FEATURED
Magical Memories
RECALLING OLD-TIME CENTER GROVE
4 WINE AND WAGS
Mallow Run Winery Hosts Labapalooza 2024
6 A LANDMARK REBORN Church on Jefferson Street Finds New Life as Event Center
8 STAGE SENSATION
OnStage LIVE Cabaret Promises Stunning Fall and Holiday Show Schedule 13 MAGICAL MEMORIES
Recalling Old-Time Center Grove 20 LOCAL RESOURCES FOR SENIORS
13
21 JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES Forty-Five Years of Dedicated Care for Older Adults 26 THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR ALL AGES 29 TAKING A SWING AT IT Center Grove Boys Tennis Team Poised for Another Strong Showing in State Tournament 6 4
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KEY CONTRIBUTORS
DEVON DEAN
KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING TAXMAN HOSPITALITY GROUP
INDY GHOST LIGHT
BRITTANY ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY TIFFANY SHULL KIMBERLY SMITH
SAMANTHA STIPP ASHLEY WATTERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
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WINE AND WAGS
MALLOW RUN WINERY HOSTS LABAPALOOZA 2024
Writer / Devon Dean
Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville is going to the dogs on September 8 as it plays host to the 13th annual Labapalooza fundraising event for Love of Labs Indiana (LOLIN).
Celebrating 20 years in 2025, the CentralIndiana-based rescue helps labradors and lab mixes out of shelters to a network of foster families in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, to get them to their fur-ever homes.
More than 50 vendors will be on-site from 12-4 pm September 8, with proceeds from their sales going to aid LOLIN. “We have our silent auction and 50/50 raffle, which is a tennis ball drop,” said LOLIN President Meghan Montague. “You purchase a tennis ball with a number on it. One of our LOLIN dogs will select a tennis ball, which is always a hoot to watch, as you can imagine.”
So far this year, LOLIN has found homes for 111 dogs after placing more than 250 last year. But it hasn’t been easy. They face the same economic challenges rescues across the country are struggling with - rising costs for everything from vet appointments to medication to food. “We’ve been strategic for a long time,” Montague said. “We’re fortunate we have really good contacts that a lot of the manufacturers of vaccines and commonly used dog medications, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and treatment. We’re able to buy those medications wholesale directly from the manufacturers. Still, inflation hurts everything - even when buying it directly, the prices got more expensive.”
Montague says the rescue relies on fundraisers like Labapalooza and donations to cover the sizable costs of vet appointments, medicine, food, and even behavioral training. “We’re very fortunate in that we very rarely have to say no because of cost,” she said. “We did a double hip replacement on a dog. We also had a dog with a genetic defect in her hips - we were able to say yes to her without even thinking twice because people are so supportive of what we do.” LOLIN also takes in heartworm-positive dogs, with donations and corporate support covering the lengthy treatment process. “We have a very well-tuned protocol for caring for dogs with heartworm in a way that kills off the heartworm and also keeps the dog
as comfortable as possible during what is otherwise not a super fun treatment for the dog,” she said.
A team of dedicated volunteers and foster families work tirelessly to run the rescue. “Our volunteers are the backbone of this incredible journey, providing endless hours of love, care, and dedication to every dog that comes through our rescue,” Montague said.
For their part, Mallow Run Winery is no stranger to the rescue - the owners have fostered and eventually adopted dogs from LOLIN in the past.
Alongside wine for purchase and vendors selling food, drinks, and treats, adoptable dogs will be on-site with alumni dogs from around the region. “People travel from all over every year,” Montague says. “There’s always some foster families and past adopters from out of state who bring their pooches for the day.”
a landmark Reborn
CHURCH ON JEFFERSON STREET FINDS NEW LIFE AS EVENT CENTER
Writer / Tiffany Shull Photography / Taxman Hospitality Group
Franklin’s historic Jefferson Street is a vibrant representation of the surrounding community. The First Baptist Church has been nestled in this corridor since the 1800s, before finding new lifeand a new name - as a premier event venue now known simply as Church on Jefferson.
The recently completed restoration pays homage to stunning original details while embracing present-day amenities, like those provided by exclusive catering partner Taxman Hospitality Group (THG).
The partnership stemmed from a desire to revitalize the First Baptist Church, a once-thriving community hub that spent several years in disrepair. Horizon Property Group spearheaded the million-dollar transformation, preserving the church’s unique charm while modernizing the space. The result is a breathtaking space that captures the essence of the past while
meeting the demands of today’s events.
The landmark’s former sanctuary has been transformed into a versatile event space, capable of accommodating up to 200 guests. With a stage, balcony and private 50-person lounge, it offers unparalleled flexibility for a variety of occasions. For couples celebrating their special day, the venue provides fully furnished bride and groom suites.
THG, renowned for its culinary excellence and exceptional service, brings its expertise to ensure that every occasion is unforgettable. “The building is the star of the show, making Church on Jefferson a beautiful and one-of-a-kind event space,” says THG’s CEO Nathan Huelsebusch.
The church’s iconic two-story, stained-glass windows and ornate architectural details complement the culinary experience promised by THG’s menu. Guests will
enjoy locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, paired with a curated selection of small-production wines, local spirits and craft beers.
Beyond its role as an event venue, Church on Jefferson is committed to the community. “Events are a great economic driver,” says Huelsebusch, highlighting the location’s impact on local businesses. Plans for the off-peak season include hosting community-focused events like theater performances and nonprofit fundraisers, further solidifying the church’s reprised role as a community mainstay.
In partnership with THG, Church on Jefferson has officially reopened its doors to the community, inviting guests to discover the magic of this restored landmark. Whether planning a wedding, reunion, corporate meeting or social gathering, couples and event planners alike will
be captivated by the venue’s ambiance. A seamless blending of historic charm and modern elegance punctuated by a sophisticated yet approachable menu makes Church on Jefferson the ideal choice for those seeking a truly distinctive experience.
Visit Church on Jefferson at 201 East Jefferson Street in Franklin, and on Instagram @churchonjefferson. THG is currently booking events for the fall of 2024, and for 2025.
To learn more or submit an event inquiry, visit churchonjefferson.com. For more information about Taxman Hospitality Group, visit taxmanhospitality.com.
STAGE SENSATION
ONSTAGE LIVE CABARET PROMISES STUNNING FALL AND HOLIDAY SHOW SCHEDULE
OnStage LIVE Cabaret is gearing up for their fall and holiday show season, with new takes on Vegas-styled musical revues for every kind of audience.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization’s board of directors, and Executive Director Chris Tompkins, are looking ahead to an eventful season, and invite groups and families to check out their beautiful theater and new lineup.
“All shows are family friendly,” says Tompkins. “We generally request kids be at least 6 years of age, but children of any age are welcome if they can sit through a show. We strive to minimize disrupting other patrons and want it to be an enjoyable
experience for everyone.” The theater also offers group pricing for special occasions or gatherings of 10 or more.
Performances range from improv and comedy to full-scale musical revues, along with holiday shows and musical pieces that span from Motown to country music and everything in between. “It’s a process coming up with theme, song, look, feel, flow, cast and final delivery for audiences, but it makes them so unique because they are one of a kind and fresh,” says Tompkins. “We create all of our shows from scratch, with the exception of ‘Gypsy’ in November.”
Tompkins stresses the importance of the theater’s presence in an area lacking other
performing arts centers, hoping to serve as an artistic haven for both community artists and patrons. “We use all local talent,” he says. “There is just so much talent in the greater Indianapolis area and it’s important they have an opportunity to share it on
stage. Performing arts provides a getaway, a respite, an opportunity to escape the world for even a few hours.” Tompkins wants to support the next generation of local artists and create a more vibrant art scene on the south side of Indianapolis.
Audiences can expect run times of approximately two and a half hours, including a 15-minute intermission, and intimate seating with tables limited to four seats. “What people are most taken aback by when they come here is the ease and accessibility of the theater,” says Tompkins. “It’s an upscale yet welcoming and approachable environment. People end up singing along at different parts with the cast. It’s nontraditional theater in a beautiful venue.” A bar in the lobby has drinks and snacks available for purchase.
content based on input from the cast, board members and patrons. You can check out their full lineup on their website at onstagelivecabaret.com. “We don’t spare any expense for any of our shows, not when it comes to stage design, our artists and costuming; they are all truly top notch,” says Tompkins. “Every show we produce has a Las Vegas flavor, look and flair. They all sparkle and dazzle. Patrons are always in awe of how beautiful it is and how much talent is on stage.”
Tompkins diversifies show content to resonate with local audiences. He selects
The cast is currently working on multiple shows including an action-packed Halloween show, “Witches Brew.”
THINGS CHANGE. SO SHOULD YOUR POLICIES.
“We presented that show last year to much success,” says Tompkins. “People compared it to a Broadway show.” Although the show is a repeat production in title, he assures viewers that this year’s production will feature plenty of fresh content. “We’ll be adding more witches and will turn the devil into a cat,” he says. “It’s completely revamped and going to be very exciting.”
Additionally, this year’s “Holiday Magic” show promises original musical numbers as well as everyone’s holiday favorites, scores of glitter, and an imaginative storyline, courtesy of Director Paul Parnell. “That show is literally magic,” says Tompkins. “It’s a beautiful production and will certainly put you in the holiday spirit.” Parnell has
composed 10 new songs, which he plans to blend into the production.
OnStage LIVE Cabaret uses all proceeds for theater and educational initiatives. Ticket, sponsor and donor revenue goes back into the theater to pay for production development, cast members, operations
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teams, tech crews, costuming, advertising efforts and education.
“It’s quite expensive to operate a performing arts center,” says Tompkins. “In addition to our shows, we also acquired our charity gaming license and now present bingo every Tuesday at 7 p.m., plus 50/50 raffles and pull tabs at each show to help support the theater.”
In addition to their running shows, two key initiatives lie ahead for the theater group. Performance Academy, a semesterbased program that targets performers ranging in age from 8 to 19, is set to launch August 12. The program’s primary goal is to support homeschooled students or others looking to expand their performing arts education, culminating in a performance at the program’s end. “There’s a big difference between being a performer and an artist,” says Tompkins. “A performer does what they’re told to do, and an artist performs from within. We’re all about expression and we want to give every single student the opportunity to be on stage and shine as an individual.”
The second goal involves moving from their current space into a new 500-seat theater. While it’s a lofty goal, the organization team members are confident they can make their dream a reality for all to enjoy.
The theater accepts monetary donations and costume contributions. “We accept anything that’s glittery: sparkly gowns, ball gowns, tuxedos, hats - anything that sparkles,” says Tompkins.
OnStage LIVE Cabaret is located at 916 East Main Street in Greenwood. You can support them by donating on their Donate page, or by making a clothing contribution. Call 317-300-0603 to schedule a dropoff time. You can also volunteer by contacting Tompkins at ctompkins@ onstageliveentertainment.org.
•
Magical Memories
RECALLING OLD-TIME CENTER GROVE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Scott Hines moved to the Center Grove area with his family in 1970, right after his sixth birthday. They settled into the Carefree subdivision, which at the time had more vacant lots than houses. Hines and his friends watched as house after house sprang up.
“We had a blast picking up scrap lumber and building treehouses,” he says.
Evil Knievel was big back then, so Hines and his buddies spent a good deal of their time trying to jump over obstacles.
“We dammed the creek up a few times to make it bigger and jumped over it with a ramp; sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t,” he says with a chuckle.
It was perhaps a simpler time back then, when kids were exploring the world from dawn until dusk, drowning worms with fishing poles, walking on train trestles and picking up railroad spikes, playing basketball games in cul-de-sacs and baseball games in sandlots.
“The tree was first base, the garden was second base, and we played with a tennis ball,” Hines says. “The rule was, if you hit the ball over the power line or onto someone’s roof, it was a home run. You don’t have games like that now because all sports are organized.”
From where Hines lived, it was a short walk through the field to the Meridian DriveIn, where he would frequently sneak in to
watch whatever film was playing on the giant screen. The drive-in theater was torn down in the mid-1980s. Today we know it as Meridian Parke Plaza.
Every day Hines, who is now the regional president at HomeBank, walked to North Grove Elementary School. His wife is now a 35-year veteran teacher at the school.
“I’ve got great memories of playing on the monkey bars and merry-go-round, neither of which are allowed anymore,” says Hines. “I remember what we did on them, so I understand why they aren’t allowed!”
Hines’ father worked part time for a drugstore on State Road 135 called MediPly, located south of Chase Bank near Smith
Valley Road next to Bargain Bob’s shoe store. On weekends, Hines’ mom would take her two sons to their Little League games, then swing by Medi-Ply to let the boys tell their dad how their games went. When Hines and his brother were a bit older, their mother used to send the two of them to the store with a grocery list and a blank check. Years later, Hines confessed to his mom that each time they went, they snuck in a few extra goodies that weren’t on the list. She smiled and said, “Do you know how many popsicles I was willing to buy to not have to go to the grocery?”
“Here we thought we were pulling one over on her, and it was the other way around,” Hines says.
The area where Greenwood Park Mall sits was once a hog farm. In 1966 an outdoor mall was constructed. It was later reconstructed as an indoor mall. Many Center Grove residents who enjoy posting on the Facebook page called Center Grove Memories have chimed in to share their recollections of the mall. Prior to the indoor mall, Joyce Glynn remembers huddling in Sears with her mom, then dashing through frigid air and warming up in L.S. Ayres.
“Of course, we would need to repeat the trip later to get back to the car,” Glynn says.
Gordon Huxford was thrilled to see the mall covered just prior to the ’78 blizzard.
“Once we could get out, [our family] went there because we had serious cabin fever,” says Huxford.
Several folks remember when Louis Armstrong performed at the mall’s opening.
“I got to see Armstrong pull up in his Rolls Royce with his musician friends,” says Gary Scott. “They played some jazz Dixieland music. Wow!”
Richard E. Miller had a fellow band member who asked Armstrong to sign a music book he had.
Nancy Barton, who worked at the Sears coffee shop and Paul Harris stores, notes that prior to the mall’s construction, there were limited places to shop.
“We had Danners dime store and standard grocery,” she says. “We had a corner grocery at Mt. Pleasant. When Southern Plaza opened, that was amazing.”
Upon David Heidenreich’s homecoming from the service in 1966, he was shocked when he saw a mall had been built.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “Greenwood had arrived.”
Jospeh Vernon and Vicki Anderson Hollanders were both members of the Center Grove High School band, which played a concert at the outdoor mall in the early ‘70s.
“I remember that day,” says Anderson Hollanders. “We nearly froze!”
Lori Locke Akers has fond memories of seeing local television horror host Sammy Terry at the mall when he made an appearance. Vicky Terhune has fun flashbacks of harmless shenanigans from her youth.
“We would get in trouble by mall security for wading in the fountain,” she says.
When temperatures warmed, Lake Pennington was the happening place to be in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, as people congregated to swim, fish and rent cabins. The old Center Grove Resort campground was located where Waters Edge subdivision is now on Morgantown Road.
“I used to take the kids and rent a camper for the weekends,” says Stephanie Weber. “They thought it was a great adventure, and it was only a two-minute drive from our home.”
Popular teenage hangout spots included Pasquale’s, Noble Roman’s, and the Suds. Smith Valley Road had a place called Family Pizza, which sold a
supreme-type pie called Trojan Delight. The Beehive was a popular burger joint. The Dairy Queen just north of Smith Valley Road on State Road 135 opened in August 1967.
“When I was 11, 12 and 13 years old, sometimes when I got home from school, my parents would leave me a few dollars on the counter,” says Joe Rattz. “I was supposed to ride my bike up Highway 135 from Olive Branch Road and buy a Brazier Burger Basket for my dinner. I have fond memories of doing that multiple times. Looking back on it now, it seems kind of insane to have a kid riding a bike up and down Highway 135.”
Hines also pedaled over to Dairy Queen, then perused skateboards at Tom & Jerry’s.
Judy Adams says the Dairy Queen was one of the few places in the Center Grove area to score a treat back in the ‘60s. “My, how times have changed!” she says.
Rob Richards recalls there being zero restaurants on State Road 135 in his youth. He thinks that helped contribute to a good showing at the Center Grove High School basketball games. Richards was on the 1972 Center Grove basketball team and vividly remembers playing in the Sweet 16 at the semi-state on March 11, 1972, in which Center Grove defeated Richmond.
“With three seconds to go on the clock, Bill Cragen threw the ball over his shoulder like a football receiver and shoveled it back to Gary Robinson, who passed it to Guy
Ogden for the game-winning shot at the buzzer,” says Richards. “That was the game that put Center Grove on the map.”
Because Center Grove was the underdog, fans from two other schools were cheering for the Trojans.
“It was wild to have three-fourths of Hinkle [Fieldhouse], which held 20,000 people, cheering for us,” Richards says. “Boy, did
that place explode when we hit that shot at the buzzer.”
In fact, Richard’s sister-in-law’s father had a heart attack the moment they made the bucket. Thankfully he survived, but that’s how revved everyone was at the fieldhouse.
“Now we’re so successful in sports that winning a semi-state game is not surprising, but back then, Center Grove was a little farm school, and it was a huge deal to win that game,” Hines says.
Six of the 10 varsity players from that team still live in Center Grove. They get together several times a year with their coach, who is now 80 years old, along with their assistant coach and the scorekeeper, who is 84.
It’s the memories that bond them, and bond all of us.
Cheers to Center Grove memories - past, present and future!
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Johnson County Senior Services
FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS
Writer / Kimberly Smith
For the past 45 years, Johnson County Senior Services has been a cornerstone of support for older adults in Johnson County. Established in 1979, the organization has tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for seniors, providing essential services that help them maintain their independence, dignity and well-being. From free door-to-door transportation to food delivery and medical equipment assistance, Johnson County Senior Services continues to be a lifeline for thousands of older adults in the community.
LIFE-SAVING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
One of the most crucial services provided by Johnson County Senior Services is its Door-to-Door wheelchair-accessible
transportation program. As the only free transportation service of its kind in the county, this program is vital for seniors who need to attend life-saving treatments, as well as medical and non-medical activities. This service ensures that seniors remain connected to the care they need.
COMBATING FOOD INSECURITY
In addition to transportation, Johnson County Senior Services is deeply committed to fighting food insecurity among older adults. The organization operates a food pantry that not only stocks food items and personal products, but also delivers these essentials directly to the homes of foodinsecure seniors. This service is especially critical for seniors who are homebound or have limited mobility. The pantry also
supports emergency food pantries, senior living communities, senior centers and other locations across the county. This outreach ensures that seniors have access to the nutrition and hygiene products they need to maintain their health and dignity.
A BROAD SPECTRUM OF SUPPORT
Beyond transportation and food assistance, Johnson County Senior Services offers a range of other programs designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults. The Durable Medical Equipment program provides seniors with free access to essential items such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats and incontinence supplies, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
The Seniors Still Believe Christmas program is another heartwarming initiative. Each holiday season this program brings joy by delivering gifts to over 3,400 seniors, many of whom might otherwise spend the holidays alone. The PAWSitivity Pet program, launched in partnership with Johnson County Animal Control, provides pet food and supplies to seniors, ensuring that their beloved pets are well-cared for even during difficult times.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EVENTS
Johnson County Senior Services also plays a vital role in community engagement, hosting a variety of events and fundraisers throughout the year. The quarterly Johnson County Aging in Action event focuses on enhancing the quality of life for older adults, while the annual Johnson County Senior Summit brings together seniors and community leaders to discuss issues affecting the elderly population.
One of the organization’s signature fundraisers is the Decade of Dining in the Dark event, which will be held on October 30, 2024. This unique event raises awareness and funds for the many programs offered by Johnson County Senior Services, ensuring that they can continue to provide vital support to the county’s senior residents.
GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED
For more information about the services, events and volunteer opportunities at Johnson County Senior Services, interested individuals can contact Kimberly Smith, executive director, at kimberlysmith@jcseniorservices.org, or by calling 317-738-4544.
Johnson County Senior Services remains committed to its mission of enhancing the lives of older adults, ensuring that they receive the care, support and respect they deserve.
Our dedicated team provides a variety of essential legal services focused on Elder Law matters such as Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, and Trust and Estate Administrations. With an understanding of the complexities of aging, we offer comprehensive solutions aimed at securing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Our personalized approach is tailored to safeguard your assets and well-being.
STATE SURVEYS
ENSURE SUPERIOR SENIOR CARE
Finding an assisted living community for a loved one can be a daunting task. State surveys can serve as a guiding factor toward finding a place you can trust. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) conducts surveys every 9 to 15 months to evaluate the adequacy of staffing, quality of care and cleanliness of Medicare and Medicaid-certified communities.
ABOUT THE SURVEYS
• Surveys are unannounced.
• Surveyors are health care professionals such as registered nurses, social workers and dieticians.
• A survey report is sent to the assisted living community after each survey.
• If standards are not met, then the community must submit a plan of correction to the ISDH Long Term Care Division.
• In some cases, a follow-up survey is made to verify that compliance has been achieved.
• Surveys look at the care provided to a sample of residents.
• Surveys only reflect a snapshot in time.
EXCELLENCE IN EVERY DETAIL!
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PTHE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR ALL AGES
hysical exercise is not all about looking good; it is about how you feel. Getting physically active creates a surge of endorphins in your body, which boosts your mood and improves mental health. Regular exercise and physical activity promote strong muscles and bones. Regular physical activity also improves quality of life. Some benefits of physical exercise include improved memory and brain function, improved sleep quality, a decrease in feelings of anxiety and depression, and improved joint pain and stiffness.
As we age, one thing that is often neglected is physical exercise or physical activity. As a result of this, there are many challenges with mental health, feelings of depression and anxiety, and overall mobility issues for activities of daily life. When we increase our physical activity, we will be able to see a difference in our lives through improved feeling of self, decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, and improved quality of life.
Physical activity can range from going for a walk to joining a fitness class or going to the gym. Physical activity should not be something that we fear, but something that can help us improve our quality of life. Physical activity in a group setting is particularly beneficial to our lives,
as it gives us social interaction. No matter how you get active, it is important to get out and move your body!
Samantha Stipp is owner and instructor at Through the Ages Fitness. Learn more at throughtheagesfitness.com.
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TAKING A SWING AT IT
CENTER GROVE BOYS TENNIS TEAM POISED FOR ANOTHER STRONG SHOWING IN STATE TOURNAMENT
Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network
The 2024 Center Grove (CG) boys tennis team, fueled by their past experiences, is determined to make another deep run in the state tournament. Despite losing to state champ North Central 2-3 two seasons ago in the final four, and Columbus North 2-3 in the semi-state last season, the Trojans are optimistic for another strong showing in this year’s state tournament. CG’s third-year head coach, David Beasley, is confident that they can build on these postseason tournament successes.
“Our primary goal is to stay healthy during the regular season and be ready to play in the sectional with a full lineup,” said Beasley. “Our group of seniors largely have the experience of playing in the state finals in 2022, and we look to return this October. We’re relying on a very large and experienced group of seniors to play a crucial role this year and lead in the growth of the underclassmen, which will be vital to the success of future seasons.”
The Trojans boast six seniors, led by number-one singles player Tyler Lane. Lane has played number-one singles since his freshman year and has received the Johnson County Player of the Year award three times. He was named second-team all-state in his freshman year and first-team all-state in his sophomore and junior years.
The number-one doubles team includes seniors Carson Bush and Daksh Patel. Bush received second-team all-state honors last season in doubles, and Patel was named honorable mention all-state in singles the past two seasons.
Senior Quinn Smith is a very versatile player, playing both singles and doubles, but is slated to play singles this season.
Seniors Russell Dean and Dimitri Kandris will team up for number-two doubles. Dean was named second-team all-state in doubles in 2023, and Kandris
earned honorable mention all-state in doubles in 2022.
The lone underclassman completing the varsity roster will be sophomore Yuvraj Dasari. Dasari played two doubles last year but is a rising singles player in the Trojan lineup. He will play singles this season and anticipates taking over number-one singles in 2025.
The Trojans have been preparing for the 2024 season since their semi-state loss to Columbus North last season.
“For the last six months we have been primarily focusing on doubles tactics and skills to increase our chances of securing doubles wins during critical moments,” said Beasley. “Many players have been playing individual tournaments yearround in preparation for this season, which has been paired with rehabbing injuries and weaknesses to ensure optimal health for the state tournament in October.”
Beasley has been part of the CG coaching staff for six years. He says this is the most depth he has seen in the Trojans’ program during that period.
“This is the deepest high school team we have ever had,” said Beasley. “It’s encouraging to look towards the future and know that we have younger players, even in elementary school, who have a huge passion for the sport, which will positively impact the program for years. Success on the court is a vital goal for our program. However, the main goal is to prepare our student-athletes for life after high school. It’s such a joy to see previous athletes’ accomplishments, and to be able to attribute some of their success and growth as individuals to the sport they love.”
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