AKRON – How in the world can something as terrific as the Tippecanoe Valley High School girls basketball team’s run to the state finals have a place where it ends? Judging by the words spoken at the community celebration Tuesday night TVHS gym, this season will live on in many ways long after the record books have been closed on the season. Tuesday’s celebration began with principal Dr. Michael Bendicsen speaking of how the school, after a rugged, tragic start to the school year, got a needed morale boost from the team’s run to Indianapolis. “We had a tough start to this school year,” Bendicsen said. “And we’ve done a lot of things to address that. But We couldn’t have got to where we are now without a team like this. And I can’t thank you enough for that. “We’re proud of you, not just for your basketball ability, but I can’t tell you how many times we got a compliment on a member of the team or the whole team. “You did it with class. And we thank you for that.” Serving as master of ceremonies, TVHS Athletic Director Duane Burkhart gave the team a chance to thank the fans for their support, beginning with the seniors and moving down class-by-class. Senior Taylor Trippiedi began by saying “I think every one of the girls can say we had one of the best times of our lives this weekend, and that would not have been possible without the support and the donations we received from the community. Speaking on the Patricia L. Roy Mental Attitude Award Trippiedi received after the championship game, she said “it was an honor to represent Valley and represent the community. But I really wish all the girls could have been up there with me. Each one of them is so selfless. We played as a team. And I’m going to miss that so much.” Classmate Caylie Teel credited Trippiedi for encouraging her to play this year. Teel will continue her athletic career next season by playing volleyball at Grace College, and decided to play one more season of basketball rather than pursue offseason volleyball tournaments. “It was kind of a struggle for me to decide whether to play this year or not. But I couldn’t be any happier that I decided to play. There were a lot of people who said I should play, and they were right. But I couldn’t have gone through the tough times without (Trippiedi).” Beloved radio broadcaster Rita Price, an active member of the Valley community, told the team former players, now scattered across the country, contacted her to talk about the team’s success. “You’ve impressed a lot of people, not only right here, but around the nation with what you’ve accomplished,” Price said. “I couldn’t be happier for you. You have a lifetime of cherished memories. We love you and respect you, and with love and respect, you can accomplish great things. You are all winners.” Burkhart opened the microphone to anyone who wanted to speak, and several took advantage. Leslie Brouyette, mother of sophomore guard Meredith Brouyette, spoke of how when she was a fourth grader, she and her friends would make the trip to Indianapolis for the state finals. “We used to dream that we’d go to Indy and fill a corner of the arena with Valley green, but for one reason or another it didn’t happen for us. But when it happened for you, it was special for all of us who came before you.” Valley superfan Teri Hughes was given the microphone and addressed the team. She congratulated the seniors and challenged the underclassmen and coaching staff to do make another run next year. Maybe the best example of the lasting legacy of the 2014-15 Lady Vikings came from a fourth-grade kid who came forward with three classmates. I couldn’t find her afterward to get her name, but she told the team “when we play basketball, we pretend we’re you. We use your names, and we wear your numbers.” If that’s not a legacy, if that’s not worth all the blood, sweat and tears, then I don’t know what is. Well done, Lady Vikings!
