggan. From stuffed animals to signed equipment, there was no lack of support.

Current athletes even left their yard signs as a way to honor their athletic director.

There was an impromptu meeting between boys varsity soccer coach Jerry Little, athletics photographer Susan Schupay and trainer Miho Sayles in the football stadium parking lot shortly after the stadium lights were turned on to honor Loggan.

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RONG

Tributes to Paul Loggan pop up around campus

Junior Michael Biederstadt signs a soccer ball to leave at the makeshift Loggan memorial in front of the school building.

Candles were left around the outline of the Panther symbol outside of the football stadium.

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Athletes kept faith for Loggan

On April 5, senior athletes participated in a video organized by seniors Jacob Ullom and Charlie Peterson, wishing Paul Loggan well. Among the participants were: left to right top to bottom

Alex Frey, Bradley Harrington, Chandler Robinson, Howard, Kayla, Jazz mcwilliams, Kate Robinson and Kayman Howard.

Loggan frequent guest with student media

Athletic Director Paul Loggan was no stranger to school media appearances.

Clockwise from above left: Loggan with former editorsin-chief Duncan McLarty and Sam Fisher on the “Hot Seat Challenge;” facing varsity football coach in “Dad Jokes;” with former reporter Antonio Singleton for “Pop In with Paul” and behind the scenes for the “Hot Seat Challenge” as former editorin-chief Cole Maguire films the show.

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